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Country Commercial Guides FY 1999: Cote d'Ivoire

IX. BUSINESS GUIDELINES: TRAVEL AND INFRASTRUCTURE

1. Business Customs

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.  Academic 
titles and degrees are frequently used by members of the 
expatriate community or those who have received their schooling 
abroad.  U.S. business people ordinarily use their firm's name 
and their title translated into French.

As a rule, business customs in Cote d' Ivoire are similar to but 
perhaps more formal than those in the United States.  Ivorians in 
large commercial enterprises tend to follow a western-style 
business dress code comparable to those in any large U.S. city.  
Tropical weight suits and clothing are appropriate throughout the 
year and an umbrella is essential during the June to August rainy 
season.  Please refer to Chapter IV. Section 7: Selling 
Factors/Techniques for further information.

2. Travel Warnings and Visas (see paragraph 3)


3.  Entry Requirements 

Health:  A valid U.S. passport and international health 
certificate showing current yellow fever and cholera 
immunizations are required for entry into Cote d'Ivoire.  
Otherwise, the traveler risks being subjected to inoculation at 
the point of entry which is highly inadvisable.  Inoculation 
against typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, typhus is also recommended. 
 Malaria prophylaxis is strongly advised. The traveler is also 
advised to keep their passport on their person at all times.  
Failure to do so may result in detention at a local police 
station.  

Entry Visas:  American citizens do not need a visa to enter or 
depart Cote d'Ivoire if their visit is for less than ninety days. 
 All visitors should ensure their passport is stamped by Ivorian 
officials at port of entry.

A long term visa (Visa de Long Sejour) is required for business 
people, tourists and diplomats if the visit will exceed ninety 
days.  Visas are issued by the Embassy of Cote d'Ivoire, 2424 
Massachusetts Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 tel: 202-797-
0300, fax: 202-387-6381.  Airport visas are not available.  Visas 
may be for either single or multiple entries and must be 
accompanied by a letter of recommendation from the company 
represented by the traveler.  If the visa expires while in Cote 
d'Ivoire, it is necessary to apply for renewal at the Surete 
Nationale. 

Work and Residency Permits:  Requirements for persons seeking 
long-term employment in Cote d'Ivoire are stringent. The country 
is emphasizing "Ivorianization" of its work force.  In the case 
of skilled employment, permission is granted only if personnel 
with comparable skills are not locally available.  A Security 
Bond is required for each alien so employed.

American citizens who expect to work and reside in Cote d'Ivoire 
for an extended period of time must apply for a residency permit 
(Certificat de Residence) and a work permit (Carte de Sejour) at 
the " Direction de la Surete Nationale", at the Ministry of 
Interior.  The following documents are required in support of a 
residence and work permit application:

a. Valid passport
b. Completed application form
c. Photos (3) and fingerprints (taken at the Surete Nationale)
d. Statement by the applicant regarding his/her activities in    
Cote d'Ivoire
e. A fee of approximately USD 85.  Your receipt is a permanent   
record. You  will need to show it until the Carte de sejour    
is delivered. It is also required for the application for
an exit visa.

It is also a good idea to register with the U.S. Embassy if the 
visit will exceed ninety days or if the visitor plans to work in 
the Cote d'Ivoire.

Re-entry Visas:  Residents who travel out of Cote d'Ivoire will 
need a "visa de sortie et de retour" before they travel.  There 
is a CFA 20,000 fee for a re-entry visa.  They are issued by the 
Surete Nationale and can be obtained with a copy of a residence 
permit.   Visitors departing after a visit of less than 90 
(verified by the entry stamp in the passport) do not require this 
visa.

Other Entrance Requirements - Personal/Professional Goods

Free entry is permitted of necessary wearing apparel and personal 
effects that are proved to have been in personal or household 
used by the traveler and are not for sale, and of instruments and 
tools for professional use.  No customs and entry duty is 
required for visitors carrying portable computers and laptops and 
cellular phones for their own use.  Cellular phones work under 
the GSM 900 standard. Users of GSM  cellular phones only need a 
connection to the existing local network for a one-year 
subscription which varies from USD 105 to USD 175.  All other 
goods including tobacco and alcoholic beverages, whether imported 
for personal use or sale, including goods intended for residents 
of the Cote d'Ivoire are subject to duty.

