CCI: Travel Guide to Benin

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Travel Guide

Fast Facts, Holidays                                   Getting Around

Lay of the Land                                          Money

Climate and Best Time to Go                      Food, Clothing and Modes of Dress

Passport or Visa?                                       Packing Tips

Health and Safety                                      Helpful Websites

Benin Safari

Fast Facts

Capital: Porto Novo

Largest City: Cotonou

Population: 8.5 million

Languages: French, numerous local languages: Fon, Bariba, Dendi

Religion: Christian (42%), Muslim (25%), Voodoo (18%), Other (15%)

Currency: West African CFA Franc

Dialing code: 229

Electricity: 220 V

Airport: COO (Cotonou)

Lay of the Land

Benin, a vibrant country in West Africa, lies between Nigeria and Togo and is bordered by Burkina Faso and Niger to the north. The most well-known images of Benin are of the famous fishing villages on stilts. It is also known to be where Voodoo originated. You can see amazing wildlife in the national parks of the north, visit old trading forts in Ouidah, and enjoy tasty Beninese food throughout the country. Whatever part of Benin you see, the highlight of your time there will be the hospitable and friendly people you will meet along the way!

Benin’s five main ethnic groups are Fon, Yoruba, Bariba, Betamaribeé and Fula (also called Fulani or Peul). Most people retain traditional religious beliefs, such as Voodoo or Animism, while 42% of the population is Christian and 25% is Muslim.

Best Time to Go and Climate

There are two rainy seasons in the south, April to mid-July and mid-September to the end of October. The north has one rainy season from June to early October. The hottest time of the year is from March to June.

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Passport and Visa?

Anyone from the US will need a valid passport and visa to enter Benin. You may also be asked to show proof of yellow fever vaccination. Be sure to apply for a passport if you do not already have one well in advance of your departure date. You can get passport photos taken at any photography shop. For a passport application and information, you can go to many federal, state and probate courts, post offices, some public libraries and a number of county and municipal offices. To find a location near you, go to http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/ and type in your zip code.

You can obtain visa information from the Embassy of Benin in Washington D.C. We recommend visiting the Benin Embassy website at http://www.beninembassy.us.

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Health

In major cities, you will find all the amenities of any metropolitan area, including modern medical facilities. Some hospitals are private, which also means they are more expensive, but there are also public clinics that are more affordable. In less densely populated regions, you will most likely encounter small clinics and pharmacies here and there. For the common cold or minor aches and pains, medication or antibiotics can be obtained easily. You should be Hospital Signs in Benin aware that many of the medications that you would need a prescription for in the US due to certain side effects or complications are given over the counter in Benin.

The list of potential health issues in Benin can seem quite intimidating, but keep in mind that the vast majority of travelers don’t experience anything more than an upset stomach. You can greatly minimize your risk by preparing carefully before your trip and taking common sense precautions while in Benin. Consult your doctor well in advance of your departure date for the most recent recommendations and/or requirements for immunizations as well as malaria medications.

Preventing mosquito bites is important, and to do that you should use bug repellent, wear longer pants or shirts, avoid being outside at dusk and dawn, and sleep in beds covered with mosquito nets treated with permethrin, a special mosquito repellent used throughout Africa.

For updated information about health precautions and vaccinations, visit the CDC’s website at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationBenin.aspx.

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Safety

Car crashes are the leading cause of injury among travelers, so be sure not to drink and drive, wear a seatbelt if possible, adhere to driving laws and drive during the daylight hours.

Market in Cotonou, Benin

Benin is a relatively safe country and violent crime is fairly rare, but muggings and petty theft are common especially among tourists. Be especially careful in crowded markets or while taking public transportation. Always keep your personal belongings in sight, and do not carry large amounts of cash or several credit/debit cards. You should place your cash in a different place than your credit card, and also try to keep your ID separate. Putting valuables in your back pockets is a bad idea as that is the first place petty thieves look to take something. A money belt is a good way to keep important things hidden.

Women should avoid traveling alone, especially at night. The best way to stay safe is by traveling with other tourists or with locals whom you trust.

