Destination Cotonou: Starter Kit
10 things to know when planning your trip from the Caribbean to West Africa
Bel bonjou, Mi kwabo, Welcome
Any trip, no matter what kind, needs planning!
And when it comes to exploring West Africa for the first time, the experience takes on a whole new dimension. Between cultural similarities with the Caribbean and sometimes surprising differences, every detail counts to make the most of your stay.
To make your immersion in Benin as smooth and enriching as possible, we have put together 10 key points: practical information, tips from the field and cultural references to help you approach this trip with confidence and curiosity.
Visa
Holders of a European passport (as well as most other nationalities) require a visa to enter the Republic of Benin.
The Beninese government has set up an official platform called e-Visa for managing online applications. Once you have provided the necessary information, a 30-day visa will be issued automatically for a fee of 33,812 CFA francs (or 51.54 euros).
You do not need to print your e-Visa: showing it on your phone is acceptable.
Health
Compulsory vaccinations: The yellow fever vaccine is essential for entry into Benin, and an international vaccination certificate is required at the airport. Vaccinations against hepatitis A and B, typhoid, rabies and meningitis are also recommended.
Climate and prevention: Cotonou has a tropical climate (25–35 °C) with high humidity and mosquitoes. As malaria is present, it is advisable to take preventive medication, bring an effective mosquito repellent and wear long clothing in the evening.
Basic health kit: Essentials to pack in your suitcase include medication for fever, diarrhoea and allergies, as well as a small first aid kit.
Water: As in many tropical regions, it is not recommended to drink tap water in Benin (as is also the case in the West Indies). It is best to opt for bottled or filtered mineral water, which is readily available locally.
Before each trip, I consult my doctor, who prescribes any necessary medications for me to add to my first aid kit.
Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable, but good insurance allows you to travel with peace of mind. Whether you experience a delay or cancellation, lose your luggage, or incur medical expenses abroad (which can quickly run into thousands of pounds), the right cover can save you a lot of hassle.
Through our partner ZEN Assurances, Allianz Travel offers packages that include medical assistance, repatriation, civil liability and reimbursement of expenses in the event of illness, accident or quarantine. In other words, you can enjoy comprehensive protection and peace of mind while travelling.
Make sure you choose a policy that is valid in Africa and includes an extension for professional activities.
Bank
To avoid your card being blocked, it is advisable to inform your bank before you depart. Withdrawing cash in advance usually incurs fees, so it is best to wait until you arrive in Benin.
There is an ATM at Cotonou International Airport where you can withdraw CFA francs using Visa or Mastercard (fees apply).
💡 : 10.000 FCFA is equivalent to approximately €15.24 (€1 = 656 FCFA).
Transport
There are several options for getting around easily in Benin. The Gozem app allows you to easily book trips by motorbike, car or tricycle, with secure payment and transparent pricing. This popular urban travel solution requires a Beninese phone number to work.
At the airport, traditional taxis often charge high fares. For a trip to the centre of Cotonou, it is recommended that you do not pay more than 5.000 CFA francs and negotiate the price before getting in.
No visit to Cotonou would be complete without trying the iconic zemidjan motorcycle taxis, which are an integral part of the local culture.
Mobile and data
As international roaming can be expensive, it is advisable to purchase a local SIM card upon arrival. If your phone is compatible, you can also activate an eSIM directly at the airport.
The main operators, MTN and Moov, offer affordable data plans that are easy to top up. Prices start at 15.000 FCFA for one month of connectivity. The vast majority of communication locally takes place via WhatsApp, for both personal and professional purposes.
Business
Networking: Bring business cards to facilitate exchanges, they are a valuable asset during professional meetings.
Growth mindset: Prepare a clear and compelling elevator pitch to seize meeting opportunities, particularly in locations such as Sèmè City or the GDIZ.
Safety
Benin is recognised as a relatively safe country. However, it is still recommended that you take a few precautions: avoid isolated areas at night, keep important documents in a safe place, and register with Ariane, the French Foreign Ministry's service, to report your presence and receive information in case of emergency.
Accommodation
The Cadjehoun, Apakpa and Fidjrossè neighbourhoods in Cotonou are particularly popular due to their accessibility and safety. A wide range of options are available, including hotels and furnished apartments, which can easily be booked via Airbnb, Booking.com or Tripadvisor.
Culture and etiquette
When in public spaces in Benin, it is advisable to dress modestly and to respect local customs. Very short or revealing clothing is uncommon and may attract unwanted attention, particularly when travelling around the city by public transport or motorcycle taxi. Appropriate choices include trousers, dresses below the knee and modest tops.
In professional settings or when travelling in a group with a private driver, more casual attire is acceptable, provided it is neat.
We highly recommend the WAVE team's “Guide to Benin”, which we have purchased and found to be practical and comprehensive.
The adventure continues in Benin!
Head to Cotonou during the week of 6 October 2025 for an exploratory mission into the heart of Benin's innovative ecosystem: meet with start-ups, visit technology hubs and discover opportunities between the Caribbean and Africa.
In this context, the WAVE Club team is responsible for:
Accommodation: a stay in Fidjrossè
Transport: travelling by minibus with a driver
We would like to thank our partners for their trust and commitment: Technopole I-NOVA, French Tech Guadeloupe, ZEBOX Caribbean, Allianz Antillopole - Zen Assurance, Serene Up! and Future Studio.