Living in Daloa as an expatriate

Visa requirements

Expats intending to stay in Ivory Coast for an extended period should apply for a residency permit or a work visa, depending on their immigration status. The visa application process requires submitting various documents, such as a passport, a police certificate, a medical certificate, and proof of employment or financial resources.

Language resources

The official language in Daloa is French, and proficiency in the language is required for communication and business dealings. Expats can learn French through language courses offered by local institutions, private tutors, and online platforms such as Babbel, Rosetta Stone, and Busuu.

Housing

The cost of housing in Daloa is relatively affordable compared to other cities in Ivory Coast. Expats can find a range of housing options, from shared houses to fully furnished apartments and houses. The average monthly rent for a small and unfurnished apartment in a central location is around 100 USD, while a one-bedroom apartment in a suburban area costs around 70 USD per month. For a two-bedroom apartment, expats should budget around 150 USD per month, while a three-plus-bedroom house with a garden costs approximately 400 USD a month. Expats should also factor in utilities and maintenance fees when calculating their housing expenses.

Groceries

Daloa has a variety of supermarkets, markets, and street vendors selling fresh produce, meat, fish, and other household items. Expats should budget around 250-350 USD per month for groceries, depending on their consumption habits.

Transportation

Daloa's transportation system is affordable and convenient, with bus fares costing less than a dollar, and taxi fares ranging from one to five dollars, depending on distance.

Daloa has a tropical climate with high humidity levels throughout the year. The city experiences two rainy seasons, from April to June and from September to November, with short dry seasons in January and February. The temperature typically hovers around 27°C (81°F) during the day and 22°C (72°F) at night. Thunderstorms are a common occurrence during the rainy seasons, while dust storms and haze can be prevalent during the dry seasons.

The job market in Daloa is thriving, with a wide range of employment opportunities in various sectors. Expats looking for work should concentrate on finding jobs in agriculture, forestry, finance, and international aid organizations. Some of the major local and international companies with a significant presence in the city include Societe Commerciale, Société Ivoirienne de Raffinerie, Banque Fédérale Zangolé, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

Daloa is blessed with a decent healthcare system that includes both public and private healthcare facilities. The city has several hospitals and clinics, including Centre Hospitalier de Daloa, Centre Medico-Chirurgicale Pavielle, and Centre de Soins Spécialisés Daloa. Expats can also access pharmacies, dental clinics, and optical practices located in the city's shopping districts and residential areas.

Getting around Daloa is easy and affordable thanks to its well-developed public transportation system. The city has regular bus services that operate throughout the day. Taxis and motorcycle taxis (zemidiens) are also readily available, and their fares are relatively cheap. Expats can use mobile apps like CardME to book rides, pay for them, and track their driver's location in real-time.

Daloa is generally a safe city, although expats should exercise caution in certain areas, especially at night. Expats should be aware of petty crimes such as pickpocketing, robbery, and burglary, and keep their valuables secure. The city also experiences occasional political unrest and civil disturbances, and expats should stay informed and avoid these areas. Medical emergencies and natural disasters, such as floods and storms, are also a concern, and expats should make appropriate arrangements for such situations.