COTE D'IVOIRE
BONJOUR - Welcome to our friendly country!
Worldwide Movers Cote d'Ivoire provide international relocations by sea and air, pet relocation, local moves, office moves and storage. We also provide an essential import and export service by sea and air, for international AID agencies.
OUR TEAM
Our newest office, Worldwide Movers Cote d'Ivoire, was opened in 2023 by the owners and managers of the successful Ghana branch. The team have now been operating successfully for 10 years and are excited to be extending their highly regarded service to existing and new clients.
The new bilingual staff in the Abidjan office are highly experienced professionals. They are being supported from the Regional Head Office in Ghana as they get to know our clients. With hard work, dedication and staff training we aim to provide our clients with an excellent service and build another thriving business.
Cynthia, Patrice and the new team are knowledgeable, experienced and have extensive removal skills. They have comprehensive export/import, freight and customs formalities ability.
We are proud of our new team who will continue to grow the Group's reputation as Africa’s Gold Standard of the relocation industry.
Cynthia Akodjenou
Operations Coordinator
Cynthia joined us in 2023, bringing with her a wealth of experience and enthusiasm. Now a valued member of our team Cynthia works well with all our staff. She and the Cote d'Ivoire office are receiving excellent feedback from our clients.
Edward Baah
Regional Manager
Edward joined the company in early 2014. His integrity, hard work, initiative and ability have seen him progress to Regional Manager. Edward is now in charge of the day to day running of the business.
Charles Obeng
Operations Manager
Charles also joined in 2014 and has been at the helm of operations during our strong growth. He manages his office staff as well as a large team of packers. He overseas all the companies operations with more than 350 moves per year.
COUNTRY PROFILE
Population: Approximately 26 million people.
Capital: Yamoussoukro (political capital), Abidjan (economic and de facto administrative capital).
Language: French is the official language. There are over 60 ethnic languages spoken, including Dioula, Baoulé, and Bété.
Political System: Presidential Republic. (the President is both the head of state and head of government).
GDP (Gross Domestic Product): Approximately $57 billion.
GDP per Capita: Approximately $2,200.
Currency: The West African CFA franc (XOF) is the official currency.
Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) is a country with immense potential. Although political stability was disrupted by civil conflict in the early 2000s, this was followed by national reconciliation and peacebuilding.
Côte d'Ivoire is rich in natural resources and has a dynamic and growing economy. It is one of the world's largest producers of cocoa. Agriculture, mining (gold and oil), coffee and services also play an important role. Major cities like Abidjan are characterised by modern infrastructure, including transportation networks and skyscrapers.
Côte d'Ivoire has many ethnic groups, including Baoulé, Bété, Sénoufo and Malinké. Its rich and diverse cultural heritage with traditional music, dance, and art means the country is known for its festivals and ceremonies. Religions include Islam, Christianity and indigenous African religions.
Côte d'Ivoire has wonderful flora and fauna, with national parks and reserves dedicated to the preservation of its natural resources.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Mobile Phone Providers:
Orange Côte d'Ivoire Orange Côte d'Ivoire
MTN Côte d'Ivoire MTN Côte d'Ivoire
Moov Côte d'Ivoire (Maroc Telecom) Moov Côte d'Ivoire
GreenN Côte d'Ivoire GreenN Côte d'Ivoire
KoZ (KoZ Côte d'Ivoire) KoZ Côte d'Ivoire
Internet Service Providers:
Orange Côte d'Ivoire Orange Côte d'Ivoire
MTN Côte d'Ivoire MTN Côte d'Ivoire
Moov Côte d'Ivoire (Maroc Telecom) Moov Côte d'Ivoire
VipNet Côte d'Ivoire VipNet Côte d'Ivoire
Our City Orientation Tour provides a safe and friendly way to get to know your new home. We help you to find what you need and make your initial settling-in period a little easier. We are happy to drive you and show you some key places in your new home. Or, you can drive your own car to get accustomed to driving in local city traffic.
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT): Abidjan has a Bus Rapid Transit system known as "Le BRT." It operates on dedicated lanes and serves various routes within the city. BRT buses provide a more structured and efficient public transportation option.
SOTRA Buses: The Société des Transports Abidjanais (SOTRA) operates regular buses that cover different routes in the city. SOTRA buses are a more traditional form of public transportation.
Commuter Shared Taxis (Gbaka): Gbaka is a popular form of shared transportation in Abidjan. These are minibuses or vans that operate on fixed routes. Gbaka can be crowded but provide an affordable means of getting around. exploring the city and its surroundings.
Uber and Bolt: Uber and Bolt operate in Abidjan, providing a convenient and often safer alternative to traditional taxis. Book via mobile apps, fares are usually calculated electronically.
