Conakry, Guinea Report of what it's like to live there - 05/20/09
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?
Previous expat living: Spain, Dominican Republic, Mexico and Panama.
2. How long have you lived here?
I have been here for 9 months and will be here a total of 2 years.
3. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
US Foreign Service.
4. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
Flights are best through Paris. I believe it is about 6 hours from there, but the flights don't leave daily.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Housing for US Embassy employees is in apartments or houses around the city.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Food is expensive, except local fruits and vegetables. If you have a consumables allowance, take full advantage. The stores have very limited supplies and are incredibly expensive. Many people at the embassy use netgrocer.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Wine, lots of canned vegetables, more games.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
That depends on your definition. There are Lebanese shwarma restaurants that are fast. No McDonald's or even anything close. There are a few decent restaurants, though nothing too fancy.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Mosquitoes and ants.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
We use the pouch at the embassy. Not sure how others do it.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Lots of available and inexpensive help.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There is a gym at the Embassy and a few private gyms. It is tough to run outside because of the crazy traffic and pollution, but some people do it.
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?
There are only abouttwo in the country and they are not reliable. It is definitely a cash economy.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
There are some English Christian services. Not sure of the denominations.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
There is satellite for about US$50 per month. AFN for embassy personnel.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
French is a must. If you don't speak French, it will be much tougher to enjoy Guinea. If you learn some Sousou, even better.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Definitely. This city is not designed with the disabled in mind, and I think it would be very challenging to live here with a disability.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
We can't use public transportation at the embassy. Shared taxis are affordable and readily available, but not the safest. Travel to the interior on public transport is only via bush taxi.
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?
Any car would be ok -- but it is only leaded gas. For safety, it is good to bring a bigger vehicle. We have a Honda CRV and feel like it is a decent car. Many people have large SUVs. Bring parts with you.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
There is internet available for about US$100 per month, but it doesn't qualify as high speed. It is enough to search the web and use Vonage.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
There are several companies providing cell coverage here. It is fairly good. There are no landlines to people's homes, so we rely heavily on cell phones for communication.
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?
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
There are some vets, but no kennels that I know of.
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?
I don't think so. Perhaps with NGOs.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
It varies at work. Some are in suits, some business casual. In public, no shorts.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Fairly unhealthy due to burning trash.
2. What immunizations are required each year?
3. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
There are definite security issues -- crime, high military presence, recent military coup, etc.
4. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
The lack of medical care is a definite concern. There are a few places to get decent care, but anything major would require a medevac.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
There is a pleasant dry season and a rainy season, but it is warm all year round.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
The American International School of Conakry is really a blessing. The director, who is new this year, has taken the school and made it into a place that kids love to be. Classes are small and multi-grade, and the teachers do an excellent job at managing this style of learning and making it enriching for the kids. The school offers after-school activities -- everything from African Dance to Science Club -- and the school works hard to build a real sense of community.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
I am not sure, but I think it would not be an ideal situation for a child with lots of special needs.
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?
Most people use nannies. All that I have come across, including my own, are really wonderful caregivers. The American International School has a preschool program, and many people also use Tom Pouce, a French-language preschool.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
There is a small soccer/baseball program at the American International School. I don't think there are any organized leagues.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Pretty small, few Americans outside the embassy and missionary community.
2. Morale among expats:
I think it goes in waves. Right now, there are a lot of people who make an effort to enjoy life here, and that makes a difference in such a small community.
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?
Lots of house parties. It is a make-your-own-fun kind of place. Good concerts at the Franco-Guinean cultural center.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
I think it is great for families. There really is not alot to do, so it is up to you to make your own fun. Getting together with other people is a big part of the social life, but quality time with your family is plentiful. That said, I know people of all sorts that have loved it or hated it. I think it depends on the person and their attitude.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I would guess that it is not, but I don't know.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Foreigners are few and far between, so being foreigner definitely gets a lot of attention, which some people consider a problem. The country is mostly Muslim, but Guineans are generally tolerant.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Visiting the markets for fabric shopping/tailor visits, going out to dinner, house parties, drumming lessons, shows at the Franco-Guinean cultural center.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Drums, batiks, paintings, fabrics, carvings.
9. Can you save money?
Yes -- there is not a lot to spend it on except food.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes. I would, but my husband wouldn't. It is a tough place, but very interesting. You just have to know what you are getting in to.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
expensive shoes and jewelry.
3. But don't forget your:
DVD collection, charcoal grill, pool toys, party items, snack foods, and anything to entertain yourself.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
Clouds over Conakry
6. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
7. Do you have any other comments?
Conakry is a tough place, but the Guinean people are really wonderful and make being here an enjoyable experience. The experience is what you make of it.
