Benin Travel & Emergency Guide
Essential emergency numbers, speed limits, etiquette & travel tips
Open in WooGu (100% Offline)Emergency Numbers in Benin
117
General Emergency
117
Police
112
Ambulance / Medical
118
Fire Department
Key Travel Facts
Capital
Porto-Novo (Seat of govt Cotonou)
Currency
XOF (CFA)
Official Language
French (Fon & Yoruba widespread)
Country Code
+229
Driving Rules & Speed Limits in Benin
Urban / City
50 km/h
Rural
90 km/h
Highway
110 km/h
Alcohol Limit
0.5 ‰
Toll & Vignette: No vignette. Toll stations on the coastal highway between Cotonou and Ouidah.
Tipping & Etiquette
Recommendation: 5 to 10 percent in restaurants. Tipping is appreciated. Boatmen in Ganvié and hired drivers expect a courteous tip in CFA.
- DO Show deep cultural respect when visiting Voodoo shrines or sacred forests in Ouidah.
- DO Agree on taxi or zemidjan (moto-taxi) fares before starting your trip.
- DON'T Do not touch sacred shrines or photograph spiritual ceremonies without permission.
- DON'T Do not drink tap water; only use sealed bottled water.
Power Sockets & Tap Water
Plug Type & Electricity: Type C & E (220V, 50Hz – European and French plugs fit).
Tap Water: Tap water is not safe to drink. Use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth.
Insider Tip: Visiting Ganvié stilt village on Lake Nokoué requires an authorized pirogue from Abomey-Calavi. Always request permission before photographing shrines.
