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Pros and Cons of Living in Abidjan

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By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Feb 25, 2023

Summary: The pros of living in Abidjan, Ivory Coast include its vibrant culture, diverse population, and excellent infrastructure. The city is also home to a wide range of amenities, including shopping, entertainment, and dining options. Additionally, Abidjan is a great place to experience the unique culture of West Africa. On the other hand, the cons of living in Abidjan include its high cost of living, high crime rate, and lack of reliable public transportation. Additionally, the city is prone to flooding during the rainy season, which can cause significant disruption to daily life.

What are the pros and cons of living in Abidjan?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Abidjan responded:

"Expats and digital nomads living in Abidjan, often appreciate the city's vibrant culture, friendly locals, and lively music scene. They also enjoy the diverse and delicious local cuisine, which includes dishes like attiéké and alloco. The city's relatively low cost of living is another attractive feature for many expats and digital nomads. Abidjan's coastal location provides access to beautiful beaches, such as Grand-Bassam and Assinie, which are popular weekend getaways. The city also has a growing number of modern amenities, including shopping malls, international schools, and healthcare facilities. However, there are also several challenges that expats and digital nomads face while living in Abidjan. Traffic congestion is a significant issue, as the city's infrastructure struggles to keep up with its rapid growth. Public transportation options are limited, and many people rely on shared taxis or private cars to get around. Safety and security can also be a concern, with incidents of petty crime and occasional political instability. Expats and digital nomads are advised to take precautions, such as avoiding certain neighborhoods and not displaying valuable items in public. Another challenge is the language barrier, as French is the official language in Ivory Coast. While some locals may speak English, it is not as widely spoken as in other African countries. This can make it difficult for expats and digital nomads who do not speak French to navigate daily life and interact with locals. Lastly, the internet connectivity in Abidjan can be unreliable and slow, which can be frustrating for digital nomads who rely on a stable connection for work. Additionally, frequent power outages can further disrupt productivity and daily life," explained one expat in Abidjan.

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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.
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About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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