Nomad Score: 57%

Essentials

πŸ™οΈ City Cotonou is the largest city and economic capital of Benin, located on the coast of West Africa.
πŸ‘₯ Population Approximate population is around 1.2 million.
πŸ’» Internet Speed Average internet speed is around 12 Mbps.
πŸ’Έ Currency & Banking Currency is West African CFA franc (XOF). Approx. 1 EUR β‰ˆ 655 XOF, 1 USD β‰ˆ 600 XOF.
🚰 Tap Water Not drinkable, bottled water is recommended.
πŸ”Œ Power Electricity is 220V, 50Hz. Plug types C and E.
πŸ“Ά SIM Card Main providers include MTN and Moov.
πŸ’³ Banking for Expats Mobile banking is popular; some international banks also available.
πŸ›Œ Accommodation Options include hotels, guesthouses, and apartments on platforms such as Airbnb.
πŸ’³ Cashless Friendly Limited cashless options; cash is preferred for most transactions.
🏠 Short Term Rentals Available on Airbnb and local rental sites.
πŸ›οΈ Budget Accommodation Options include local guesthouses and hostels starting around 10,000 XOF/night.

Working and Networking

🏒 Best Coworking Space Wobble Coworking Space is a popular choice for remote workers.
β˜• Best Cafe for Work Le CafΓ© des Artistes offers a relaxed environment for working.
πŸ’Ό Networking Events Startup events and meetups are hosted regularly at local cafes and business hubs.
πŸ₯‚ Social Events for Expats Expats group on Facebook often organizes gatherings.

Transportation

πŸš• Best Taxi/Ride App Use local taxi services or the app 'Bolt' for ride-hailing.
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental Rental options are limited; however, local bikes can be rented weekly.
πŸ–οΈ Best Beach Nearby Plage de Cotonou, accessible by taxi within 15 minutes.
✈️ Top Regional Airline Air Benin is the main regional carrier.
✈️ Top International Airline Air France and Ethiopian Airlines have direct flights.
πŸ›£οΈ Highway Access Major highways connect Cotonou to other cities like Porto-Novo, Ouidah.
πŸš‰ Main Train/Transit Hub Cotonou train station offers some regional services but is limited.
🚍 Public Transport Passes Buses operate, but passes are not widely available; pay per journey.
✈️ Regional Travel Shared taxis (Zemidjans) are common for intercity travel.

Health and Wellness

πŸ₯ Best Hospital Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Cotonou is the primary healthcare facility.
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers Yoga Health Cotonou offers classes for yoga enthusiasts.
πŸ‹οΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers Gymplex and other local gyms offer pay-per-session access.
🧺 Laundry Services Local laundromats are available, with prices around 1,500 XOF per kgs.

Food and Drink

πŸ“± Best Food Delivery App Jumia Food is popular for food delivery services.
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try Try the local dish 'Amiwo' (cornmeal and vegetable stew).
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options Le Jardin de l'Intime and other local restaurants offer vegetarian options.
🍫 Best Dessert Spots PÒtisserie Noubou offers local pastries and snacks.
πŸ›’ Affordable Shopping Spots Local markets like Dantokpa Market are great for fresh produce.
πŸ›’ E-commerce/Online Store Take advantage of Jumia for online shopping.
πŸ›’ Grocery Delivery Limited grocery delivery options are available but growing.
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area Vogt's Bar is a popular night spot for locals and expats.
🍻 Local Brewery Brasserie de Cotonou offers local beer tastings.
🍷 Wine Bars Wine Bar de l'Avenue provides a good selection.
🍲 Street Food Stalls Food stalls around the market serve delicious street food.
πŸ• Popular International Cuisine Pizza de Cotonou offers great international options.

Culture and Attractions

🎟️ Must-See Landmarks The Cotonou Cathedral and Artisanal Center are must-visit spots.
πŸ›οΈ Museums & Art Venues The Museum of the History of Benin showcases local history.
🏰 Historical Sites The historical site of Ouidah is about 40 minutes away.
πŸ• Religious Sites Cathedral of Our Lady of Mercy (CathΓ©drale du SacrΓ©-CΕ“ur).
πŸŽ‰ Annual Events The Vodoun Festival is a major cultural event held yearly in January.
🎨 Cultural Districts The Artisanal Village near the beach is vibrant with crafts and local art.
🎭 Theater Venues Cotonou's National Theater hosts various performances.
πŸ›οΈ Local Markets Dantokpa Market is the largest open-air market in West Africa.
🎼 Music Scene Live music is prevalent in local bars featuring traditional and modern genres.
🎨 Street Art Cotonou has vibrant street art along many walls in the city.
πŸ§‘β€πŸ³ Cooking Classes Classes offered by local chefs to learn Beninese cuisine.
πŸ‘©β€πŸŽ¨ Art Galleries Explore local galleries featuring contemporary African art.
πŸ•°οΈ Historic Buildings The Presidential Palace is an architectural highlight.
🏴 Local Heritage Benin is famous for its rich Vodun (Voodoo) culture.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

πŸŒ… Nearby Nature Escapes The nearby Togoville offers beautiful lakeside views.
🏞️ National Parks Nearby Pendjari National Park is 5-6 hours travel but great for wildlife.
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths Cycling along the waterfront is popular among locals and tourists.
πŸŒ„ Scenic Viewpoints The beach promenade offers stunning sunset views.
πŸ¦‰ Birdwatching Locations Ouidah's coastal regions are excellent for birdwatching.
πŸ”₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots Certain beach areas allow bonfires after sunset.

Other Services and Amenities

πŸ“¦ Parcel Delivery Service DHL and local courier services provide parcel delivery.
πŸ› οΈ Tech Repair Services Local electronics shops can handle basic tech repairs.
πŸ“ Table Tennis Spots Community centers often have table tennis facilities.
πŸ§‘β€πŸ« Language Classes Local language schools offer French and local dialect lessons.
πŸ“š Libraries & Study Spots University libraries allow public access to a degree.
🏘️ Community Centers Several community centers host social events and classes.
πŸ•ΉοΈ Gaming Lounges Some malls feature gaming zones for entertainment.
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls There are a few small casinos in Cotonou for gaming enthusiasts.

Business

🏒 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. 65,000 XOF/m² (e.g., 40 m² = 2,600,000 XOF).
🏒 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. 50,000 XOF/m² (e.g., 40 m² = 2,000,000 XOF).
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. 70,000 XOF/m² (e.g., 60 m² = 4,200,000 XOF).
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. 55,000 XOF/m² (e.g., 60 m² = 3,300,000 XOF).
🏑 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. 75,000 XOF/m² (e.g., 80 m² = 6,000,000 XOF).
🏑 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. 60,000 XOF/m² (e.g., 80 m² = 4,800,000 XOF).
πŸ’Ό Corporate Tax Corporate tax rate is 30%.
πŸ’΅ Dividend Withholding Tax Standard rate for dividends is 15%.
🏦 Tax System Residence-based taxation for individuals.
πŸ“ˆ Highest Income Tax Bracket Highest personal income tax rate is 40%.
🧾 VAT Standard VAT rate is 18%.
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules CFC rules exist but are not strictly enforced.
🏠 Property Tax Yes, applicable to all real estate holdings.
🏠 Property Transaction Tax Transaction tax is typically around 5% of property value.