Travelers deciding to import any vehicle (including trailers or 
cycles) or other goods intended for their use, convenience or 
comfort, but not for consumption, must deposit at the time and 
place of importation a sum equal to the duty that would be 
imposed.  Simultaneously, a claim for temporary exemption should 
be presented.  The vehicle or goods must then be exported at the 
end of the stipulated period.  These conditions also apply to 
articles imported for exhibition or demonstration and subsequent 
reexport.  If the prescribed conditions are not met, the visitor 
will be liable for the full duty of the vehicle or goods 
imported.  A guarantee may be made by an authorized organization, 
however, in which case no deposit is required.  The organization 
thereby assumes the liability for the duty if the vehicle or 
goods are not reexported within the prescribed period.

4. Public Holidays

January 1      (New Year's Day)

March          (End of Ramadan)**
April 5        (Easter Monday)
May 1          (Labor Day)
May            (Ascension Day)
May            (Tabaski)**
May 31         (Pentecost Monday)
August 7       (Independence Day)
August 15      (Assumption Day)
August         (Prophet Mohammed's Birthday)**
November 1     (All Saint's Day)
November 15    (National Peace Day)
December 7     (Houphouet Boigny Day)
December       (Day after the Night of Destiny)
December 25    (Christmas Day) 

**Business travelers should verify the dates of these holidays 
prior to undertaking their trip.  These holidays vary from 
country to country and depend on the sighting of the moon.  
Business establishments are normally closed during public 
holidays in Cote d'Ivoire.


5. Business Infrastructure

Cote d'Ivoire has an excellent infrastructure by developing 
country standards and arguably the best in sub-Saharan West 
Africa: things work most of the time.  This includes an excellent 
system of paved roads, very good telecommunications, two modern 
seaports, two international airports, rail links, modern real-
estate developments for commercial, industrial and retail use, 
modern supermarkets and hotels, a number of recognized 
international banks and a small, national stock exchange. 

5.1  Currency Exchange

The CFA franc, the official currency of Cote d'Ivoire, is the 
currency of the Communaute Financiere Africaine.  Coins of 5, 10, 
25, 50, 100 and 250 CFA/F and bills of 500, 1,000, 2,500, 5,000 
and 10,000 CFA/F are in circulation.  Currently, the rate is 
approximately 600 CFA/F to USD 1 although any exchange to CFA/F 
from dollars will be at the daily prevailing rate.  You may 
exchange funds at local banks, hotels and at the airport. Expect 
to receive lower than the daily published rates.  French francs 
can be exchanged at the fixed rate of 1 French franc equals 100 
CFA/F.


There are no limitations on the importation of dollars or 
travelers checks as long as they are declared upon entry.  
Permission from an authorized Ivorian bank is required to export 
dollars.  The importation and exportation of Ivorian currency 
(the CFA/F) is strictly prohibited.

5.2  Labor Costs and Legislation

The guaranteed minimum monthly wage (SMIG) in Cote d'Ivoire was 
approximately USD 75.  Since the May 1, 1996 decision of the 
Ivorian Government for a salary increase ranging from 3 to 15 
percent in the public sector, there has not been any new decision 
of major salary increase.  The increase has depended  upon the 
worker's rank.  In addition to the basic salary, employers pay 
social insurance premiums of 9.9 percent of the base salary and 
employees contribute 1.6 percent of salary towards retirement.  
Numerous mandatory allowances are also paid and include: meal, 
transportation, housing, and seniority allowances.  Health 
insurance is also required.  Employees receive 2.5 days of paid 
vacation for each month of work.  Workers in any company with 10 
or more employees have the right to union representation. 

Beyond the SMIG, there is a scale of monthly base salary for 
certain occupational categories.  Below is a listing of these 
categories and the approximate monthly salaries including 
allowances. 

