Your complete student travel guide β airports, visas, cities, climate & programs
ποΈ Capital
Porto-Novo
π Region
Africa Β· Western Africa
π₯ Population
13,224,860
π Area
112,622 kmΒ²
π Calling Code
+229
π Timezone(s)
UTC+01:00
Official Language(s)
Currency
Fr West African CFA franc (XOF)
Benin has a tropical and subtropical climate with two rainy seasons (AprilβJuly and SeptemberβNovember) and a dry harmattan wind season. Temperatures are warm year-round, typically ranging from 24β32Β°C (75β90Β°F), with higher humidity during rainy months. Regional variation exists, with the north being drier and hotter than the coastal south.
Plug type(s) used in Benin:
Tipping is not customary and may even be considered rude.
Cash is required in most situations. ATMs may be limited β carry enough local currency.
Keep copies of important documents separate from originals and avoid displaying valuables in public areas. Petty theft and armed robbery occur in some neighborhoods; stick to well-traveled routes, especially after dark, and use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps. Exercise caution during the harmattan season when dust storms can reduce visibility.
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U.S. Department of State
β οΈ Travel Advisory π Visa InformationOpens on travel.state.gov
Register your trip and locate emergency contacts before you depart.
π U.S. Embassy Directory β Register Your Trip (STEP)STEP alerts you during emergencies and helps the embassy locate you.
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