Expat in Africa
I’ve lived and worked in Africa on and off for about seven years now, I’m currently in Ivory Coast, Abidjan, I've been here for 17 months now.
I’ve worked primarily in Central and West Africa, I feel I know the people and their ways pretty well now.
Here is a little advice if coming out here, to work or even on Holiday.
First thing is you’ll need a visa to gain access to most if not all Countries in Africa, if your going to be working here, then a multiple entry visa is the one you want.
You’ll also have to have a medical card, this will show that you’ve had all the appropriate injections, please make sure you’ve got this, if not you may be able to offer a bribe (This is more than acceptable in Africa, but can be expensive) otherwise they will give you an injection themselves there and then (I strongly advise against this, the needles may not be clean and you have no idea if they’re injecting the right stuff).
The injections for here are many, all the HEP’s are required, Yellow fever, a tetanus booster etc, make sure you do consult your GP.
Malaria, this is a big killer over here, I’ve had it five times now, I do not take a anti malarial due to having been here for so long now and I prefer not to keep taking them on a daily or weekly basis. If I get the symptoms I take a three day course, even if I’m not sure I’ll take the three day course, better safe than sorry.
Make sure on your return everyone knows you’ve been to Africa; you can get it well after a month of being at home.
Your clothing, this may sound stupid, but I get asked by people coming over, is there anything I should do, dress down, have a cheap mobile phone to hand, don’t wear the ostentatious jewellery, wear a cheap watch. All these things to me are obvious, but, the people here watch for the new arrivals, and they can spot them a mile off, trust no one.
Upon arrival at the Airport, if it’s your first time you’ll be wondering what the hell you’ve let yourself in for, try not to cause any fuss, move with the flow, although it will be slow, get used to it.
After you have picked your bags up (again make sure it’s not your best luggage), keep a tight grip on them and do not let anyone take them from you or try to lead you to a taxi, make sure you know who your meeting have their telephone details and better have a picture of what they look like.
I’m reading this, and I think OMG is it that bad out there, no it isn’t, but you have to be careful, once you have met the appropriate person/contact, then your off to your Hotel, the Hotels here are good clean and the security is good.
Food and water, drink bottled water, it’s the safest way, the food here if you eat in the restaurants is good, and there are plenty of them.
Driving out here, well, what can I say, you’ll have a new experience and see more accidents in one day than you’ll see in a few years back home, why? The roads are pot holed, this causes vehicles to swerve, the taxis are all mad men who stop when and where they want and never indicate, the vehicles are not maintained very well, so all of this; you get a lot of accidents.
The Police, haha, if they stop you they’ll talk for long periods of time until you give them a little money, 1000cfa here is about 70 pence, this will speed you on your way, the trouble is, you can get stopped on more than one occasion in the same day.
Why would anyone come here I hear you ask, because it is a beautiful place, you can see things that will baffle you, and things that will amaze you, Africa is always moving, people doing things to earn a living, a very poor place where only the few have the power and money. This is why it can blow up at any time, so pick when you travel, make sure you know there are no local or main elections being held, this is always a bad time to travel in Africa. You only have to look at Guinea, and Gabon at the moment.
Please don’t let me put you off ever coming here, I have painted a bad picture I know, but I do love this place, I walk at night with no problems, but I know where I’m going and I’m never alone. I could write so much more, but I’ll be on here for ages.
Tip; Carry some small change or notes in a separate pocket, this means your not having to get your wallet out and let anyone see what you are carrying with you, always carry your passport with you for ID.
Phil
