Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bohicon is a vibrant city located in the Zou Department of Benin, known for its market and local culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 100,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 10-15 Mbps, with some ISPs offering up to 30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is West African CFA franc (XOF). 1 EUR ≈ 655 XOF, 1 USD ≈ 600 XOF. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 220V, 50Hz, with Type C and E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include MTN and Moov, offering good coverage and 4G services. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Ecobank and Société Générale offer services for expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local guesthouses and accommodations listed on Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless payment options; cash is more commonly accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses such as Hotel le Relais and L'Atlantique are available. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Guesthouses like Maison Awa and Hotel l'Océan offer affordable options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Areas near the Bohicon market and along the main roads. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The vicinity near the main market and cafes along Avenue Tchaoko. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently, there are no dedicated coworking spaces; working from cafes is common. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café la Paix is popular among locals and nomads for its ambiance and coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Attend local business gatherings or community events advertised on social media. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Look for expat groups on Facebook for community meetups and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis and shared taxis are common; no ride-sharing apps are prevalent. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rentals are available at local shops; scooters are less common. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Plage de Fidjrosse in Cotonou is about 120 km away, approximately 2 hours by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Benin is a regional airline serving local and nearby destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Ethiopian Airlines operate flights from Cotonou. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Bohicon is well-connected via the RNIE 2 road to Cotonou and other cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Bohicon has a train station for regional travel, primarily towards Cotonou. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local transport is primarily via shared taxis; no formal public transport passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis frequently travel to and from major cities like Cotonou and Porto-Novo. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Centre Hospitalier de Bohicon offers general healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga practice spots are limited; consider local community centers for classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness options include local gyms like Gym Yna. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats are available; however, many guesthouses provide laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and Jumia Food are options in Cotonou, limited availability in Bohicon. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Amiwo,' a traditional dish made with corn flour and served with spicy sauce. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Local markets often have vegetable stalls; vegetarian options are available at various eateries. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Check out local bakeries in the market for fresh pastries and cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Bohicon Market is the best spot for budget shopping of food and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local options are limited; larger purchases may require international shipping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited; most shopping is done in markets or local stores. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Local bars near the market area have live music and drinks. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brasserie de la Basse Terre produces several local beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited availability; local stores carry basic options. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food is widely available, particularly near the market. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Some restaurants offer some international dishes, primarily Italian and French. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Grand Marché, a vibrant marketplace. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Check out local art displays at community centers; museums are limited. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Explore the historical buildings in the city center. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Notre Dame Cathedral is a key religious site in Bohicon. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Cultural festivals celebrating local traditions occur regularly; dates can be checked locally. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The market area and nearby neighborhoods are full of local culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited, but some community events may include performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Grand Marché is the main market for local food, crafts, and goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music can often be heard in bars and at community events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Some local art is visible around the market area and shopping streets. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are offered in local households; inquire at guesthouses. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited options; check local cultural centers for any exhibits. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Traditional buildings can be seen in the older parts of town. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural traditions are reflected in local festivals and community life. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Access to rural areas with natural landscapes is available; exploration can be done by bike. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Pendjari National Park is a few hours drive; known for wildlife and scenic views. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Local roads can be used for cycling; flat terrain is common. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Rural areas surrounding Bohicon offer scenic views of local landscapes. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Areas near water bodies are good for birdwatching; inquire locally for spots. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Local parks or rural areas may allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local services like La Poste exist, but international shipping can be slow. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops provide basic repair services, limited to smaller devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some community centers may offer table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local language schools offer French classes; local community centers may have options. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local schools and community centers may have space for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers offer various social and cultural activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options; gaming may primarily occur in informal settings. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No known casinos; local entertainment occurs in bars and community events. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €32,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €24,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €60,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €48,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €72,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €56,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 24% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% tax rate on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive taxation rates for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 40% maximum personal income tax rate. |
| 🧾 VAT | 18% standard VAT rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, local regulations apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax rates apply based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | A standard rate of 5% applies during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Residency options can provide favorable conditions for expats. |