In Cotonou, along the marina, there are many stalls selling handicrafts and souvenirs. The Dan Tokpa market borders the Cotonou Lagoon and is stocked with many goods from Nigeria and elsewhere, as well as traditional medicines and artifacts. Crafts and local goods can be purchased in many towns and villages elsewhere, particularly in markets. Good buys include ritual masks, tapestries, elongated statues and pottery.
Shopping hours Mon-Sat 0900-1300 and 1600-1900.
Currency Information:CurrencyCFA (
Communauté Financière
Africaine) Franc (XOF) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of XOF10,000, 5,000, 2,000 and 1,000. Coins are in denominations of XOF500, 200, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1. Benin is part of the French Monetary Area.
Only currency issued by the
Banque des Etats de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (Bank of West African States) is valid; currency issued by the
Banque des Etats de l’Afrique Centrale (Bank of Central African States) is not. The CFA Franc is tied to the Euro.
Currency ExchangeCurrency can be exchanged at banks and in major hotels.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMsAmerican Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted on a limited basis. Some banks may advance cash or visa cards.
Traveller's ChequesTo avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in Euros or Pounds Sterling.
Banking HoursMon-Fri 0800-1100 and 1500-1700. Some banks may open on Saturday.
Exchange Rate Indicators| Date | Apr 07 |
| £1.00= | XOF969.92 |
| $1.00= | XOF491.10 |
| €1.00= | XOF655.96 |
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