Relocation & Settling-In Guide to Cotonou
Everything you need to settle in and live in Cotonou: visas, cost of living, housing, healthcare, schools, banking.
Starting a Business in Benin in 24 Hours: The Complete MonEntreprise.bj Guide
Learn how to register a business in Benin (SARL, sole proprietorship) 100% online through MonEntreprise.bj. Steps, fees (10,000 to 22,000 FCFA), and getting your RCCM and IFU.
Riding the Zemidjan in Cotonou: Fares, Etiquette and Safety (2026)
A practical guide to Cotonou's motorcycle taxis (zemidjan / zem): typical fares, how to negotiate, safety rules, and ride-hailing apps (GoZem, Yango).
Paying by Mobile Money or Card in Cotonou: The Guide (2026)
How to pay in Cotonou: Mobile Money (MTN MoMo, Moov Money), bank cards (Visa/Mastercard), cash, and card readers in shops and restaurants.
The Best Coworking Spaces and Cafés for Working in Cotonou (2026)
Where to work in peace with a solid fiber internet connection and a backup generator in Cotonou: a comparison of coworking spaces and laptop-friendly cafés.
Where and How to Exchange Currency in Cotonou: Bureaus and Rates (2026)
Practical guide to exchanging currency (Euros, Dollars, Nairas) in Cotonou: licensed bureaus, the official EUR/FCFA rate (655.957), banks, and street exchange.
Buying a SIM Card and Getting Internet in Cotonou: MTN and Moov (2026)
How to buy and activate a 4G/5G SIM card in Cotonou: MTN and Moov Africa carriers, NPI/passport registration, data plans, and Mobile Money.
Finding Housing in Cotonou: Rents and Rental Steps (2026)
A practical guide to housing in Cotonou: comparing neighborhoods (Haie Vive, Cocotiers, Fidjrossè, Akpakpa), deposit (3 months), lease, and the survival pack (generator/water).
How to Get Around Cotonou (The Urban Survival Guide)
Discover the best ways to get around Cotonou: zemidjans (motorbike taxis), the Gozem app, Benin Taxis, and tips for beating the traffic.
Moving and Customs Procedures in Cotonou (2026)
Guide to international relocation to Cotonou: the C01 customs exemption, port clearance (GUCE/Sydonia), demurrage, and vehicles.
Safety and Prevention in Cotonou: A Practical Guide
The complete safety guide for expats and residents in Cotonou. Safe neighborhoods, emergency numbers, and habits to adopt.
Getting Connected to SONEB Water in Cotonou: Process and Rates (2026)
How to get connected to the SONEB water supply in Cotonou: connection paperwork, rate tiers, payment options, and tips on water safety.
Health Insurance in Cotonou: Options and How It Works
How to choose health insurance in Cotonou. Local insurance companies, expat policies, and coverage for medical care.
Furniture and Home Equipment Stores in Cotonou (2026)
Where to furnish and equip your home in Cotonou: custom carpentry (teak, iroko), imported furniture stores (Orca Déco, Erevan), and appliances.
Waste Management in Cotonou: The Practical SGDS Guide
How household waste collection works in Cotonou through SGDS. Subscriptions, sorting, rates, and good sanitation practices.
Opening a Bank Account in Benin: Banks, Documents and Steps (2026)
How to open a bank account in Benin: the leading banks (BOA, Ecobank, BIIC, UBA), the documents you'll need (IFU, national ID/passport), deposits and fees.
Retiring and Settling in Benin: A Senior's Guide (2026)
A practical guide to senior relocation and retirement in Benin: monthly budget (€600-1,000+), DEI residence permit, pension taxation, and healthcare.
Household Staff in Cotonou: Cleaning, Security and Wage Rates (2026)
A guide to hiring domestic staff in Cotonou: housekeepers (60k-90k FCFA), cooks, night guards, employment contracts and CNSS registration.
Finding a Job in Cotonou: Sectors and Hiring
A practical guide to finding work in Cotonou. Growing sectors, recruitment channels, and the labor rules foreign nationals need to know.
The Expat Community in Cotonou: A Practical Guide
How to settle in and meet other expats in Cotonou. Associations, business clubs, bars, and diaspora networks.
Traveling with Your Dog or Cat to Benin: The Complete Guide
The mandatory formalities for traveling with your dog or cat to Cotonou. Vet certificates, vaccines, and practical relocation advice.
Mobile Phone Service in Benin: Signing Up for MTN, Moov, 4G and Mobile Money (2026)
A comparison of network operators in Benin (MTN Benin vs Moov Africa): biometric SIM registration with ANIP, 4G/5G data plans, and Mobile Money.
Learning Basic Fon in Cotonou: Key Phrases (2026)
A starter guide to Fon (fongbe) in Cotonou: greetings (A dji gangdji), shopping at Dantokpa market (Nabi wè), saying thank you, and tones.
Stormwater Drainage and Infrastructure in Cotonou: The PAPC
Understanding the PAPC, Cotonou's massive stormwater drainage program: canals, retention basins, affected neighborhoods, and the impact on flooding.
Electricity in Cotonou: The Practical SBEE Guide
The essential guide to electricity in Cotonou: how SBEE works, buying prepaid credit (Kéké), and dealing with power cuts.
Internet in Cotonou: The Complete Guide
A comparison of internet plans in Cotonou. Prices, speeds, and our take on Canalbox, MTN, Moov Africa, and Isocel to help you choose.
Benin Visa: Residency Procedures and Paperwork
The complete guide to residence permits and resident cards in Benin for expats settling long-term in Cotonou. Categories, required documents, and processing times.
Cost of Living in Cotonou: Monthly Budget and Real Prices (2026)
A breakdown of the cost of living in Cotonou: rent (80k-300k FCFA), food, transport, healthcare, and monthly budgets (900€ to 4,200€) by profile.
The Complete Guide to Moving to Cotonou
A practical guide for expats: visa, housing, healthcare, schools, banking, cost of living in Cotonou. Everything you need to know before moving to Benin.