Libreville, Gabon Report of what it's like to live there - 07/16/10
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?
No - lived in Bangladesh and Japan as well.
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 = the United States. There are now two reliable options for traveling to Libreville - via AirFrance (Paris) and Lufthansa (Frankfurt).Lufthansa has better service and is cheaper.
3. How long have you lived here?
15 months.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Government - US Embassy.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
There is one main road, the Bord de Mer. When it gets messed up, the city slows to a crawl. Commutes are generally not good, but not horrible eaither. Libreville is a city of less than 700,000 - so its tiny by most standards.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Availablity is good - even some American groceries are now available through specialty stores. However, most stuff comes from France and Gabon imports almost everything. Prices are very high.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Vanity and luxury foods just to avoid the high prices in the markets. More bug spray and OFF!
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
There is no fast food in the country. All resturants are going to take at least an hour - usually more. All resturants will run you about $20USD for a basic meal with options pushing the price much higher.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Mosquitos. Ants. Sand flies. Bot flies.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Pouch.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Available and moderately affordable - however little english ability is in the country so expect to have to speak in French with your household help.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes. There are a number of options.
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?
Dont. Its just better not to.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
No.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
No.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Lots. French is necessary.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Electricity is haphazard - so elevators are a gamble. There are few ramps. Overall, its not very accessible to people with challenges.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
They are safe and affordable - but not very comfortable.
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?
4x4.The Bord de Mer is fine, but once you get off the Bord you want something with robust tires and good clearance.
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 calling it high-speed is stretching it. Its expensive.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Coverage is sometimes poor and spotty. Be warned.
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)?
No.
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?
It's a very conservative society. Anything official will involve a coat and tie -even if it is 95 deg F and 100% humidity.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Not really - its safer here than anywhere else I have lived.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical services are poor. Any major medical issues will need to be addressed in another country.
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?
Moderate.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Hot and humid. During the summer months is dray season when the weather is often quite nice (and cooler than the States).Dry season brings seasonal alergies, though.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
AISL - its small but profesionally run and the only one that offers a first-rate western education. Its expensive - as is everything here.
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?
Nannies and some of the French schools offer daycare.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Not really.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Moderately large for the size of Libreville. Mostly French.
2. Morale among expats:
Moderate.
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?
Its all about going to resturants and other people's houses. There are some clubs which seem to be popular.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Yes. Its safe. There is a small nightlife scene that focuses on the clubs... but Libreville is not the most exciting place. If good resturants and quite weekends are your thing, this is a good place to live.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
It's not great - but there is no active discrimination. That said, Gabon is a conservative catholic society. Draw your own conclusions.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Not really.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Traveling to Luango National park (nyonie).Quite beautiful and accessible if you are already in Libreville. Visitng Makokou was also fun - the Ogoue River is an amazing sight there.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Resturants. Jungle treks.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Art. There is some very stunning contemporary art for sale in Gabon.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
The restuarnts are top notch. Its a very safe place to live. Some safari options.
11. Can you save money?
Yes - despite the prices the relatiove difficulty of getting outside Libreville and the few things to do in the city means its not too hard to save money.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes. It is safe. Life is at a slow pace, but not hard.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Internet addiction.
3. But don't forget your:
French survival guide.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
The Brandt Guide is the best.
