Cotonou Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Cotonou.
Healthcare System
Cotonou's healthcare system is limited by international standards, with significant gaps in specialized care, equipment, and supplies. Public hospitals are often under-resourced, while private clinics offer better service but at higher costs. Medical facilities may lack consistent electricity, advanced diagnostic equipment, and certain medications.
Hospitals
Recommended facilities for tourists include Polyclinique Les Cocotiers, Clinique Pasteur, and Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Départemental de l'Ouémé-Plateau (CHUD-OP). Payment is typically required upfront, and cash is often necessary even at private facilities.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are widely available throughout Cotonou and identifiable by green crosses. Many common medications are available, though counterfeit drugs are a concern. Purchase medications only from reputable pharmacies and bring essential prescription medications from home with proper documentation.
Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential and strongly recommended. Ensure your policy covers emergency medical evacuation to Europe or South Africa, as local facilities cannot handle serious emergencies.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a comprehensive first-aid kit and any prescription medications you need for the entire trip
- Keep copies of prescriptions and medical records with you
- Drink only bottled or purified water to avoid waterborne illnesses
- Ensure your travel insurance includes medical evacuation coverage of at least $100,000
- Consider consulting a travel medicine clinic before departure for vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis
- Save contact information for your insurance provider's 24-hour emergency assistance line
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur frequently in crowded areas, particularly targeting distracted tourists and those displaying valuable items. Thieves often work in teams to distract and steal from victims.
Motorcycle taxis are a popular form of transport but are involved in frequent accidents due to poor road conditions, lack of safety equipment, and aggressive driving. This is one of the highest risks for tourists in Cotonou.
Poor road conditions, inadequate lighting, unpredictable driving behavior, and mixed traffic (pedestrians, motorcycles, vehicles, animals) create significant traffic risks. Road rules are often not followed.
Cotonou's beaches have strong currents and undertows. There are no lifeguards, and drownings occur regularly. Beach theft is also common, and some areas are used for illegal activities at night.
Contaminated water and food can cause traveler's diarrhea, typhoid, hepatitis A, and cholera. Tap water is not safe to drink, and food hygiene standards vary significantly.
Malaria is endemic in Cotonou year-round, transmitted by mosquitoes that bite primarily between dusk and dawn. This is a serious health risk for all travelers.
Various scams target tourists, including overcharging, fake tour guides, currency exchange fraud, and advance-fee schemes. Some scams involve friendly locals who later demand payment.
While Benin is politically stable, occasional protests and demonstrations can occur, sometimes with little notice. These can disrupt traffic and occasionally turn confrontational.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Drivers quote inflated prices to foreigners who don't know local rates, or claim the meter is broken, or take unnecessarily long routes to increase the fare.
Individuals approach tourists offering to help with directions, shopping, or tours, then demand payment afterward or lead tourists to shops where they receive commission on inflated purchases.
Street money changers use sleight of hand to shortchange tourists, provide counterfeit bills, or offer rates that seem good but involve hidden fees or switches during counting.
One person creates a distraction (spilling something on you, asking for help, causing a commotion) while an accomplice steals your belongings.
Individuals posing as police officers stop tourists, claim there's a problem with documents or that they need to check for counterfeit money, then demand bribes or steal money during the 'inspection.'
Fake hotel booking websites or people claiming to represent hotels offer rooms at good prices, take payment, but the reservation doesn't exist when you arrive.
