Organize your stay Chad
Money Chad
Subdivisions. Banknotes are in denominations of 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 FCFA; coins are in denominations of 25, 50, 100, 200, 250 and 500 FCFA; the 5 and 10 FCFA coins have all but disappeared. The majority of transactions are carried out with small-denomination bills (500, 1,000 and 2,000 FCFA) and 100 and 200 FCFA coins. The 5,000 and 10,000 FCFA denominations are in much better condition than the others, as they are little used, whereas there is sometimes a real shortage of small denominations and even of change. So it's important to have change on hand for small purchases, otherwise you'll be unable to buy anything. To make up for this shortage of small change, some retailers will give you a credit note, which you can deduct from your next purchase.
Exchange rates. Aligned with the euro, the exchange rate is 655.96 FCFA to €1.
Cost of living. Foreigners, especially Westerners, are considered wealthy; this belief is firmly anchored in the minds of most Chadians. The average income of Chadians was around €650 per year in 2023. The minimum wage is close to 60,000 FCFA/month (€90). It was last raised in 2011...
Banks and foreign exchange. Banks are concentrated in the capital and generally open from 7:30 a.m. to mid-afternoon; they close early on Fridays and are mostly open on Saturday mornings. There are a few branches in the main provincial towns. It's very easy to change euros, whether in banks, major hotels or some of the European shops on Avenue Charles-de-Gaulle (first section), or in specialized shops around the large central market. For card withdrawals and payments, the exchange rate used for transactions is generally more attractive than the rates charged at exchange bureaus (bank charges are added to this rate)
Bank card - If you have a bank card (Visa, MasterCard, etc.), there's no need to carry large amounts of cash. If your card is not accepted by the merchant, simply go to an ATM. Don't forget to tell your bank advisor about your trip. He or she will be able to check with you whether your payment and withdrawal limits have been set. If necessary, ask for an exceptional authorization to raise the limit.
Visa cards are accepted by most banks and are the best way to withdraw cash. ATMs have multiplied in recent years: you'll easily find them on avenue Charles-de-Gaulle and on the main thoroughfares in Paris, as well as in the main provincial towns.
Cash advance. If you've reached your withdrawal limit or your card is malfunctioning, you can benefit from a cash advance. Offered by most major banks, this service enables you to withdraw cash simply by presenting your card at a bank counter, whether it's your own or not. You will often be asked for proof of identity. In general, the cash advance limit is the same as the withdrawal limit, and the two are cumulative (if your limit is €500, you can withdraw €1,000: €500 at the ATM, €500 in cash advance). The cost of the transaction is the same as for a foreign withdrawal.
Payment by card. Credit cards are increasingly accepted, but outside the major cities, the regions and towns you'll be passing through will rarely accept credit cards. Credit cards are not widely used in hotels, restaurants and shops throughout the country. So remember to withdraw cash from cash dispensers as soon as possible.
Money transfer. With this system, you can send and receive money from anywhere in the world in just a few minutes. The principle is simple: someone you know goes to a MoneyGram® or Western Union® point (post office, bank, gas station, grocery store, etc.), gives your name and pays a sum to the other person. On your side of the world, you go to a MoneyGram® or Western Union® point. Simply show photo ID and the transfer reference, and the money will be handed over to you.
Tipping. Although not an institution, tips are appreciated, especially in hotels and on organized tours.
Haggling. It's a common practice in many countries on the continent; you either like it or you don't. Chad is no exception. Chad is no exception. When you have the time, it can be fun to play the game: it's like a role-playing game in which each side tries to convince the other that it's really the right price to offer. Sellers and buyers can use all kinds of arguments, and sometimes the discussions border on seduction, as any means is good enough to make a very good deal. Without exaggeration, the hook price, which is not a hook price, can be divided by three or even five, depending on where you buy. Tourist spots tend to multiply the base price, while places with virtually no tourist traffic advertise relatively correct prices. It's worth noting that everyday foods are rarely affected by this market system. When you agree on a price with the seller, it's a win-win situation for both parties. One of the best techniques is to walk away when you can't get the price down. Most of the time, to avoid losing a customer, the seller will be forced to give his final price.
Budget & Tips Chad
By way of illustration, here are a few prices
Tomatoes (1 kg): 1,000 FCFA.
Potatoes (1 kg): 100 FCFA.
Bananas (per piece): 100 FCFA.
Mango (1 kg): 1,000 FCFA.
Beef fillet (1 kg): 7,000 FCFA.
Mutton (1 kg) : 4 000 FCFA.
Nescafé (small tin): 700 FCFA.
Sugar (1 kg): 1,250 FCFA.
Local peanut oil (1 l): 1,500 FCFA.
Nido milk (small tin): 3,500 FCFA.
Water (1.5 l bottle): 500 FCFA.
Petrol or diesel (1 l): 700-800 FCFA.
