Travel Essentials

Chad: What To Know Before You Go

Plugs: Types C, D, E and F, 220 V. Emergency: Police 17, Fire 18. Tipping: Not expected; a small tip of around 5-10% in restaurants or for guides is appreciated. Tap water: Drink bottled or treated water..

Open The Chad Trip Kit

Plugs And Power

Types C, D, E and F, 220 V

Emergency Numbers

Police	17
Fire	18

Tipping

Not expected; a small tip of around 5-10% in restaurants or for guides is appreciated.

Water And Health

Tap water: Drink bottled or treated water.
Vaccines: Routine vaccines, hepatitis A, typhoid, yellow fever, meningococcal; rabies and hepatitis B for some travelers.
Malaria: Risk throughout the country; ask about preventive tablets.

Apps To Download Before You Go

Yango: Ride-hailing has started in N'Djamena; otherwise negotiate with yellow taxis or moto-taxis (clandos).
WhatsApp: The main way to contact hotels, drivers and tour agencies.
Airtel Money: Mobile money is the main cashless payment method, as card acceptance is rare.
Moov Money (Moov Africa Tchad): The other widely used mobile wallet for transfers and bills.
Facebook: Many local businesses and guides are only reachable through Facebook.
Maps.me: Offline maps are essential outside the capital where there is no data.
Airtel Tchad / Moov Africa apps: Buy data bundles for a local SIM, which needs a passport to register.
Google Translate: French and Arabic packs help since English is rarely spoken.

Customs And Etiquette

Greetings. Greetings are warm and unhurried, with inquiries about family and health expected before conversation continues. Shake hands; in the Muslim north, wait for women to offer a hand or put your hand on your heart.

Dress modestly. Conservative dress is expected, especially in the mostly Muslim north; women should cover shoulders and knees.

Photography restrictions. Avoid photographing government buildings, checkpoints, or security personnel without permission.

Safety And Scams

Chad is under a 'Do Not Travel' advisory from most Western governments due to risk of terrorism, kidnapping, crime, unrest, landmines, and inadequate health infrastructure, with N'Djamena itself not recommended for solo backpackers.

Taxi fare inflation. Scams are otherwise rare, but taxi drivers may negotiate inflated fares; always agree on the price before getting in.

Women travelers. Travel for women is not advisable outside essential travel given the overriding security situation; modest dress and local guidance are essential if traveling.

LGBTQ+ Travelers

Criminalized

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal, punishable by 3 months to 2 years' imprisonment and a fine; there is no safety for openly LGBTQ+ people in Chad.

What Things Cost

Coffee (café)	XAF 1,500	$2.40
Local bus or metro ride	XAF 300	$0.50
Mid-range restaurant meal	XAF 8,000	$13
Hostel bed / budget room (night)	XAF 8,000	$13
Mid-range hotel (night)	XAF 45,000	$72
Daily budget, mid-range traveler	XAF 22,000	$35

2026-09

Best Time To Visit

The dry season, November to April, is best, with more pleasant weather, lower humidity, and cooler temperatures; note that most Western governments currently advise against travel to Chad due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping risk.

Phrases

Basic French phrases · Basic Arabic phrases · Basic Arabic (Chadian) phrases