Freetown - Post Report Question and Answers

What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?

About $100-200 a month. - Jan 2022


We currently have a gardener come twice a week at $100 per month. The housekeeper comes everyday and cleans and walks the dog: $280 per month. We also have someone come in and cook three times per week: $200/month. There are lots of options depending on what you might need. We have found that recommendations from people departing post have been the best way to find reliable help. - Sep 2021


$10-15 a day (150-300 a month) depending on their skill level, the job itself, etc. Expect you may feel pressured to inherit your predecessor's household help. Recommend you meet a few people though before being pressured to hire someone you don't need or want. Even try to hire outside the U.S. mission, post on Freetowners on Facebook for recommendations. Household help seem to push quite a bit in terms of holidays, school payments for their kids, salary advances, bonuses etc. even if they are not full-time. - May 2018


Cheap. not hard to find good cleaners, cooks, nannies that come highly recommended. $12 for a full days of work so depending on how many days a week you need someone, the cost is pretty reasonable. - Sep 2017


There are plenty of people who would love to work for you. We pay US$125 a month for a housekeeper who comes every day from 8am-6pm. - Sep 2014


Lots available, cost is anywhere from US$100/month full time to US$150 for a housekeeper/cook. Some claim to cook but can't really, some are excellent cooks. Gardeners are available, most work part time at several places. Some people also have a driver. - Jun 2014


Cheap..but watch out for mischief and thieves. - Aug 2013


Not sure. Maybe US$150 to 200 a month. - Sep 2010


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