.

montanaguy:
How do they pay initial rent for someome moving in for the first time? Do they pay 1yr or 2yrs rent like we do in Nigeria?

it depends. if you're going for a "residence". a studio in a residence is paid with no advanced payment. example is: You rent for 2 months and pay for the 2 months. and thats all. only just small money for other stuffs like electricity (which some dont collect). the house is readily furnitured and ready to stay in.

While place like 'colocation' of which you are the one to buy the house acessories, then there might be advance payment. like paying some months in advance. I have never heard anyone paying 1 year advance .. unless if you willingly do that your self.

obalukan:
Thank you all for the contribution so far. About the child education, is there good English school in Abidjan and the cost?

For sure there are so many International English schools. and the fees are lesser compare to Nigeria. English schools in Abidjan are established by Nigerian communities and Ghanaians in Ivorycoast, they are very standard and good. but the english school in regions like san pedro, daloa and bouaké (places outside abidjan) are not as standard as the ones in Abidjan.

Folafikemi:



Ok bro i really appreciate this insightful expose. With ur analysis it appears u resides dere or have been visiting dere lately.
Pls i am a customer service provider (telecommunications) hope i can get a job dere in this line. Pls

Yeah i am a Nigerian-Ivoirian. Born in Côted’Ivoire, living in abidjan and other states since day 1, holidays in 9ja. Mother from Nigeria. Am an African traveler, So i know very well about both countries. My great article on my travel story through west africa is still under construction.

So back to your question, since Ivorycoast is a french-speaking country, the chances of you getting a job in that field is low if you dont have any certificate in french. so i advice you to enroll your self into a good french class when you get to Abidjan and go for DELF exam. ( Diplome etude en langue française ) or you should do A Level Bac in french at alliance français.

You can still get a job, if the company olis desperate in employment and recruitment or probably with luck.

good4all40:
I will be visiting soon too maybe by September by God's grace. I have a friend who lives at Adjame he is from Osun State you will be surprised that 70% of Nigerians living in Abidjan are from Osun State, ranging from Ejigbo the highest Nigerians so far to IWO, EDE, IRAGBERI, OGBOMOSO, OYO, ILORIN few EDO, DELTANS IGBOS and very few Hausas from Nigeria but they are countless Hausas from other countries like Niger, Ghana, Gambia etc. The last time I visited l met with our Ambassador Mrs. IFEOMA AKABOGU she is a very welcoming and friendly ambassador. With 250,000 Naira you are good to go Atleast for a starter if you are planning migration depending on the area you will stay and the kind of business you will love to venture in. You can pm me or the brother above pertaining to business and cost of accommodation of your preferred areas.

Yes. Even Ejigbo People are 80% of Nigerians in Ivorycoast. I am also an Ivoirian from a Nigerian Mother who comes from Ejigbo, Osun State. There is Large Number of Ejigbo people in Treichville, Adjame and Other places. They are now even part of the Government at Basis level. There are even several bordeless Luxurious Buses that take passengers every week (sundays) from Ejigbo, Osun State to W/African countries. They have tge strongest relation with Ivorycoast. They even claim to be Ivoirians. The first set migrated in the late 19th century.Now we are in 21st century.

Igbo People on the other side overtake the Nigerian Bussiness Diaspora in Cote D’Ivoire.

More Pictures of Abidjan for those Who Dont Know or who are still learning more about our marvelous city, Abidjan, The Manhattan of Africa.

1. THE SUBLIMINAL VIEW OF PLATEAU CENTRAL DISTRICTS (WHERE THE MAIN COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES ARE GOING ON)

2. THE CFA (FCFA FRANC) FRANCOPHONE CURRENCY.

3. ABIDJAN BY NIGHT (COCODY, DEUX-PLATEAU AREA)

4. FÉLIX HEUPHAUX-BOIGNY STADIUM (PLATEAU )

shysteve:
Please i will like to get some information regarding Abidjan.....been following this thread and am really interested in seeing the beauty of this country, i am presently living in Ghana(19 months now) and am thinking of seeing another beautiful african country and maybe stay there after my first visit which am planning on for middle of this month.

