Travel Essentials

Benin: What To Know Before You Go

Plugs: Types C and E; 220 V, 50 Hz. Emergency: Police 117, Fire 118. Tipping: Not required, but small tips for guides, drivers and waiters are appreciated. Tap water: Drink bottled or treated water.

Open The Benin Trip Kit

Plugs And Power

Types C and E; 220 V, 50 Hz

Emergency Numbers

Police	117
Fire	118

Tipping

Not required, but small tips for guides, drivers and waiters are appreciated.

Water And Health

Tap water: Drink bottled or treated water
Vaccines: Routine vaccines, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, meningitis
Malaria: Risk throughout the country year-round; antimalarial tablets recommended

Apps To Download Before You Go

MTN MoMo: The most used mobile money service for shops, bills and transfers.
Moov Money: The other main mobile wallet, useful as a backup.
Gozem: Benin's home-grown ride-hailing app for motorbike taxis, cars and deliveries in Cotonou.
Yango: International ride app also active in Cotonou.
WhatsApp: Standard for contacting hotels, guides and drivers.
Facebook: Where many local businesses post hours and offers.
Google Translate: French is the official language and translation helps with paperwork and menus.

Customs And Etiquette

Greetings. Shake hands (right hand only) and greet elders first; a lengthy greeting exchange before business is normal and appreciated.

Dress. Casual but modest dress is fine in cities; cover shoulders/knees at religious or Vodun ceremony sites unless invited otherwise.

Visiting Vodun sites. Ask permission before photographing shrines, ceremonies, or the Python Temple in Ouidah, and expect to pay a small guide fee.

Safety And Scams

Benin is one of the more stable countries in West Africa and generally safe for visitors, though petty theft and scams occur in Cotonou's markets and bus stations.

Overcharging moto-taxis and taxis. Agree on a zémidjan or taxi fare before getting on; drivers often quote foreigners double.

Fake guides at heritage sites. Self-appointed 'guides' at the Python Temple or Slave Route in Ouidah may overcharge; use official ticket booths where possible.

Women travelers. Harassment is uncommon but street attention happens; dress modestly and avoid isolated areas at night.

LGBTQ+ Travelers

Legal · Use Caution

Same-sex relations are legal in Benin and not criminalized, but same-sex marriage is banned and there are no anti-discrimination protections; police crackdowns and social stigma have occurred, so discretion is advised.

What Things Cost

Coffee (café)	1,500 CFA	$2.50
Local bus or metro ride	500 CFA (zémidjan moto-taxi)	$0.85
Mid-range restaurant meal	5,000 CFA	$8.50
Hostel bed / budget room (night)	8,000 CFA	$13
Mid-range hotel (night)	35,000 CFA	$58
Daily budget, mid-range traveler	40,000 CFA	$67

2026-09

Best Time To Visit

November to February is the main dry season: cooler, less humid, and the easiest time to travel the coast and north.

Phrases

Basic French phrases · Basic Fon phrases · Basic Yoruba phrases