Country Guide
Benin flag

Benin Travel Guide

Porto-Novo Capital
XOF Currency
French Language
+229 Calling Code
Right Drives on

Entry Requirements

Visa Overview Visa Required For Most Travelers, Obtainable On Arrival Or Prior.
Passport Validity 6 Months
Digital Forms Visa application form, Health declaration form
Cash Declaration Limit $10000 Usd
Alcohol/Tobacco Limits 1 Liter Of Alcohol, 200 Cigarettes

Safety & Security

Safety Rating Medium
Travel Advisory Exercise Caution
Pickpocketing Risk Medium
Night Safety Caution
Common Scams
  • Taxi overcharging
  • Fake guides

Health & Medical

Emergency Number 117
Response Speed Slow
English-Speaking Doctors Rare
Pharmacy Limited Hours
Upfront Payment Required

Getting Around

Public Transport Fair
Ride-sharing Apps None Available
Navigation Apps Google Maps
Night Transport Safety Caution

Money & Payments

Cash vs Card Cash Essential
Mobile Payments Local Mobile Payment Apps
ATM Availability Medium
Tipping 10% Tip Is Appreciated.
Estimated Daily Budget (USD)
Backpacker: $30 Tourist: $80 Family: $200

Culture & Etiquette

Dress Code Dress Modestly In Rural Areas.
Public Affection Frowned Upon
Alcohol/Drug Policy Strict On Drugs.
Topics to Avoid
PoliticsEthnic tensions

Essential Phrases

Basics & Politeness
Hello
Bonjour
Bohn-zhoor
Goodbye
Au revoir
Oh ruh-vwahr
Please
S'il vous plaît
Seel voo pleh
Thank you
Merci
Mehr-see
Sorry
Désolé
Deh-zoh-lay
Communication & Understanding
Do you speak English?
Parlez-vous anglais?
Par-lay voo ahn-glay?
I don’t understand
Je ne comprends pas
Zhuh nuh kohm-prahn pah
Can you speak slowly, please?
Pouvez-vous parler lentement, s'il vous plaît?
Poo-vay voo par-lay lahnt-mahn, seel voo pleh?
Can you help me, please?
Pouvez-vous m'aider, s'il vous plaît?
Poo-vay voo meh-day, seel voo pleh?
What does this mean?
Que signifie cela?
Kuh seen-y-fee suh-lah?

Phrase

You Say
Common Responses

Top Attractions

Disclaimer

The information in this guide is intended for general travel planning purposes only and may change without notice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Graba SIM does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or timeliness of the content. Travellers should verify entry requirements, local laws, health advice and services with official sources before and during their trip. Graba SIM is not responsible for any loss, injury, or inconvenience arising from reliance on the information provided. Always check with relevant government and health authorities for the most up-to-date travel requirements.

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