Ivory Coast

Get in

thumb|375px|A map showing the visa requirements of Côte d'Ivoire, with countries in green having visa-free access

Get around

Intercity travel in Côte d'Ivoire is usually more comfortable than travel in neighbouring West African countries. The roads are generally in good condition and the bus service is relatively modern. The downside is the very frequent military checkpoints which add hours to a trip. Though the stops are a hassle, Ivorian soldiers tend to be quite professional and don't hassle non-French Western travellers. Soldiers in Ghana, for example, are much more likely to demand a bribe than in Côte d'Ivoire. Most Western governments recommend that their citizens steer clear of Côte d'Ivoire. This should be taken particularly seriously by people who are not travelling on French passports. An Ivorian soldier's attitude towards you will change very quickly when and if you explain that you are not French.

Travelling around Abidjan is easiest when you have your own vehicle. The roads are very good and the traffic rules are generally obeyed.

Taxis are a great and easy way to get around in Abidjan. Just look for an orange coloured car and flag it down. Fares are very cheap: US$ 2–4 depending on the length of the journey. Always bargain before you get into the taxi. Overall however, they are reasonably priced, unlike in Accra.

See

thumb|Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro.

Fine beaches, tourist villages, rainforests and wildlife preserves are the principal attractions of Côte d'Ivoire. Taï National Park has the largest tropical rainforest in West Africa. Comoë National Park is the biggest and best-known national park in Côte d'Ivoire. It has plenty of wildlife including birds, elephants, giraffes, lions, monkeys and antelopes.

Do

Football: the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations was hosted by Côte d'Ivoire 13 January - 11 February 2024, with 24 national teams participating. Games were played in Abidjan, San-Pédro, Yamoussoukro, Bouaké and Korhogo. The new national stadium, opened in 2020, is Stade Olympique d'Ebimpé (capaity 60,000), and internationals are also played at Stade Félix-Houphouët-Boigny (capacity 50,000); both are in Abidjan. The top tier for club competition is Ligue 1, with 14 teams, and a playing season Oct-May.

Eat

thumb|Attiéké (left) with smoked fish and vegetables Good eats are cheap and you can find very good restaurants in Abidjan. You should get a vaccine for Hepatitis A before coming but even street foods are fairly clean. Try the national dishes like "garba", "alloco" and "attiéké". Alloco is simply fried plantains, mostly accompanied by a spicy vegetable sauce and boiled eggs. L'attiéké, grated cassava that look like couscous but taste slightly, is often served with grilled fish and vegetables (tomatoes, onions, cucumber) and a must-try. Braised fish and chicken are also very good and can be found on every corner. The most established chain is Coq Ivoire. When you order, make sure that you let them know whether you want the intestines. You can always ask for extra vegetables, especially avocados, which are amazing during the season. Another speciality is the excellent "shoukouilla" a blend of charbroiled meat. For the ones who are not adventurous you can find the Hamburger House or the French restaurant at the Sofitel Hotel. Kedjenou is a spicy stew and is very popular.

Sleep

While food is cheap, accommodation is generally expensive. Fan rooms CFA 6,000+, A/C rooms CFA 10,000+.

Stay safe

Côte d'Ivoire experiences periodic political unrest and violence in northern regions, and it is recommended to contact your embassy or consult other travellers about the present situation prior to travel inland.

The UK's Foreign and Commonwealth office as well as the US State Department advises against all but essential travel to the western regions of Dix-Huit Montagnes, Haut-Sassandra, Moyen-Cavally and Bas-Sassandra of Côte d'Ivoire at this time.

Most of the crime committed in Abidjan is by unemployed youth. Should you ever feel in danger it would be wise to seek the help of a middle-aged man. This older generation is often very contemptuous of young criminals and will likely help you out if you are being hassled. Generally Ivorians will recognize the dangers to foreigners in their country and will often be very protective of naïve travellers. This is especially true in the Abidjan neighbourhoods of Treichville and Adjame.

On 14 March 2016, militants killed at least 16 people in a gun attack on a Grand Bassam beach resort about 40 km from Abidjan. The attack was claimed by al Qaeda (AQIM). Côte d'Ivoire had been listed as at risk of attack by militants and security had been tightened.

If you drive at night do not stop fully at lights or signs. Be aware of car jackers. Keep a brisk pace so they cannot carjack you. Travellers from the West might also want to take a security detail with them when visiting bars and night clubs.

Stay healthy

HIV/AIDS had once reached epidemic proportions in the country but has since seen huge improvements with an adult prevalence of 2.7% as of 2016.

Tap water is generally not drinkable. Stick to bottled water.

Respect

Although the country has been referred to in English as "Ivory Coast", the country has requested that it be called "Côte d'Ivoire" (the equivalent in French). Pronouncing it "Coat di-VWAR" is close enough for an English-speaking person.