Bohicon, Benin 🇧🇯
#757
7.181633, 2.069568
Nomad Score:
49%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bohicon is a city located in central Benin, known for its vibrant market and cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 130,000 people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 5-10 Mbps, but higher speeds may be available through specific ISPs. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | The currency is West African CFA Franc (XOF). 1 EUR ≈ 655 XOF. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. It is recommended to drink bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/D sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include MTN and Moov. A prepaid SIM card costs around 1,000 XOF. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks such as EcoBank and United Bank for Africa (UBA) are available, with ATM services widely accessible. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Affordable options including guesthouses and small hotels are available; typical prices range from 15,000 to 30,000 XOF per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited. Cash is predominantly used, but some locations accept mobile payment systems. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb have limited options in Bohicon; local guesthouses are more common. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Guesthouse 'Le Relais' offers budget-friendly rates around 20,000 XOF per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Co-Working Station, a shared workspace in Bohicon offering reliable internet and a conducive environment for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café de la Gare offers a cozy atmosphere with WiFi and good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local entrepreneurial meetups occur monthly at various cafes. Look for groups on social media. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The 'Expatriates in Bohicon' group on Facebook hosts gatherings and events for networking. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem is available and commonly used for on-demand transport. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited services. Local bike shops offer rentals at approximately 1,500 XOF per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The closest beach is in Ouidah, approximately 60 km away, accessible by taxi or bus. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air France provides regional flights from Cotonou Airport, about 120 km away. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Ethiopian Airlines operate international flights from Cotonou. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Bohicon has access to major roads connecting to Cotonou and Parakou. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The Bohicon train station offers limited regional train service. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses and shared taxis are the main transport; no specific passes are available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis are available for travel to nearby cities such as Cotonou and Parakou. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Centre Hospitalier de Bohicon is the main healthcare facility offering basic medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes are offered at various community centers, check local listings. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness centers are limited; some hotels may have basic gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats are available, prices range around 1,500 XOF per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food operates in Bohicon, offering local restaurant delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Ahiamé', a local dish made with fermented maize. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Local restaurants often serve vegetarian options; ask for 'Soya' (grilled skewers). |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pastry shops like 'Pâtisserie Mamy' offer a variety of local sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Bohicon central market is excellent for fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Kobojo is a popular online marketplace for local shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited options available; larger towns like Cotonou offer more service. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Visit local bars around Place de l'Indépendance, popular for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Benin Beer Company produces local beers, available in most bars. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited wine bars; local wines are available at restaurants. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food is vibrant; try local vendors serving Akara (bean cakes). |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Italian and Chinese restaurants are available, such as 'Restaurant Le Rocher'. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Bohicon Train Station and the Zogbadjè village for traditional experiences. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Museum of the History of Dahomey in nearby Abomey is a must-visit. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Abomey Palace, about 30 km away, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Churches and mosques are found throughout the city; visit the Cathedral of Bohicon. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Bohicon hosts cultural festivals, especially during the annual carnival in February. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Visit the artisan quarters for local crafts and products. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theaters sometimes host cultural performances; check community boards for schedules. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Bohicon market is vibrant with local goods and is open daily. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music, particularly pop and traditional rhythms, can be found in bars and festivals. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art but some murals can be found near the central market. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer cooking classes focused on traditional dishes; inquire locally. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited dedicated galleries; local art can often be found in craft shops. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The colonial architecture in Bohicon reflects its historical roots. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Bohicon preserves aspects of the diverse ethnic cultures of Benin. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The nearby W National Park offers wildlife viewing and natural scenery. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Pendjari National Park is known for its fauna and is around a 3-hour drive. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Cycling is popular along local roads; however, infrastructure is basic. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit hilltops near Bohicon for stunning views of the surrounding area. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands near the Ouémé River are ideal for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Local parks often permit bonfires; check regulations beforehand. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Services like DHL and local postal services are available for shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops can perform basic repairs; larger cities have more options. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Check community centers for ping pong tables; availability may vary. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local institutes offer French language courses for beginners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The local library is modest but provides a quiet place to study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Active community centers host various cultural and social activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options; some cafes offer gaming consoles for casual play. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No major casinos in Bohicon; nearby cities like Cotonou have gaming facilities. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 25,000 XOF per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 1,000,000 XOF) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 18,000 XOF per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 720,000 XOF) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 30,000 XOF per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 1,800,000 XOF) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 22,000 XOF per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 1,320,000 XOF) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 28,000 XOF per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 2,240,000 XOF) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 20,000 XOF per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 1,600,000 XOF) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 40% |
| 🧾 VAT | 18% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict regulations apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% on property transfers. |