Conakry, Guinea Report of what it's like to live there - 09/06/09
Personal Experiences from Conakry, Guinea
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
This was my fifth expat experience. I previously lived in Europe, the Caribbean, and Japan.
2. How long have you lived here?
3 years (2006-2009).
3. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Worked for the U.S. Embassy.
4. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
Approximately 18-20 hours from Dulles, via Paris.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
There is a mix of apartments and houses for embassy people. There are a couple of housing compounds, but many people live off compound. Houses are nice sized but are older and have many maintenance issues. Most houses are within a 15-minute commute to the embassy.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Most items are available in local grocery stores, but they are not always of great quality. It's definitely a post to use your consumables shipment.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Use the consumables shipment for just about everything you like to eat or use on a regular basis, especially liquids.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
There is no American fast food, but there are a few hamburger joints and schwarma restaurants. There are a few decent Chinese, Lebanese and French restaurants. There are also a couple of Vietnamese restaurants.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
I think the mosquitoes are worse in Washington DC, but there are a lot of ants. I gave up fighting the ants in my kitchen.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
The embassy is trying to get a diplomatic post office. Until then you cannot send packages through the embassy.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
I've been very happy with my housekeepers. They run about $100 per month.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
The embassy now has a small gym next to the multi-purpose room that has machines and free weights. There is also a walking/jogging trail on the embassy compound.
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?
There are no ATMs that I know of. It is mostly a cash economy.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
There is a South African satellite company that offers English-language TV for about $80 per month.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Local languages are difficult to learn, and there are no classes offered at the embassy. French is sufficient to deal with most situations.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
A lot.
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?
An SUV is best. Even in the city the roads can be in very bad shape. There are some people who drive regular cars and they seem to do alright.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
The Internet is not very fast or reliable, and it costs about $100 per month.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
The embassy issues cell phones.
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. Also there is no problem traveling through Paris, as long as you are only transiting and you have current rabies vaccinations for your pets.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
There are a few vets that provide basic care such as vaccines. I wouldn't trust them for anything more serious.
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?
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business suits at work, casual in public.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Not much air pollution, but there is a lot of garbage in the streets -- and water. It is not a sanitary city.
2. What immunizations are required each year?
Yellow fever, typhoid. Malaria prophylactics are required.
3. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Not many problems. I have heard that some houses were apparently broken into, and the security forces sometimes try to shake people down, but the dip plates usually protect us from that.
4. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Health care is poor in Conakry. Any serious health problems need to be taken care of in Dakar or Europe.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
The rainy season is from about May to November, with July-August being the wettest months. I have never seen such heavy rain as the rain in Conakry. It is the wettest world capital in the summer. Then there is not a drop of rain from December to April.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
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?
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
There is a decent-sized expat community outside the embassy.
2. Morale among expats:
It varies. It takes a lot of effort to keep your morale up at this post.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Most entertaining is done within the embassy community. There are a few music clubs, and the French cultural center puts on some shows from time to time.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Conakry has its challenges for all. One of the biggest problems is boredom. People really have to make an effort to find things to do, and most people try to help the community by hosting events.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
It is a Muslim country, so there is not an active gay community, but I am not aware of any problems that gay people have had.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
It is a fairly tolerant country, with a welcoming view towards religious minorities. There is some ethnic chauvinism among Guineans, and women are not always treated as equals -- although there are a lot of women in government and industries.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
There are islands off the coast that make for a nice excursion. There are a couple of waterfalls within easy driving distance from Conakry, one of which has a nice restaurant. Kamsar is a port city about 4 hours away that has some nice restaurants and a couple of supermarkets that are well stocked with American-type products.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Wood carvings, locally-made shirts, suits.
9. Can you save money?
Absolutely.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
High expectations and winter clothing.
3. But don't forget your:
Patience and sense of adventure.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Diamonds are Forever, by Ian Fleming.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Diamonds are Forever, by Ian Fleming.
6. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
"Death of Two Sons", "A Prince Among Slaves".
7. Do you have any other comments?
Conakry is definitely one of the most difficult posts, but it has wonderful people who are trying hard to make a better society for themselves. Guinea has a diverse and interesting culture and it is one of the most beautiful countries I have ever seen.
