Difference between revisions of "Ivory Coast"

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m (Dan moved page Cote dIvoire to Ivory Coast: rename)
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=Visiting {{PAGENAME}}=
 
=Visiting {{PAGENAME}}=
''Give a brief overview of what it's like to visit. How easy is the border, how safe is the country, are there great things to see and do, etc.''
+
Ivory Coast is a spectacular country with a lot to offer. The beaches are second in the world to none.
  
 
=Entering {{PAGENAME}} with a Car or Motorbike=
 
=Entering {{PAGENAME}} with a Car or Motorbike=
'''Correct as of: <span style="color:red">(date last confirmed correct)</span>'''
+
'''Correct as of: <span style="color:red">November 2016</span>'''
  
 
==Required Paperwork==  
 
==Required Paperwork==  
 
{{visa_country}}
 
{{visa_country}}
''List the paperwork required to enter with a vehicle, including number of copies''
+
* Passport of registered owner.
 +
* [[Drivers license]] of registered owner.
 +
* Original [[vehicle registration]].
 +
* Proof of [[vehicle insurance]] - they might not ask for it, but it’s better to have it.
 +
* (OPTIONAL) [[Carnet de Passage]]
 +
(no copies are required)
  
 
==Process at border==
 
==Process at border==
''Briefly describe the process at the border to enter with a vehicle''
+
* Get yourself stamped in at immigration.
 +
* Go to Duane to get a temporary import for the vehicle. Using the [[vehicle registration]] the officer will write out a Passavant, valid for one month.
 +
* If you are at a small border, they might only issue a hand-written Passavant, you have to go to a major city to get a computerized version.
 +
* If you have a [[Carnet de Passage]], you don't need the Passavant.
  
 
==Cost of entry==
 
==Cost of entry==
''State the cost for a vehicle to enter''
+
Should be free, expect bribery for the Passavant, possibly up to <price cost="50000" currency="XOF" />
  
 
==Permitted length of stay==
 
==Permitted length of stay==
''State the permitted length of entry for the vehicle''
+
One month
  
 
==Extension of stay==
 
==Extension of stay==
''Describe the process to extend the permitted length of entry for the vehicle, if possible.''
+
Unknown
  
 
==Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country==
 
==Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country==
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==Exiting with a vehicle==
 
==Exiting with a vehicle==
''Describe the paperwork requirements and process at the border to exit.''
+
* Hand in your Passavant to Duane.
 +
* Get yourself stamped out at immigration.
 +
 
 +
All should be free, do not pay for this.
  
 
=Driving in {{PAGENAME}}=  
 
=Driving in {{PAGENAME}}=  
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==Vehicle insurance requirements==
 
==Vehicle insurance requirements==
''Yes or No if insurance is mandatory, and what kind is acceptable.''
+
Liability insurance is required, police might ask to see it. <br/>
 +
If you travel through more west African countries get a 'Carte Brun' which is valid in most west African countries at no extra cost.
  
 
==Cost of vehicle insurance==
 
==Cost of vehicle insurance==
''State the price of insurance and a time period.''
+
Expect to pay <price cost="10000" currency="XOF" /> to <price cost="20000" currency="XOF" /> per vehicle per month, depending on engine size and vehicle age (newer costs more)
  
 
==Where to purchase vehicle insurance==
 
==Where to purchase vehicle insurance==
''Describe where insurance can be purchased.''
+
Unknown within Ivory Coast
  
 
==Driving license==
 
==Driving license==
''State the kind of driving licenses required. i.e. International Driving Permit.''
+
Anything from your home country will be accepted.
  
 
==Driving side of road==
 
==Driving side of road==
''State the side of the road to drive on. i.e. Left or Right.<br />
+
Right. <br/>
(also state if a vehicle with a steering wheel on the opposite side can be legally driven)''
+
RHD vehicles are allowed but ensure you have correct paperwork, because it’s a good chance for bribery.
  
 
==Mandatory items in vehicle==
 
==Mandatory items in vehicle==
''State any mandatory items that must be carried in the vehicle.
+
You need two safety triangles, first aid kit, and fire extinguisher.  
(i.e. safety triangle, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, etc.)''
+
 
 
==Roads==
 
==Roads==
 
===General Road quality===
 
===General Road quality===
''Give a brief description of the general road quality. Mention if one way streets are common.''
+
Main highways are good pavement, without potholes, especially those recently built. The freeway from Abidjan to Yamoussoukro might be the best road in West Africa, you can easily travel at 130km/h <br/>
 +
Minor dirt roads are frequently horrible, especially in towns. Lots are impassable in the rainy season. <br/>
 +
Always watch out for potholes on sealed roads - they can be HUGE, and hitting them fast will be very, very bad.
  
