Bujumbura, Burundi Report of what it's like to live there - 08/08/09
Personal Experiences from Bujumbura, Burundi
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
I have previously lived in Brussels, Belgium; Matsusaka, Japan; Minsk, Belarus; and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
2. How long have you lived here?
I have been here since the beginning of May 2009.
3. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
U.S. Government.
4. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
I recommend the Brussels Airlines flight since you therefore will not risk luggage theft in Nairobi. Plus it is the shortest of the three options (Brussels, Addis, or Nairobi).
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Embassy housing are all full houses with yards. Size of house and yard, as well as view (of the lake or mountains) varies considerably.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
It is more expensive than one would think, particularly for decent cuts of meat. I do not know exact numbers though.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
My toiletries - if you have sensitive skin or are attached to certain products, there are very few options here.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
There is NO fast food here. Most trips to restaurants will take at least 1 1/2 hours of your time. You can, however, call restaurants (any!) for take-away and then just go and pick it up in 30 minutes or so.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Mosquitoes (with malaria) are prevalent in Bujumbura as well as up country. It's much worse in the dry season than the rainy season (the rains are heavy, so water is moving and not good for mosquito hatching), so bring your bug spray.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Diplomatic pouch.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Definitely available - we pay about $150/mo for a cook/housekeeper who works Mon - Fri and prepares lunch for us. He works 7 - 8 hours a day. We'll be increasing his pay this month to $200 because inflation is really hurting Burundians these days.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
I think so, but I do not know.
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?
Not possible.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
There is one English service available - it's actually a mix of French, English, and Kirundi. It is Protestant. I think there is an English Catholic service too, but I am not sure.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
There are no reliable English language newspapers specific to Burundi. TV is DSTV from South Africa.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
MUST have at least rudimentary French.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
MANY!
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Safe.... depends on your French or Kirundi and ability to think on your feet as well as how important seatbelts and good driving techniques are to you. They are affordable.
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 with high clearance and the ability to handle rugged roads. Toyota is great for these parts of Africa because it is serviced throughout the area.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, at about $100/ mos. It's fairly reliable, but I hear it depends on where you live and what kind of reception you get.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Must have.
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)?
There are a couple vets who can provide rabies vaccinations and can try to help in an emergency. Emphasis on "try." They do not have the training or resources necessary to save an animal if things get bad. We brought everything we could think of for emergency care for our dog.
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 is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business to business casual, but summer-style since it is warm here. Open toe shoes for women are absolutely fine. No one wears panty hose. :)
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
The air pollution index is good during the rainy season and moderate to unhealthy during the dry season. People burn everything during the dry season and so the dust and detritus in the air is irritating to eyes, throats, and nose. The water should not be drunk straight, but is not nearly as bad as some other African countries. Same with the streets and paths -- not necessarily clean and tidy, but not bad at all, really.
2. What immunizations are required each year?
Check CDC website.
3. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Many, but not at all bad during daylight in cities. It's more a problem while traveling between cities or at night. Burundi is just getting out of a 13 year civil war. There are many small arms, light weapons out among the people. A rise in armed theft is expected, especially up-country, as economic problems continue to lead people to seek other "options" of making some income.
4. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
There is no quality emergency care available at western standards. Your best bet is to medevac to South Africa or Kenya.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
It is warm here, but not nearly as humid as I had feared. The rainy season is cooler than the dry season. In the dry season it averages 85 degrees during the day.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
I do not have children, but as far as I know there are no Int'l Schools in English 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?
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?
2. Morale among expats:
HIGH. :)
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?
It's in homes and at beach restaurants. There are a few clubs, but that's all
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Yes, more for singles and couples and families with very young children than for families with older children, I would guess.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Not against expats. Within Burundian society, there are serious gender prejudices (against women).
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Anything with the lake - swim, sail, kite-board, kayak. Hang out on the beach or at any of the beach clubs. Go to restaurants (they are places to hang out).
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Baskets? Clothing?
9. Can you save money?
Yes.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Winter clothes!
3. But don't forget your:
Sunblock and bug repellent. And books!