Unskilled worker:           USD 75
Semi-skilled worker:        USD 120
Skilled worker:             USD 135-150
Bi-lingual Skilled
 Office Worker:             USD 800-1000
Typist:                     USD 130-150
Bi-lingual Receptionist:    USD 500
Secretary:                  USD 600
Bi-lingual Accountant/MBA:  US 1600-2700


5.3  Overland Transport


Cote d'Ivoire has over 43,000 miles of roads of which 3,750 miles 
were primary roads and 3,666 miles were paved secondary roads. 
All major cities can be accessed by paved roads in an ordinary 
passenger car.  Gasoline stations are readily available.  Fuel 
prices are regulated but subject to an automatic cost-based 
formula and range from 70 cents per liter for regular gasoline to 
49 cents per liter for diesel fuel.  There is an external rail 
line that runs to Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, approximately 1,025 
miles from Abidjan. Since two years ago, SITARAIL, the railway 
company has invested USD 68 million along with multilateral and 
bilateral donors such as the World Bank, the French cooperation 
agency, CFCD and the European Investment Bank, and the African 
Development Bank. Investment helped the railway company buy new 
passenger trains and wagons, and renovate existing railways 
network.  In general, barring the red tape, large shipments can 
be accommodated within and external to Cote d'Ivoire.

5.4  Air and Maritime Transport

The Felix Houphouet Boigny International airport in Abidjan is 
the main airport of Cote d'Ivoire.  In 1997, it handled more than 
1,000,000 passengers and over 25,000 tons of freight.  About 19 
international airline companies serve Abidjan.  The twenty-five 
domestic and regional airports have the capacity to be  served by 
Air Ivoire, the national airline which is not operating and about 
to be privatized.  The other international airport is located at 
Yamoussoukro. Two years ago, the  management of the Abidjan 
airport was awarded to Aeroport International d'Abidjan (AERIA) 
for a 15 year management contract which also includes a 
renovation plan in progress for a series of rehabilitation works 
of USD 20 million over the next two years.

Cote d'Ivoire has two major ports at Abidjan and San Pedro. A 
project of the Port of Abidjan extension will be tendered soon.  
Total freight traffic in 1995 for both ports exceeded 13 million 
tons of which over 50 percent were petroleum products (Abidjan) 
while San Pedro is used mostly for timber and other agricultural 
products.  Ninety percent of international trade is through sea 
transportation.  While the Port of Abidjan is one of the most 
modern in West Africa, unfortunately it is not one of the most 
productive.  The main problem is paperwork, related delays caused 
by the monopolistic customs and freight handling system.  Use of 
a freight forwarder (transitaire) is mandatory.   Since last 
year, freight rates from the US have decreased considerably due 
to a new bulk service provided by Maersk Line. 


Currently three national shipping companies exist, Sivomar, 
Comarco, and CMGI.  Sivomar has ventures with France's Delmas 
line, with Italy's Grimaldi line, and recently with a South 
African shipping line.  Sivomar serves West and Southern African 
and Mediterranean ports.  Comarco, new in business, has not taken 
off adequately as well as CGMI.

5.5  Communications


There are more than 130,000 telephone subscribers in Cote 
d'Ivoire, 80 percent of whom are located in metropolitan Abidjan. 
 CI-Telcom officials project that the number of subscribers will 
reach 410,000 within the next five years.  CI-Telcom services 
include: mobile radio telephone, telex, telegraph and facsimile 
services, and an X.25 based packet switched network for large 
data communications applications and the MINITEL directory. 

Other added-value service companies are operating in the 
telecommunications sector. Paging services are available through 
a private local company.  Cellular and other wireless services 
are also available from private carriers since three years.  
Ivorian government authorities rank high the connection of the 
country to the information highway.  Since May 1996, full 
Internet connectivity on a commercial basis has been made 
available. Over the last two years, the number of computers 
connected to Internet has substantially increased, and this 
increase is expected to continue at a fast pace.  In 1997 an 
eleven member council called "Conseil National des Autoroutes de 
l'information, CNAI, was established to advice Ivorian 
governments on issues related to internet development in the 
country. Cote d'Ivoire was selected as a site to be funded under 
the Leland initiative, a 5 year USD 15 million USAID project to 
install full internet connectivity in up to 20 African countries. 
 The project will generate more internet service providers in the 
market and reduce the subscription cost of internet to about US 
35 to 45 per month for a full service package.


