Abomey-Calavi, Benin 🇧🇯
#1534
6.453863, 2.354245
Nomad Score:
54%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Abomey-Calavi is a vibrant town situated in southern Benin, known for its cultural heritage and proximity to Cotonou. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 500,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 10-20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF), with 1 EUR ≈ 655.96 XOF. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 220V, 50Hz, with Type C/D sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Mobile providers include MTN and Moov, offering affordable data plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major banks like Banque Atlantique and Ecobank accept mobile payments and international cards. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb and local guesthouses such as Villa Kléber. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially cashless; mobile money is widely used but cash is still preferred. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb options start around $20 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels and budget hotels, such as Hotel Le Jardin, offer dormitory rates from $10. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking Space Le Hub provides great facilities and reliable internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe des Auteurs is ideal for working with a relaxed atmosphere and free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly networking meetups organized by local entrepreneurs at Le Petit Coton. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups such as 'Expats in Cotonou' connect expats across the region. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Use the local app 'Yango' for ride-hailing services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rentals available at Cotonou Bike Share, a short ride away. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The closest beach is in Cotonou, approximately 20 minutes by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Ethiopian Airlines connects to regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Royal Air Maroc operate flights from Cotonou. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The town is connected to the A2 highway, facilitating travel to major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Cotonou Train Station is the nearest hub for regional train services. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is via shared taxis or 'Zemis'; no formal passes are available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses ship people to major cities including Porto-Novo and Cotonou. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Polyclinique de l'Amitie is widely recognized for its healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Studio Benin offers classes in a serene environment. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gym Fit offers affordable month-to-month memberships. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats provide washing services, with prices starting at $5 per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food is the most popular food delivery service in the region. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Amiwo' – a local dish made from corn with a spicy sauce. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Le Bistronome offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Patisserie Jicky is famous for its delicious pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Dantokpa Market offers fresh produce and local goods at great prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia Benin serves as a popular online marketplace. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Get grocery delivery through Jumia or local services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Rue 12 at Cotonou is known for its bars and nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brasserie de la Benin produces local beers popular among locals. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine network Caspian is a great way to explore selections in wine. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food in Abomey-Calavi includes 'poulet braisé' and 'akpan' from local vendors. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like La Lune serve fantastic French cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Ancient royal palaces and temples in Abomey are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Abomey Museum showcases the history of the Dahomey Kingdom. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Royal Palace of Abomey is a significant historical site worth visiting. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Visit the sacred forest of Kpassè, a cultural heritage site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Festival of Voodoo, celebrated annually in November, offers unique cultural insights. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The artisan district of Abomey specializes in crafts and traditional items. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theaters host performances often highlighting Beninese culture. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Abomey Market hosts various stalls selling local crafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | 'Akan' music performances are often seen in local venues. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals celebrating local history and culture can be seen throughout the area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Ensembles de Cuisine offers classes on traditional Beninese cooking. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galerie Benin showcases local artists and their works. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Notable colonial architecture can be seen throughout Abomey. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Adansonia digitata tree, known locally as the Baobab, is a symbol of strength. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Pendjari National Park is about a 3-hour drive for wildlife enthusiasm. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | For stunning scenery, visit the W National Park, recognized for its biodiversity. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Visit the scenic rails along the Oueme River for cycling and walking paths. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Enjoy views from scenic hills near the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Lake Nokoué offers exceptional opportunities for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beach areas near Cotonou allow bonfires with proper permissions. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Services like DHL and local services provide reliable shipping options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Abomey-Calavi provide mobile and computer repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Find community sports at local centers around Abomey-Calavi. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools in Cotonou offer French and local languages classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public libraries provide places to study, although resources may be limited. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural centers in the area host workshops and community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local cafes offer gaming areas for console and PC gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Cotonou hosts a few casinos for entertainment, roughly a 30-minute drive. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. XOF 50,000,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = XOF 2,000,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. XOF 35,000,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = XOF 1,400,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. XOF 55,000,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = XOF 3,300,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. XOF 40,000,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = XOF 2,400,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. XOF 60,000,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = XOF 4,800,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. XOF 45,000,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = XOF 3,600,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend tax rate is 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive personal income tax, with rates from 5% to 30%. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 18%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules but international taxation applies. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax rates vary based on location and property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% transfer tax applicable on property transactions. |