Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entering Chad. It’s wise to also get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, meningitis, and rabies, especially if you plan on spending time in rural areas or interacting with animals. Ensure your routine vaccines, like MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus), are up-to-date. Stay safe!
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Chad, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for ChadCulture & Customs
Make sure you dress modestly, especially women; long skirts and covered shoulders are a good choice. Always ask for permission before photographing people, as not everyone is comfortable with it. When greeting, a handshake is common, but use the right hand only. Avoid discussing politics or religion, as these can be sensitive topics.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, it’s important to note that homosexuality is illegal in Chad, so discretion is advised. Women should be cautious when traveling alone, particularly in rural areas, and it’s best to avoid traveling at night. Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon, so keep it low-key.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Chad.
- Boule: This is a staple dish made from millet or sorghum, forming a thick porridge that’s a bit like a dense dough. It’s a traditional accompaniment to many meals and reflects the agricultural roots of Chad.
- Jarret de Boeuf: A slow-cooked beef dish, often prepared with okra and served with a side of boule. The slow cooking process makes the meat tender and flavorful, highlighting Chadian hospitality and communal meals.
- Daraba: A vegetarian stew packed with okra, tomatoes, sweet potato, and sometimes peanuts. It’s hearty and nutritious, showcasing the local produce and the importance of plant-based dishes in Chadian diet.
- La Bouillie: A sweet, creamy porridge made from millet or maize, often flavored with peanut butter or honey. It’s commonly eaten for breakfast and shows the influence of local ingredients in daily life.
- Karkanji: A refreshing hibiscus tea, sometimes spiced with ginger or mint. It’s not just a drink but a social ritual, reflecting the blend of flavors and cultures in Chad.
Tap water in Chad is generally not safe for tourists to drink. Locals may consume it, but it’s recommended that travelers stick to bottled or properly filtered water to avoid health issues. Always ensure the seal on bottled water is intact before purchasing.
The main language in Chad is
Arabic. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Arabic skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Chad includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
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Get the Travel Guide - In Chad,
English is not widely spoken, as the official languages are French and Arabic. While English is taught in some schools and universities, proficiency levels vary significantly across the country. In urban areas, particularly in the capital, N’Djamena, you may encounter some English speakers, especially among the younger population and those working in tourism or international organizations. However, in rural regions, English speakers are rare.
Travelers are advised to learn basic French phrases or use a translation app to facilitate communication. Having a French phrasebook can also be helpful, as it allows for smoother interactions with locals. Overall, while you might find some English speakers in Chad, especially in specific contexts, relying solely on English may pose challenges during your travels.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Chad is XAF (FCFA).
When backpacking in Chad, it’s smart to keep a mix of cash and cards. ATMs can be pretty rare, especially outside N’Djamena, and they often run out of cash or have connectivity issues. Bring enough cash in USD or EUR to cover unexpected situations or trips to rural areas.
For exchanging money, head to the main banks in N’Djamena. They usually offer better rates than the airport or hotels. Be sure to carry some smaller denominations for day-to-day expenses since larger bills can be tough to break.
Credit cards aren’t widely accepted outside of major hotels and some restaurants in the capital, so always have cash on hand for local markets and transport. Remember, too, that using cards may incur foreign transaction fees, so check with your bank before traveling.
Tipping in Chad is not a widespread custom, but it’s appreciated in tourist areas and urban centers. Leaving around 10% at restaurants or rounding up a taxi fare is generally well-received. Always tip in local currency to avoid confusion.
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Best Backpacking
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.