5.6  Utilities

After the may 1996 decision of the Ivorian government to reduce 
by 7 percent for the average rate of electricity and to  increase 
23.7 percent the average rate of water for large consumers, there 
has not been any major change in both electricity and water 
tariffs.

All electricity subscribers choose a service capacity level and 
pay a security deposit plus an upgrade charge (for a higher level 
of capacity) upon initiation of service.  This amount has been 
approximately US 750 for U.S. Embassy houses which are invariably 
upgraded to an average of 39.6 KW rating of installed capacity.  
The deposit is partly refunded upon cancellation of service.  
Customers receive a bill every two months.

Rates consist of:

1) A fixed monthly fee (approximately USD 4.30 per KW of the 
installed capacity) 
2) Usage fees based on a variable rate per kilowatt hour (about 
10.3 cents for the first 8,297 hours and 8.2 cents for the 
balance)
3) A community tax (around 1 percent of the total consumed)
4) A contribution of USD 3.5 for Government Radio and TV.
5) A contribution for rural electrification (around 5 percent    
  of the total consumed)
6) A government "stamp" tax (around 50 cents).

The average Embassy house electrical bill exceeds US 1,000 every 
two months. Peak hours: 19:30 until 23:30, Busy hours are: 06:30 
to 18:00, Off Peak hours are: 24:00 to 06:30. 

Business users (factories) pay a fixed charge for an industrial 
hookup (USD 1.90 per KW of installed capacity), a fee for a 
transformer (varies), plus 1 month's billing as a refundable 
deposit.  Medium tension rates vary from 3.5 cents to 8 cents 
(off-peak versus peak hours) and high tension users pay between 
1.4 and 2.5 cents per KWH plus US 6 per month per KW of installed 
capacity.  The announced decreases do not affect high tension 
users of which there are only 4.

Water:

All water customers are billed on a quarterly basis.  A deposit 
of approximately USD 45 is required to initiate service.  The 
rates vary per range of consumption and according to the diameter 
of the counter used from 19 cents/m3 to 60 cents/m3.  

5.7  Taxes

Corporate Taxes:  The following taxes are applicable to all 
legally registered corporations: Tax on corporate profits: 35 
percent; National Contribution Tax: 1 percent; Personal Property 
Tax: 6 percent of the income of subsidiaries of foreign
corporations and 12 percent of the  income of Ivorian firms;
Payroll Taxes: 2.5 percent for local workers and 16 percent for
foreign workers;  Workers  Compensation: 5 percent for family
allowances, 2-5 percent toward  industrial injury costs, and 1.8
percent pension contribution.

Personal Income Taxes:  Called employee taxes, they are subject 
to numerous adjustments depending on the number of dependents an 
individual is responsible for supporting.  Taxes come in the form 
of payroll, unemployment, income, and pension contributions 
(always 1.2 percent of personal income).

Other taxation:  A value-added tax (VAT) of 20 percent is 
included in the purchase price of domestic or imported goods.  A 
filing fee is assessed on documents and legal transactions.  
Additionally, real estate taxes may be levied depending on the 
nature of the building or property.

5.8  Rents: Office and Residential

With the exception of the industrial zone of Vridi, which is 
controlled by the Port of Abidjan, the Ivorian government does 
not set any minimum rates.  Rates depend upon the location, use 
of the property and the length of the tenancy.  Current average 
monthly rates are:

Industrial zone of Vridi:   USD  1.30 per square meter

Office lease-downtown
3 or more years, includes parking
and maintenance             USD 4.3 per square meter 
plus 15 percent per year

Residential zones:          USD 13.31 per square foot (USD
                            12,000 or more annually)

Cost of lands owned by
the Government:

For industrial use:         USD 1.75 to USD 2.63 per square
                            meter
Land equipped with water
and phone installation:     USD 8.80 to USD 11.4 per square
                            meter

Cost of land in the market:  USD 14 to USD 18

There have been a few long term leases (99 years) negotiated by 
members of the oil industry.  Lease costs overall have risen 10-
15 percent during 1995-96 and are expected to continue rising due 
to company relocations that have increased the demand for modern 
office space.

