Lome, Togo Report of what it's like to live there - 03/27/11
Personal Experiences from Lome, Togo
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?
USA, DC to Paris to Lome, or DC to Accra (Ghana) to Lome. There is a new direct flight United airlines from DC to Accra.
3. How long have you lived here?
more than one year
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
government work
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
most of USG employees live in La Casse and about five people live outside of La Casse
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
expensive! esp. products made in USA , local vegetables are good price here but meat is very expensive.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
olive oil, food
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
no Mc Donald but they have Al Donald which is risky to eat there, no KFC, no AMerican fastfood here. Expect to wait for a long time for food to come then you will be fine. Cost is expensive to eat in the nice restaurant. There are many good restaurants in Lome such as Greenfield, Sushi bar, Les nuit D'órient, Golden Beach etc. My favorite is Greenfield and Sushi bar.
5. What kinds of organic, vegetarian and allergy-friendly foods are available, such as organic produce, gluten-free products, meat substitutes for vegetarians, etc?
most vegetables are organic, but you have to use bleach to clean them before eating, get rid of e-coli! Health Unit at the EMbassy conduct the training to the maids (and us) once or twice a year, to know how to handle food correctly including how to clean the vegetables etc.
6. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
mosquitoes/malaria - very dangerous - take the pill, consult with medical professional and take malaria pill (prophylaxis) in advance
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO - slow as 4 weeks
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
250- 300 USD a month
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
yes, there is a good one in the whole country called "Gym center"near Tokoin hospital
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?
use one only at a big hotel, like Mercure, Sarakawa or Ibis. Don't use it anywhere else. Using an ATM is ok, but be careful! Don't let anyone see your pin code!
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
yes, many churches, Christain is major religious in Togo.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
AFN 12 dollars a month through Embassy
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
french
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
very difficult
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
yes, but I don''t use them.
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?
SUV - rain- flood - very poor road conditions throughout the country
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
160 dollars a month, slow and expensive but no choice!
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
cell phones are popular here, but don't bring too high tech - some features may not work here.
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?
yes
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
not sur
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?
no. but if you are an EFM, there are jobs for you at the US EMbassy. Post management are very supportive of hiring EFMs at post.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
formal and semi formal -- dress depends on occasion
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
no if you don't go out at night and walk on the beach at night time (daytime also). DOn't wear jewelry and walk int he market, use common sense just like living anywhere else.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
yes, malaria- very dangerous here, diarrhea - almost every US employee have it at least one time in a year, we call it Togobelly, not fun at all.
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?
kind of hot and dusty, there will be some time that it's cool which is nice.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
warm most of the time and cool in couple months a year.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
British school is good, American International school is not bad
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?
yes
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?
small
2. Morale among expats:
medium low
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?
Through US Embassy - marine house, happy hour, movie night
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
good for family and couples - if you are single, it's pretty lonely
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
no - it's illegal here!! so keep it to yourself
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?
Togolese hospitality
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
not much, no (real) museum, no cinema, no shopping mall. Beach is not safe to go, so if you want to go to the beach, try the Coco beach (private) and pay for it. Bring your own entertainment.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
wood, clothes, dressmaker here is pretty good
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
saving money
11. Can you save money?
yes
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
maybe not
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
winter clothes
3. But don't forget your:
SPF, sense of humor, DVD, UPS for your computer because the power is on and off a lot. I think it's better now but there is no guarantee!
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?
I do not regret that I come here because the people here are nice and the local employees that I work with are extremely nice and smart. One tour is enough, though. It's a great experience and I am happy I did come here.
