Travel advice for Benin.

Here you will find important tips and useful information for Benin.

Travel money:

Prepaid Travel credit card

 

  • Swiss Bankers Travel is not accepted in this country.

ATM Search

Banknotes

in local currency

  • For minor expenses on arrival in country of destination

Local currency / ISO Code

West CFA franc XOF

Further Information

Credit cards

 

  • Credit cards are rarely accepted. For more detailed information, please contact the credit card issuer.

ATM Search

Find out more about Travel

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Practical Information:

Time difference with Switzerland

+/- 0 h; - 1 h during our summer time

National language

Official language

French

Capital

Porto-Novo and Cotonou

Country code for calling Switzerland

00 41 (disregard '0' preceding Swiss area codes)

Voltage

220 volt / adapter recommended

Travel documents for Swiss citizens

Passport still valid 6 months or more after arrival with visa, return or onward travel ticket and proof of sufficient funds for stays up to 3 months.

Swiss Embassy / Consulate

Cotonou, Bureau de la coopération suisse DDC et Agence consulaire
Lot. K16, Quartier Les Cocotiers
Tel.: +229 21 30 14 68 / +229 21 30 05 78 / +229 21 30 08 06

Opening hours

Banks

8.00 - 12.00 and 15.00 - 17.00 h (Mon - Fri)

Stores

9.00 - 13.00 and 15.00 - 19.00 h (Mon - Fri)
8.00 - 12.30 h (Sat)

Driving
  • International driver's license required.

  • Minimum age for car rentals: 21 to 25 (varies by company).

Health situation
  • Do not drink tap water.

  • Mosquito protection advised.

  • Year-round risk of malaria throughout the country.

  • Vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A, polio and measles recommended.

  • Vaccination against yellow fever mandatory.

Other information

Security

  • Travelers who wish to travel to this country are advised to inquire about current traveler safety prior to departure.

  • Take customary safety precautions and avoid nighttime driving.

  • Do not carry valuables (watches, jewelry, expensive cameras, etc.) on you.

  • Watch out for pickpockets in Contonou.

  • Avoid demonstrations and large crowds.

Special legal regulations

  • Photographing military installations and public buildings (airports, bridges etc.) is prohibited.

  • Very strict laws to fight illegal drugs.

Ideal for your journey: the Travel card.

Travel is the secure prepaid card for use away from home – without any annual fees. In the event of loss, the card including the balance will be replaced worldwide.

Find out more about Travel

Important

While every precaution has been taken to verify the information provided, Swiss Bankers Prepaid Services Ltd does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of Country Information. Swiss Bankers therefore shall not be held liable for any damage or loss sustained in connection with any errors or omissions contained therein.

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