Ivory Coast has a number of interesting attractions. Abidjan itself has the Parc du Banco on the outskirts of the city, where visitors can experience the rainforest's flaura and fauna. Just near the entrance to the park is Africa's largest open-air laundrette. Inside Abidjan city is the Hotel Ivoire, once a glamourous place to stay but now left to ruin. St Paul's Cathedral is another site within the city of Abidjan. Further afeild visitors can see the capital (by name only) city of Yamoussoukro, which is famous for multiple-laned highways leading straight into the jungle, or city streets and blocks all laid out but no houses or structures lining the streets. Yamoussoukro is also famous for the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro (Basilica Notre Dame), which is a replica of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. The town of Man is also well-known for it's fabric and the traditional masks on sale, as well as for its surrounding waterfalls and beautiful natural scenery.

Business in the Ivory Coast is fairly formal with punctuality a must, though more casual cotton suits are acceptable attire. Business is often conducted in French, but translators are readily available. Greeting and acknowledging each person present with a handshake is important. Business hours are usually from 7.30am to 12pm, and 2.30pm to 6pm on weekdays, and from 8am to 12pm on Saturdays.

The coastal region, where temperatures stay fairly constant between 73°F to 80°F (23°C to 27°C), is dry for most of the year, experiencing an intensely wet rainy season between mid-May and mid-July. In the central forest region of the country, however, it is continually wet and humid. The hottest part of the country is the northern savannah, where temperatures can reach 90°F (32°C). The north experiences a long wet season from June to October.

The country code for Ivory Coast is +225. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). City/area codes are not required and all numbers have eight digits. GSM 900 networks provide mobile cellular coverage around the main towns and cities, and there are roaming agreements with most international networks. International Direct Dialling is available. There are Internet cafes in Abidjan.

Photographing military or government installations is forbidden in Ivory Coast. Homosexuality is illegal. Dress is conservative for men and women. Shorts, tight clothing and strapless tops are frowned upon anywhere except on the beach.

Travellers to the Ivory Coast do not need to pay customs duty on 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 25 cigars or 250g of tobacco; one bottle of wine and one of spirits; 500ml eau de toilette and 250ml of perfume. A video camera may be imported (for personal use only) and must be declared on arrival; a deposit must be paid which will be refunded on departure. Currency should be declared.

Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Plug types in use are round pin attachment plugs or round pin plugs and receptacles with male grounding pin.

There are a variety of health risks prevalent in Ivory Coast, and a yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. Immigration officials will check this at the airport. Cholera is present in rural areas, and malaria is widespread even in urban areas. Typhoid and Hepatitis A vaccinations are also recommended. Meningococcal vaccine is recommended for travel between November and June. HIV/AIDS is widespread and Dengue Fever can occur, so make sure you pack an effective mosquito repellant. Cases of bird flu have been confirmed in Abidjan, but no human infections have been reported. There is low risk to travellers, but as a precaution close contact with live birds should be avoided and all poultry and egg dishes should be well cooked. All water should be sterilised before use, and milk, which is unpasteurised, should be boiled. Avoid dairy products and ensure meat is well cooked and eaten hot. Fruit and vegetables should be cooked and/or peeled before consumption. Medical treatment in Abidjan is of reasonable standard, but private care is expensive, and facilities outside the major towns are very limited. Medical insurance with provision for repatriation is essential.

The official language of Ivory Coast is French but more than 60 native dialects are spoken.

The official currency is the CFA Franc (XOF), divided into 100 centimes. The CFA Franc is linked to the Euro. New notes were issued in 2004 and only those issued by the Bank of West African States ( Banque des États de l'Afrique de l'Ouest) are valid currency. There are a few ATMs in Abidjan but most will accept only Visa cards. It is unwise to use an ATM that is not guarded. Credit cards are accepted in the larger hotels and better restaurants. Most shops require cash. Travellers cheques are accepted in banks, as well as some tourist orientated hotels and restaurants.

All foreign passengers to the Ivory Coast must hold proof of arranged accommodation, return/onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Note that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter the Ivory Coast. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Since the highly-contested elections earlier in 2011, the political situation in Ivory Coast is volatile and demonstrations can occur unexpectedly between supporters of the rival presidential candidates. Take care in public places and avoid crowds. Most governments advise against unnecessary travel to the Ivory Coast at present due to the potential for unpredictable unrest. If, despite this advice visitors decide to travel to the Ivory Coast, careful personal security arrangements should be made due to high levels of anti-western sentiment. Violent crime is on the increase, including armed break-ins, car jackings, muggings and hold-ups in restaurants. Evening rush hour on Abidjan's Charles de Gaulle Bridge is particularly dangerous. Visitors should be meticulous in respecting the numerous army and police roadblocks. Police and security forces can be excitable and undisciplined. Particular care should be taken in the north and west of the country, where there have been frequent clashes. All travel to the 18 Montagnes and Moyen Cavally regions should be avoided. In the area between Duékoué and Odienne, armed elements are often under the influence of drink or drugs, which makes them particularly unpredictable. Be aware of con-men and touts when arriving at Abidjan airport. The bridges crossing the lagoon in Abidjan should be avoided by those on foot. Taxis, except for metered orange taxis in Abidjan, are risky and often unroadworthy. Buses are overcrowded and best avoided. Sea bathing is dangerous as strong sea currents are present, and drownings are common.

A service charge is usually added to hotel and restaurant bills in Ivory Coast. Where it is not, a tip of 10-15% is acceptable. Taxi drivers usually expect 10%.