The safest taxis are the official metered orange taxis. Numerous touts will try to offer you a deal but they are best avoided. Taxi fare to the city center generally costs about US$15, and fares double after midnight.

There is one main parking area at Abidjan International Airport, located right outside the terminals. Parking fees range from XOF 500 per hour at the beginning to XOF 100 per hour the longer you park, and there are monthly parking rates of XOF 15, 000.

Major operators such as Avis, Hertz, Europcar and Budget have car hire desks in the arrivals hall.

Bus: A bus service connects the airport with the city centre, and although very inexpensive, it is best used by backpackers and intrepid travellers due to safety concerns.

Taxis: Orange taxis which charge set fares are your best option; the cost of a taxi to the city centre is around XOF 6, 800, doubling after midnight.

Tel: +225 (0)2175 7901/2.

There is a departure tax of XOF 3, 000 if you're connecting to African destinations, and XOF 5, 000 for other international destinations.

Money and communications: There is a bank with a currency exchange service, and an ATM which works intermittently.

Luggage: Luggage storage is available. Airlines maintain individual lost luggage enquiries desks. Porters are available to assist with bags; a flat fee of XOF 500 is charged. Conference and business: There are no conference facilities, although the local Phone Shop offers email, internet and fax services. Other facilities: Airport amenities include a VIP lounge, pharmacy, bookshop, bar and cafeteria.

Wi-Fi: Not currently available.

Information: There is a tourist desk in the main arrivals hall, but few of the staff members speak English.

Shopping: There are two large stores in the airport, one of which has a good range of duty-free goods. Local boutiques sell traditional clothing and jewellery.

Food and Drink: There are several bars, cafes and a cafeteria-style eatery.

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.

You can easily walk between the adjacent Domestic and International Terminals.