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Ivory Coast FAQ

Is tipping customary in Ivory Coast?

A 10% to 15% service charge is usually included in the bill. However it’s customary to tip taxi drivers and hotel staff.

What is the internet access like in Ivory Coast?

Internet is available in major towns but scarce elsewhere.

Can I use my mobile/cell phone while in Ivory Coast?

Mobile phone coverage is fairly good in major towns. Ensure you have global roaming activated with your carrier if you wish to use your phone.

What are the toilets like in Ivory Coast?

Ivory Coast’s toilets may be basic. Be prepared for squat toilets, even in major centres.

What will it cost for a…?

Bottle of soft drink = 450 CFA
Beer in a bar or restaurant = 600 CFA
Simple lunch = 1000 CFA
Three-course meal = 3500 CFA
Short taxi ride = 500 CFA

Can I drink the water in Ivory Coast?

Tap water isn’t safe to drink in Ivory Coast. Instead bring water purification tablets or equivalent. For environmental reasons, try to avoid bottled water. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Ivory Coast?

Credit cards are widely accepted in major towns.

What is ATM access like in Ivory Coast?

ATMs are available in the larger towns and cities.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling in Ivory Coast?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of your trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

What public holidays are celebrated in Ivory Coast?

Jan 1 New Year's Day
Jan 24 Milad un Nabi (Birth of the Prophet Muhammed)
Apr 1 Easter Monday
May 1 Labour Day
May 9 Ascension Day
May 20 Whit Monday
Jun 5 Lailat al Miraj (Night of Ascension)
Aug 3 Lailat al Qadr (Night of Power)
Aug 7 Independence Day
Aug 8 Korite (End of Ramadan)
Aug 15 Assumption
Oct 15 Tabaski (Feast of Sacrifice)
Nov 1 All Saints’ Day
Nov 15 National Peace Day
Dec 25 Christmas Day

Please note these dates are for 2013. For a current list of public holidays go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/ivory-coast/public-holidays

Do I need a visa to travel to Ivory Coast?

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. As a general rule most countries expect that you will have at least 6 months' validity on your passport. On arrival visitors may be asked to present return tickets and evidence of means to cover your intended stay.

We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change - it's important that you check for yourself. Residents from other countries must consult the relevant embassies or your travel agent.

  • COTE D'IVOIRE::
    Australia: Yes - in advance
    Belgium: Yes - in advance
    Canada: Yes - in advance
    Germany: Yes - in advance
    Ireland: Yes - in advance
    Netherlands: Yes - in advance
    New Zealand: Yes - in advance
    South Africa: Yes - in advance
    Switzerland: Yes - in advance
    United Kingdom: Yes - in advance
    USA: Yes - in advance

    British citizens must apply directly to the embassy for this visa rather than through a visa agency. Australians can apply for this visa through their visa agency. All other nationalities must check with their respective embassies/consulates and visas agencies for the application procedure. Please check early and allow plenty of time.

    Visas for Cote d’Ivoire require quite a lot of documentation, generally including 2 visa application forms, 2 passport photos, Employment letter, proof of departure showing round trip travel and onward flight, plus a copy of confirmed hotel reservations is required.

    Dragoman will be applying for the hotel reservation letter for you approximately 3 months in advance of the trip and once received, we will forward this to you. In order for us to be able to do this you must provide us with your passport details in advance. The application for this letter can only be made once we have received passport details from everyone in the group so any delay in us receiving these details will delay when this letter is received. Please note that this letter can take some time to issue and we cannot guarantee a specific date for receiving this letter. We therefore recommend that you wait until you have received this letter before making any appointments at the Cote d'voire Embassy or consulate.

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Ivory Coast at a glance

  • 6
  • Yamoussoukro (population 245,000)
  • 21.9 million
  • French, Dioula, Baoule, Dan, Anyin, Mande
  • XOF
  • (GMT) Casablanca
  • Type C (European 2-pin), Type E (French 2-pin, female earth)
  • +225

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