Côte d’Ivoire

Travel tips for Côte d’Ivoire: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.

Cash and cards

Carry some cash. Recent 2026 Reddit reports advise keeping cash on hand since many places reject cards. While major hotels accept them, daily spending for taxis and food relies heavily on CFA francs or local mobile money apps like Orange Money and Wave.

Try the food

  • Garba: A popular street food consisting of fried tuna served over fermented cassava couscous with chopped onions and tomatoes.
  • Attiéké: A staple side dish made from fermented, grated cassava that resembles couscous in texture and has a slightly sour flavor.
  • Kedjenou: A slow-cooked, spicy stew of chicken or guinea fowl and vegetables prepared in a sealed terracotta pot without added water.
  • Alloco: Sweet, ripe plantains sliced and deep-fried in palm oil, often served with a spicy chili sauce or boiled eggs.

Say it in French

  • Hello: Bonjour
  • Thank you: Merci
  • Please: S'il vous plaît
  • Excuse me: Excusez-moi
  • How much is this?: C'est combien ?
  • The bill please: L'addition, s'il vous plaît
  • Yes / No: Oui / Non
  • Goodbye: Au revoir

Essentials

Plugs
Type C / Type E
Voltage
230V, 50Hz
Driving
Right side
Tap water
Avoid — buy bottled
Emergency
110 / 111 / 170 (police), 185 (ambulance), 180 (fire)
SIM tip
Purchase a local SIM card from Orange or MTN at Abidjan's Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport upon arrival for the best nationwide coverage.

Etiquette

Always use your right hand for eating, greeting, and passing items, as the left hand is considered unclean in local culture.

Airports in Côte d’Ivoire