Please bee below for my main questions:

What is the cost of getting a single room self contain?
What is the cost of living (food, transport, utilities etc)?
What is their internet service like (my business is internet based)?
How are the people towards foreigners like Nigerian?
Is there a nice language school in Abidjan (i dont mind learning french to keep myself busy when am less busy with work)
What kinda business can one venture into?

I'm thinking of going there by middle of this month for just 2 weeks and see things for myself before my final decision of relocating, but i will really appreciate your prompt response to the above questions.

1. Cost of single room self-contained is around 20,000 cfa to 50,000 cfa / month at average areas. And 50,000 cfa above in Rich neighborhood per month.

Visit : http://m.leportail.ci/colocation/
www.afribaba.ci/abidjan

2. Cost of living is cheap. Food is the cheapest. A standard meal of ivoirian 'tchep' plate is 600 cfa (250 naira). including drink. but expensive meals at big places are still below 1000 naira to 1500. you can buy Atiéké (the ivoirian dish everybody must eat) at as low as 200cfa thats not up to 100naira. Ivorycoast is the 2nd largest producer of Fish in Africa after Morocco.

visit. www.food.ci
www.instagram.com/afrofoodie
www.ivorycoastfood.com

Transport is cheap. they have different transportation system. Taxi (orange coloured genreal taxi) and other colours depending on the region. Bus sotra (mon bus) you can get any where with sotra bus with 200cfa/60 naira. anywhere! just look for the number of the commune you're going to (you will know the numbers of each commune when you get to Abidjan.

good4all40:
You have perfectly mentioned most things l want to mention about the beautiful city of Abidjan. I have heard stories of igbo guys wanting to travel to Europe but when they got to Abidjan they all decided to stay they never knew much about the country until they visited.

I have lived in the country and visited last year too. I will advice anyone to relocate to that country anyday any time when he/she has the money

Sometimes they experience electricity uninterruptedly for three months at stretch. Lots of beaches, good roads, cheap Internet, magnificent night life, geogeous women, superb different foods and seafoods, calmness and tranquility alongside with peace. SUMMARILY, ABIDJAN IS PARADISE OF WEST AFRICA.

WOW I'M REALY HAPPY TO SEE SOMEONE THAT REALY KNOW THE REAL TRUE ABOUT THAT COUNTRY. The Problem is you can never visit Abidjan and Never fall in love. I swear! You'all woild fall in love. ABIDJAN IS THE PARADISE OF AFRICA FOR REAL!

Some Pictures:

morroco is better. stay in casablanca or Rabat. The rest cities are as same same Tunisia

Folafikemi:
Following this thread and with the mind of quitting Lagos and nija at large pls how is it like getting an official job in Abidjan and is dere currency rate higher than nija own?

Secondly how much will it take me. To move my family of three down with cost of accommodation dere pls NL provide me with info abeg

Pleased quit Lagos ASAP i beg and see the hidden treasures w/Africa is boasting of.

To your question: Getting a job in Abidjan precisely is possible, but the problem might be french. French is the official languages in francophone countries (we all know that ) but abidjan is french to the core. so the chances are narrow. The wide range of employment opportunities are in Teaching line (your English would be respected and honoured ), then translation firms, the network providers ( moov, coz, orange, mtn e.t.c).

So to the currency. its half of nigerian Naira and very interesting. you know what 500naira can do in eating, compare to a place where you will get it time 2. 1,000 or 1,500. and eat better food. thats why cars are cheap over there, clothes, shoes and those stuffs. I am you woukd have heard about people buying cars from Francophone cities like cotonou, togo etc . Things are always cheap, especially when you are from Nigeria, you are always rich.

