Bujumbura, Burundi Report of what it's like to live there - 08/20/15
Personal Experiences from Bujumbura, Burundi
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
Yes.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Washington, DC. About 22 hours to post, connections in Brussels, Amsterdam/Nairobi, or Addis.
3. How long have you lived here?
Long enough.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
U.S. Government employment.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Stand-alone houses, 8 minutes to the embassy.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Imported items are expensive. Produce is cheap and very good.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Liquids -- dish soap, laundry soap, olive oil, good wine, nail polish and cosmetics.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Good Indian, Chinese, and Italian. $12-15 for dinner and a beer.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Ants!
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Diplomatic pouch.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Available at about $95-125 per month for a cook/housekeeper. More for nannies, less for gardeners.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There are a couple of gyms in town. Most Americans use the gym at the embassy.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Don't use them. Only cash.
5. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
French helps in town.
6. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes. It would be impossible.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Affordable, yes. Safe, no.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
SUV with some clearance. There are a lot of RAV4s and Land Cruisers on the road here.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Internet is available, but not high speed. $80 a month, and you can pay at the embassy.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Bring an unlocked phone or buy something cheap on the local economy. Minutes are cheap here.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
No quarantine required. Vet care is limited. Not sure if the Belgian vet is coming back. Find a friend to dog-sit or cat-sit for you.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Not really.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Casual in public, business or business casual at work.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Wrong place, wrong time kind of threats. Americans are not specifically targeted.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Poor medical care --- just hope you don't get sick or injured. Malaria and parasites are concerns.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Good, even though the locals like to burn things.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
80-90 year 'round. It can get humid, especially during the rainy seasons.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
No personal experience. People generally use the Belgian or the French school.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Really small while on departure. Morale is at an all-time low. Horrible work-life balance, and people are just frustrated with the situation.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
BBQs at friends' houses, dining out, going to the beach.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
It is good for families and couples. Horrible for singles.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Probably not.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Ethnic tensions flare every now and again between Hutus and Tutsis.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Seeing hippos.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
None come to mind.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Baskets, wood carvings, fabrics.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
It is a beautiful country with lovely people and great weather. Saving money is easy here because there is nothing to spend it on besides travel out of this place.
10. Can you save money?
Yes.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
I had a good idea of what I was getting into and what may happen during the elections.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
No. I like Burundians, but I don't care for working at the embassy.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Winter clothes and hope for an easy, relaxing tour at a small, sleepy post.
4. But don't forget your:
Positive attitude and resilience.
