Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Abomey, known for its rich history and cultural heritage, was the capital of the Kingdom of Dahomey. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 100,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 10-20 Mbps in urban areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency: West African Franc (XOF). 1 USD ≈ 600 XOF. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage: 220V, frequency: 50Hz, Plug types: C and F. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include MTN and Moov; prepaid options widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards accepted at major banks (e.g., Bank of Africa). |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local guesthouses and Airbnb; prices range from XOF 15,000 to 60,000. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Generally cash-based; limited acceptance of cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses available, starting around XOF 20,000 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hotel Abomey offers rooms at XOF 15,000. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Near the Royal Palaces and Musee Historique. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | City center near co-working spaces and cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Space 245 - a small yet functional co-working environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Le Royal - features Wi-Fi and a quiet ambiance. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional meetups organized through local expatriate groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups such as 'Expats in Cotonou' often share local events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | No dedicated ride-sharing app; local taxis are used, and rates are negotiable. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rentals available at local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Ouidah Beach, about 40 km away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Benin. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France provides international flights to and from Cotonou. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | N1 highway connects Abomey to major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Abomey Railway Station serves limited routes. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific public transport passes; local shared taxis are common. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis available to nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Centre Hospitalier de Abomey serves as the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options available; some local community centers host classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic fitness facilities are available at local hotels. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available; service costs around XOF 1,000 per kg. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No dedicated apps; local restaurants may offer delivery directly. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Amiwo', a traditional Beninese dish made from corn. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Local market offers fresh fruits and vegetables; dishes can be adapted. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Boulangerie Pastry serves local pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Abomey Market for fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia is popular for online shopping in Benin. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited options; nearby supermarket chains like 'Supermarché' available. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Several bars around the Rue de Cotonou offering local drinks. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Benin Beer (Dossou) is locally brewed and widely consumed. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited, but local restaurants offer wine selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near Abomey Market selling grilled meats and snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and grilled chicken available at numerous restaurants. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Royal Palaces of Abomey, a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museum of the Danxomè exhibits local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The historical Royal Palace is a significant site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Nearby temples and traditional shrines unveil local spirituality. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Festival of Voodoo is celebrated annually attracting many visitors. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the Artisan District for local crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local community theater often holds cultural performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Abomey Market for broader cultural experiences. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars often feature live traditional music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Check street murals throughout the city adding color and storytelling. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer cooking classes focusing on traditional Beninese cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Few community galleries showcase local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Abomey is rich in colonial and traditional architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Significant symbols include the historic flags representing the Kingdom of Dahomey. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Lake Nokoué is a great spot for a day trip about 50 km away. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Pendjari National Park is accessible for wildlife enthusiasts. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Scenic paths through local neighborhoods and the countryside. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Hilltops around Abomey provide scenic views of the countryside. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Wetlands near Ouidah are known for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Local parks may allow bonfires; check regulations first. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local post services for sending parcels. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops provide basic electronics repair. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Recreational centers sometimes offer table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local institutions may provide French language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The local library supports reading and study nooks. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various cultural community centers offer activities and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming services available; local internet cafes may have computers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No major casinos; some local entertainment centers offer games. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. XOF 25,000,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = XOF 1,000,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. XOF 15,000,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = XOF 600,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. XOF 30,000,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = XOF 1,800,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. XOF 20,000,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = XOF 1,200,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. XOF 40,000,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = XOF 3,200,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. XOF 30,000,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = XOF 2,400,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Withholding tax rate is 15% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Tax system is based on individual income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 40%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax (VAT) rate is 18%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, regulations apply to CFCs. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax is based on assessed property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard transfer tax is 5% on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads can benefit from a simplified tax regime. |