TRAVEL
TIPS
| Driving |
U.S
Driving Permit accepted |
| Currency |
(XOF)
Africaine Franc |
| Electrical |
220 Volts |
| Telephones |
Country
Code 229, City Code Atlantic and Coastal Area 3+5D, Mono and
Couffo 4+5D, Zou and Collines 5+5D |
Transportation:
Within all large cities, towns, and some villages, you'll find
motorcycle-taxis called "zemidjans." You'll recognize
the drivers by their colored shirts (yellow in Cotonou, purple
in Porto Novo, etc.). These are by far the fastest, most convenient,
cheapest way to travel from place to place within a city, or between
neighboring cities and towns. The quality of drivers and motorbikes,
however, varies greatly, and breakdowns are not uncommon. Be sure
to discuss price with your driver before getting on the bike.
Travel within Cotonou, for example can range from 100-200 CFA
to get from one part of the city to another; the fares increase
after dark.
Currency:
The
unit of currency in Benin is the West African CFA.
The value is (estimated) 700 CFA = $US 1. You
can change money at the airport upon arrival. There are a variety
of banks in Cotonou that will change money and travelers checks,
including Ecobank, Financial Bank and Bank of Africa. Financial
Bank will also let you withdraw money on your Visa card.
There are branches of some of these banks in major cities outside
of Cotonou (for example, Porto Novo and Parakou) but in general,
your best bet is to change your money in Cotonou. Most banks are
open 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 3 to 5 p.m. weekdays; the exception
is Ecobank in Cotonou, which is open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Monday through Friday and Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Credit cards are not widely accepted, except at the upscale hotels
and restaurants in Cotonou and major cities.
Communications:
The
postal service is fairly reliable in Benin, and there are branch
offices all over Cotonou, in all large cities, and many smaller
villages. Look for the PTT sign.
Telecommunications is a burgeoning
business in Benin, and making an overseas call is quite easy from
Cotonou, although it is expensive. Aside from the telephone facilities
at most PTTs, there are many "Cabine telephones" throughout
the city, from which you can place your call (look for signs).
However, the concept of international telephone calling cards
is not widely known here, so you may encounter some difficulties
as you try to explain the concept. Your best bet is to go to a
busy PTT in Cotonou. Calling overseas from other points in Benin
ranges from easy to difficult; generally speaking, phone service
is better in the southern part of the country and once you get
north of Parakou, increasingly difficult.
Internet
cafes with e-mail service are springing up all over Cotonou, and
can also be found in some southern cities such as Porto Novo,
Lokossa and Allada. Rates vary, so your best bet is to check out
several, or ask a local friend.
[Source:
www.BeninTourism.com]