Cigarettes (1 pack): 500 FCFA for local brands and 1,000 FCFA for imports.
Soda: from 350 (grocery store) to 1,000 FCFA depending on location.
Local beer: from 750 FCFA for a 66 cl bottle.
Main course: in a Chadian restaurant between 1,500 and 2,500 FCFA.
Shared cab: 250 to 500 FCFA depending on the route - 5,000 FCFA for a single trip.
Stamp for Europe: 1,000 FCFA, 20g postage.
Internet connection: 1,000 FCFA per hour.
Passport and visas Chad
French nationals and Westerners must obtain a visa from the Chadian diplomatic representations of their country or neighboring countries, together with a valid passport, one or two passport photos and a certificate of accommodation in the country indicating the person hosting them and his/her date and place of birth. This certificate is issued by town halls in Chad for the sum of 10,000 FCFA. Local hotels and travel agencies always provide one. If you don't have any local contacts, you can try the French Cooperation Mission in N'Djamena. Visas cost €70 for a single entry (1 month) and €100 for several entries (3 months). It takes three working days from the time you hand in your documents until you receive your visa (unless you're prepared to pay a little more to get it within a day...).
It's advisable to bring several passport photos with you, as you'll be asked for two in particular, when you check in at Security, within three days of your arrival. Nationals of countries in the sub-region, such as Nigeria, Niger or Cameroon, do not need a visa to travel to Chad.
However, yellow fever vaccination is required for all.
All passports issued in France are now biometric. They include your photo, fingerprints and a secure chip. To obtain your passport, go to the town hall with a tax stamp, proof of address, proof of identity and two passport photos. The passport is issued in about three weeks. It is valid for ten years. Children must have a personal passport (valid for five years).
Tip. Before you leave, photocopy all the documents you'll be taking with you. Take one copy of each document with you and leave the other with someone in France. In the event of loss or theft, this will make it much easier to renew them with the consular authorities. You can also keep copies on the official website (mon.service-public.fr). Simply create an account and scan all your identity papers and other important documents into the confidential area.
Driver's license Chad
The European driving license is recognized in Chad and allows you to drive for the first 3 months of your stay.
Health Chad
Bilharzia is the tropical disease with the highest mortality rate after malaria (200 million people worldwide). After an incubation period ranging from three weeks to six months, the disease manifests itself through high fevers, blood in the urine and allergic skin reactions. The best prevention is to limit contact with unsalted stagnant water. Once detected, bilharzia is easily treated.
Traveler's diarrhea (tourista). Statistically, one out of every two travellers is affected by turista during the first 48 hours of their stay. These diarrhoeas and intestinal pains are caused by poor hygiene, undercooked food, over-spiced food or, more often than not, water. In fact, 80% of travel-related illnesses are directly attributable to contaminated water. These symptoms usually disappear within one to three days. Take an antidiarrheal, an intestinal disinfectant and stay well hydrated (no fruit juices). If the diarrhea persists or is accompanied by blood or mucus discharge, consult a doctor. To avoid these inconveniences, buy sealed water bottles, boil water (coffee and tea are "safe" drinks), avoid raw vegetables or unpeeled fruit, avoid ice cubes, don't brush your teeth with tap water, and always carry disinfectant tablets. Before you leave, you can buy Micropur® Forte DCCNa - a product that rapidly purifies water (eliminating bacteria, viruses, giardia and amoebae) and keeps it safe to drink. There are also Aquatabs® and Hydroclonazone®. The latter is the least expensive, but the chlorine taste is very pronounced and only the bacteria are eliminated. For adventurers, a filter is essential for muddy water. Katadyn® filters meet the needs of these adventurers with several models, including the bottle filter, which provides instant drinking water without pumping (it also eliminates viruses).
Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. It is most common in tropical regions. After a week's incubation, the disease causes fever, chills and headaches. In the most severe cases, a hemorrhagic syndrome characterized by vomiting of blackish blood, jaundice and kidney problems develops after several days. There is no specific treatment for yellow fever, other than bed rest and medication to combat the symptoms.
Malaria is also known as malaria. If you're travelling through a malaria-transmitting area (mainly Africa, but also all humid and/or equatorial zones), consult your doctor about the appropriate preventive treatment: it differs according to the region, the period of travel and the person concerned. Avoiding treatment is possible if your stay is less than seven days (and provided you are able to consult a doctor in the event of fever within a month of your return) In addition to pills, reduce the risk of contracting malaria by avoiding mosquito bites (repellent and covering clothing). The risk of being bitten is highest between sunset and sunrise, near stagnant water and shady areas.
Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection characterized by high fever, febrile diarrhea and loss of consciousness. The most severe forms can lead to digestive, neurological or cardiac complications. The incubation period varies from ten to fifteen days. Contamination occurs through stool or saliva, either directly (contact with a sick person or healthy carrier) or indirectly (ingestion of contaminated food: raw vegetables, seafood, water and ice cubes). The vaccine takes two to three weeks to take effect, and protects you for three years. In the event of contamination and failure to undergo preventive vaccination, treatment with fluoroquinolones will be recommended.
