Town in Comoé, Ivory Coast
Grand-Bassam
UNESCO-listed colonial quarter and long Atlantic beach, an easy day or weekend trip from Abidjan. Quiet and low-key; swimming is dangerous and nightlife is minimal.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$858–1,540Comfortable, one person · CFA500,000–900,000Details
- Value for money59/100Better value than 58% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goDec–MarWarmest: Jan, 29°CDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled water; avoid ice at beach stalls.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: rareDetails
- Getting aroundShared taxi from AbidjanWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashFew ATMs or card machines; bring XOF cash from Abidjan.Details
Where to stay in Grand-Bassam
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Quartier France (old town) | Colonial buildings, museum and craft shops, walkable |
| Mockeyville and the beach road | Beach guesthouses and weekend restaurants |
Apps that work in Grand-Bassam
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Wave: Mobile money used for most local payments
- Taxis: Apps rarely cover Grand-Bassam; use a pre-booked driver from Abidjan or taxis you agree with before departure.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Ivory Coast.
- Mostly cash Few ATMs or card machines; bring XOF cash from Abidjan. Guesthouses may take cards; markets and restaurants take cash or Wave.
- Currency: Franc (XOF). US$1 ≈ CFA582.98 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Withdrawals often capped around 150,000–250,000 XOF; fees apply. Visa works better than Mastercard at some banks.
- Tipping: Not required; 5–10% in restaurants or a few hundred XOF is appreciated.
- Paying by phone: Wave, Orange Money and MTN MoMo dominate locally but need a local SIM or account. Foreign mobile wallets are not accepted.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Most visitors need an e-visa applied for online before travel; check the official Côte d'Ivoire e-visa portal for your nationality.
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required and checked on arrival at Abidjan.
- Passport must be valid six months beyond arrival; bring an onward ticket and accommodation details.
Emergency numbers
Police 110 · Ambulance 185 · Fire 180 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, E · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Buy at Abidjan airport kiosks or carrier shops; passport required for registration. Allow 5,000–15,000 XOF for a month of data. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Ivory Coast
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.