Yei, South Sudan Report of what it's like to live there - 06/10/06
Personal Experiences from Yei, South Sudan
Background:
1. How long have you lived here?
I lived there for 19 months between 2002 and 2004.
2. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Non-Profit.
3. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
18 hours from the U.S. to Kampala, Uganda or Nairobi, Kenya via Amsterdam. Additonal flight into Southern Sudan from Loki or Kampala.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Cement houses with grass roofs (Tukuls) or aluminium roofs. Indoor plumbing is not existent. Electricity is not existent unless you have a generator. Commute is non existent as most expat live at the compound where they work.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Very cheap. You can eat for about US$30 per month but availability is limited. You may have to get much of your dry foods in Uganda. Fresh vegetables are available in Yei but a limited selection.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Books, sheets, towels, satellite radio (very important), CDs, DVDs, etc. There is virtually no form of entertainment in Yei.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
None. Only local fare if any.
Daily Life:
1. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
US$30 per month but they should be paid more.
2. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
None.
3. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes. Catholic and Protestent.
4. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
DSTV. Sudan Mirror. I am not sure of the cost.
5. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Phrases in Sudanese Arabic are helpful for at the market and around town. You can easily get someone to teach you.
6. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Extreme difficulty.
Transportation:
1. Do you drive on the right hand side of the road or the left?
Right hand side.
2. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Buses are available from Yei to the border with Uganda. The road has been repaired and is now much safer. I have never taken public transport. Flights are safe.
3. 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?
4x4.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Around US$2 per half hour.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
3. What is the best way to make phone calls back home?
Satellite phone. Cellphone when in Uganda.
Pets:
1. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
There is a veterinarian and he can treat common illness like infections. For vaccines one must take his/her pet to Uganda. There are no kennels.
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?
Fairly conservative. No short skirts or shorts on women. Shorts on men are not common either. Sleeveless tops are ok but nothing too revealing.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Good. The air is very clean and nature abounds.
2. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Post Civil war conflict area. There are a lot of security incidents such as deserting soldiers, and tribal violence. Several grenade attacks occured and unexploded ordinance are found off the beaten path. If a vehicle goes off the beaten path, there is a risk for driving over landmines. Many people suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. There is always a risk for theft and assault at gunpoint or by grenade.
3. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Malaria, HIV/AIDS, African Sleeping Sickness, Ebola. There is a Hospital in Yei but I never used it. I got my medical care in Kamapala.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Dry season from November to March. Wet Season from April to October.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
None existing. School-age children would have to be home-schooled.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
None.
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?
You could probably get a nanny for very cheap. Our cooks earned about $30 per month.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
About 30-40 people.
2. Morale among expats:
Low. It is a extremely stressful working environment. Burnout is common after a couple of years.
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?
Very limited. You make your own fun by socializing.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
It is good for couples. It is very difficult to be an actively dating single person due to lack of privacy in the community.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
No. Homosexuality would not be accepted. It is seen as something that Northern Sudanese do.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
There seems to be a lot of tribal violence and tension. I experienced religious acceptance from the Sudanese. There did not seem to be any tension between Christians and Muslims, although the Muslim was a small minority there. The power dynamic is definitely skewed toward men in this society.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Socializing with other expatriates and Sudanese NGO workers. Drinking and watching satellite TV in town. Watching DVDs. Attending Church or local music performances.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Rings, bone jewelry, cloth from Congo.
9. Can you save money?
Yes, very much so. Use it for your R&R trips!
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:
High heels.
3. But don't forget your:
Tevas, heavy duty umbrella and raincoat.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
6. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
The Four Feathers.
7. Do you have any other comments?
I wanted to post so that people going in to Southern Sudan know what they are getting themselves into now that peace deal has been signed and more work is being done there. You often don't hear how life is like there. Good luck!
