Chad is a landlocked country in the heart of northern Africa known for its striking desert landscapes and diverse range of African wildlife. As it lies well off the beaten tourist track, Chad is an ideal destination for intrepid travellers seeking a rugged African adventure. Most travellers begin their Chadian explorations in the capital city of N’Djamena, which boasts vibrant local markets and a historic quarter filled with old colonial buildings. This bustling commercial centre typically serves as a springboard for the surrounding area, which features spectacularly scenic natural attractions. These include, among others: the exquisite Lake Chad, the towering volcanic Tibesti Mountains, the otherworldly desert landscapes of Ennedi, and the lush expanse of wilderness teeming with wildlife known as the Zakouma National Park.
Banking and Currency
Currency
CFA (Communaute Financière Africaine) Franc (XAF) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of XAF10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of XAF250, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1.
Chad is part of the French Monetary Area. Only currency issued by the Banque des Etats de l'Afrique Centrale (Bank of Central African States) is valid; currency issued by the Banque des Etats de l'Afrique de l'Ouest (Bank of West African States) is not. The CFA Franc is tied to the Euro.
Banking
Banking hours: Monday - Saturday 07h00 - 13h00, Friday 07h00 -10h30.
Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa credit cards are accepted at two hotels in N'Djamena. It may not be possible to obtain cash advances at banks on credit cards.
Travellers cheques may be exchanged at one or two banks in N'Djamena. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Euros.
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Since Air Tchad flights were suspended following safety concerns, there have been no regular scheduled domestic flights.
Travel by road outside N'Djamena is possible by 4-wheel drive vehicle and permits are usually needed. In rural areas drivers should watch out for livestock. There are no emergency services, so drivers should exercise extreme caution. Security conditions and a lack of housing, food, petrol and vehicle repair facilities have resulted in the government restricting travel, especially in the central and northern areas of the country. Petrol is expensive and petrol stations are not widely available. Many roads urgently need repair, and are impassable during the rainy season, especially in the south. It is advised to travel in convoy, keep doors locked, carry spare fuel and supplies, and not travel after dark, due to the potential for highway bandits. For travel to all areas outside N'Djamena, authorisation from the Ministry of the Interior is required, which is usually granted without difficulty after a few days.
International Driving Permit required for car hire (which is expensive) as well as an official autorisation de circuler.
The city of N'Djamena has an adequate road system and there are limited self-drive and chauffeured car hire facilities. Minibuses and taxis operate in N'Djamena, with a flat fare charged. A 10% tip is expected by taxi drivers.
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Chad’s cuisine shares much with the traditional cooking practices of the Sahara region. Widespread staples include millet, sorghum and rice, while the common vegetables include okra and the leaf of the cassava plant. Fish such as tilapia and Nile perch are frequently consumed in the north due to the proximity of Lake Chad. Further south, it’s more likely to see meats including mutton and chicken served. Dishes in the south also tend to use a larger array of spices. The capital, N'Djamena, offers a fair selection of restaurants serving mainly French and African food. Outside the city, restaurants tend to be cheap and cheerful and there is an acute shortage of some foods. Visitors should exercise caution with street food.
All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised. Avoid all dairy products. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
It is customary to leave a 10% tip on restaurants bills.
Climate and Weather
Chad is situated in central Africa and has a hot and tropical climate, though temperatures do vary depending on area. The southern rainy season runs May to October, and the central rainy season from June to September. The north has very little rain all year round. During the dry season it is often windy, and cooler during the evenings.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Chad has a tropical hot climate with seasonal rain, airy linens and good waterproof clothing are recommended.
Internet Availability
Internet access is generally limited but may be available in N'Djamena. Internet speeds are typically very slow and connection is difficult to establish.
Electricity and Plug Standards
For the most part, electrical sockets in Chad are one of the two European standard electrical socket types: The "Type C" Europlug and the "Type E" and Type F" Schuko. Also reported to be in use is the "Type D" Indian socket. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in.
Electrical sockets in Chad usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliance isn’t compatible with 220-240 volts, a voltage converter will be necessary.