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/m7OI7yYaRRU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7OI7yYaRRU

montanaguy:
What is the exchange rate of 46k in cefa? Can the money be sustaining I, my wife and two little kids monthly?

The Officiak Exchange rate is currently 2.08
So 46,000 Nigeria Naira = 96,027 CFA Franc.

before it used to be @ d exchange rate of 3.1 now naira has fallen.

So, having almost a 100,00 cfa in a city like abidjan to spend with a family on monthly basis might be quite challenging, depending on your lifestyle. If you are living in a rich neighborhood like (cocody, 2 plateau, Marcory zone 4), then i can tell you half of that money would go for acomodation. but if its a middle-class area or average standard, like (yopougon, treichville, angré, koumassi ) then you will enjoy and even have more saves. so the trick is to get less accommodation budget plan. And cruise the city and start a cool fresh french life. Abidjan is the capital of Hospitality in Africa so you will never lack.

montanaguy:
What about my Union naira mastercard? Can it work in Abidjan? The bank said I can use it overseas with a daily limit of $100 and transaction charge of N240. Please has anyone made use of any bank's naira mastercard over there?

YES YOU CAN USE IT, BUT BEWARE, YOU WILL BE CHARGED N1000 PER ANY WITHDRAWAL. SO IF THEM SEND YOU 500K , YOU WOULD BE ABLE TO WITHDRAW ONLY 49,000, IRRESPECTIVE OF THE BANK YOU ARE USING. EVEN THOUGH ONLY GTBANK, UBA, DIAMOND BANK AND ECOBANK ARE IN IVORYCOAST AND NIGERIA TOGETHER, YOU CAN AS WELL WITHDRAW FROM ANY ATM BE IT SOCIETE GENERALE, SGBCI, NECSBANK, NSCABANQUE, AFRIBANQUE, BANQUE INTERCONTINENTAL AMONG OTHERS

popizaino:
life generally in Abidjan the country's economic capital is pretty cool for anyone seeking a better life to what we have in most Nigerian cities.The constant electricity,less traffic ,good road ,working government ,no omele issue ,no agbero ,good and affordable internet supply and the ever ready French no bribe police and the tranquility it's has to offer makes its more preferable destination to settle in.cost of house differs depending on your location within the metropolis .eyebrow areas such as deux plateau,Rivera,cocody ,angre host expensive accomodation.The ever busy adjame which is synonymous to idumota also has large numbers of Nigerian especially Yoruba with moderate price houses.youpougon which is arguably the largest neighborhood in west Africa is also home to most middle income earners .other areas such as abobo ,willianville,ayanmo also has large numbers of low income houses.food here is relatively abundant and there are lots of sea food been a costal town.
Your safety is guaranteed as there are no highway robbers.to cut story shot there is still much to the city than what I wrote .do not mind my writing I will later find out about the prices of houses here and get back to you.notice business here is strictly legit .

COOL, YOU REALY KNOW ABOUT ABIDJAN. BUT YOU DIDNT EMPHASIZE ON THE BEACHFULL COASTS. THEY SOO SOO MANY UNLIMITED BEACHES TOO. LOL ONLY FOR ENJOYMENT SHA

montanaguy:
How is life in Abidjan? Are the people friendly? Which little business can one start up there that moves?

visit this Nairaland Page on Abidjan: https://www.nairaland.com/3072468/beauty-abidjan-cote-divoire-all

I can assure you Abidjan is the Best OPTION FOR BUSINESS IN W/AFRICA AFTER LAGOS

- THEY HAVE THE BEST IN COSMETICS PRODUCT (VERY CHEAP, AS IN VERY VERY CHEAP) CREAM INDUSTRIES LIKE GANDOUR, BEBE MAN, BELLE DAME , PERFUMERY, AND BODY STUFFS.

