Chad

Chad is a destination where the practical details matter, so sort the essentials before you fly. According to recent travel guidance, visitors need a visa in advance, and Chad now requires an e-visa applied for online before travel; a yellow fever vaccination certificate is also required for entry. It is wise to carry printed copies of your passport, visa confirmation, hotel details, and onward plans, because formalities can be slow once you land.

N’Djamena is the easiest place to start, but do not expect a smooth, card-friendly travel scene. Cash is still important, and the Central African CFA franc (XAF) is the currency you will use most often. Track spending in local currency with budget tracking in Hello, especially if you are paying for airport transfers, bottled water, or a driver for the day. A Hello eSIM is also useful here: buy and activate it before you land so you can message your hotel, check road conditions, and avoid roaming charges as soon as you arrive.

Getting around Chad is less about spontaneity and more about planning around distance, weather, and road conditions. The country is vast, roads outside major corridors can be rough, and travel advice from multiple governments stresses caution on overland movement, especially at night and in remote areas. For most visitors, the safest and simplest approach is to base yourself in N’Djamena and arrange transport through a trusted hotel or local operator for any excursions.

If you are heading beyond the capital, timing matters. The dry season, roughly November to April, is generally the most workable period for long-distance road travel and for visiting places such as Zakouma National Park or the Ennedi region. Plan extra time: a short distance on the map can take much longer in practice. Use trip planning in Hello to keep driver contacts, overnight stops, and permit or guide details in one place. If you are sharing taxis, fuel, or vehicle hire with companions, expense splitting in Hello helps keep the costs transparent without awkward math at the end of the day.

Chad’s food is straightforward, hearty, and shaped by local staples and regional influences. In N’Djamena and larger towns, look for dishes built around millet, sorghum, rice, grilled meat, fish, and stews. One of the most common everyday experiences is sitting down to a simple plate with a sauce-based dish, often served with bread or a staple grain. If you see dishes made with peanut sauce or grilled river fish, give them a try; they are the kind of meals that are both affordable and satisfying after a long day in the heat.

A few practical food rules make a big difference: eat where turnover is high, choose food cooked hot, and rely on sealed bottled water rather than tap water. Midday heat can be intense, so lighter meals and plenty of fluids help more than heavy lunches. Keep some cash handy for small cafés, juice stalls, and roadside snacks, as card acceptance is limited. If you are traveling with others, splitting restaurant bills through Hello expense splitting can save time when cashing out in CFA francs.

Chad is a socially diverse country, but modest dress and respectful greetings go a long way almost everywhere. In urban areas, lightweight clothing is sensible because of the heat, but it should still be conservative: cover shoulders and knees when possible, especially outside tourist settings. A polite greeting before jumping into a question or request is appreciated, and French or Arabic phrases will help even if you only know a few basics.

Markets are one of the best places to observe everyday life, from fabrics and spices to tea stalls and street food. Ask before taking photos of people, religious sites, or military locations, and be ready to lower your voice and pace in more formal or family-oriented spaces. If you are visiting with friends, decide in advance how you will handle shared transport, entry fees, and market purchases; it is easier to keep everything fair with budget tracking in Hello. That way, you can focus on the experience itself: a slow tea break, a woven mat in the shade, and the rhythm of a place that rewards patience and curiosity.