Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Chad

Accommodation

$8-25 per night

Basic guesthouses, budget hotels in smaller towns, shared rooms where available

Food & Dining

$5-15 per day

Local street food, market meals, traditional millet-based dishes, simple restaurants

Transportation

$3-12 per day

Shared bush taxis, local buses, motorcycle taxis for short distances

Activities

$2-10 per day

Free cultural sites, local markets, basic guided walks, occasional museum entry

Eat at local markets and street stalls instead of hotel restaurants (typically 60-80% cheaper)

Use shared bush taxis and local transport instead of private vehicles (75-90% savings)

Stay in smaller towns outside N'Djamena when possible (accommodation typically 40-60% less expensive)

Buy bottled water in bulk from local shops rather than hotels (50-70% cheaper)

Travel during dry season for better road conditions and lower transport costs

Negotiate prices for longer stays at guesthouses (often 15-25% discounts for 3+ nights)

Join group tours rather than private excursions (typically 40-60% cost reduction per person)

Underestimating transportation costs - Chad's vast distances and poor road infrastructure make travel expensive

Not budgeting for visa and permit fees which can add $100-300 to trip costs

Relying only on ATMs - cash is essential and banking infrastructure is limited outside major cities

Not factoring in dry season timing - rainy season can double transport costs due to impassable roads