Water Taxis (Comme il Faut): Abidjan is situated on the coast, and water taxis (locally known as "Comme il Faut") operate in the lagoon. Water taxis connect different parts of the city.
These areas are popular due to their amenities, safety, and proximity to international schools, business districts, and other facilities.
Cocody: Cocody is one of the more upscale neighbourhoods in Abidjan. It is divided into several districts, including Cocody-Deux Plateaux and Cocody-Angré. Cocody is known for its residential villas, shopping centres, and international schools.
Le Plateau: Le Plateau is the central business district of Abidjan. While primarily a business district, it also offers some upscale residential options. Expatriates working in the financial and business sectors often choose accommodations in Le Plateau.
Riviera: Riviera is a residential area that has become popular among expatriates. It is divided into several sectors, including Riviera Golf and Riviera Palmeraie. Riviera offers a mix of housing options, including apartments and villas.
Zone 4 (Marcory): Zone 4, located in the Marcory district, is known for its nightlife, restaurants, and shopping. Expatriates may find a range of housing options in this lively area.
Cocody-Riviera Golf: This specific district in Cocody is known for its upscale residential properties. It's a quieter area with green spaces and amenities.
Bietry: Bietry is near Le Plateau and is known for its residential and commercial areas. It is a relatively quiet area with expatriate-friendly amenities.
Vallons: Vallons is a residential area that attracts both locals and expatriates. It offers a mix of housing options and is known for its tranquility.
Please contact our office for details of reputable real-estate companies.
Look for international schools that follow recognised curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or British or American educational systems. Try:
International Community School of Abidjan (ICSA) ICSA
École Française d'Abidjan (French School of Abidjan) École Française d'Abidjan
Lycée Français Blaise Pascal (Blaise Pascal French School) Lycée Français Blaise Pascal
American International School of Abidjan (AISA) AISA
École Internationale de l'École Active (International School of Active Education) École Internationale de l'École Active
International Bilingual School of Provence (IBSOP) IBSOP
École Bilingue la Fontaine École Bilingue la Fontaine
International Christian Academy (ICA) ICA
Ensure that the schools are accredited by relevant educational authorities or international accreditation bodies.
Consider the curriculum offered by the school and whether it aligns with your child's educational needs and future plans.
Check the school's facilities, resources, and extracurricular activities to ensure a well-rounded education.
Aim for accommodation and schooling within a sensible commute!
Abidjan, the economic capital of Côte d'Ivoire, offers a diverse and vibrant shopping scene with a mix of markets, malls, and boutique stores.
Le Marché de Treichville: One of the largest and most popular markets in Abidjan offers a wide range of goods, including textiles, clothing, crafts, and fresh produce. It's a bustling and vibrant market where you can experience the local atmosphere.
Marché de la Côte d'Ivoire: Also known as the "New Market," (in Plateau) offers a variety of goods, including clothing, accessories, and artisanal crafts. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Marché de Cocody: Cocody Market is known for its fresh produce, fish, and other food items. It's a great place to experience local flavours and purchase ingredients for traditional Ivorian dishes.
Shopping centres and Malls: Cap Sud and Cap Nord are both modern shopping centres with a variety of shops, boutiques, and restaurants selling both local and international brands. PlaYce Marcory has a range of stores, including fashion, electronics, and household goods and provides a modern and air-conditioned shopping environment.
Supermarkets and Hypermarkets: Abidjan has various supermarkets and hypermarkets, including Casino, Super U, and Carrefour, where you can find a wide range of groceries, household items, and more.
Artisanal Village de Bingerville: This is a great place to explore traditional crafts and handmade products. It features artisan workshops and shops selling unique, locally crafted items.
Galerie Cap Sud: (in Cap Sud Shopping Center) showcases and sells contemporary art by local and international artists. It's a great place to explore if you're interested in the art scene in Abidjan.
Carrefour des Arts: Carrefour des Arts is an art market in the Plateau district, where you can find paintings, sculptures, and other artistic creations by local artists.
Côte d'Ivoire has a diverse range of attractions for sightseeing.
Basilica of Our Lady of Peace (Basilique Notre-Dame de la Paix): Located in Yamoussoukro, this is one of the largest churches in the world. It is an architectural marvel and a symbol of peace.
Comoe National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its diverse ecosystems, wildlife, and the Comoé River. It's a great destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Grand-Bassam: A historic town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site was the former capital. It features colonial-era architecture, beautiful beaches, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Taï National Park: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its biodiversity, including endangered species such as pygmy hippos and forest elephants.
Yamoussoukro: The political capital of Côte d'Ivoire is known for the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace and the Presidential Palace. The city has a mix of modern and traditional elements.