 
===Road signs===
 
===Road signs===
''Briefly describe the overall quality & existence of road signs for directions and hazards.''
+
Distances to the next major town are usually shown on the side of highways, and big intersections sometimes have signs.
  
 
===Toll roads===
 
===Toll roads===
''List the frequency and approximate price of toll roads.''
+
The freeway from Abidjan to Yamoussoukro is an expensive toll road - you pay <price cost="1250" currency="XOF" /> 2 or 3 times to drive the length. Other highways have sporadic tools for <price cost="500" currency="XOF" />
  
 
==Bribery in {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==Bribery in {{PAGENAME}}==
''Briefly describe how common bribery is and whether it should be expected, and the best way to deal with it.''
+
Bribery is common, so keep your wits about you. Be polite, and don’t pay. See the [[bribery tips]] page for general advice.
  
 
==Checkpoints==
 
==Checkpoints==
''describe the frequency of checkpoints (police or military and what to expect.''
+
There are many checkpoints and random stops where Police will check all your paperwork. Don't pay.
  
 
==Traveling with pets==
 
==Traveling with pets==
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=Gas price in {{PAGENAME}} and Diesel price in {{PAGENAME}}=
 
=Gas price in {{PAGENAME}} and Diesel price in {{PAGENAME}}=
'''Last updated: <span style="color:red">(last updated date)</span>'''<br />
+
'''Last updated: <span style="color:red">November 2016</span>'''<br />
  
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
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! Price
 
! Price
 
|-
 
|-
| Unleaded
+
| Unleaded (called Essense
| <price cost="0.00" currency="USD" unit="galUS" />
+
| <price cost="570" currency="XOF" unit="litre" />
 
|-
 
|-
| Diesel
+
| Diesel (called Gasoil)
| <price cost="0.00" currency="USD" unit="galUS" />
+
| <price cost="570" currency="XOF" unit="litre" />
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency==
 
==Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency==
''Briefly describe if gas shortages are known to occur.'' <br/>
+
All towns have stations, all stations always have gasoline and diesel. Both are also available in small containers on the side of the road. Quality is likely very bad when bought like that. <br/>
''Also state the approximate average distance between gas stations. This is a very rough estimate.''
+
  
 
==Gas and Diesel Quality==
 
==Gas and Diesel Quality==
''Discuss if gasoline / diesel considered "clean" or "dirty", and generally high or low quality.''<br />
+
Seemed to be no problem with quality.
''State the sulfur content of diesel, if known.''
+
  
 
=Safety and Security Considerations=
 
=Safety and Security Considerations=
 +
 
==Driving at night==
 
==Driving at night==
''Discuss driving at night and if it should it be avoided. Mention why.''
+
Driving at night is not recommended due to hazards on the road, vehicles without lights and extremely bad roads.
  
 
==Vehicle parking==
 
==Vehicle parking==
''Discuss if vehicles can be parked on the street, if they are considered "safe" at night.''
+
Vehicles seem safe enough on the street during the day, secure overnight parking is recommended in the cities, especially Conakry.
''If vehicles can not be parked on the street, list the other options that exist.''
+
  
 
==Special driving considerations==
 
==Special driving considerations==
''A List of special things to be careful of (i.e. Unsigned speed bumps, abnormal road rules, people or animals on the road, etc.).'' <br/>
+
As in all of West Africa, expect hazards on the road around every turn - animals, children, pot holes and speed bumps!
''List any roads that are not recommended to drive for safety or other security reasons.''
+
  
 
==Security advisories and information==
 
==Security advisories and information==
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=Camping in {{PAGENAME}}=
 
=Camping in {{PAGENAME}}=
''Describe if organized "pay" camping is common. List the facilities commonly found at these campsites.''<br />
+
There are a few campsites in Ivory Coast, and a few hotels allow camping.
''List the approximate average price range of camping in organized campgrounds.'' <br />
+
Expect to pay between <price cost="2000" currency="XOF" /> and <price cost="5000" currency="XOF" /> per person per night. <br />
''Also discuss the possibility of "wild" or "roadside" camping. How common is it? Is it considered safe, or a bad idea.''
+
Wildcamping is possible in Ivory Coast, especially in rural areas. Try to camp away from villages unless you don't mind lot of attention and lot of demand for ‘Cadeaux’ which means gift. If you do camp in a town, ask the Chief of the village for permission first (he will always say yes).
  