5.9  Housing/Business Services/Schools


In Abidjan, residential housing is good and there is a varied 
selection of apartments, duplexes and single family homes 
available.  Presently, there is a shortage of ex-patriate type 
housing which has caused rental rates to increase sharply.  
Abidjan also offers a wide range of professional business 
services including but not limited to: accountants, tax advisors, 
appraisers, architects, lawyers, engineers, computer consultants, 
real estate managers, and construction contractors.  With the 
extension of the city of Abidjan, other district areas are 
growing, with residences and locations for shops, stores or 
business.  There is a 20,000 housing unit gap for the city of 
Abidjan every year, and the Ivorian government has recently 
launched a bid for 3 projects of 4,000 housing units each.  There 
is an excellent American-curriculum International school and 
several excellent French schools.  Multinationals prefer to 
locate their regional headquarters in Abidjan because they are 
assured relatively trouble free communications and a higher 
standard of living compared to other West African countries.  

5.10  Security

Crime is a problem in Abidjan as it is in New York and other 
major metropolitan areas.  Crimes against foreigners have ranged 
from routine street crime to violent crime resulting in death.   

Stay in well-lit areas as much as possible.  At all times walk 
confidently and at a steady pace on the side of the street facing 
traffic.  Walk close to the curb.  Avoid crowds, mass transit, 
doorways, bushes and alleys and sparsely populated areas.  

If you are going out at night, take a taxi.  Especially avoid 
walking across the bridges, they are not safe.  

Be discreet with your transactions, especially if it is on the 
street in full public view. The normal spending money of Western 
visitors is extravagant in comparison to the average Ivorian. 

Register with the U.S. Embassy if your visit will exceed ninety 
days.

5.11  Health Precautions


Business visitors to Cote d'Ivoire find the climate hot and 
humid.  It is advisable to SLOW DOWN - you'll last longer!  
Increase your non-alcoholic liquid intake - water and juices.  
Add extra salt to your food to replace what your body loses in 
perspiration.  Keep your diet light- the more you eat, the more 
heat you generate in digesting it.  The looser and lighter your 
clothing, the better.  Avoid excessive exposure to the sun unless 
you are accustomed to it. 

Malaria prophylaxes are strongly recommended while in Cote 
d'Ivoire.  Mefloquine or Lariam is preferable.  Treatment should 
be started two weeks before arrival and should be continued for 
six weeks after departure.

Water and ice at the major hotels (Hotel Ivoire, Hotel Sofitel 
and Hotel Golf) are considered safe for consumption since these 
hotels have their own purification plants.  Water and ice served 
in other establishments should be avoided.   Drink only bottled 
water which is available in most restaurants.  Beer and soft 
drinks are safe to consume as long as they are not served over 
ice.  Avoid eating raw fruits (unless peeled), salads and 
vegetables.  Meat, no matter what kind, should be well done. Fish 
if fresh, is safe.  Milk and milk products from sealed cartons or 
bottles are considered safe, as are imported cheeses, butter, 
cream, and ice cream if storage has been adequate.  
The inner lagoons of Abidjan are badly polluted and should be 
avoided.  While the salt water at the ocean beaches near Abidjan 
is relatively clean, the strong surf and treacherous undertow are 
extremely dangerous.  The pools at the large hotels are filtered 
and cleaned regularly. 

Sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS, are prevalent 
among the local population.

5.12  Insurance

Visitors are advised to examine their insurance needs prior to 
their departure from the United States.  Several U.S.-based 
companies provide very reasonably priced accident, sickness, 
liability, and medical evacuation insurance. 

5.13  Hotels

Following is a list of local hotels most frequented by U.S. 
business travelers:

Hotel Ivoire  Tel: (225)44-10-45       Fax: (225)44-00-50
Sofitel       Tel: (225)21-26-00       Fax: (225)21-20-28
Hotel Golf    Tel: (225)43-10-44       Fax: (225)43-05-44
Hotel Tiama   Tel: (225)21-08-22       Fax: (225)22-40-17

CNN and the French pay-TV program Canal Horizon are available 
locally.

