✈️ Heading to Benin? We've gathered some tips from the bunq community to make sure your trip is the smoothest it can be. 😎
Check them out below! 🌈 👇
Using your card
💳 Do I need cash in Benin, or can I use my card everywhere?
Benin is a cash based society. Be sure to withdraw enough cash ahead of time.
💰 What currency do they use here?
The currency here is West African CFA franc. The symbol is Fr or XOF.
🏧 Which ATM’s can I use for free?
The bunq community hasn't reported reported any free ATM's here yet. If you find one, help other bunqers by sharing it here!
💵 If I want cash, how much should I take out of an ATM?
130 000 CFA should be enough for a few days.
💳 Should I choose local currency or Euros when paying?
If you're asked to choose between local currency and Euros, always choose local currency.
That way bunq does the conversion for you, and you get to take advantage of the best rates with bunq ZeroFX.
Staying connected
📱 Can I roam, or should I get a local SIM?
Most EU mobile plans will charge you for roaming.
If you want to get a local SIM card, you can learn about your options here.
Useful things to know
💁♀️ How does tipping work?
You should round up the bill up to 10%.
🍺 How much does a 0.5L beer cost?
€1,00
🍽 How much does an average meal cost?
€3,00
🚨 What’s the emergency number?
There are different numbers for the different services here.
- 🚓 Police: 117
- 🚑 Ambulance: 112
- 🚒 Fire: 118
🔌 What type of plug do they use?
This one! It’s the standard two pin plug.
🚗 What side of the road do they drive on?
They drive on the right side of the road here.
🗺 How do I navigate my way around?
Google and Apple Maps both work well here.
Otherwise, we recommend Rome2Rio as the best way to find out how to get anywhere. It even tells you the cost of each option. 🙌
👀 Any other good tips?
The Temple des Pythons in Ouidah is a must, unless you are afraid of snakes. They will be placed around your neck!
If you've been to Benin 🇧🇯 share your experience! The following would be really useful for other bunqers to know:
- Which ATMs are free to use?
- What card should I use and where?
- Any other info you think may be useful.
Share your experience with us in the comments below! 🌈 👇
