Cotonou, Benin π§π―
#754
6.367695, 2.42525
Nomad Score:
57%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Cotonou is the largest city and economic capital of Benin, located on the coast of West Africa. |
π₯ Population | Approximate population is around 1.2 million. |
π» Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 12 Mbps. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | Currency is West African CFA franc (XOF). Approx. 1 EUR β 655 XOF, 1 USD β 600 XOF. |
π° Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water is recommended. |
π Power | Electricity is 220V, 50Hz. Plug types C and E. |
πΆ SIM Card | Main providers include MTN and Moov. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Mobile banking is popular; some international banks also available. |
π Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and apartments on platforms such as Airbnb. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless options; cash is preferred for most transactions. |
π Short Term Rentals | Available on Airbnb and local rental sites. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Options include local guesthouses and hostels starting around 10,000 XOF/night. |
Working and Networking
π’ 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. |
πΌ Networking Events | Startup events and meetups are hosted regularly at local cafes and business hubs. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Expats group on Facebook often organizes gatherings. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Use local taxi services or the app 'Bolt' for ride-hailing. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Rental options are limited; however, local bikes can be rented weekly. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Plage de Cotonou, accessible by taxi within 15 minutes. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Air Benin is the main regional carrier. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Air France and Ethiopian Airlines have direct flights. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Major highways connect Cotonou to other cities like Porto-Novo, Ouidah. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Cotonou train station offers some regional services but is limited. |
π Public Transport Passes | Buses operate, but passes are not widely available; pay per journey. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Shared taxis (Zemidjans) are common for intercity travel. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Cotonou is the primary healthcare facility. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Health Cotonou offers classes for yoga enthusiasts. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gymplex and other local gyms offer pay-per-session access. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Local laundromats are available, with prices around 1,500 XOF per kgs. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food is popular for food delivery services. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the local dish 'Amiwo' (cornmeal and vegetable stew). |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Le Jardin de l'Intime and other local restaurants offer vegetarian options. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | PΓ’tisserie Noubou offers local pastries and snacks. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Dantokpa Market are great for fresh produce. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Take advantage of Jumia for online shopping. |
π Grocery Delivery | Limited grocery delivery options are available but growing. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Vogt's Bar is a popular night spot for locals and expats. |
π» Local Brewery | Brasserie de Cotonou offers local beer tastings. |
π· Wine Bars | Wine Bar de l'Avenue provides a good selection. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Food stalls around the market serve delicious street food. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Pizza de Cotonou offers great international options. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | The Cotonou Cathedral and Artisanal Center are must-visit spots. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | The Museum of the History of Benin showcases local history. |
π° Historical Sites | The historical site of Ouidah is about 40 minutes away. |
π Religious Sites | Cathedral of Our Lady of Mercy (CathΓ©drale du SacrΓ©-CΕur). |
π Annual Events | The Vodoun Festival is a major cultural event held yearly in January. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | The Artisanal Village near the beach is vibrant with crafts and local art. |
π Theater Venues | Cotonou's National Theater hosts various performances. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Dantokpa Market is the largest open-air market in West Africa. |
πΌ Music Scene | Live music is prevalent in local bars featuring traditional and modern genres. |
π¨ Street Art | Cotonou has vibrant street art along many walls in the city. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Classes offered by local chefs to learn Beninese cuisine. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Explore local galleries featuring contemporary African art. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The Presidential Palace is an architectural highlight. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Benin is famous for its rich Vodun (Voodoo) culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | The nearby Togoville offers beautiful lakeside views. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Pendjari National Park is 5-6 hours travel but great for wildlife. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Cycling along the waterfront is popular among locals and tourists. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | The beach promenade offers stunning sunset views. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Ouidah's coastal regions are excellent for birdwatching. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beach areas allow bonfires after sunset. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services provide parcel delivery. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Local electronics shops can handle basic tech repairs. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis facilities. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Local language schools offer French and local dialect lessons. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | University libraries allow public access to a degree. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Several community centers host social events and classes. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Some malls feature gaming zones for entertainment. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | There are a few small casinos in Cotonou for gaming enthusiasts. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 65,000 XOF/mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = 2,600,000 XOF). |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 50,000 XOF/mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = 2,000,000 XOF). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 70,000 XOF/mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = 4,200,000 XOF). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 55,000 XOF/mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = 3,300,000 XOF). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 75,000 XOF/mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = 6,000,000 XOF). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 60,000 XOF/mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = 4,800,000 XOF). |
πΌ Corporate Tax | Corporate tax rate is 30%. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | Standard rate for dividends is 15%. |
π¦ Tax System | Residence-based taxation for individuals. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | Highest personal income tax rate is 40%. |
π§Ύ VAT | Standard VAT rate is 18%. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | CFC rules exist but are not strictly enforced. |
π Property Tax | Yes, applicable to all real estate holdings. |
π Property Transaction Tax | Transaction tax is typically around 5% of property value. |