Djibouti: what to see and whether to move there

What the city lives on and who it suits

Djibouti is the capital of a small country at the exit from the Red Sea into the Gulf of Aden, on one of the world's busiest shipping routes. The economy rests on the port, which handles most of Ethiopia's foreign trade, the railway to Addis Ababa, free zones and rent from foreign military bases. The country has about a million people, most of them in the capital.

The city suits professionals in logistics, ports, construction and international organisations, as well as divers: whale sharks can be seen in the Gulf of Tadjoura. For an independent move the country is expensive and hot.

Cost of living

The Djiboutian franc is pegged to the dollar at about 177.7 francs per dollar. Almost everything is imported, so food, fuel and electricity are expensive.

Practicalities: climate, languages, health

Climate. One of the hottest in the world: summer days often exceed 40°C, and it is more comfortable from November to March. Languages. The official languages are French and Arabic, and Somali and Afar are spoken daily. Health. Healthcare is limited, complex treatment means going abroad, and insurance with evacuation is needed.

Moving and legal status

• the visa is obtained online as an electronic visa: a short stay of 15-90 days costs $23, a transit visa of up to 14 days $12, processed in 3-4 business days;
• work requires a contract with a local company or international organisation, and the employer arranges the work permit;
• in the free zones companies are registered under simplified rules with tax benefits.

Work and business

The main employers of foreigners are ports and terminals, logistics and free zones, construction projects, telecoms and international organisations. The free zones give exemptions from a number of taxes and duties and serve as a warehouse and transit point for trade with Ethiopia and East Africa.

Nature and trips

Lake Assal lies about 155 metres below sea level, the lowest point in Africa, and its water is saltier than the Dead Sea. At Lake Abbe limestone chimneys tens of metres high resemble a Martian landscape. From November to February you can swim with whale sharks in the Gulf of Tadjoura.

Getting there, safety and schools

Flights link Djibouti with Addis Ababa, Istanbul, Dubai and Paris, with no direct flights from Russia. The capital itself is considered calm, but many governments advise against travel to the northern border areas. Foreign children can attend a French lycée and several private schools.

Housing

Foreigners usually live in the Héron and Plateau du Serpent areas by the sea, near embassies and hotels, or in guarded compounds. Flats are let furnished with air conditioning, and summer electricity bills are high because air conditioning runs around the clock. Employers often pay for housing, which is discussed when hired.

Money and communications

The Djiboutian franc is pegged to the dollar, and dollars are accepted in many places. Cards work in hotels and large shops; elsewhere cash is needed. Phone and internet service is provided by the state operator; internet is expensive by regional standards, although the country is a hub for undersea cables.

Is the city worth considering

The pluses are the strategic location, stability by regional standards, a dollar-pegged currency and work in logistics. The minuses are intense heat, high prices for everything imported, limited healthcare and little choice of housing. Djibouti is a city for contract work, not emigration.