Abidjan: The economic capital offers a vibrant urban experience. Explore the Plateau district for business and government buildings, visit the lively markets, and enjoy the city's cultural scene.
Man: In the western part of the country, Man is surrounded by mountains and is known for its scenic landscapes. The region is popular for trekking, hiking, and exploring local culture.
Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its unique biodiversity and is a haven for birdwatchers, botanists, and nature enthusiasts.
Assinie-Mafia: A coastal resort area offers beautiful beaches, water activities, and a relaxed atmosphere. It's a popular destination for those seeking sun and sea.
Gbofia Island (Île aux Serpents): Located in the Ébrié Lagoon near Abidjan is known for its snake sanctuary. It's an interesting place to learn about local reptiles and conservation efforts.
Dabou: Known for its traditional pottery. Witness the craft of local potters and explore the cultural heritage of the region.
Museum of Civilisations: Located in Abidjan, this museum showcases the cultural diversity and history of Côte d'Ivoire through its exhibits.
Stay safe, be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.
Research: Learn about the city and which areas are safe. Stay updated on local news and events, travel advisories or safety alerts issued for the city.
Accommodation: Use reputable well-reviewed accommodations. Look for good security measures. Use reliable booking platforms to ensure your reservation is legitimate.
Transport: Use licensed and reputable transport options. Avoid travelling alone late at night and use well-lit and busy routes.
Avoid Risky Areas: Be cautious in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas, especially at night.
Personal Belongings: Keep your belongings secure. Use anti-theft backpacks or money belts. Be cautious with flashy jewellery, expensive gadgets and large amounts of cash.
Contacts: Contact locals or expats who can give you guidance. Share your plans with someone you trust. Know the local emergency numbers (police, medical, fire). Carry a list of contacts, including the nearest embassy or consulate.
ITC: Use secure Wi-Fi connections and consider using a VPN. Keep your devices charged and have a backup power source.
Language: Learn some basic phrases in the local language, especially those for seeking help or directions.
Cultural Sensitivity: Respect local customs and traditions. Dress modestly in areas where it is appropriate.
Health Precautions: Be aware of health risks and take necessary vaccinations. Carry necessary medications and know the location of local medical facilities.
Trust Your Instincts: If a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself from it. Trust your instincts and be cautious about accepting invitations or assistance from strangers.
FAQS
Moving costs are based on factors such as:
The volume and weight of your belongings
Whether your belongings are being shipped by air, sea or road (or a combination)
Your origin and destination
Any special requirements you have such as crating for art work
Ease of access to your property
Additional services requested
Please provide our surveyor and operations manager with as much information as possible.
We use the assessment made by our surveyor and the information you provide to calculate your quote.
As each move is unique our service usually begins with a survey. Our surveyor will estimate the volume of goods to be shipped and the materials needed. He will listen carefully to any special instructions or requests you may have. He will also make an assessment of the property checking for any access issues (narrow gates or height restrictions) and look at lift access and staircases.
We have teams of highly experienced professional packers
We use high quality and appropriate materials to protect and pack your belongings
* You should not pack your own belongings
Many countries will not allow entry of goods that have been packed by their owners (PBO). This ensures no prohibited items are shipped with your belongings.
Any boxes labelled PBO are very likely to be opened and searched by customs officials
Our teams will produce a detailed packing list which they will ask you to sign
We do not ship prohibited goods, such as:
Ivory or furs, drugs, weapons, hazardous materials or perishable items.
Each location has its own export and import regulations. Our teams will be able to advise.
We do not pack keys or passports (you will need those)
It is recommended that you carry any small high value items, such as jewellery, rather than having it shipped with your goods
Your normal household insurance is unlikely to cover your goods in transit.
We offer protection cover for your move including marine insurance.
Your shipment may be insured by your origin agent if you are importing your goods to us.
It is very important that you complete a detailed valued inventory of your goods as one box may contain items of much greater value than another.
Please read our terms and conditions for information on liability.
It helps if you are organised.....
Make sure you have applied for any visas or permissions you will need and have your passports up to date and ready
Dispose of or sell any items you do not wish to take
Separate items to be shipped from those to remain
Separate items to be shipped by air and those to be shipped by sea (if appropriate)
Label or attach stickers to the items to be packed
Organise school books or your children's much loved toys
From start to finish the entire moving process has a number of steps:
Survey - please book your survey as far in advance as is practical
Quote - once your survey is done our team will contact shipping line and destination agents. Once all this information is in and collated we can provide you with a quote/estimate.
PLEASE NOTIFY US OF ANY CHANGES
Packing dates - we can be very busy especially at peak packing time in the summer months. We will always aim to pack on or close to your preferred dates when possible
Transport to port
Export clearing
Loading onto shipping vessel
Transit by sea or air - this can take a day to several weeks. We can give an estimated time of arrival (ETA) to help you with planning. However, many things affect the transit time and are out of our control: technical issues, weather, international incidents, port congestion etc. Your shipment is tracked and the ETA adjusted accordingly.
