Ivory Coast
As a rule, business customs in Cote d' Ivoire are somewhat formal. Ivorians in large commercial enterprises tend to follow a western-style business dress code, however safari-style cotton suits are often acceptable. French is the official language of Cote d'Ivoire. It is not common or easy to find English speakers locally. Business correspondence, catalogs and advertising materials prepared in French are essential and readily understood by potential buyers.
Business cards or "cartes de visite" are widely used. Members of the expatriate community or those who have received their schooling abroad frequently use academic titles and degrees. Business people ordinarily use the firm's name and their title translated into French on cards. Office hours are 0730-1200 and 1430-1800 Monday to Friday and 0800-1200 Saturday.
Crime in Abidjan has increased over the past several years and is now at a critical level. Street crimes of the "grab and run" variety, as well as pickpocketing in crowded areas, are widespread. Armed carjackings, robberies of businesses, and home invasions are on the rise, and are often targeted at expatriate residents who appear to be wealthy.
Armed criminals have used force when faced with resistance. Travelers displaying jewelry and carrying cameras are especially at risk. Travelers have found it useful to carry limited amounts of cash and only photocopies of key documents. It is particularly dangerous to visit the Treichville, Adjame, Abobo, and Plateau business districts after dark. The DeGaulle and Houphouet-Boigny bridges, which cross the lagoon in Abidjan, are dangerous areas for pedestrians, even in the daytime. Many hotels, restaurants, nightclubs and supermarkets provide security guards to protect clients and their vehicles.
Visitors should use caution when traveling outside Abidjan, especially through the central western region of Cote d'Ivoire, where an increased incidence of crime has been reported. Traveling in that region at night is discouraged.
Business fraud stemming from Nigerian scam operations targets foreigners and poses a danger of financial loss and physical harm to those who travel personally to the region to complete deals. Persons who are contemplating business deals in Cote d'Ivoire with individuals promoting investment in Nigeria should use extreme caution and contact their embassy for advise, especially of the business involves the Central Bank of Nigeria or the Nigerian National Petroleum Company.
Hotels and restaurants are expensive in the larger towns. There are several hotels of international standard in Abidjan. In general, there is a choice between luxury, medium-range and cheaper accommodation in the larger towns. The Following are the hotels most frequented by business travelers: Hotel Ivoire, Sofitel, Hotel Golf and Hotel Tiama.
International telecommunications are only available in major towns/centers. Telephone IDD service is available. The country code is 225 and the outgoing international code is 00. Paging services are available through a private local company. Cellular and other wireless services are also available from private carriers. Since May 1996, full Internet connectivity on a commercial basis has been made available. Post office opening hours are 0730-1200 and 1430-1800 Monday through Friday.
Electricity is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round 2-pin plugs are standard.
220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are standard.
Social Conventions
One of the most striking features of Côte d’Ivoire, distinguishing it from many other African countries, is the extreme ethnic and linguistic variety. The size of each of the 60 groups – which include the Akar, Kron, Nzima, Hone, Voltaic and Malinke peoples – varies widely and the area they occupy may cover a whole region. With very few exceptions every Ivoirian has a mother tongue which is that of the village, along with traditions, family and social relations within their ethnic group. French has become the official language of schools, cities and government and therefore has an influence on lifestyle even at a modest level. Handshaking is normal. Tropical lightweight clothes are essential, a light raincoat in the rainy season and a hat for the sun. Casual wear is widely acceptable but beachwear should be confined to the beach or poolside. Dress tends to err on conservative - men wearing long trousers and women wearing knee-length or longer skirts, dresses and trousers. Ties need only be worn for formal occasions. Small tokens of appreciation, a souvenir from home or a business gift with the company logo are always welcome. Normal courtesies should be observed and it is considered polite to arrive punctually for social occasions. There are no restrictions on smoking. Snakes are regarded as sacred by some ethnic groups.
C,E
Abidjan and other centers have restaurants serving Caribbean, French, Italian, Lebanese and Vietnamese food. There is a growing number of African restaurants catering for foreigners.The best area for spicy African food is the Treichville district of Abidjan. The blue pages of the Abidjan telephone book have a special restaurant section. There are no restrictions on drinking. National specialties:
•Kedjenou (chicken cooked with different vegetables and sealed in banana leaves).
• N’voufou (mashed bananas or yam mixed with palm oil
and served with aubergine sauce).
• Attieké (cassava dish).National drinks:
• Bangui (local palm wine).Tipping
: Most hotels and restaurants include a service charge in the bill; if not, 15 per cent is acceptable.Nightlife
There are nightclubs in most major centers. Abidjan is the most lively area with its hotels and lagoon-side tourist resorts. There are also theaters, casinos and bars. Traditional entertainment is offered in some hotels.
