Nestled astride the Gregorian and Moresby bays, the low-lying metropole known as Djibouti City presents an exquisite blend of geographies, cultures, and languages. It is the administrative center of Djibouti as well as one of the busiest commercial ports in Africa – hosting a dynamic population of native Djiboutians, expatriates, and refugees from neighboring countries. Its unique positioning at the crossroads of the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean exemplifies its significance as a strategic hub in global trade and transit routes.
Tips for expats in Djibouti City
Visa requirements
Foreign nationals intending to move to Djibouti for employment must obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Interior Affairs. Those who wish to purchase real estate in Djibouti must obtain authorization from the provincial authorities while renewing the residency visas every year. The visa application process for foreign expatriates can be fast-tracked via the online portal or by visiting the embassy physically.
Language resources
The official languages in Djibouti include Arabic, French, and Afar, while Somali, Oromo, and Issa are commonly spoken as well. As preparing for language classes can be tiresome, it is recommended to learn a few basic phrases in one or more of these languages at the onset of moving to the city. Language courses are available at universities and language schools for a fee, or free-of-cost via listening to the locals or browsing language apps, like Duolingo, Babbel, and Rosetta Stone.
Cost of living for expats in Djibouti City
Housing
Living expenses in Djibouti City are conveniently cheaper than the rest of the African continent, boasting considerable savings in rent, transportation, and food expenses – making it an attractive destination for foreigners looking for affordable accommodation. Rent estimates for a room in a shared house range from $100 - $250, for a one-bedroom apartment, $200 - $400, for a two-bedroom apartment, $400 - $600, and for a three-plus-bedroom house, $700 - $1100 per month. The prices may vary based on the location's proximity to commercial hubs, dining facilities, and schools.
Groceries
Djibouti City offers a range of grocery stores supermarkets, vegetable markets, and pharmacies to choose from, with imported products priced at par with other African and Arabic nations. Some common grocery expenses may include tea (TIFIK) bags costing approximately $0.40 - $0.60, loaves of white bread costing approximately $0.70 - $1, and locally produced fruits and vegetables like mangoes, bananas, and pineapples, costing approximately $0.35 - $0.75 per kilo.
Transportation
Taxi fares for short distances within the city borders are approximately $1 - $5, where longer routes may approximately cost $8 - $15. Minibusses or mercables cost around $0.40 - $0.70 per ride. Commuter trains between the port and the city are also available, with ERATA Mobilier ticket prices ranging from $0.08 - $0.20.
Climate in Djibouti City
Djibouti's tropical desert climate is characterized by frequent dust-raising windstorms known as gorofs, prolonged dry weather, and scorching sunshine. The annual average temperature ranges from 21°C to 32°C, while the rainy season from June to September delivers short but heavy rainfall.
Job market in Djibouti City
Although Djibouti's economy heavily relies on the primary sectors of fishing, pastoralism, and agriculture, the rapidly developing service sector accounts for a considerable share of its GDP as well. Transport, communication, and finance is the most thriving industry with its port handling up to 95% of the country's trade. The private sector is equally expanding in the real estate, construction, and hospitality sectors. To register for work in Djibouti, foreigners must apply for a work permit and a residency permit from the Ministry of Interior Affairs.
Healthcare in Djibouti City
Djibouti's public healthcare system combines a mix of traditional and western medical practices, while private healthcare is accessible and affordable, providing quality care to those willing to pay. The main government-run hospital is situated in the city's central district, providing basic medical services, while private clinics in other areas offer specialized services. The clinical staff generally speaks French, English or Arabic, and sometimes Amharic and Oromo, owing to the influence of neighboring countries.
Transport in Djibouti City
Hopping around Djibouti City is relatively easy due to the well-organized and ample transportation services. Taxis, car rentals, and minibusses known as 'mercables' are the most popular modes of transportation, with their prices fluctuating depending on the season and the distance involved. Reliable public transport networks consist of several buses and marshutkas that follow fixed routes passing through the city's central hubs, and are operated by Djibouti's public transportation company called the 'Compagnie des Transports Publics.'
