Most visitors to Côte d'Ivoire are in Abidjan for business, often adding a weekend at the beach in Grand-Bassam, the old colonial capital, or in Assinie, and a trip inland to Yamoussoukro and its enormous basilica. Côte d'Ivoire is not covered by the EU's Roam Like at Home rules, so a European SIM is charged its operator's roaming rates there.
Key facts for Côte d'Ivoire
- EU roaming: not covered by Roam Like at Home
- Local networks: MTN, Orange (depending on the plan)
- Emergency numbers: police 110, 111 or 170; ambulance 185; fire 180
- Embassies: in Abidjan
The north and the border areas
The UK advises against all travel to within 40 km of the borders with Burkina Faso and Mali, to the northern Zanzan and Savanes provinces and to Comoé National Park, where the jihadist group JNIM is active and the risk of terrorist attacks and kidnap is higher. It also advises against all but essential travel to within 20 km of the border with Liberia, where local militias have clashed with security forces. Attacks could happen anywhere, including Abidjan, so stay alert in hotels, restaurants and beach resorts.
Abidjan
Coverage is strong across Abidjan. Violent crime is a risk, including armed robberies and carjackings, so do not walk after dark, avoid public transport at night and use ride-hailing apps or pre-booked taxis. Take a car to the cash machine or the bank rather than walking with cash, and keep your card in sight when paying. Political demonstrations happen around elections, the police may use tear gas, and internet access could be restricted during serious unrest, so keep away from crowds.
Grand-Bassam and Assinie
The beach towns have good coverage and are busy at weekends, but the ocean currents along this coast are powerful, rip currents drown many people every year, and there is no lifeboat or rescue service. Swim only where locals say it is safe, if at all, and never alone.
On the road
Roads are poorly lit and stray livestock wander onto them, so avoid driving at night, and crashes are frequent on the roads between cities. Slow down and stay calm at checkpoints, beware of unofficial roadblocks, where travellers have been robbed, and note that armed robbers have attacked cars on the main roads in the west.
Laws to know
Drug trafficking and possession can lead to long prison sentences. Photographing military sites, government buildings or the Presidency is prohibited. You must carry your original passport, as the police will not always accept a copy. Same-sex relations are not illegal, but there is no specific protection against discrimination.
Paying
The currency is the West African CFA franc. Cards are accepted at major businesses, large hotels and established restaurants, and cash machines are found in Abidjan and a few other large cities, though not all of them take foreign cards. Carry cash as a backup, because card terminals can go down.
Getting connected
A travel eSIM set up at home connects on landing at Abidjan's airport, so you can order a ride straight away, and your own SIM stays available for texts and bank codes. An Africa plan also covers Ghana and Senegal.
Ivorian SIM cards from Orange, MTN or Moov are sold at the airport and in shops, and you need your passport to register one.
Consular protection: who to call in Côte d'Ivoire
- Dial 110, 111 or 170 for the police, 185 for the SAMU ambulance service and 180 for the fire brigade.
- Embassies are in Abidjan. The Telcomia app shows yours, with address and phone.
- If your own EU country has no embassy or consulate in Côte d'Ivoire, you can ask any other EU embassy for help, and it must assist you as it would its own nationals (Article 23 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU).
- The app has emergency phrases in French, the official language, ready to show on screen.
Côte d'Ivoire travel-safety page →
Questions travellers ask about Côte d'Ivoire
Does my EU plan work in Côte d'Ivoire?
No. Côte d'Ivoire is outside Roam Like at Home, so your operator's own roaming rates apply.
Is it safe to swim at Grand-Bassam or Assinie?
Often not. The currents are strong, many people drown each year and there is no rescue service.
Which networks does a Telcomia eSIM use in Côte d'Ivoire?
MTN or Orange, depending on the plan, with 4G where available and 5G on some plans.
What are the emergency numbers?
110, 111 or 170 for the police, 185 for an ambulance and 180 for the fire brigade.
The short version
Have the eSIM ready before you fly, use ride-hailing apps after dark, stay out of the sea unless locals say it is safe, keep well away from the northern border areas, and save 111 and 185.
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