Libreville, Gabon Report of what it's like to live there - 04/12/12
Personal Experiences from Libreville, Gabon
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?
Home is Oklahoma. From Oklahoma you fly to usually Chicago or somewhere on the East Coast. Then 8-9 hours to Paris or Frankfurt. Then, 6-7 hours to Libreville Gabon on either Air France or Lufthansa.
3. How long have you lived here?
20 months.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Government position.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Nice apartment and condo living. It's very expensive if you pay for it yourself. I would suggest living outside of downtown in Sabliere or somewhere on the beach.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Groceries are very expensive no matter where you go.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Peanut butter, maple syrup, French's mustard. Cleaning supplies. Snacks.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
No fast foot, but lots of great restaurants though they are expensive. For a family it is going to cost about 40 - 60 dollars for lunch. A night out for two will be at least US$200 dollars with drinks.
5. What kinds of organic, vegetarian and allergy-friendly foods are available, such as organic produce, gluten-free products, meat substitutes for vegetarians, etc?
There are organic and some allergy friendly foods available at the bigger grocery stores, but not tons. It is expensive. There are not many organic vegetable or fruits available and if there are, they would be really expensive.
6. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Mosquitoes and more mosquitoes.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
US Embassy, because we work for the embassy. I think you could use DHL here.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Very available and cheap. We have a nanny, cook, and cleaner
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes, two or three gyms. There is a small studio for yoga, Pilates, and dance.
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?
You will not use a credit card much. There are ATMs when they work. The fees can be as much as US$15. This is a cash society!
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
No newspapers. There is maybe one or two English-language channels on the local satellite TV.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
French is spoken exclusively. If you want to be comfortable and function outside of your home, you need some French.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
It would be very difficult.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
No local taxis are safe. They are plentiful, but not safe or reliable. You need your own car. This is not a pedestrian-friendly city. The train is used, but is not reliable. No buses.
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?
High clearance SUV. We have only used our 4 wheel drive maybe once, so it is not a must.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Expensive like $200 per month. The only good fast internet is Gabon Telecom. The others are satellite and they are not fast enough to SKPYE or watch videos.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
No recommendations. You just need an unlocked phone that you can put a local sim card into.
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.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Good. There is a good French-trained vet who speaks English well.
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?
Yes.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
More formal than US. The local Gabonese dress up.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
No.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
The quality of local medical care is not very good!
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?
Fine. Not perfect, but not bad at all.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Wonderful. It is really hot February to May, but otherwise it is really nice.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
American International School is nice. It is growing with the increasing number of expats growing in the country.
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?
There are a number of good French preschools. Nannies are numerous and cheap.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Some with the French Military, such as rugby. There is swimming at Saoti. Gymnastics and lots of tennis.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Large and fun.
2. Morale among expats:
Good.
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?
Good.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Yes, for young kids! It would not be so great for teenagers. There is plenty to do, but it is very expensive.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Sure. I have seen openly gay couples around town,
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
No.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Sette Cama in Loango National Park is a truly amazing trip! Neyonie is a great easy weekend trip. Getting to know expats from all over the world. Learning French language. Being immersed in another culture.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Beaches, beaches, and more beaches. Point Dennis on the other side of the estuary has great beaches and resorts.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Lots of great local artisinal wood crafts. The African material is beautiful and plentiful.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Experiencing African culture. Meeting a lot of great expats from all over the world. Beautiful beaches outside of Libreville. Wild life such as elephants, hippos, monkeys, buffalo, etc.
11. Can you save money?
No.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Sure. Great things to see and do. We were here with two young kids for two years and it was perfect. I am ready for a change but I will really miss it here.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Credit cards. bBd attitude. If you want to be happy here, you can be very happy. If you chose to be unhappy here, you will be unhappy
3. But don't forget your:
Mosquito repellant. Sunscreen. Adventurous spirit. Patience.
4. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
6. Do you have any other comments?
A round-trip ticket back to the US is US$2500-3000. It is expensive to travel within Africa and within Gabon but worth it.