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Getting Around

The main airport is on the edge of Cotonou (COO). Several major airlines have service to this airport. Air France flies into Cotonou, as does Delta, generally via Paris.

Benin Freeway

There is a reliable bus system that runs between major towns on a daily basis, as well as in and out of Benin to neighboring countries. The main companies are Confort-Lines and Benin-Routes. Another method of transport between towns is a minibus or a ‘bush taxi’. These are more frequent and convenient than major bus lines, but they tend to be more expensive and less secure. You will need to settle on the price in advance, however. It’s a good idea to poll other passengers to see what they are paying to make sure you don’t get overcharged. In many towns you will find motorcycle taxis, referred to as zemijohns or zemdjans. Zemidjans are a fast and convenient way to get around, though not always the safest. Be sure to check out the driver carefully- drinking and driving is a common problem in Benin.

Hired car is a more expensive option. You will have to negotiate the price in advance; enlisting the help of a Beninois friend might help you to get a better price.

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Money

Bartering is a part of daily life in Beninese markets and on the streets. Whether you are buying a ticket for a bush taxi, or shopping for souvenirs from a street vendor, people expect you to negotiate the price. However, if you are at a shopping mall, grocery store or other permanently established place of business, bartering is not the normal protocol.

Benin countryside

There are banks and ATM’s in all the larger cities in Benin, which will accept international debit and credit cards. As far as tipping, in more formal restaurants 10% is generally expected, unless a service charge was included in the bill. Smaller corner stores or shops may only take cash. Traveler’s checks are not always accepted everywhere, and are not recommended as being the best payment option. For updated exchange rates visit: http://www.xe.com/ucc/

As always, no matter where you go, be careful, and do not carry large amounts of cash or several credit cards at once. If by chance you get mugged or lose your wallet or purse, cancelling one card rather than two or three is less of a hassle, and you will still have your spare credit card to pay for food and accommodation.

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Food

Beninese claim to have the best food in West Africa. A traditional meal in Benin typically includes a starch staple (such as rice, cassava, or plantain) with a sauce. Common starch Benin village staples also include: ablo (a slightly sweet pâte made with corn and sugar), djencoumé (a red colored pâte made with palm oil, tomatoes, and corn), and foufou (mashed yams).

The sauce might be arachide (peanut), aubergine (eggplant), épinard (spinach), and sauce de poisson (fish sauce).

There are a few basic precautions you should take in regards to food. First, be very wary of food sold by street vendors, especially if it is uncovered. It may be best to avoid it altogether. Vegetables and fruit should be washed with purified water and peeled if possible. Although the locals may tell you food or drink is safe and even eat it themselves, you should still be very careful. Diseases and other infections can be prevented by only consuming food and drinks from people you know and trust.

You should also be very cautious with water. This applies to ice as well. If you don’t know for sure that the water you are drinking is safe, then you should assume it isn’t. Bottled water is widely available and generally fine. Be sure the bottle seal is intact before you open it; do not drink from a bottle that looks like it was previously opened or tampered with.

Clothing and Modes of Dress

Beninese place great importance on appearance and in general dress very conservatively. In big cities, you will see a mix of western and traditional African clothing. For everyday wear, women wear a loose top and a length of colorful printed cotton cloth, called a pagne, as a skirt. Many women wear head scarves. It is generally considered inappropriate for women to wear shorter skirts, shorts, as well tight and/or revealing clothing.

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Packing Tips

Bringing an electrical converter and plug adapter is essential if you plan to use hair dryers or other electronics. The voltage in Benin is 220V 50Hz, and any universal converter and adapter kit should be fine. Other things you might consider packing:

Prescription medicines you take every day

Medicine for diarrhea, usually over-the-counter

Extra contact lenses or glasses if you wear them

Antimalarial drugs prescribed by your doctor

Mosquito nets

Insect repellant with DEET

First aid kit

Sunscreen/Sunglasses

Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots

Camera – you wouldn’t want to miss a photo op!

Helpful websites

Travel/Safety information and warnings: www.travel.state.gov