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Benin Practical information Benin

 
 
Area : 43483  sq.mi - Population 7000000 hab.
Benin

Our expert Benin

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Practical information Benin

superficie

Area

43483  sq.mi
vol

Flights

Between 6 and 8 hrs, depending on stopovers. Cotonou (the country's economic capital, where the main airport is located) is approximately 3,120 mi from London.
decallage horaire

Jet Lag

population

Population

7000000 hab.
aeroports proche

Airports

The international airport is at Cotonou, on the beach front. If you are staying at the hotel Sheraton, you can get there on foot in 10 minutes. Otherwise, the ride in a taxi to the town centre will cost you around XOF1,500.
securite

Security

The 90s saw an increase in urban delinquency in Benin. However, the phenomenon is far from reaching the proportions observed in towns such as Abidjan.
In town, do not take too much cash with you, and do not go out at night. In the countryside, avoid roads near to the Nigerian border both day and night. Only drive at night when necessary.
langue

Languages

French is the official language. The English of Nigeria is used for business. The most commonly spoken languages are Fongbé, Gengbé or Mina, Yoruba, Baatonu, and Dendi.
formalites

Requirements

A visa is mandatory to enter Benin. To get a visa, you will have to come to the embassy with your valid passport, a photo and a return ticket (or the receipt for one). Very important: you will also need to bring an international vaccination certificate and about 16 pounds for entry into the territory valid 1 to 7 days, 27 pounds for 8 to 30 days, and about 40 pounds for a stay lasting between 31 and 90 days. Be careful when going through the customs, you will be asked to write down the address where you will be staying in the country. Give then an address of a hotel in Cotonou.
religion

Religion

80% of the population is animist. 20% of the Beninese are Christian (Catholics, Protestants and various sects), while Islam is growing, particularly in the large towns.
monnaie

Currency

The currency is the CFA franc (XOF). Cash and cheques can very easily be exchanged in the reception of some hotels and in most banks such as the Financial Bank (found in most cities) and Eco Bank. The use of Visa cards and MasterCard, however, is limited, as they can only be used as forms of payment in some larger hotels and to withdraw cash over the counter in certain banks, although this will cost you at least Ł13, irrespective of the amount you withdraw. Cash can be withdrawn at the Financial Bank located near the central post office in Cotonou (open Monday to Friday, from 8:00am to 1:00pm and from 3:00pm to 5:00pm) or at the Eco Bank, open from 9:00am to 11:00am and from 3:00pm to 4:15pm. Don't forget to take you passport (and your patience!) with you.
transports

Local transportation

In town, the best way of getting around is the taxis and the taxi-bikes (zémidjan). You are advised to negotiate prices.
Travel between towns can be done in a bus or a shared taxi. These latter are no more expensive. Regarding buses, Cotonou has several bus stations: find out the timetables and places of departure when there.
Rail traffic is limited to the Cotonou - Allada - Bohicon - Dassa - Savé - Parakou line. The trains are slow (31 miles/hour) but the trip is picturesque, departures almost daily, day or night, and prices are not very high.
sante

Health

The only required vaccine to enter Benin is the one against yellow fever. It has to be done by a registered medical centre, at least 10 days before departure. It is valid for 10 years. An anti-malaria treatment will complete your health precautions, probably in the form of Savarine pills (medicine combining Nivaquin and Paludrin). Contact your family doctor or one of the tropical medicine health services, found in all of the big cities.
The best way to prevent yourself against malaria is to avoid mosquito bites: Sleep with a mosquito net whenever possible, wear long clothes at night, use repellent cream, spray or repellent smoke to keep the mosquitoes away from you!
In order to prevent yourself against diarrheas, simply avoid raw vegetables, ice cubes and tap water. Favour drinking water in plastic bottles with a cap, available in all refreshment areas.
electricite

Electricity

220 V. Electrical appliances are identical to the ones in the UK.
frequentation

Flood of tourists

taxe

Taxes and tips

Tips, more commonly called "cadeau" (gift), represent the normal amount you would give for a service. However, avoid giving money to children. This common practice among tourists leads to family conflicts and sometimes encourages children to stop attending school.
telephone

Telephone

To contact Benin from London, dial 00 + 229 + number of other party. There are no regional codes.
From Benin to London, dial 00 44 20 + no of other party.