Ouidah, Benin 🇧🇯
#756
6.366614, 2.085359
Nomad Score:
56%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Ouidah is a coastal city in Benin, known for its historical significance and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 90,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is about 10-15 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is West African CFA franc (XOF). 1 EUR ≈ 655 XOF. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is advised. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 220V, 50Hz; Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include MTN, Moov, and Glo, with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like EcoBank and BIA offer services for expats; mobile banking is common. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Various options from guesthouses to mid-range hotels available on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially cashless; cards accepted at some locations, but cash is needed for many transactions. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb has listings starting at around €20 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include Ouidah's Affordable Hostel at approximately €10 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | No dedicated coworking spaces; consider working from cafes or hotels with good Wi-Fi. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Les Palmiers offers a quiet environment with Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look for local expat gatherings via Facebook groups or at Hotel Le Benin. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Ouidah Expat Community hosts regular meetups; check local Facebook pages. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Use local taxis; no major ride-hailing apps available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rentals available at local shops, starting around €2 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Ouidah Beach, easily accessible and popular among locals. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air France via Cotonou for regional connections. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and ASKY Airlines serve international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | N1 highway connects Ouidah to Cotonou and beyond. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Ouidah does not have a train station; bus services connect to major cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses charge between 200-500 XOF per trip. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to nearby cities like Cotonou take approximately 1 hour. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Centre Hospitalier de Ouidah is the main hospital available. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Local wellness centers like Le Jardin de la Paix offer yoga sessions. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic fitness options available; check local hotels for gyms. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services available in local hotels and guesthouses. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No specific food delivery apps; local restaurants offer takeaway. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Amiwo', a local corn paste dish, often served with fish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Local eateries offer vegetarian dishes; check Le Bénin restaurant. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Visit La Galerie for local pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like the Ouidah Market feature fresh produce and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited options; consider local marketplaces like Jumia for products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Few grocery delivery services; local supermarkets are available. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Quinze Août street has a few bars popular with locals. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | No prominent local breweries; imported beers are common. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Ouidah has few wine bars; local restaurants serve wine. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Numerous stalls along the beach and market serve local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizzerias and Chinese restaurants are found in the city. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Ouidah Museum of History, the Python Temple, and the Slave Route. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Ouidah Museum showcases local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Sacred Forest and Gateway of No Return are key historical attractions. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Visiting the Temple of the Pythons is a unique experience. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Ouidah Festival of Voodoo is celebrated annually in January. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the historical district around the Portuguese Fort. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited options; check local listings for performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Ouidah Market offers a variety of local crafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional music performances commonly held at local festivals. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Colorful murals can be found around the city center. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooks offer informal cooking classes in traditional cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited options; local art can be found in shops and markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Portuguese Fort is an important historical site. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Ouidah is known as the birthplace of Voodoo culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Lake Nokouè offers scenic views and birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Benin's Pendjari National Park is accessible, but requires travel. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking paths along the beach are popular among locals. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from the Ouidah Lighthouse is picturesque. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Check Lake Nokouè for diverse bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beach areas are ideal for bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local postal services available for shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local phone and electronics shops can handle basic repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Limited options; check community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local education centers offer French language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited formal study spots; consider cafes or hotels. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Check local listings for events at community centers. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming options; internet cafes offer some gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos available in Ouidah. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €24,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €450 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €18,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €550 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €33,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €24,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €40,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €350 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €28,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend tax rate is 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residence-based taxation system: income generated in Benin is taxed. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 18%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, some rules apply for foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes are applicable based on value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Property transaction tax is typically 6%. |