Cotonou, Benin Report of what it's like to live there - 10/24/24
Personal Experiences from Cotonou, Benin
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No, lived several other places including many African countries.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Washington, DC. Roughly 20 hours with layovers. Easy flights through Paris.
3. What years did you live here?
2019-2024
4. How long have you lived here?
Five years.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic mission
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Large homes many with very adequate yards. Some with pools. Commute times are a dream: fewer than five minutes to work, school, restaurants, and grocery.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Very good! Great options directly imported from France. You can even get Ben and Jerry's!
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Bring all the normal: oils, paper goods, specialty items, etc.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
There is Benin Restroo that will deliver over 30 or so restaurants to your home.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Ants and mosquitos.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
No. Didn't try outside mailing but doesn't look very viable except for DHL.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Very reasonable to hire a gardener, housekeeper, nanny, cook, or dog walker. Salaries between $100-300 depending on hours, experience, and expected work.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
Yes, safe but need to be aware of motos. There is a nice bike ride down beach road. Get a coconut at the end. There are also hiking opportunities in Dassa.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Limited tennis courts. Plenty of instructors to teach you stuff. Active rollerblading groups for youth.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
At grocery store and restaurants, yes.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
French is needed.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Likely.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Did not use.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
We used fiber cable which worked great!
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
MTN all the way.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Most work for embassies and NGOs.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
You can find opportunities to volunteer. I know of one case of someone volunteering with street children.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Local wear on Fridays!
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Limited hospital facilities but a new hospital is currently under construction outside of Abomey-Calavi.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Malaria.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Harmattan gets dusty.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Generally not an issue.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
No.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Hot and humid.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
QIS is a nice school.
2. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Preschools are inexpensive. We were happy at Le Petit Sentier for three years.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Mostly dominated by European expats especially French.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Nightlife is good. Plenty of restaurants.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Good for all you just need to find your people.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Acceptable for sure.
