How to Find Cheap Hotels in Côte D'Ivoire

Côte D'Ivoire is an East African country that is still in the process of economic development. This is a great place to visit if you are interested in African history and culture.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• A computer with Internet access.
• Yellow fever immunization.
• A visitor's visa if you plan on staying longer than 90 days.
• A valid passport.
• An international immunization card that shows that you have been properly vaccinated for Cote D'Ivoire.

Know Your Destination

1. Convert your U.S. dollars to West African francs (CFA). The conversion rate is about 506.11 CFA to one U.S. dollar.
2. Learn a few key French phrases. The official language of Côte D'Ivoire is French. If you don't know this language, you may want to pick up a French language course for travelers from your local bookstore and learn a few key phrases to help you communicate with the locals during your vacation.
3. Explore the country by going on a road trip. This country offers some of the most well maintained roads in all of Africa. Use them to reach mountain vistas, fishing villages and other Côte D'Ivoire points of interest.

Organize Your Transportation in Côte D'Ivoire

4. Land at the Abidjan's International Airport. This airport will provide you with quick access to the only city in this country that offers tourist accommodations and modern medical services.
5. Learn about your many local transportation options. If you plan on visiting areas outside of the city of Abidjan, then you can fly via a local carrier to the city of San Pedro. Other local transportation options include buses, bush taxis and minibuses.

Choose Your Lodging in Côte D'Ivoire

6. Know what city to stay in. The only city that really offers tourist accommodations is Abidjan. This city offers a wide range of room rates from cheap to moderately expensive.
7. Learn how to find a bargain. One way to get cheap accommodations is to shop around for a great deal. Talk to hotels and tell them the rates that have been quoted to you from other hotels and ask if they can offer you a better price.
8. Learn when it is better to pay more. Cheap accommodations tend to offer fewer luxuries. If you need a private bathroom and air conditioning, then spend more on your accommodations.
9. Choose accommodations that fit your comfort level. Generally speaking, most of the accommodations offered in this country can be considered cheap by American standards.

Tips & Warnings

• You should register with the nearest U.S. Embassy when you land in Côte D'Ivoire.
• If you need medical attention while visiting Côte D'Ivoire, your best bet is to find a doctor in the city of Abidjan.
• There are many scam artists who target travelers in airports offering expedited entry services. There is no expedited service available that is legitimate.
• This is a politically unstable country that is prone to violence, civil wars and militia violence.
• Swimming is dangerous off the coast of this country because of very strong currents.