Repatriation assistance - Medical assistance
If you have a Visa® or MasterCard® bank card, you are normally covered by medical insurance and repatriation assistance for any trip abroad lasting less than 90 days (you don't have to pay for your trip with your card to be covered; simply holding a valid card provides you with coverage). Ask your bank for details, and carefully check the overall amount of coverage and deductibles, as well as the conditions of coverage and exclusion clauses. If you are not covered by one of these cards, don't forget to take out medical assistance before you leave.
The idealfirst-aid kit for Chad includes :
- sun cream ;
- water purification tablets;
- anti-parasite medication such as Flagyl ;
- food disinfectant for skinless or thin-skinned fruit and vegetables;
- paracetamol tablets, for minor aches and pains such as headaches;
- mosquito repellent ;
- cotton buds;
- lip balm, as the dry wind dries out this part of the body in particular.
All these products can normally be found in N'Djamena, but for a trip outside the capital, you'll need your own medical kit, based on our non-exhaustive list.
Mandatory vaccination Chad
Vaccination against yellow fever is compulsory. Vaccinations against tetanus, diphtheria, poliomyelitis (DTP) and hepatitis A (unless immunized) are recommended. The more cautious and adventurous should add hepatitis B and typhoid fever. Plan your vaccinations several weeks before departure. Rabies is widespread everywhere, and any animal bite (in 90% of cases, a dog) should be systematically and urgently considered for post-bite vaccination. In certain cases, preventive rabies vaccination may be considered. For further information, visit the French Ministry of Health website (www.sante.gouv.fr) for details of vaccination centers near you, and the Institut Pasteur for information on vaccines. (https://www.pasteur.fr)
Security Chad
Chad is considered a dangerous country for visitors for a variety of reasons.
Insecurity on the roads. Roads are in very poor condition and there are many accidents, often fatal. It is also important to be well-informed before taking roads outside built-up areas, as there are still road cutters, a kind of highway bandit who take advantage of remote areas to attack isolated vehicles.
Terrorism. Various terrorist groups are hiding in the country, so it's best not to run into them...
Crime. Crime (theft, assault, burglary) is steadily on the rise in the capital. We advise you to keep a close eye on developments and avoid travelling on foot, especially at night, especially in the working-class districts to the east (Moursal, Sabangali, Chagoua). Weapons are commonly carried in these areas.
Before travelling, please consult theMinistry of the Interior website: https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays-destination/tchad/
Time difference Chad
In summer, the time difference between Chad and France is one hour. For example, when it's 12 p.m. in France, it's 11 a.m. in Chad. In winter, there is no time difference with France. There is no time change in Chad.
Spoken languages Chad
There are over 150 local languages, but the two official languages spoken by the majority of Chadians are Arabic (since 1978) and French (since 1960).
Communication Chad
In the cities, the GSM telephone network is of good quality, and Internet speeds are fairly high. As soon as you move away from the big cities, you can quickly find yourself in a white zone, but it's sometimes surprising to discover that the network even reaches some villages at the ends of the earth.
Electricity and measurements Chad
In Chad, the current used is 220 volts. No need for transformers or adapters. The cost of electricity is exorbitant. It's one of the most expensive in the world. Off-grid or during load shedding, electricity is produced by diesel-powered generators. The Société Nationale d'Electricité (SNE) carries out load shedding by cutting off power for several hours at a time, depending on the district. The frequent power cuts and power surges can damage electrical appliances. The rate of access to electricity is one of the lowest in the world, but the government is redoubling its efforts to improve it, and covers part of the electricity bills of private individuals.
For weights and measures, the French metric system is used.
Luggage Chad
Lightweight pants: It's not a good idea to wear shorts or skirts, as they're frowned upon. Instead, wear trousers or canvas pants.
For tops, you can wear T-shirts or blouses without distinction. Don't hesitate to take a light sweater for cool nights. For the rainy season, bring a windbreaker and a warm sweater.
A pair of sandals and a pair of tennis shoes (closed-toe) for the evening (mosquito repellent). Don't forget your socks.
A light sleeping bag (for desert excursions or cool winter nights).
An insulated flask to keep mineral water fresh, and water purification tablets so you can safely drink tap water.
A torch or headlamp: just as useful in the bush as in N'Djamena, where power cuts are a daily occurrence.
A tube of Biafine.
A protective lip stick and a tube of sun cream with an SPF of 20 or higher.
Cleansing wipes or make-up remover to freshen up your face and hands, which are often covered in dust.
Mosquito repellent sprays and twists.
Suggestion: in addition to your belongings, you can also take a bag of clothes you no longer wear, which may prove very useful in Chad. It's best to leave it with the head of the family, or other Catholic missions or associations.
