Benin City, Nigeria 🇳🇬
#262
6.333058, 5.622105
Nomad Score:
49%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Benin City is the capital of Edo State in southern Nigeria, rich in culture and history. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 1.5 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 10-20 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 790 NGN (Nigerian Naira) |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is generally 230V, 50Hz; frequent power outages; invest in a generator. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Standard banks include First Bank, GTBank, and Fidelity Bank; International ATM cards accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to Airbnb and local guesthouses; mid-range starts around ₦15,000/night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Growing acceptance of cards, especially in urban areas; mobile payments becoming popular. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is available; options start at ₦10,000/night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel and budget hotels available; prices start around ₦5,000/night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Redioh Hub, offering flexible workspaces and high-speed internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Moko; quiet spaces with decent Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups facilitated by Benin City Tech Community. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the 'Benin City Expats' Facebook group for regular updates and meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt and Uber operate in the city, providing reliable transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; better to rely on taxis or hire a local bike. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Nearest coastal area is about 90 km away; several beaches in Lekki, Lagos. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Peace operates regular flights within Nigeria. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Arik Air and Air Peace provide international flights from Lagos. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Well-connected via the Benin-Lagos Expressway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Benin City Train Station, but limited services. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific transit passes; use taxis or motorcycles (okadas) for quick transport. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis available for travel to nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Iyun Medical Center, known for general healthcare. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Benin City offers classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Top Fitness Gym has modern equipment and group classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Jando Laundry Services offers affordable wash and fold services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food is popular for local and international options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Bitterleaf soup and pounded yam; try at Mama Femi's Kitchen. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Try Green Leaf, offering a range of vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cake Affair for delicious cakes and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Osagie Market for local produce and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia and Konga serve as popular online marketplaces. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermart delivers groceries throughout the city. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Ring Road area is known for vibrant nightlife and bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Locally brewed palm wine available in various bars. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine & Dine offers a good selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local vendors serve suya and puff-puff around the city. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and pasta at Dominos and Johnny Rockets. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Benin Palace, the traditional home of the Oba of Benin. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Benin City National Museum showcases local artifacts. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Igun Street, known for bronze casting tradition. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Paul’s Catholic Cathedral, an architectural landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Edo Festival celebrated each August with cultural performances. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Aideyan Street area, known for art and culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Theater Arts Program at the University of Benin showcases local talent. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Oba Market for authentic local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music venues near Ring Road; enjoy highlife and Afrobeats. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals in urban neighborhoods celebrating local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local schools offer traditional Nigerian cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Nigerian Art Collection portrays contemporary local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Old College Building at the University of Benin. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The story of the Benin Bronzes and their significance. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Ogba Zoo & Nature Park for a family-friendly nature experience. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Okomu National Park, approximately 50 km away, home to diverse wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited but some areas in parks; better for walking/running. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Oba Market rooftop cafes offer nice city views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Okomu National Park for various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some parks allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Courier services like DHL and FedEx available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Electronics repair shops in Ring Road area. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local youth centers offer table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local language schools provide lessons in English and Edo. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Benin City Library is a quiet place for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various community centers host educational programs. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | GameZone offers console gaming in a social setting. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Golden Tulip Hotel Casino is popular among locals. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₦60,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₦2,400,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₦45,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₦1,800,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₦75,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₦4,500,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₦55,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₦3,300,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₦85,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₦6,800,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₦65,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₦5,200,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% tax rate on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Resident individuals taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate of 24%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate of 7.5%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, targets controlled foreign partnerships. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate of 3% on property transactions. |