Offloading from the vessel
Import clearing
Transport to storage or your new home
Unpacking and debris removal
We will provide you with a comprehensive and detailed quote for our services which should highlight any exclusions.
DUTY AND TAX: Customs/import duty is imposed when people bring goods into a country. Duty can vary widely depending on the country and its specific customs regulations. Personal belongings and household goods are sometimes duty free or have a reduced rate. Exemptions or reductions may apply to some individuals, such as expatriates on short-term assignments and diplomats. Depending on the country there may be other taxes and levys charged on your shipment.
A customs declaration including a detailed inventory, packing list, and relevant identification documents is crucial for smooth customs clearance. Some countries may require additional documents, such as a visa, work permit, or proof of residence. We can provide guidance on the documentation required and potential duty implications.
DEMURRAGE: Demurrage is charged by a shipowner for any delay in loading/unloading a vessel or returning the container beyond the allowed free time. Delays can arise for many reasons including port congestion, customers not presenting the required paperwork on time etc
Free time is generally about 5 days for an air import and 7 days for a sea import (including weekends and holidays). Charges are calculated on a daily rate for each day beyond the free time.
We are unable to include demurrage charges in our quote as they vary. You, your origin agent or your company are usually responsible for paying demurrage. It is important for us to know who to contact so that they can be paid efficiently, the container is released and further unnecessary charges are not incurred.
OTHER
Inspections - Your shipment may be selected for inspection or X-Ray by officials for which there will be an additional fee.
Storage - We are able to store your household goods for you if for example your new home is not ready. We charge warehouse handling and storage for this service.
Handyman - We offer other services such as a handyman if you need other work such as putting up curtains, electrical work, assembly of IKEA furniture and so on....
Out of Hours - Additional may be incurred if you require us to work after hours, on weekends or public holidays.
International relocation of pets involves careful planning and adherence to regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of your furry friends.
We have moved many pets all over the world including USA, UK, many EU countries, New Zealand, Australia, Cyprus, Thailand, Singapore....
Pet import requirements and regulations vary and some countries have strict rules and timelines to which you must adhere.
Ensure that your pet has a compliant microchip registered with your contact information.
Visit your veterinarian well in advance and ensure your pet is up-to-date on all vaccinations required by the destination country. Give parasite treatments according to the regulations of the destination country. Obtain a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian shortly before travel.
An import permit may be required by the destination country. Obtain the necessary permits and ensure compliance with any waiting periods. Be aware of any quarantine requirements in the destination country.
You will need an IATA and airline-approved travel crate that provides enough space for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Familiarise your pet with the crate before travel. Include familiar items like blankets or toys in the travel crate (but no choking hazards). Ensure access to water and any necessary medications during the journey.
We organise the door-to-door relocation of pets, from collection at your residence, booking with the airline, airport procedures and processing, arranging a destination agent and hand over or delivery to your new home. We select an airline we trust with experience in transporting pets. We consider the travel time, any transfers and their location so that we choose the best route for the comfort and safety of your pet/s. Some airlines have specific pet travel programs.
You will need to provide original copies of all your pets documents. We will also need your old and new address and contact information.
NB: Do not give your pet any sedative or calming medications/supplements - these can have devastating affects at altitude. We will refuse to ship your animal if we suspect it is sedated.
We can also relocate other animals and always adhere to regulations. If your pet is CITES listed you will need to provide the correct paperwork.
TESTIMONIALS
Dear Charles and William,
We would like to thank you, all of you, for the very good job you have done. Your team, this morning, was efficient and competent. We will have the pleasure to work with you again. Thank you very much.
Kindest regards Helene
Why Choose Us?
With over 30 years of experience on the African Continent, Worldwide Movers Africa has the knowledge and dedication needed to successfully move your belongings.
CONTACT THE Cote d'Ivoire TEAM
Contact Details:
Operations Coordinator
Mrs Cynthia Akodjenou: cynthia.akodjenou@wwmaf.co
Mobile: +255 (0) 707 446979
Office: +255 (0) 779 859536
Regional Manager
Mr Edward Baah: edward.baah@wwmaf.co
Regional Operations Manager
Mr Charles Obeng: charles.obeng@wwmaf.co
Office telephone +233 (0) 302971258
Office and Courier Address:
Worldwide Movers Cote d'Ivoire
Abidjan - Palmaraie
Regional Office Address:
Worldwide Movers Africa
PSB Plaza
Warehouse 13
Plot No. 87, Spintex Road
Accra
Ghana
