Benin Travel Guide 🇧🇯
Complete travel guide to Benin — Cotonou, Porto-Novo, Ouidah, royal palaces of Abomey, voodoo culture & West African coast
🌤 Live Weather — Cotonou
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📌 Quick Facts
🏙 Capital Porto-Novo
🌍 Regions Atlantic Coast · Savannas · Central Plateau
💱 Currency West African CFA Franc (XOF)
🗣 Language French
⏱ Time Zone GMT +1
🔌 Plug Type Type C · E — 220V
Benin is the birthplace of Voodoo (Vodun) and home to powerful West African history.
🛂 Visa & Entry Rules
E-Visa available Passport valid 6+ months Return ticket required- Many nationalities eligible for online e-visa
- Visa on arrival limited
- Travel insurance recommended
Apply for e-visa before departure for smoother entry.
🗓 Best Time to Visit
🌤 Nov–Feb Dry season — best time
🌧 Mar–Jul Main rainy season
☀️ Aug Short dry break
🌴 Coast Warm year-round
💰 Average Trip Budget
- 🎒 Budget — $30–45 / ₹2,500–₹3,800
- 🏨 Mid-range — $60–90 / ₹5,000–₹7,500
- 🛖 Cultural Tours — $120+ / ₹10,000+
🗺 Top Places to Visit
Cotonou Ouidah Abomey Royal Palaces Ganvié Stilt Village Pendjari National Park Porto-Novo🚇 Transport & Getting Around
- Shared taxis & moto-taxis
- Minibuses between cities
- Private drivers for long routes
- Limited rail services
📶 Mobile SIM & Internet
- Providers — MTN · Moov Africa
- Good coverage in cities
- Limited signal in national parks
💵 Money & Payments
- Cash widely used
- Cards accepted in major hotels
- ATMs available in cities
🍽 Food & Local Cuisine
- Pâte with sauce
- Grilled fish & seafood
- Akassa
- Yam-based dishes
🛡 Safety & Travel Awareness
- Generally safe for tourists
- Use local guides in rural areas
- Be cautious with night travel
🧳 Suggested 5-Day Itinerary
- Day 1 — Arrive in Cotonou
- Day 2 — Ganvié stilt village
- Day 3 — Ouidah & Slave Route
- Day 4 — Abomey royal palaces
- Day 5 — Porto-Novo & cultural sites
🚨 Emergency Numbers
👮 Police 117
🚑 Ambulance 118
🔥 Fire 118
🩺 Tourist Help Local Authorities
🎟 Tours & Activities in Benin
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