Conakry, Guinea Report of what it's like to live there - 12/30/14
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?
No, I've lived and worked throughout Africa.
2. How long have you lived here?
almost 3 years.
3. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
USG.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
For USG, the commute to the Embassy is easy. Trips en ville during peak hours are horrendous as the peninsula can be quite congested.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Imported goods are expensive and inconsistently available, staple foods are very affordable if bought on the local market.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
More quality wine.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
No fast food and few restaurant options. Still, there are some good options- Lebanese, Continental, Chinese, and local spots (serving brochette, chicken/fish and chips, cold beer). Fancy hotels (Palm and Millennium) are decent come with fancy prices.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Tons of ants in the house- they are small and impossible to get rid of; if you eat outside, the black flies will descend upon your food/drink; malarial mosquitoes.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Available and affordable- about US$250/month, plus overtime.
3. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Cash economy.
4. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
French is a must-have, but Guineans are highly patient and encouraging so it is a great environment to lose your inhibitions and practice/learn.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
No, yes.
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?
4WD, Toyota.
Phone & Internet:
1. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
readily avaiable with cheap credit.
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 quarentine. There are a lot of dog owners in Conakry and the current expat community is very dog friendly. That said, there are not a lot vet options, so serious health issues can be difficult to treat.
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?
Only in development or perhaps education.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
About a year ago there was a rash of non-violent burglaries in several expat homes, though these seemed to have stopped. Otherwise, it's a pretty safe city.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Ebola, malaria. Local health care will do in a pinch, but most major issues require med'evac.
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?
Good to moderate. It is really only bad immediately following the rainy season when the harmattan is blowing upcountry and everyone in Conakry is burning trash.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Extremely long 6-months rainy season (May-Dec) followed by a very dry season.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
The French school is excellent (especially for younger children) and offers a bilingual program (sufficient for beginners) from preschool through (I think) 3rd grade equivalent. There have been some major issues with the American school and virtually all parents in the past four years have turned to home schooling after bad experiences there. That said, there are many in the community devoted to turning the school around, so keep an open mind and ask for honest up-to-date analysis.
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?
Another good French language preschool option is Tom Pouce- it has been well received in the expat community (18 months-kindergarten).
3. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes, through the school. Private tennis lessons also available.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Small but very friendly and welcoming. Morale depends largely on whom you choose to spend time with.
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?
Dinner parties, pool parties, weekend excursions, dinner out, etc...
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
I think it is a good city for adventurous types- regardless of marital or relationship status. It is a make your own fun environment.
4. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Friendly people, fun adventures.
5. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Easy weekend trips include Rhoume Island, Soumba Falls and Lac du Koba. The beaches in Sierra Leone are good for a long weekend. Conakry has excellent live music on weekends at places like Jardin du Guinee and Obama Bar. The expat community tries hard to make activities and everyone is welcome. There is a solid Mountain biking contingent that goes out (of conakry) almost each weekend. There is a new chapter of Hash House Harriers, a weekly Sunday pick-up basketball game, etc... It is a social community, but you have to be willing to make an effort.
6. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Drums, masks, cloth (batik, indigo, printed wax).
7. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Guineans are friendly and the country is beautiful once you get out of Conakry.
8. Can you save money?
Definitely.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Definitely.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Sense of entitlement and unrealistic expectations.
3. But don't forget your:
Anti-bacterial soap, sense of fun, and spirit of adventure... seriously, this city is what you make of it. If you can look past the underdeveloped city and trash on the side of the road, you really can enjoy your tour in Conakry. Guineans are among the friendliest in the world and the country is beautiful.