- THEN ANKARA. AFRICA CLOTHING AND FASHION ( WOODIN HAVE THEIR HQ IN ABIDJAN), LOTS OF WOMEN FASHION ACCESORIES TOO

- MORESO, FOOD. F*CK IT!! FOOD IS LIKE AIR IN IVORYCOAST. ABIDJAN IS CRAZILY RICH IN FOOD STUFF AND AGRICULTURAL PROCUTS. (3RD BANANA PRODUCE IN AFRICA, NO 1 COCOA BEAN AND COFFEE PRODUCTION IN THE WHOLE WORLD, LEADERS IN VEGETABLE OIL IN THE WORLD, PINEAPPLE AND OTHER FOOD PRODUCE), NESCAFE HQ IS IN ABIDJAN LIKEWISE UNILEVER HAS MAIN BRANCHES THERE TOO

ASK ANYTHING ON ABIDJAN. LIVING , BUSSINESS, SCHOOLING, LIFE AND TOURISM OR GENERAL QUESTION ON THE CITY OR COUNTRY
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIA. SEARCH ABIDJAN

bighead1:
Beautiful indeed.

Ohh, dem even get stable light sef

YES, UNBILIEVABLY, ELECTRICITY IS 24/7 IN IVORY COAST.
They can take light here for 5 minutes in 2 month (Africa is Africa). But there are some areas where will power never goes AT ALL like ABIDJAN (Cocody, Plateau, 2 Plateau).

Dont be surprised light doesnt go in BENIN, TOGO AND GHANA TOO

abayomi93:
Pls,is there any high ranking university in abidjan that outshines our Nigerian schools?

Yes, But just few of them are high rank Universities in Ivory Coast.

there are others not only Abidjan (The Whole of Ivory Coast). Here is the list:

Catholic University of West Africa (CUWA / UCAO)
Centre d’animation et de formation pédagogique de Yamoussoukro
Centre International de Formation à Distance (CIFAD)
Centre universitaire professionnalisé d'Abidjan
Ecole de Spécialité Multimédia d’Abidjan
Ecole Nationale de Statistique et d'Economie Appliquee (ENSEA)
Ecole Normale Superieure (ENS)
Ecole Superieure Africaine des Techniques de la Communication (ESATIC)
Graduate School of Management (GSM), Abidjan
Institut National de la Jeunesse et des sports (INJS)
Institut Nationale des Arts et de l'Action Culturelle (INSAAC)
Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny (Yamoussokro) (INPHB)
Institut Pedagogique National de l'Enseignement Technique et Professionnel (IPNETP)
Institut Supérieur de Commerce et Administration des Entreprises de Yamoussoukro (ISCAE)
Institut Supérieur de Technologie de Côte d'Ivoire (ISTCI)
Institut Supérieur de Technologie Dubass (IST-DUBASS)
Institut Supérieur des Carrières Commerciales (ISCC)
International University of Grand-Bassam / Universite Internationale de Grand-Bassam
Jean Lorougnon Guédé University
Pôle Universitaire Canadien d'Afrique de l'Ouest
Université Alassane Ouattara (Bouaké)
Université d'Abobo-Adjamé
Université de Cocody (Abidjan)
Université des Sciences et Technologies de Côte d'Ivoire (USTCI)
Universite Nangui Abrogoua (Abidjan)
Université Nouvelle de Côte d'Ivoire (UNCI University)
Universite Peleforo Gon Coulibaly (Korhogo)

READ MORE ON UNIVERSITY IN IVORY COAST HERE: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_universities_in_Ivory_Coast

NOW: Most of them are significant and high ranked in the Francophone world as most of them are French-based tertiary institutions, so no realy comparison with Nigeria (English Country).

popizaino:
no I disagree with you about Abidjan been the most beautiful city in West Africa. It used to be in the 80s not anymore now that abuja has been created. Note av been there several times and even planning of going again before the years runs out inshallahu.

