* Electricity is constant
People shout when light goes off not when they bring it. They see it as abnormal for light to go off. Their electricity is ever on, it doesn’t go off except they are carrying out maintenance. And the interesting thing is that their electricity seems to be managed by Nigerian engineers. During a visit to their office, we discovered that they were communicating with Yoruba language, could it be a coincidence?
No matter how underdeveloped the area is, it has constant light and water. If there is going to be interruption, they make announcements on radio or through other means of communication.
* Business
Ease of doing business is perfect, they make life easy for you. Small and Medium Enterprises thrive in the country because of the support of the government especially the constant supply of electricity but to start a large scale business, you must register the company and pay taxes without being coerced or forced. Those that operate small businesses also pay tax but not too cumbersome.
* Minimum wage
The minimum wage in Cote d’Ivoire according to information gathered is around 35,000f and it is good enough for one to sustain oneself in a month. The good thing is that one can still earn more especially for those who are strong enough to hustle their way out. For instance, a teacher earns around 50,000f and can combine lessons after school and might even earn almost the same with his salary.
You can live and still have some savings if you are not extravagant. Of course, salaries are not delayed, they are paid on due date except you have understanding with your staff otherwise you can be reported and taken to court. Nigerians working there are presently enjoying themselves because of the exchange rate especially those who have projects back home.
* No prostitution
Although, there is no country in the world where prostitution don’t take place, but investigation revealed that prostitution is not permitted in Cote d’Ivoire unlike what you see in other countries where sex workers are visible everywhere showcasing themselves. Although there are pockets of sex workers but they don’t operate in the open and most of them are foreigners. They operate secretly because if they are caught, they will be meant to face the law.
* No rent without government papers
One of the most difficult things to achieve in Cote d’Ivoire is residential apartment. It is easier to get a hotel apartment to stay one or two days or a month, but to get a place for a year is a herculean task. Unlike in some countries where you can get into the country and quickly get accomodation, it takes a lot in Cote d’Ivoire. They are very careful in giving residents to people especially foreigners because they don’t want to be involved in police issues.
They ensure you have genuine traveling documents and residence permit. They also ensure that you have a job and present your identity card and place of work, amongst others, so if anyone commits crime and looking for a place to hide, Cote d’Ivoire might not be a good destination.
Meanwhile, their rent there is on a monthly basis and any attempt to delay payment might land you either at the police station or court depending on your agreement but if you have good understanding with your landlord, of course, it could be resolved outside of those places. Also note that you pay caution fee when paying for rent and will only get refunds if the apartment is kept the same way you met it when moving out.
* Coin very useful
This is very strange for some people especially my country people. They can’t remember the last time they used coin let alone know where they kept theirs. It is said in the local parlance that, “Beggars have no choice” but if you give a beggar coin in Nigeria, he will reject it while some will throw it back at you but in Cote d’Ivoire, it is still very much in use. In fact, they carry it along with them.
No matter how highly placed the person is, he or she has coins either in his pocket, purse or in the car. The reason is because you can use coins for so many things ranging from payment at toll gates to paying for a meal. You can buy fruits with it and so many other things, it is very useful. Another thing that surprised me is that they don’t like accepting higher denomination, they prefer not to sell or give their service than look around for your balance (change in Nigeria).
For instance, if you buy something for 1000f, and you present 10,000f, many of them will reject while those that will accept will first sigh. Another thing is that they don’t accept mutilated notes, no matter how little it is including coins hence you must check when accepting money from anybody otherwise, that money will stay with you forever except you go to the bank to change it with a fine.