5.14  International Mail and Long Distance Telephone Calls



International Postage Rates to U.S.:

- An airmail letter to the US weighing up to 20 gms. requires a  
  400 CFA/F stamp and CFA/F 850 for letters weighing 40 gms.
- A post card without an envelope requires a 400 CFA/F stamp.
- The large hotels sell stamps and accept mail from guests.  

For long distance calls to the U.S., use an AT&T calling card if 
you have one, especially when calling from your hotel.  The 
access code is 00-1111.  You may also use an AT&T card from Cote 
d'Ivoire to access the following countries using their World 
Connect Service:  Cape Verde Islands, Liberia, Gabon, Nigeria, 
Gambia, Zambia, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Kenya.  Sprint and MCI do not 
provide direct connect type service to the Cote d'Ivoire at this 
time.

5.15  Transportation in Abidjan

If you plan to spend a week or more in Abidjan, it is advisable 
to hire a car and driver for transportation around the city.  
Inquire about these services through the concierge at your hotel. 
It is possible to find English-speaking drivers.

Buses:  It is not advisable to use the city buses for reasons of 
safety, security and reliability.

Taxis:  City taxis (orange-red in color) are reasonably priced, 
numerous, and available on the main streets and boulevards in 
most sections of the city, day or night.  All are metered.  These 
rates are doubled (legally) between midnight and 5:00 AM.  Some 
taxi drivers may not speak much French and may not know the city 
as well as one would expect.  Before taking a taxi, check to see 
if the driver really knows where you want to go. 

5.16  Dining Out

Abidjan's restaurants are many and varied, and offer 
international specialties, excellent fish and French cuisine.  
Luncheon is usually served between 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm and 
dinner from about 7:30 pm onward.  Prices are reasonable by 
American standards and offer a wide range (from the inexpensive 
maquis to elegant Continental restaurants).  

Opinions differ on the subject of tipping in Abidjan.  Some 
recommend leaving only a nominal amount of change; It is 
recommended that you tip at least 10 percent of the bill under 
reasonable and normal circumstances.  Bon appetit!

6. General Advice

Visitors to Cote d'Ivoire should show respect for the flag, the 
President, his government and all that he symbolizes.  They 
should stop for a presidential motorcade, stand for the national 
anthem, and under no circumstances destroy or deface a portrait 
of the President.  The import and unauthorized use of illicit 
drugs or firearms is a particularly serious offense.

7. U.S. Mission Assistance

Prior to traveling to Cote d'Ivoire, U.S. business visitors are 
encouraged to contact their nearest U.S. Department of Commerce 
District Office or the Regional Commercial Service located at 
Immeuble Eco Bank/Paribas, 5th floor, Plateau, Abidjan, or the 
Foreign Agricultural Service located at Immeuble Tropique Trois, 
Mezzanine Level, Plateau, Abidjan (across the street from the 
U.S. Embassy).  The U.S. Embassy is located at 5, Rue Jesse Owens 
on the Plateau. (Website: www.usia.doc.gov/post/abidjan). For 
specific contacts, their U.S. addresses, telephone and fax 
numbers, please refer to the Appendix, Section C. 
  
The Embassy of the Cote d'Ivoire in the United States is located 
at 2424 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel: 
202-797-0300, fax: 202-387-6381.  The Cote d'Ivoire Mission to 
the United Nations is located at 46 East 74th Street, New York, 
NY 10021, tel: 212-717-5555, fax: 212-717-4492.

A useful international guide is the "KEY OFFICERS OF FOREIGN 
SERVICE GUIDE FOR BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVES" published by the U.S. 
Department of State and available for sale by the Superintendent 
of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 
20402, Tel: (202) 512-1800; Fax: (202) 512-2250. Business 
travelers to Cote d'Ivoire seeking appointments should contact 
the Commercial Service which can assist them meet their 
objectives with a Gold Key services adapted to Post's resources 
and the local market.  Information on the Gold Key Service and 
other business facilitation services offered by CS Abidjan is 
provided through Afribiz (www.afribiz.com), the regional 
commercial web site designed as a one-stop shop for U.S. business 
in West Africa.