Abomey, Benin 🇧🇯
#758
7.182001, 1.993632
Nomad Score:
50%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Abomey is a historical city in Benin known for its rich cultural heritage and connection to the Dahomey Kingdom. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 82,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speeds of 10-15 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | West African CFA franc (XOF); 1 USD ≈ 650 XOF |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 220V, 50Hz; commonly used plugs are Type C and E. |
| 📶 SIM Card | MTN and Moov are popular local providers with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major banks such as Bank of Africa and Ecobank provide services; international cards accepted at some ATMs. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include guesthouses and hotels; Airbnb is also available, average price around $20-$50 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred but some places accept mobile payments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available via Airbnb and local real estate platforms; price range is $20-$50 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget hotels and hostels; example: Hotel La Renaissance starting at $15/night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | CoWork Benin located in Cotonou (about 2 hours away) is recommended for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de la Gare - a quiet spot with good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local business events are organized monthly at various community centers. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Meetups are organized by expats via social media and community boards in local cafes. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis can be found easily; no major apps, negotiate fares in advance. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; some local shops rent bicycles. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Ouidah Beach is approximately 45 km away (1 hour drive). |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Côte d'Ivoire flies from Cotonou to regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Brussels Airlines serve Cotonou (PPN Airport). |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | National roads well-maintained, enabling easy access to Cotonou and nearby cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Abomey does not have a train station; travel is mainly by bus or shared taxi. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Limited formal transit passes; fare is generally paid in cash for buses and shared taxis. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Abomey to major cities like Cotonou and Porto-Novo. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Centre Hospitalier Départemental de l'Atlantique in Abomey is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; few local fitness centers offer classes, check community boards. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness centers available, example: Fitness Club Abomey. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services available at local hotels; self-service laundromats are rare. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No major food delivery apps available; local restaurants typically serve walk-in customers. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Pounded yam with tomato sauce and grilled fish is highly recommended. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Local markets offer fresh fruits and vegetables; few dedicated vegetarian restaurants. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Local bakeries offer traditional pastries; try Les Délices de Abomey. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Abomey's central market is perfect for fresh produce and local snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia is a popular online marketplace for various goods. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited; local stores mainly cater to walk-in customers. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Local bars are scattered throughout the city; popular areas include around the central market. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Benin Beer (Bière Beninoise) is a local favorite. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited; wine is available at local eateries but not dedicated bars. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various street food options available around the central market, including grilled skewers. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Some hotels and restaurants offer international dishes, mainly French and Italian. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Royal Palaces of Abomey - UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Abomey Museum showcases the history of the Dahomey Kingdom. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Ancient palaces and artifacts are scattered throughout the city. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Several local churches and temples reflect diverse beliefs in the city. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Festival of Gelede, celebrating traditional culture, occurs every February. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The city’s market and historical sites make up its cultural hub. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local community centers occasionally host theatrical performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The main market offers a vibrant atmosphere with local crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music, primarily traditional rhythms, can be found in bars and community gatherings. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Art can be found in various local murals and community decorations in public spaces. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Few local chefs offer informal cooking lessons; inquire at markets. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited contemporary art venues; local crafts are sold in markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Royal Palaces and other colonial-era buildings are prevalent. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The heritage of the Dahomey Kingdom is celebrated through various local festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Surrounding areas offer lush landscapes and rural exploration opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Pendjari National Park is located about 146 km away, known for wildlife safaris. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Local roads provide opportunities for cycling and walking in scenic areas. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The hills surrounding Abomey offer excellent views of the countryside. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Pendjari National Park is a hotspot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Public parks allow for gatherings and bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | EMS and local courier services available for package deliveries. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops provide smartphone and computer repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table tennis facilities are limited, usually available in community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | French language classes available at local community centers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public library services are limited; local cafes serve as study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various community centers host events and activities for locals and expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; most gaming activities are home-based or within local cafes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No established casinos; local gambling options are informal. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $40,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $54,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $42,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $850 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $68,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $650 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $52,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 27% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax rate applied to dividend distributions is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Tax residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 40%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 18%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes are based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate of 7% during property purchases. |