Welcome to Benin 😊
Benin, officially the Republic of Benin, is a country in West Africa. It is bordered by Togo to the west, Nigeria to the east and Burkina Faso and Niger to the north. With a population of around 12 million people, Benin is a diverse and culturally rich country that is home to many different ethnic groups, including the Fon, Yoruba, Bariba, and Dendi people. Many visitors come to Benin to explore its history, which includes the ancient Dahomey Kingdom and a history of transatlantic slave trade. Benin also has a reputation for its vibrant markets, cuisine, and music scene.
Quick Facts About Benin
- Currency: West African CFA franc
- Population: 12 million
- Languages: French,Fon,Yoruba
Money and Finances
The currency in Benin is the West African CFA franc (XOF), which is divided into 100 centimes. Notes come in denominations of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10,000 francs, while coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 and 500 francs.
ATM Network
ATMs are widely available in Benin's major cities but can be scarce in smaller towns and rural areas.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are not widely accepted in Benin, and it is recommended to carry cash for most transactions. Visa and some Mastercard and AMEX cards may be accepted at some hotels and tourist sites, but it's best to check beforehand with the establishment.
Internet and Phones
In Benin, the average internet speed for uploads and downloads is around 2-5 Mbps. There is no significant government interference in internet use.
Phone Plans and SIM Cards
The main telco companies in Benin are MTN and Moov. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around 5,000 XOF per month. There are no known sim compatibility issues.
Dialling to Benin
To call Benin from another country, dial the international code for your country followed by Benin's country code, which is +229. When dialling within Benin, use the local area codes for the specific region you are calling.
Transport Around Benin
Air Travel
There are two major airports in Benin: Cadjehoun Airport in Cotonou and Parakou Airport in Parakou. Both airports serve various international and domestic destinations.
Train Travel
Benin has a limited inter-city train network, with only one line connecting Cotonou and Parakou. The train journey takes around 9 hours, with ticket prices ranging from 4,000-7,500 CFA Francs (approx. 7-13 USD).
Metro / Local Trains
There is currently no metro system in Benin.
Buses
There are several different bus companies in Benin, including Confort Lines and Bani Transport, which offer routes throughout the country. Ticket prices vary depending on the length of the journey, but a typical bus journey within the country costs around 1,500-3,000 CFA Francs (approx. 3-6 USD).
Rideshare
Rideshare services, such as Uber and Bolt, are not available in Benin. However, motorcycle taxis (known as 'zemidjans') are a popular and affordable means of transportation.
Driving by Car
Driving is possible in Benin, although the quality of roads can vary greatly and traffic can be chaotic in urban areas. Speed limits are typically 50 km/h in urban areas and 90 km/h on highways. Benin drives on the right-hand side of the road.
Local Customs
In Benin, it is common to greet people with a handshake, although in some parts of the country, there may be more formal greetings involving bows or hand gestures. Tipping is not considered mandatory, but it is appreciated in restaurants and for certain services. When speaking with strangers, it is important to be courteous and respectful. Men generally address each other with 'Monsieur' and women with 'Madame'. It is important to dress modestly and conservatively when visiting religious sites or in more traditional areas.
Health and Diseases
Medical System
Benin's healthcare system is significantly less advanced than that of developed countries. Public healthcare services are available, but the quality is poor. Private healthcare providers offer better quality but are expensive. A visit to a doctor can cost around $50. It is highly recommended to have comprehensive health insurance before visiting Benin.
COVID Situation
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Benin took several measures to prevent the spread of the virus, including closing borders, implementing curfews, and limiting public gatherings. As of August 2021, Benin has reported a total of 13,192 cases and 129 deaths. The vaccination campaign has started, and eligible individuals can receive the vaccine for free.
Common Health Risks
Malaria is prevalent in Benin, and preventive measures such as taking antimalarial medication and using insect repellent are essential. Travelers should also be cautious of food and waterborne diseases, such as typhoid fever and cholera. Rabies is present in animals in Benin, and travelers should avoid contact with animals and seek immediate medical attention if bitten.
Laws and Regulations
Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol consumption is legal in Benin, and there are no significant restrictions on its sale or consumption. However, public intoxication is a crime, and there are laws against selling alcohol to minors.
Recreational Drugs
Recreational drug use is illegal in Benin, including the use of soft drugs like cannabis. The penalties for drug offenses can be severe, including lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines.
Pre-Marital Relationships
There are no specific laws in Benin affecting pre-marital relationships. However, the legal age of marriage is 18, and there are laws against forced marriage and child marriage.
LGBTQ and Same-Sex
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Benin and can be punished with up to three years in prison. LGBTQ rights are generally not recognized in the country, and discrimination against LGBTQ individuals is widespread.
Firearms / Guns
The use and possession of firearms in Benin are strictly regulated. Only licensed individuals are allowed to own or carry firearms, and there are severe penalties for those who break the law.