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 entry into Côte d’Ivoire. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination. Recommended vaccines include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and rabies. Consider meningococcal vaccine if traveling during the dry season. Routine vaccines like MMR, DPT, and chickenpox should be up-to-date. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
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 Côte d’Ivoire, 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 Côte d’IvoireCulture & Customs
Respect elders by greeting them first and using formal titles. Handshakes are common, and it’s polite to shake hands upon meeting and leaving. Dress modestly, especially in rural areas—cover shoulders and knees. Avoid discussing politics or religion unless you’re sure of the other person’s views. When visiting someone’s home, bring a small gift like fruit.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, caution is advised as homosexuality is not widely accepted. Public displays of affection, regardless of orientation, might attract attention. Women should be aware that solo travel can invite unwanted attention; travel groups can offer more comfort. Always ask before taking photos of people, especially in rural areas.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Côte d’Ivoire.
- Attiéké: A staple food in Ivory Coast, attiéké is fermented cassava that’s similar in texture to couscous. It’s often served with grilled fish or meat and a spicy sauce. Its popularity comes from its versatility and its role as a communal meal that brings people together.
- Fufu: Made from boiled and pounded yams, plantains, or cassava, fufu is a doughy staple that’s usually eaten with stews or soups. It’s a key part of many West African meals and represents the region’s traditional culinary practices.
- Kedjenou: This is a spicy stew, typically made with chicken or guinea fowl, cooked with vegetables in a sealed pot, often over an open fire. It’s a dish that showcases the Ivorian love for rich, hearty flavors and is often prepared for special occasions.
- Alloco: Fried plantains seasoned with a bit of chili and salt, alloco is a popular street food. It’s loved for its sweet and savory taste and is a common snack or side dish that captures the essence of Ivorian street cuisine.
- Garba: A quick, cheap meal consisting of attiéké topped with fried fish and spicy pepper sauce. It’s a favorite among locals and is known for its affordability and satisfying taste, making it a go-to for budget-conscious travelers.
Tap water in Côte d’Ivoire is not recommended for tourists to drink, even though locals might consume it. It’s safer to stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid any stomach issues. Always check the seal on bottled water to ensure it’s not been tampered with.
The main language in Côte d’Ivoire is
French. 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 French skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Côte d’Ivoire includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In Côte d’Ivoire, French is the official language and the most widely spoken language across the country. While
English is not commonly spoken, it is increasingly taught in schools and used in business contexts, particularly in urban areas like Abidjan. However, proficiency varies significantly among locals.
In tourist areas, some people, especially in hospitality and service industries, may speak basic English. Still, outside of these environments, English speakers can be rare. Travelers are often encouraged to learn a few phrases in French to facilitate communication, as it can enhance interactions and experiences.
In summary, while English is not widely spoken in Côte d’Ivoire, there are pockets of English speakers, particularly in cities and tourist areas. Knowing some French will greatly benefit travelers navigating the country.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Côte d’Ivoire is XOF (CFA Franc BCEAO).
When backpacking through Côte d’Ivoire, having a mix of cash and cards is crucial. ATMs are mostly available in larger cities like Abidjan and Yamoussoukro, so plan your withdrawals accordingly. Remember, Visa is more widely accepted than Mastercard. It’s a good idea to carry some cash in CFA francs for smaller towns and rural areas where card machines are scarce.
Both US dollars and euros are generally accepted for exchange, but you’ll get a better rate if you bring euros. The best places to exchange money are in banks and official exchange bureaus in cities. Avoid street changers as the rates can be sketchy, not to mention the risk of scams.
Credit card acceptance varies, with larger hotels and restaurants in cities often accepting them, but don’t count on it elsewhere. Always have some cash on hand for markets, transport, and smaller eateries. Lastly, keep an eye on your bank’s foreign transaction fees to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Tipping in Côte d’Ivoire isn’t obligatory but is appreciated, especially in restaurants and for services like taxis. Leaving a 5-10% tip is a nice gesture if the service was good. Always check your bill since some higher-end places might include a service charge.
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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.