Survival Tips 101

Homes are gated up and barred with wire all the way around not to prevent burglary but to prevent squatters from moving in because they'll move in anywhere where there's space.

If you are wanting to go from Point A to Point B, it may only take 10 minutes to walk there if you're in North America, but better take a tricycle here because you'll be sweating and suffering from heat stroke.

Always carry a handkerchief or towel to wipe off sweat, kleenex in case you need to use the CR (Comfort Room i.e. Restroom), Anti-Bacterial Hand gel in case you need to use the CR, and an umbrella to shade yourself from the sun (if you are a lady) or from the rain that may suddenly come especially now that we are approaching the rainy season.

Texting on your cell phone is the primary method of communication here. Everyone has a cell phone and everyone texts because it's cheaper than calling.

It is common for people, who can afford it, to have helpers. Traditionally, they are girls who are relatives of yours living out in the province (country) and you are wanting to help family out by providing jobs for their daughters. I'm sure there are various reasons why foreigners get helpers here but I find that in some ways, it really helps having someone who is a native to help you. If you are a foreigner and you are trying to buy something, sometimes vendors will charge more money. It helps to go with someone who knows the language and knows where to go to get the best deal on things.
It is also helpful having an extra hand to help with household cleaning because your home gets dirty very quickly because of the elements (insects, dust and dirt in the air and on the ground). You probably need to do laundry everyday because you sweat so much.

I understand now why people have helpers because all your time can easily become consumed with just keeping your house clean (or manageable).

It is not advisable to drink the water from the tap although it is treated because the water pipes underground are not maintained regularly so they leak allowing ground water (and other elements) to enter the drinking water. We've seen men urinating on the side of the streets, hence the warning not to step in the "water puddles".

We haven't quite gotten used to the traffic "rules" in the city here. Nobody follows the traffic lines on the streets and you just cut in where you can. There are rules but they're unspoken.

Soak fruits and vegetables with bleach water before preparing them for a meal. Often produce is grown in soil fertilized with human waste. (Was that too much information?)

Electricity is very expensive so fans (as opposed to Air Cons) are your best friend (although Air Cons are nice to have...)