Abidjan, Ivory Coast
An expat in Ivory Coast talks about the challenges and frustrations of living in Abidjan. She has lived in other countries, but never experienced culture shock as significant as this before.
Abidjan
No
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
GET A QUOTE
They speak French. I tried studying using some online courses before we came... but I learned much more by being here. I can speak "survival French" now, but my grammar is terrible! I would like to take some courses here, but they are quite expensive.
Not really, I have lived abroad for 8 years previously.
AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world. Presently the AGS Group has over 141 locations in more than 95 countries and has one of the largest networks in the international removals industry. We relocate 85,000 families every year. Free moving quote!
AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world. Presently the AGS Group has over 141 locations in more than 95 countries and has one of the largest networks in the international removals industry. We relocate 85,000 families every year. Free moving quote!
Very significant. It was a much harder adjustment than anywhere else I've lived.
Yes, the honeymoon phase was very short - about 2 months. The irritation-to-anger stage lasted about 6 months. And I think I am currently in the rejection of culture stage. I am not sure if I will ever get to the cultural adjustment stage. It is a very difficult place to adjust to.
Frustration definitely - it is extremely hard to find skilled professionals when you need something. Car mechanic, plumber, phone repair... To find reliable people to help you is a daily and constant struggle and is extremely frustrating. I think I have also experienced some depression as I don't enjoy going out anymore... I prefer to stay at home as much as I can.
The people in general are actually quite friendly - but many will see foreigners as only a way to make cash and will take advantage of you. But if you are lucky enough to find some that are genuinely kind, they will do anything for you and will treat you like family.
A couple of things... first has been the corrupt government and along with that, the bribing that goes on here. Currently, Ivory Coast has the fastest growing economy in Africa. But the local people are not reaping the rewards -- only the wealthy and government connected Lebanese and Ivorians are. It is extremely difficult and frustrating to see this very apparent inequality happening right in front of your face. Minimum wage has not been raised for many years and is currently at CFA 60,000/month... which is roughly USD $120. However, the price of electricity, for example, is very expensive at approximately USD $40 for very very very minimal usage in a small home. And high speed internet (2MBPS) is also roughly USD $40. This is not to mention rents, which have skyrocketed in the last 3 years... a modest, old style apartment in an okay part of the city will easily run you CFA 300,000/month. So obviously, this minimum wage is NOT a livable wage. For such a fast and wealthy growing economy - you would think they could do better for the people. But instead, the high ranking officials keep most of if for themselves. This also leads to bribing - which happens constantly and overtly here. I have been stopped 4 times by the police while driving just to "check my papers"... but I am always asked to pay something to them. They don't always give a reason, though sometimes they will make something up like, "your windows are too tinted" or "your tires don't seem to be in regulation with the car". And then they ask you for the equivalent of USD $3-5. It doesn't seem like a lot, but it is the principle of needing to pay someone, even though you've done nothing wrong. This happens all the time. I have been asked for money from the electricity company, the security company at our home, the driving license bureau, the lady who took my blood at the hospital, the guardian at my bank... everywhere. And it is outright and open. They are not ashamed to do it. It seems to be just a way of life - they expect you to give them extra money and they have no problem asking you for it.
Not that I know of
Culture shock is intense here in Ivory Coast -- highly recommend getting connected into the expat community as soon as possible to help you get acclimated to things and to get recommendations.
Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
GET A QUOTE
Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
GET A QUOTE
Abidjan Index
An index of all of our site's Abidjan information.
Ivory Coast Forum
Talk with other digital nomads and expats in Ivory Coast on our Ivory Coast forum - meet people, get advice and help others.
Contribute
Help others in Ivory Coast by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Ivory Coast.
Expats in Ivory Coast offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Ivory Coast.
Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what digital nomads & expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Ivory Coast.
Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
GET A QUOTE
Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
GET A QUOTE
Abidjan Index
An index of all of our site's Abidjan information.
Ivory Coast Forum
Talk with other digital nomads and expats in Ivory Coast on our Ivory Coast forum - meet people, get advice and help others.
Contribute
Help others in Ivory Coast by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Ivory Coast.
Expats in Ivory Coast offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Ivory Coast.
Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what digital nomads & expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Ivory Coast.
Copyright 1997-2022 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.