Safety in Djibouti City
Djibouti City is mostly a safe place for visitors and expats, especially in the central locations. However, it is essential to avoid the less-developed districts, as they may have higher incidents of petty crime. The city's embassies, military bases, and consulates are heavily guarded and protected, signifying the relative safety of their vicinities. Expats recommended to learn about the time of day when locals undertake their regular activities and avoid wandering around the streets during the early hours.
Neighborhoods in Djibouti City
Dikhil
Positioned on the northwest side of the Gulf of Tadjoura, Dikhil offers fascinating insight into Djibouti's history, culture, and traditions. Its seaside streets are lined with a colorful blend of cooked seafood, traditional crafts, sculptural art, and cultural performances, while its tranquil atmosphere amplifies its hypnotic allure.
Alpha Mengisti
Alpha Mengisti is a bustling commercial neighborhood situated on the northeastern coastline, catering to the needs of Djibouti's locals, expatriates, and refugees. It is a popular area for shopping, with lively bazaars such as the Edit Mizan Street Market, serving its residents with fresh produce, ethnic clothing, and hardware items.
Moucha
Located on the western coastline, Moucha serves as the coastal endpoint for the Djibouti Railway. Its vivid streets are brimming with a blend of ethnic textiles, cherished fruits, delectable local cuisines, lively markets, and adorable children playing alongside the railway tracks.
Renaissance
Adjacent to Djibouti's central administrative region, Renaissance is a newly developed urban district comprising a perfect synthesis of illuminating skyscrapers, modern public transportation networks, bustling boutiques, chic restaurants, and vibrant cafes. It is known for its exclusivity, technology, and luxury.
Masore
Surrounded by breathtaking coastal landscapes, Masore is a rapidly growing residential area known for its proximity to the popular international school, Lycée du Golfe Djibouti. It is a secure and safe district to earn a livelihood or raise a family due to its neighborhood watch services and ample community resources.
Attractions in Djibouti City
Khor Ambado
Located on the northeastern coastline, Khor Ambado is a prominent geographical feature renowned for its spectacular sunsets, palm-lined avenues, historic sites, and cultural events. Its vibrant streets offer fascinating insights into Djibouti's traditions, citizenships, and rituals.
Lake Assal
The lowest point in Africa, located on the Dancale Depression, Lake Assal is a picturesque natural wonderland comprising crystal clear waters, saline crusts, and desert landscapes. It is a remarkable spot for water sports, flora and fauna exploration, and photography sessions.
Moucha Market
Located close to the Moucha district, the Edit Mizan Street Market comprises small stalls selling a wide assortment of assorted fruits, metals, textiles, appliances, electronic items, and hardware accessories.
Djibouti Railway
The 635 km railway network, connecting Djibouti's eastern and western regions, has bolstered Djibouti's economy, connecting the bustling eastern horn of Africa with the western geographies of Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt. The railway's passenger capacity increases to a seating capacity of approximately 2500 passengers, and the cargo capacity is around 5000 tonnes per day.
Gulf of Tadjoura
The google of tadjoura is a scenic and picturesque region surrounded by fascinating landscapes, including Khor Ambado, Lake Assal, and the Moucha coastal regions. It is an idyllic area for fishing, camping, swimming, diving, and hiking, while the Golfe du Tadjoura Beachfront Resort and other chic hotels provide comfortable accommodation facilities.
International Schools in Djibouti City
Lycée Francois-Verdier (LFV)
Located in the Rue Jacques Freyssinet area of Renaissance, Lycée Francois-Verdier (LFV) is a reputed international school catering to students from pre-kindergarten through to secondary school. Its world-class academic resources, extracurricular activities, multilingual faculty, and library boast an impressive record of creating academic and professional excellence among its learners.
Lycée du Golfe Djibouti
Situated in the thriving residential area of Masore, the transcendent Lycée du Golfe Djibouti combines academic excellence, extracurricular proportions, and sports facilities catering to students in pre-kindergarten through senior high-school levels. The school community includes local Djiboutian students alongside expatriate students from Lebanon, Syria, and the Maghreb.