Someone befriends a tourist, spends time with them, then later asks for money for a supposed emergency (sick relative, lost wallet, etc.) or gradually requests financial help.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Personal Security
- Keep copies of important documents (passport, visa, insurance) separate from originals
- Register with your embassy upon arrival
- Use hotel safes for valuables and extra cash
- Avoid walking alone at night, especially on beaches and in poorly lit areas
- Don't display expensive jewelry, watches, or electronics
- Keep car doors locked and windows up when driving
- Be cautious when withdrawing money from ATMs; use machines inside banks during business hours
- Trust your instincts—if a situation feels unsafe, remove yourself from it
Transportation Safety
- Use registered taxi services or arrange transport through your hotel
- Always wear a helmet when using motorcycle taxis
- Avoid traveling after dark when possible
- Keep windows up and doors locked in vehicles
- Don't accept rides from strangers
- Verify that taxi drivers understand your destination before departing
- Keep your belongings close and visible during transport
Health Precautions
- Complete all recommended vaccinations at least 4-6 weeks before travel
- Take malaria prophylaxis as prescribed throughout your stay
- Use insect repellent containing at least 30% DEET
- Wash hands frequently with soap or use hand sanitizer
- Only drink bottled water and avoid ice
- Peel fruits yourself and avoid raw vegetables
- Avoid contact with animals to prevent rabies risk
- Seek medical attention immediately if you develop fever during or after your trip
Money and Valuables
- Carry small amounts of cash in local currency (West African CFA franc)
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Keep emergency cash in a separate location from your wallet
- Be discreet when handling money
- Negotiate prices before purchasing goods or services
- Keep receipts for currency exchange transactions
Communication
- Learn basic French phrases—French is the official language
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication
- Keep your hotel's business card with you for taxi directions
- Share your itinerary with someone back home
- Save important phone numbers offline on your phone
- Consider downloading offline maps before arrival
- Keep your phone charged and carry a portable battery
Cultural Awareness
- Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas
- Always ask permission before photographing people
- Respect local customs and traditions
- Avoid public displays of affection
- Remove shoes when entering homes or certain establishments
- Use your right hand for eating and greeting (left hand is considered unclean)
- Be patient—service may be slower than you're accustomed to
Accommodation Safety
- Choose accommodations in safer neighborhoods (ask your embassy for recommendations)
- Ensure your room has working locks and use them
- Don't open your door to unexpected visitors without verifying identity
- Keep valuables in the hotel safe
- Know the location of emergency exits
- Keep emergency contact numbers near your bed
- Verify that windows and balconies are secure
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers can visit Cotonou safely with appropriate precautions. While Benin is generally respectful toward women, female travelers may experience unwanted attention, catcalling, or persistent approaches from men. Solo female travelers should exercise additional caution, particularly after dark. Dress modestly to show cultural respect and potentially reduce unwanted attention.
- Dress modestly—cover shoulders and knees, especially outside tourist areas
- Avoid walking alone after dark; use trusted taxi services
- Be firm but polite when declining unwanted attention or offers of help
- Consider wearing a fake wedding ring to discourage unwanted advances
- Sit near other women or families on public transportation
- Book accommodations in well-reviewed, secure areas
- Trust your instincts and remove yourself from uncomfortable situations
- Keep your phone charged and accessible
- Avoid isolated beaches and areas even during the day
- Connect with other travelers or join group tours for activities
- Be cautious about sharing accommodation details with strangers
- Consider carrying a whistle or personal alarm
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is not illegal in Benin, which is relatively progressive in the West African context. However, there are no legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Exercise discretion regarding sexual orientation and gender identity
- Avoid public displays of affection with same-sex partners
- Be cautious about discussing LGBTQ+ topics with strangers
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations in advance if possible
- Be aware that some hotels may refuse accommodation to same-sex couples
- Connect with international LGBTQ+ travel communities for current advice
- Consider using LGBTQ+ travel apps cautiously as they may not be widely used
- Have a cover story prepared if questioned about traveling companions
- Be particularly discreet outside the city center and in rural areas
- Keep contact information for your embassy readily available
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is absolutely essential for visiting Cotonou due to limited medical facilities, high risk of illness (particularly malaria), traffic accident risks, and the potential need for emergency medical evacuation. Medical evacuation to Europe or South Africa can cost $50,000-$100,000 or more. Most medical facilities require upfront payment in cash, and without insurance, even minor medical issues can become extremely expensive.
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