 
==Camping guide books==
 
==Camping guide books==
Line 128: Line 139:
  
 
==Drinking water==
 
==Drinking water==
''Describe if the regular tap water is safe to drink.''
+
Drinking water is generally not considered safe to drink for visitors who are not used to it outside of Abidjan. In Abidjan it should be no problem.
''If not, describe where safe water can be purchased and the approximate average price range.''
+
  
 
=Navigation=
 
=Navigation=
Line 135: Line 145:
 
Reise Know-How are amoung the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in {{PAGENAME}}
 
Reise Know-How are amoung the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in {{PAGENAME}}
 
{{paper_maps_country}}
 
{{paper_maps_country}}
 +
 
==GPS Maps of {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==GPS Maps of {{PAGENAME}}==
Tracks4Africa are the undisputed best GPS maps for Africa.<br/>
+
* [http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl/ Garmin Open Street Maps] has excellent coverage of all roads - highways and cities.
Tracks4Africa is an SD Card for Garmin GPS, and contain Routable turn-by-turn maps with 809,000 kms of roads and over 129,000 points of interest.
+
* Tracks4Africa is an SD Card for Garmin GPS, and contain Routable turn-by-turn maps with 809,000 kms of roads and over 129,000 points of interest.
 
<al imageurl=http://www.tracks4africa.ch/images/stories/virtuemart/product/resized/t4a_1405_sd_200x200.jpg nolocalize=true>0986987662</al>
 
<al imageurl=http://www.tracks4africa.ch/images/stories/virtuemart/product/resized/t4a_1405_sd_200x200.jpg nolocalize=true>0986987662</al>
  

Revision as of 06:40, 2 March 2017


Currency to display:

Visiting Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast is a spectacular country with a lot to offer. The beaches are second in the world to none.

Entering Ivory Coast with a Car or Motorbike

Correct as of: November 2016

Required Paperwork

(To check if you need a travel Visa for Ivory Coast, application instructions and fees see: Ivory Coast Visa online application at VisaHQ.com)

(no copies are required)

Process at border

  • Get yourself stamped in at immigration.
  • Go to Duane to get a temporary import for the vehicle. Using the vehicle registration the officer will write out a Passavant, valid for one month.
  • If you are at a small border, they might only issue a hand-written Passavant, you have to go to a major city to get a computerized version.
  • If you have a Carnet de Passage, you don't need the Passavant.

Cost of entry

Should be free, expect bribery for the Passavant, possibly up to CFA50,000.00 XOF

Permitted length of stay

One month

Extension of stay

Unknown

Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country

Describe if/how a vehicle can be stored, and for how long.
Also mention if the owner / temporary importer can leave the country while the vehicle is in storage.

Exiting with a vehicle

  • Hand in your Passavant to Duane.
  • Get yourself stamped out at immigration.

All should be free, do not pay for this.

Driving in Ivory Coast

Recommended books for Overlanding in Ivory Coast

Overland Travel Essentials: West Africa: Myths, Miscon...
Overland Travel Essentials: West Africa: Myths, Miscon...
by Dan Grec
From $click on Amazon
Lonely Planet: Costa D'avorio, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nig...
Lonely Planet: Costa D'avorio, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nig...
by D. Else, A. Newton, J Williams, M. Fitzpatrick, Mi...
From $click on Amazon
Work Less To Live Your Dreams: A Practical Guide To Sa...
Work Less To Live Your Dreams: A Practical Guide To Sa...
by Dan Grec
From $click on Amazon
Overlanders' Handbook: Worldwide Route And Planning Gu...
Overlanders' Handbook: Worldwide Route And Planning Gu...
by Chris Scott
From $22.49 on Amazon
Adventure Motorcycling Handbook: A Route & Planning Gu...
Adventure Motorcycling Handbook: A Route & Planning Gu...
by Chris Scott
From $click on Amazon

Travel insurance for Ivory Coast

World Nomads offer the most flexible Travel Insurance at the best prices for multi-country / multi-year trips. You can buy, extend and claim online, even after you've left home.

Vehicle insurance requirements

Liability insurance is required, police might ask to see it.
If you travel through more west African countries get a 'Carte Brun' which is valid in most west African countries at no extra cost.

Cost of vehicle insurance

Expect to pay CFA10,000.00 XOF to CFA20,000.00 XOF per vehicle per month, depending on engine size and vehicle age (newer costs more)

Where to purchase vehicle insurance

Unknown within Ivory Coast

Driving license

Anything from your home country will be accepted.

