Taxis & Rideshare in Cotonou - Grab, Uber & Local Taxis

## Taxis and Rideshares in Cotonou In Cotonou, traditional taxis are the primary option for on-demand transportation. These yellow taxis operate throughout the city and can typically be hailed on the street or arranged through your hotel. When using taxis in Cotonou, it's important to negotiate the fare before starting your journey, as meters are not standard practice. For visitors unfamiliar with local rates, asking your accommodation for typical fare guidance to your destination can be helpful. Taxis offer door-to-door convenience and are particularly useful for airport transfers, evening travel, or when carrying luggage. International rideshare apps like Grab are not available in Cotonou, so travelers should rely on traditional taxi services or arrange transportation through their hotel. For those seeking more predictable pricing, some hotels and guesthouses can arrange private car services with agreed-upon rates. Taxis remain the most flexible option for spontaneous trips around the city, while pre-arranged services through accommodations may offer more comfort for airport pickups or full-day excursions. Regardless of which option you choose, having your destination written down or shown on a map can help ensure clear communication with drivers.

{'tip': "Always agree on the fare before starting your journey, as most taxis in Cotonou don't use meters. Consider using ride-hailing apps like Gozem or Yango for transparent pricing and driver tracking."}

{'tip': "Choose official taxi stands at the airport or major hotels rather than unmarked vehicles, and verify the driver's identification before entering. Share your trip details with someone you trust."}

{'tip': 'Solo travelers should sit in the back seat and keep doors locked during the journey. Avoid sharing taxis with strangers, especially at night.'}

{'tip': "Keep your belongings secure and out of sight, and have your destination address ready in French if possible. If a driver seems uncomfortable or takes an unusual route, don't hesitate to ask to stop in a safe, public area."}

Meter Tampering or 'Broken' Meters: Drivers may claim the meter is broken and quote inflated flat rates, or use tampered meters that run faster than normal. How to avoid: Insist on using the meter before starting your journey, or agree on a fare beforehand using the booking widget below for current rate guidance. If the meter seems suspiciously fast, note the route and compare with standard rates.

Indirect Routes: Drivers may take unnecessarily long routes to increase the fare, especially for tourists unfamiliar with Cotonou's layout. How to avoid: Use a GPS app on your phone to follow the route in real-time. Familiarize yourself with major landmarks and the general direction to your destination. Book through reputable services where available to have route accountability.

Currency Exchange Confusion: Drivers may exploit confusion with West African CFA franc denominations or claim not to have change, keeping the difference. How to avoid: Carry smaller denomination bills when possible. Confirm the total fare in CFA francs before paying. Use the booking widget below for cashless payment options where available, or count your change carefully before leaving the vehicle.