Living in Dzaoudzi as an expatriate

Visa requirements

Expatriate workers moving to Dzaoudzi must possess a valid work permit, which must be obtained from the local authorities prior to arrival. The permit is tied to a specific employer and job role, and must be renewed annually. Additionally, expats must hold a long-stay visa in their passport, which is valid for up to three months.

Language resources

Although French is the official language in Dzaoudzi, the local dialect is an variation of Swahili, known as Shimaore. While fluency in French is highly recommended, expats are also advised to pick up some basic Swahili phrases to facilitate communication with the local population. The House of Culture in Dzaoudzi offers language courses for both French and Shimaore.

Housing

Accommodation costs in Dzaoudzi are relatively low compared to other parts of France. A room in a shared house typically costs between 150 and 300 euros per month, while a one-bedroom apartment can fetch around 400-600 euros per month. Two-bedroom apartments vary greatly depending on their size and location, with prices ranging from 600 to 1200 euros. Three-plus-bedroom houses are more expensive, with prices starting at around 1200 euros per month.

Groceries

Food and grocery prices in Dzaoudzi are in line with those of mainland France, with fresh produce and dairy products being imported regularly. However, some popular locally grown produce such as rambutan and vanilla are much cheaper than their French equivalents.

Transportation

Transportation costs in Dzaoudzi are also relatively affordable. Taxis from the airport to the city center cost around 35 euros, while local bus fares are approximately 50 cents per journey. Cycling and walking are also popular forms of transportation due to the city's small size and favorable climate.

Dzaoudzi enjoys a tropical climate with high humidity. The dry season runs from May to October, while rainy weather occurs from November to April. Temperatures remain mild throughout the year, with an average high of 28°C in January and an average high of 30°C in October. The island's location in the Indian Ocean also provides ample opportunities to enjoy watersports and scuba diving.

Dzaoudzi's economy is primarily based on agriculture, fishing, and tourism. Agricultural products such as vanilla, ylang-ylang, and rambutan are grown on the island, while fishing serves as a major industry due to the abundant marine life in the surrounding waters. In recent years, the tourism sector has surged, as more and more visitors flock to the island's secluded beaches and pristine jungles. Expats with backgrounds in agriculture, fisheries, and tourism are particularly sought-after.

Dzaoudzi is served by a government-run hospital, which provides a range of medical services. All essential medical care is available on the island, with specialists such as gynaecologists, paediatricians, and cardiologists available. Most common illnesses and conditions can be treated on the island, but serious conditions may require medical evacuation to mainland France.

Dzaoudzi has no city-wide transportation network. However, taxis and local buses are available to travel between the main areas of the city. Taxis can be hailed on the street, while buses operate on fixed routes around the city. Due to the small size of the city, many expats choose to walk or cycle to their destinations, especially as the city has several dedicated cycle paths.

Although the island as a whole is generally considered safe, crime does occur in certain areas. Petty theft and opportunistic burglaries are not uncommon, particularly in the city center and around the harbor area. Expats are advised to take common-sense precautions, such as leaving valuables at home, avoiding walking alone at night, and locking doors and windows when unoccupied.