Djibouti, Djibouti Report of what it's like to live there - 08/11/25
Personal Experiences from Djibouti, Djibouti
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No, we have also lived in South Asia and the Middle East.
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?
U.S. East Coast. You can fly to Ethiopia and then take a direct flight from Addis to DC, but in my opinion, the best option is to fly through Qatar. There are direct flights to many U.S. cities from Qatar.
3. What years did you live here?
2023-2025
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?
Houses are typically large, but poorly finished off and they have lots of maintenance problems. Yards can be large (though no grass, just paved outdoor areas) and many houses have roof top areas that can be used for entertaining. We used our roof and yard quite a bit, especially in the evenings, as it is usually too hot during the day.
An upside is that almost all US Embassy housing is within a mile of the Embassy, and there is no traffic in Haramous (the neighborhood where the Embassy and surrounding housing is located). If you happen to the walking to the Embassy, more than likely another Embassy colleague will drive by and offer you a ride.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Between the NEX at Camp Lemmonier, the local grocery stores (Casino and Al Gamil) and the Embassy Commissary we were able to get what we needed. Some things like yogurt and other dairy products were quite expensive, and fresh fruits and vegetables are not always readily available or very expensive.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
We could really get most things through Amazon, the NEX, and Commissary.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Food options for restaurants and takeout were fairly limited. Signatures is a great Indian restaurant. Sushi-Do has surprisingly good sushi. Pizzaolo is a great pizza place with a pool so the kids can swim while you eat. Going to the galley at Camp Lemmonier is a favorite: you can get a great salad and fresh fruits, and a lot of Embassy families would to together for dinner on the weekends.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Mosquitos are a problem, and the flies can be quite bad in the winter.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
There is an FPO address or pouch. I never used local postal facilities; I think that it’s unlikely that they are adequate.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
We paid our housekeeper 5,000 francs per day. There are plenty of housekeepers looking for work. We also had a gardener; he kept the paved area clean and washed our car (it’s very dusty so it’s good to have someone keep the car clean).
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?
Definitely safe, just very hot. Better to run early in the morning or in the evening. You can ride bikes on the road near the Embassy. My kids would sometimes ride from our house to the school. There are very few cars on the road in that area.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
The Embassy has a small, but decently appointed gym. Camp has a very nice gym. There is a local gym at the Moulk Center, but I never went there.
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?
I used credit cards all the time with no problems at all. There are ATMs. I only ever used the ones at the two local grocery stores and they are safe to use.
6. What English-language religious services are available locally?
I know of people who attended religious services at Camp Lemmonier.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
There are French tutors available, but they are a little expensive. I was surprised by how easy it was to get by with just English, as my French is very limited. French is certainly helpful though.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
It would be difficult. There are no sidewalks around town and many restaurants and shops would likely be difficult to access.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Local buses and taxis are not safe. I also wouldn't recommend riding bikes.
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?
If you want to drive outside of the city you need a 4wd vehicle. A Toyota is best in terms of getting it repaired. It is not possible to go to the beach or camping or really anywhere outside of town without one. My husband did have an electric scooter for commuting to and from the Embassy. It was a flat 1/2 mile ride and that worked out really well.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Internet is available and the speed is decent, but it’s fairly expensive.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Djiboutian Telcom is the only option for cell phones in country. It is very affordable. It is important to know that E-SIMs are not available in Djibouti, so you need to bring a phone that can take a physical SIM card.
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?
I don’t have pets, so I am not sure of the requirements
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?
Many spouses work at the Embassy. Some have gotten jobs at the international school.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
I know people have volunteered at DECAN and at the orphanage.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Very casual usually. More professional dress is sometimes required.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
I felt very safe. People generally didn’t bother me. There were a few times that kids would jump on your car or try to open your car door at traffic lights. Just keep your car doors locked when you are driving around. It a safe city. I would let my children ride bikes to friends houses alone and felt quite safe about it.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
In terms of health concerns, I did not realize how prevalent TB was in Djibouti. Get tested for it regularly. Latent TB is easy to treat, but there is lots of TB in Djibouti. Also, we always took our malaria meds. Health care isn’t great
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?
Air quality can be really bad. Sometimes in the morning when they are burning trash it is difficult to be outside.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
I would imagine if you had respiratory problems that the air quality issues would be difficult.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Extremely hot, especially in the summer. Most families leave for the hot summer months.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Most kids at post attend QSI Djibouti, but some do attend the French School. My kids attended QSI. I think my opinion is the same as most people who I have talked to about the school (it's fine). They both had some excellent teachers during their time there and some who weren’t so great. The administration was rather disorganized and communication was often an issue. Generally though, my kids had a good experience at the school. There are not a lot of extracurricular activities. The school is small (about 70 kids pre-K-12).
2. 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?
There is a preschool at QSI. I do not have personal experience with it.
3. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Sports and activities outside of school are limited. Some kids do play soccer with local teams and there is a tennis facility.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Small-medium. Djibouti is my favorite post because of the Embassy community. I have talked to some people who have low morale. I loved Djibouti and I thought the Embassy community was amazing. You get out of it what you put into it and you definitely have to make your own fun and be up for some adventure. I think the morale among families was high. It was a great post with kids.
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 the pool, events at people’s houses, group camping trips, adventures to Moucha and Maskali Islands.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
I would say that it is great for families. Mostly beach trips, camping, and grilling at the pool. There isn’t a ton to do in terms of organized activities, but we made our own fun.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
It is not particularly easy to make friends with locals.
5. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Whale sharks, camping at Djelelo and Lac Goubet, Gadileh Resort (they have a few pools and one with water slides fo kids). There are lots of fun and unique adventures in Djibouti.
6. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Go to Gadileh Resort in Tadjorah. Take boat trips to Moucha and Maskali Islands.
7. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
You can by Yemeni jewelry. It isn’t really a great shopping post though.
8. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
There isn’t any traffic. Your commute to school and work will be short and easy. It’s a very safe city in terms of crime.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Come in with a good attitude about it. It’s a small post and the people really make the place here. This was my favorite post because of the great friends our family made and all the adventures we had together. It’s a beautiful country, but it takes more effort and planning to get around and see everything.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Absolutely! For our family it was a wonderful adventure and I wish we had stayed for a third year!
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
winter clothes!!
4. But don't forget your:
bug spray and sense of adventure
5. Do you have any other comments?
Bring a 4wd vehicle and enjoy the adventure!
