Lome, Togo Report of what it's like to live there - 05/29/14
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?
No, too many to mention them all.
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?
North Carolina. Connecting flights to Atlanta - Paris - Lome. About 16 hours flying time.
3. How long have you lived here?
10/2011 thru 01/2012 and again 01/2013 thru 06/2013.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Government.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Government furnished. Typical commute time can be extremely difficult at times.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Household supplies are expensive as are groceries purchased at local supermarkets.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Order goods from Amazon.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Yes, cost is moderate to high.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
The usual malaria carrying type.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Via pouch.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Good, cost is moderate.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes, don't know the cost.
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?
I am a cash-only person, but the embassy has an ATM that is safe to use.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Christian services are available.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
French is highly recommended, but you can get by with English
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Embassy employees are advised not to use public transportation.
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?
Toyota Rav4 or Highlander is best.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Internet service is improving and the cost is about US$100.00 per month.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
A must-have and not that expensive for a PrePaid service.
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?
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.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business casual.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Moderate; beware of your surrounding as you would any place in the world.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
None that I know of. Local medical care is quite 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?
Air quality is moderate. The mopeds create the not-so-good air quality
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
There are two rainy seasons. Other than that the climate is warm/hot with higher humidity.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
The British school is the best. The French school is also considered good as well.
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?
Foosball and swimming.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Moderate size and morale is quite good.
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, functions at the British club.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Yes, especially with the international community.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
No
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
None that I have seen.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Playing golf with the international community. Dining out and visiting local markets.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Become a member of the British club, which has a swimming pool, tennis courts and a good restaurant.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Hand carvings, hand carved chairs.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
There are numerous sites to see outside Lome. Golfing is available. Weather is great most of the year except for rainy season. You can save money here and still enjoy the assignment.
10. Can you save money?
Yes.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Bring your golf clubs, tennis racket and swimming attire.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Winter cloths.
4. But don't forget your:
Your positive outlook on living on Lome.