No, my brother. Abidjan is not the same as the one of 2010/11. I am quite sure thats when you were there last. You can ask of anyone that has visited the beautiful city. and please, never compare Abuja, please. what beauty does Abuja have. I believe in Pictures. do they boast of any 5 skyscrapers there, is there even a skyline in Abuja. Only Lagos can be compared to it within west Africa. Pls never say Abuja again. Abidjan is compared with Casablanca, Blida, Algiers, Bloemfotein and other Big African city not expensive life of Nigerian politicians in Abuja.

MORE PHOTOS
1. CHEFCHAOUEN, MOROCCO
2. ABIDJAN, IVORY COAST ( COTE D'IVOIRE )
3 . ABIDJAN, CÔTE D'IVOIRE
4. ABIDJAN, CÔTE D'IVOIRE

MORE PHOTOS:

1. CHEFCHAOUEN, MOROCCO ( BLUE BEAUTY ) TRY TO GOOGLE THIS CITY

2. ALGIERS, ALGERIA

3. Maqam Echaihd, ALGIERS

4. ALGIERS, ALGERIA

I disagree. . The list is not okay (i am sorry for saying this) but its realy true. North African Capitals are more developed than Anywhere else in Africa. In fact they shouldn't be categorised as African Cities. Yes, too beautiful. you need to be there one day. i mean the likes of Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, Blida, Cairo, Tripoli. only Johannesbourg, Durban and Capetiwn can stand them. So Please remove Abuja, Gaborone and Lagos and use them if you are creating a list of Top 20 or 30 African Cities.

However, Abidjan is not where it should be if going by this list. Abidjan (the paris of west Africa in the 70's and 80's) after the Political turmoil is now the 'Manhattan of Africa' 2016!!!

PICTURES:
1. BLIDA, ALGERIA
2. BLIDA , ALGERIA
3. CAIRO, EGYPT
4. CHEFCHAOUEN, MOROCCO (BLUE BEAUTY)

ABIDJAN, CÔTE D'IVOIRE (IVORYCOAST )

KekeNash:
I just want to see the world, I have been to Zim so i want a hip n happening place this time, Nigeria might be the ryt place

WELL, If you are serious about this, Nigerian is not the best in africa for travellers, but if you are willing to travel to nigeria, you can still get a little enjoyment only if you have MONEY, we all know Nigeria is BORING! but money can bury boredom if you say..

firstly I recommend you to book a flight to Lagos from your southafrican destination. Get a visa from your country immigration office or visit nigerian embassy for details in jobourg.

Lagos is a must visit then spend some days there before going on a road trip to Abuja, Its Necessary. You will see Ibadan, Ilorin, Ogbomoso, Akure or The regions linking Lagos t Abuja by Road. Its SAFE and enjoyable. go through luxurious cars or buses only. This is coming from a WELL TRAVELLED AFRICAN.

The Pictures are Lagos. but The Last is Abuja, showing the Central Mosque

ok, cool you Can Get bus if You are in Lagos. Get bus from mazza-mazza, they go to accra straight from Lagos. or you go to agege bus terminus you can also get luxurious marcopolo buses from there to accra (the Ghanaian capital). The cost is always around 8k-10k. and you might even get cheaper rates. visit www.ysgtransport.com or you can google "chisco transport" for more better prices and address of their terminus in lagos.
I also recommend you to followup and read www.africtravelogues..com for the accra and other ghanaian city guides

feel free to ask more questions on this nairaland forum.

1. THE BASILICA VIEW (YAMOUSSOUKRO)

2. THE JAW-DROPPING VIEW AT NIGHT

3. THE HOTEL PRESIDENTE DE YAMOUSSOUKRO (CAPITAL OF IVORY COAST)

4. AFRICAN HAND MADE BAGS

More From The Basilica (Largest Church on Earth) see more detail from www.wikipedia.com

More

.

Okay This is too much for Ivory Coast.

The Basilica Notre Dame de la paix (Our Lady of Peace ) in Yamoussoukro the capital of Ivory Coast is the Biggest Church in The World by Guinness Book of record and forbes even bigger that st. Peter cathedrl in Vatican City. Lol God Bless Africa