N'djamena, Chad Report of what it's like to live there - 05/03/26
Personal Experiences from N'djamena, Chad
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No, I have lived in several other countries with the Department before joining.
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?
USA. It's a long trip to post and back, but usually only two flights, either via Paris or Istanbul. Not as bad as I was expecting.
3. What years did you live here?
2024-2026.
4. How long have you lived here?
Two years.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic mission.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Housing is overly large given that post only allows eligible family members (EFMs) over 18 and there are few EFMs here. As far as I know, everybody is in a standalone house and commutes are generally easy. My commute, for example, is around ten minutes on the average day, perhaps 15 or 20 when the traffic is really bad.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
You can buy produce from roadside stands if your French or Arabic is sufficient and you don't mind the foreigner tax. I shop at Western-style supermarkets, which cost more, of course. You won't find many American brands, but you can generally find most everything you need, sooner or later. I did not do a consumables shipment and ordered other stuff from Amazon, although it takes up to six weeks to arrive.
3. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Everyone goes to Beyrouth over and over again not necessarily because of the food quality (it's decent Lebanese) but because there are few other options. Plus, I've never gotten sick from eating there, so that's my sole recommendation. Grilled camel is popular among some expats, but I'm convinced it's more to be able to tell people you've had grilled camel, rather than for the quality of the meal.
4. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Everything will get inside your house. Cricket season will almost literally drive you insane, since they will chirp out of sight for days on end until they finally die. Ants are common and huge. Lizards too, which you would think would help with the crickets and ants, but alas, they do not.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Diplomatic Post Office (DPO).
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Many people employ a few people; when I had a yard guy I paid him about 125 USD per month to come twice a week.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
Good lord, no. The air quality is among the worst in the world, and the sun here is either unbelievably intense or filtered nicely by the ridiculous amount of dust in the air.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
The Embassy has a small but decent gym, plus a pool.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
The Embassy has an ATM but I've never used it. Most places here require cash, but you can use a credit card at a few places (hotels, Western supermarkets).
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You definitely need French basics, and the more, the better. There is a post language program.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes, absolutely.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
We are prohibited from using local transportation.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
I don't think I've ever seen an electric vehicle here; it's not that kind of place. Bring something that you are not worried about getting dinged up, or that you want to get rid of after your tour; used cars are a hot commodity here and you'll easily find a buyer.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Starlink is available and is the only reliable internet provider here.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Google Fi supposedly works here, but so unpredictably that you can't rely on it. My work phone is the only real option.
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?
This is one of those posts where there are more EFM jobs than candidates.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
More formal than I was expecting, given the extreme heat. Business casual is the least formal we get.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Absolutely. See our Level 4 travel advisory.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Absolutely. See our Level 4 travel advisory.
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?
Terrible. It's been rated the worst in the world. There is an ever-present sticky brown dust in the air that will cover everything in your house after a while. It's nasty here.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
This is not the place for them.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
There is very little to do here. If you don't take your chances to get out of here when you can, you will go stir-crazy.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Unbearably hot, except for November-January, when it's merely very hot.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
None are available that I'm aware of. Children are not allowed at post.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
N/A
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?
N/A
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
N/A
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Small. Embassy morale varies but it seems most people are just resigned to grinding away until they can get out of here. It may be worth it financially in the end, but you're earning it.
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?
Going out to eat, I guess, but honestly I don't find it worth the risk of foodborne illness.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Post allows adult EFMs only, and even then there aren't many. Probably best for singles.
4. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Among Chadians? Yes, but foreigners will largely not see that (aside from residual hard feelings against the French).
5. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Nothing comes to mind.
6. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
It's not that kind of post.
7. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Nope.
8. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
The pay. Between the hardship and the cost of living allowance, it's a nice check. The city itself literally has nothing to offer.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Nothing really; I did my research and knew what kind of place this is. Seeing it in person, though, is something else.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
No.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
cold-weather clothes.
4. But don't forget your:
patience and sunscreen.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
I'm not aware of any.
