Travel to Ivory Coast: Essential Tips for First-Time Visitors

If travel to Côte d’Ivoire has been on your mind lately, you’re definitely not alone. This West African gem is brimming with vibrant culture, delicious food, rich history, and unforgettable experiences everything you’d want in a Côte d’Ivoire vacation. Whether you’re still dreaming or already planning your trip to Ivory Coast, keep these tips in your back pocket to make the journey smooth and stress-free.

Getting Around Ivory Coast

When you travel to Ivory Coast, getting around Abidjan is easy with both Uber and Yango — popular, reliable options for navigating the city. If your trip to Côte d’Ivoire takes you outside urban areas, hiring a local guide can make travel smoother and open doors to hidden places and stories you won’t find on your own during your Côte d’Ivoire vacation.

Stay Connected Like a Local

Before your trip to Côte d’Ivoire, unlock your phone to avoid roaming charges. If you use T-Mobile, you may not need a new SIM card thanks to their international coverage. But for longer stays during your Côte d’Ivoire vacation, buying a local SIM from MTN or Orange for about $30/month is more cost-effective.

Handling Money the Easy Way

While cash used to be king in Ivory Coast, your trip to Ivory Coast is now much easier cash-free. Mobile-money apps like Wave (yes, the penguin 🐧) let you pay for rides, shop at markets, and cover everyday bills without digging for CFA francs. Still, keep a few small-note CFA bills on hand for the rare cash-only vendor.

Souvenir Shopping in Style

During your trip to Côte d’Ivoire, don’t miss CAVA Artisan Market in Abidjan — the go-to spot for handcrafted goods. From carved wooden art to bold printed fabrics, it’s a vibrant mix of culture you’ll definitely want to bring home.

Pro tip: pack an extra bag!

Getting around Ivory Coast is easier than you think — with apps like Uber and Yango in Abidjan, plus local guides for longer trips, exploring the country on your trip to Ivory Coast is both simple and rewarding.

If you’re still flipping through our Ivory Coast Travel Guide, now’s the perfect time to lock in your spot — our next travel to Côte d’Ivoire group adventure takes off this August!

We’ll handle the planning so you can focus on the culture, sights, and unforgettable experiences of your Côte d’Ivoire vacation.

Reserve Your Spot for August – Book Now