Money and payments
Cards and cash
MasterCard and Visa can be used to withdraw cash at the ATMs of Ecobank, Banque Atlantique, BIBE, and SGB.
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Africa · Western AfricaOutline guideCountry in West Africa
Photo: Voodoo_Temple_(Ouidah,_Benin).jpg: Shubert Ciencia derivative work: JamesA, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Benin is a country in West Africa. You'll find culture through a large collection of palatial ruins and temples of the once powerful Kingdom of Dahomey (1800s–1894). Moreover, Benin is the birthplace of Vodun (Voodoo) and all that goes with it. Vodun is the official religion of the country, and an important part of the life of ordinary Beninese. Many important tourist sites are linked to Vodun or the slave trade. The national parks of Benin are well worth a visit for their wildlife. It is also one of the most stable and safest countries in the region. With its rich history, vibrant culture, protected wildlife, Grand Popo ocean beach, and artisan market in Se, Benin is one of the best kept tourist secrets in West Africa.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Benin.
Cards and cash
MasterCard and Visa can be used to withdraw cash at the ATMs of Ecobank, Banque Atlantique, BIBE, and SGB.
Mobile networks
Drinking water is readily available, if you want bottled water there is "Possatome"- a natural spring water bottled in the city with the same name.
Watch what you eat/drink and where you eat/drink it. If you are going to eat street food, make sure it is served very very hot, since bacteria will not live in hot food.coli bacteria found in undercooked meat.
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
The capital, if only in name, hosting the parliament and a unique Afro-Portuguese heritage
The pre-colonial capital whose Royal Palaces are on the UNESCO World Heritage List
Benin's largest city and de facto capital, the hectic and cramped home to many government offices and the country's port
A sleepy beach resort town close to the Togolese border
A border town with Niger, with not much else besides a border post
Largest city on the way to northern Togo or Burkina Faso and a jumping-off point for exploring the Tata Somba
A former slave-trading port that is a center for the country's vodun heritage
The largest city in the central region and the capital of the Borgou Department
Pendjari National Park, is in Northern Benin.
W National Park is a trans-border park, with the most important areas in Southwestern Niger, around a meander in the River Niger shaped like the letter W.
Places in Benin on the World Heritage List.
Koutammakou
Listed 2004
Royal Palaces of Abomey
Listed 1985
W-Arly-Pendjari Complex
Listed 1996
Royal Palace Museum
Listed 1996
List from Wikidata (CC0). Photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Arid landscapes and tribes
The coastline, the capital and most of the sights
Public transport and paid services in Benin.
By boat
There are many pirogues (kayak/canoe) used for the fishing industry. Normally, one can use a pirogue to visit the lake villages.
By train
As of 2022, the train is not operating, but a new rail project is planned to connect Cotonou (and its port) to Niger via Parakou.
By bush taxi
Bush taxi is possible between most cities, every day in major cities, periodically for the more remote ones.
By car
Hired drivers cost more and is the typical means of transport for foreigners. The price depends on the driver and a local (Beninois) helping to negotiate is recommended.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Benin.
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Other ways to travel:By moto
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Cotonou · International · COO
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Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Porto-Novo
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 30° | 30° | 30° | 29° | 29° | 28° | 27° | 27° | 27° | 28° | 29° | 30° |
| Avg. low | 23° | 25° | 26° | 26° | 25° | 24° | 23° | 23° | 23° | 24° | 25° | 24° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 20 | 32 | 78 | 119 | 174 | 216 | 165 | 93 | 198 | 172 | 55 | 20 |
| Humidity | 77% | 81% | 84% | 86% | 87% | 88% | 89% | 88% | 89% | 88% | 85% | 79% |
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Budget
$40
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$105
Per person, per day
Luxury
$270
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $20 | $60 | $160 |
| Food and drink | $10 | $20 | $45 |
| Local transport | $5 | $10 | $25 |
| Activities | $5 | $15 | $40 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2025). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
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We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 2 of 4Exercise increased caution
Exercise increased caution in Benin due to unrest, crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do Not Travel to areas of Benin bordering Burkina Faso; Niger; and the Nigerian states of Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara due to crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. Do not travel to the border region in northern or northeastern Benin for any reason. U.S. government employee travel restrictions U.S. government employees working in Benin are not allowed to travel to the following areas without Ambassador approval due to safety risks: Alibori Department Atacora Department Borgou Department in areas north, east, and west of Parakou Donga Department in the area north of Djougou Official travel in Borgou Department north, east, and west of Parakou as well as official travel in Donga Department north of Djougou is authorized for day trips only. Safety risks prevent emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in the areas of Benin bordering Burkina Faso; Niger; and the Nigerian states of Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara. There are no safety risks in Benin that would stop the U.S. government’s ability to offer routine or emergency services, except in the identified areas of concern. Crime Most coastal and southern areas of Benin are safe. However, violent crime can occur in remote locations. These crimes often happen at night and include kidnapping, assault, and armed robbery. Stay aware of your surroundings in: Urban areas and crowded markets. Areas near roadblocks, which may be manned by armed groups. Armed groups are present throughout the…
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Advises against all travel to parts of the country
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against travel Northern border regions FCDO advises against all travel to the Parc du W National Park and the hunting zones of Mékrou and Djona. The park is tri-national, sharing an open border with Burkina Faso and Niger. There is a risk of terrorist attacks and kidnapping throughout the park. FCDO also advises against all travel to: the area between the Parc du W and the border with Niger the Pendjari National Park and adjacent hunting grounds all other areas within 5km of the border with Burkina Faso Eastern Benin FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the area between the Interstate Highway (RNIE) 2 from Tchaourou to Malanville and the Benin-Nigeria border, due to increasing criminality. Alibori and Atacora FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of the Alibori and Atacora departments. Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel. Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: see general advice for women travellers read our guide on disability and travel abroad see general advice for LGBT+ travellers read about safety for solo and independent travel see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad Travel insurance If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an…
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in Benin.
Travel tipsLasting from the 1500s to the 1800s, the Atlantic slave trade was a crime against humanity of extraordinary proportions, leaving a huge mark on four continents and irreversibly changing world history and geopolitics.
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Nature & adventureAs of 2023 the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves is made up of 738 reserves in 134 countries of which 22 are transboundary.
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Culture & historyReligion and spirituality have played a significant role in humanity's history. Many cultural sights from buildings to festivals and traditions are of a religious nature.
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Culture & historyAs the origin of humankind, Africa has been the home of many nations and kingdoms. While ancient North African civilizations such as ancient Egypt and Carthage are famous in Europe and elsewhere, most pre-colonial…
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Travel tipsMonarchy is a form of government where the head of state, a monarch, is appointed for life, usually through heredity. In an absolute monarchy the monarch has uninhibited power.
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Food & drinkColourful and diverse, street food is an experience you can find in cities and towns all around the world. It's generally convenient and cheap, but its appeal goes far beyond that.
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