Driving side of road

Right.
RHD vehicles are allowed but ensure you have correct paperwork, because it’s a good chance for bribery.

Mandatory items in vehicle

You need two safety triangles, first aid kit, and fire extinguisher.

Roads

General Road quality

Main highways are good pavement, without potholes, especially those recently built. The freeway from Abidjan to Yamoussoukro might be the best road in West Africa, you can easily travel at 130km/h
Minor dirt roads are frequently horrible, especially in towns. Lots are impassable in the rainy season.
Always watch out for potholes on sealed roads - they can be HUGE, and hitting them fast will be very, very bad.

Road signs

Distances to the next major town are usually shown on the side of highways, and big intersections sometimes have signs.

Toll roads

The freeway from Abidjan to Yamoussoukro is an expensive toll road - you pay CFA1,250.00 XOF 2 or 3 times to drive the length. Other highways have sporadic tools for CFA500.00 XOF

Bribery in Ivory Coast

Bribery is common, so keep your wits about you. Be polite, and don’t pay. See the bribery tips page for general advice.

Checkpoints

There are many checkpoints and random stops where Police will check all your paperwork. Don't pay.

Traveling with pets

List the entry requirements and anything else required to travel with a pet.

Gas price in Ivory Coast and Diesel price in Ivory Coast

Last updated: November 2016

Currency and unit to display:

Gasoline Grade Price
Unleaded (called Essense Error in price tag: 'litre' is not a known unit.
Diesel (called Gasoil) Error in price tag: 'litre' is not a known unit.

Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency

All towns have stations, all stations always have gasoline and diesel. Both are also available in small containers on the side of the road. Quality is likely very bad when bought like that.

Gas and Diesel Quality

Seemed to be no problem with quality.

Safety and Security Considerations

Driving at night

Driving at night is not recommended due to hazards on the road, vehicles without lights and extremely bad roads.

Vehicle parking

Vehicles seem safe enough on the street during the day, secure overnight parking is recommended in the cities, especially Conakry.

Special driving considerations

As in all of West Africa, expect hazards on the road around every turn - animals, children, pot holes and speed bumps!

Security advisories and information

Camping in Ivory Coast

There are a few campsites in Ivory Coast, and a few hotels allow camping. Expect to pay between CFA2,000.00 XOF and CFA5,000.00 XOF per person per night.
Wildcamping is possible in Ivory Coast, especially in rural areas. Try to camp away from villages unless you don't mind lot of attention and lot of demand for ‘Cadeaux’ which means gift. If you do camp in a town, ask the Chief of the village for permission first (he will always say yes).

Camping guide books

List and link to books specifically for camping.

Drinking water

Drinking water is generally not considered safe to drink for visitors who are not used to it outside of Abidjan. In Abidjan it should be no problem.

Navigation

Paper maps

Reise Know-How are amoung the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in Ivory Coast


National Geographic Traveler: Germany, 4th Edition
National Geographic Traveler: Germany, 4th Edition
by Michael Ivory
From $13.99 on Amazon
Ivory Coast (michelin National Maps)
Ivory Coast (michelin National Maps)
From $11.19 on Amazon


GPS Maps of Ivory Coast

  • Garmin Open Street Maps has excellent coverage of all roads - highways and cities.
  • Tracks4Africa is an SD Card for Garmin GPS, and contain Routable turn-by-turn maps with 809,000 kms of roads and over 129,000 points of interest.
Gps Map Of Africa
Gps Map Of Africa
From $click on Amazon

GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in Ivory Coast

  • iOverlander is a website and iPhone application designed by Overlanders, for Overlanders. It contains GPS co-ordinates and reviews for camping, hotels, propane, water, mechanics, borders and much more.

Link to sites that have a list of GPS co-ordinates (or directions) for camping locations (including "wild" campsites), propane filling, gas stations, repair shops, places of interest, etc.

Special Overland Travel interests

List any special items / places that are popular with Overlanders

Vehicle Maintenance

Dealers

4x4s / Trucks

Motorbikes

Local Garages

Add known good mechanics here.

Buy or sell a car or motorbike in Ivory Coast

Buy
Describe how a foreigner can buy a vehicle. List any difficulties or limitations on where the vehicle can be driven.

Sell
Describe how a foreigner can sell a foreign-plated vehicle, or list not possible.'

References

Links to the source of any information - blogs or discussion forums, etc.


Helpful External links

Add any helpful external links here.