Benin Travel Guide

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Shopping

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

CFA (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 Exchange

Currency can be exchanged at banks and in major hotels.

Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted on a limited basis. Some banks may advance cash or visa cards.

Travelers Checks

To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveler's checks in Euros or Pounds Sterling.

Currency Restrictions

The import of local currency is unlimited, subject to declaration. The export of local currency is unlimited for EU residents; other nationalites must declare currency. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, subject to declaration. The export of foreign currency is limited to the equivalent of XOF100,000.

Banking Hours

Mon-Fri 0800-1100 and 1500-1700. Some banks may open on Saturday.

Exchange Rate