Cotonou, Benin Report of what it's like to live there - 03/02/13
Personal Experiences from Cotonou, Benin
Background:
1. Your reason for living this city (e.g. corporate, government, military, student, educator, retiree, etc.):
2. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
3. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
4. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
West Coast, about 22 hours through Paris or Brussels.
5. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
West Coast, about 22 hours through Paris or Brussels.
6. How long have you lived here?
7. How long have you lived here?
8. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
The contributor is affiliated with the U.S. Government and has been living in Cotonou for one year, a first expat experience.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Great houses, short commute times.
2. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Great houses, short commute times.
3. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Expensive, more than 25% more than D.C. for Western products. French products are common here. U.S. products are not.
4. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Expensive, more than 25% more than D.C. for Western products. French products are common here. U.S. products are not.
5. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
American food products. While there are plenty of European groceries here, if you want Cheetos, or any other American products, you'll have to bring them yourself.
6. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
American food products. While there are plenty of European groceries here, if you want Cheetos, or any other American products, you'll have to bring them yourself.
7. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Lots of restaurants here with D.C. prices.
8. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Lots of restaurants here with D.C. prices.
9. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Roaches and mosquitoes everywhere.
10. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Roaches and mosquitoes everywhere.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Local mail does work actually, but I've only used it once.
2. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Local mail does work actually, but I've only used it once.
3. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Very cheap. $150-180 per month for full-time help.
4. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Very cheap. $150-180 per month for full-time help.
5. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes, there are several gym options, none as good as in the U.S., but not bad. Free weights, fitness classes, its all available but you will pay for it. The U.S. Embassy gym is surprisingly well equipped for such a small post.
6. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes, there are several gym options, none as good as in the U.S., but not bad. Free weights, fitness classes, its all available but you will pay for it. The U.S. Embassy gym is surprisingly well equipped for such a small post.
7. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
It's a cash economy. But of course there are ATM's here, and you can use them.
8. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
It's a cash economy. But of course there are ATM's here, and you can use them.
9. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Almost every religious denomination is here, but I don't know of any English-language services. Again, this is a very French-speaking country.
10. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Almost every religious denomination is here, but I don't know of any English-language services. Again, this is a very French-speaking country.
11. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
DSTV; various prices with the most complete Sat TV package around $100 per month.
12. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
DSTV; various prices with the most complete Sat TV package around $100 per month.
13. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
This is a French-speaking country. You can "get around" without it, but you can't integrate.
14. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
This is a French-speaking country. You can "get around" without it, but you can't integrate.
15. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Plenty.
16. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Plenty.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Affordable? Yes. Available at a standard of quality that you want to use? No.
2. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Affordable? Yes. Available at a standard of quality that you want to use? No.
3. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
A high-clearance vehicle is a must.
4. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
A high-clearance vehicle is a must.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Medium speed available for more than $150 per month.
2. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Medium speed available for more than $150 per month.
3. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Get one when you get in country.
4. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Get one when you get in country.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
2. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
3. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
No.
4. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
No.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
I think there are opportunities, but the pay is not great, and fluent or semi-fluent French would likely be a requirement.
2. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
I think there are opportunities, but the pay is not great, and fluent or semi-fluent French would likely be a requirement.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Casual.
4. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Casual.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Nothing major.
2. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Nothing major.
3. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care is available locally, but no where near Western quality.
4. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care is available locally, but no where near Western quality.
5. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Good.
6. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Good.
7. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Hot, humid, and dry. Hot, humid, and rainy.
8. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Hot, humid, and dry. Hot, humid, and rainy.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
2. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
3. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
4. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
5. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
6. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
7. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Not sure, but I would assume yes. Especially at the French School, which is large.
8. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Not sure, but I would assume yes. Especially at the French School, which is large.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
There are more than 3000 French citizens in Benin, and a smattering of other nationalities. Native Anglophones are rare, but you can find some Northern Europeans that speak very fluent English.
2. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
There are more than 3000 French citizens in Benin, and a smattering of other nationalities. Native Anglophones are rare, but you can find some Northern Europeans that speak very fluent English.
3. Morale among expats:
That 100% depends on the person. If you are here with family, and if you are content to stay home with them, you will be fine. If you like the kind of things that Benin has to offer -- sports, water, sun, and a French-speaking expat scene, then you also will be fine here. If neither of the above scenarios fits your personality or skill set, you're not likely to be happy in Benin (although some have done it). Whoever you are, I think it is critical to travel out of country to recharge at least 2-3 times per year.
4. Morale among expats:
That 100% depends on the person. If you are here with family, and if you are content to stay home with them, you will be fine. If you like the kind of things that Benin has to offer -- sports, water, sun, and a French-speaking expat scene, then you also will be fine here. If neither of the above scenarios fits your personality or skill set, you're not likely to be happy in Benin (although some have done it). Whoever you are, I think it is critical to travel out of country to recharge at least 2-3 times per year.
5. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
There is a surprisingly robust expat social scene in Benin, among both married folks and singles. But again, you will find significant barriers to integration without solid French. Among the anglophones, there is a large Peace Corps presence in Benin.
6. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
There is a surprisingly robust expat social scene in Benin, among both married folks and singles. But again, you will find significant barriers to integration without solid French. Among the anglophones, there is a large Peace Corps presence in Benin.
7. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
It is probably best for young families but not easy for anyone who doesn't speak French. There are 3000 French people here, and 9 million Beninois. If you want to socialize with the vast majority of them, you will need strong French. For singles, there's a fun but pretty small scene of about 100-150 mostly French-speaking singles that hang out at the same bars, restaurants, and house parties. But again, French is the key to unlocking this group.
8. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
It is probably best for young families but not easy for anyone who doesn't speak French. There are 3000 French people here, and 9 million Beninois. If you want to socialize with the vast majority of them, you will need strong French. For singles, there's a fun but pretty small scene of about 100-150 mostly French-speaking singles that hang out at the same bars, restaurants, and house parties. But again, French is the key to unlocking this group.
9. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I doubt that it is ideal, just because the expat social scene is so small to begin with, but there were gay expats here in the past and they managed to create a pretty active social life for themselves.
10. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I doubt that it is ideal, just because the expat social scene is so small to begin with, but there were gay expats here in the past and they managed to create a pretty active social life for themselves.
11. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Not as it affects expats.
12. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Not as it affects expats.
13. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Making friends with the international community, playing tennis at one of the two tennis clubs, playing rugby with the French rugby team, hanging out at the hotel pools and beaches with friends.
14. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Making friends with the international community, playing tennis at one of the two tennis clubs, playing rugby with the French rugby team, hanging out at the hotel pools and beaches with friends.
15. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Sports at the rec clubs, restaurants, expat house parties, beach, pool, lake. Rinse and repeat.
16. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Sports at the rec clubs, restaurants, expat house parties, beach, pool, lake. Rinse and repeat.
17. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Some local African Art. Nothing that's going to change your life, but some cool little trinkets for sure.
18. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Some local African Art. Nothing that's going to change your life, but some cool little trinkets for sure.
19. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
It is relatively safe, uncomplicated, good traffic, with short commutes to work and your social life.
20. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
It is relatively safe, uncomplicated, good traffic, with short commutes to work and your social life.
21. Can you save money?
Absolutely, so long as you are not constantly traveling out of country, which is expensive.
22. Can you save money?
Absolutely, so long as you are not constantly traveling out of country, which is expensive.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes. My first contact with African culture has been interesting, and I've really enjoyed integrating into the European expat social scene here.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes. My first contact with African culture has been interesting, and I've really enjoyed integrating into the European expat social scene here.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Warm clothes. It is always warm and humid here.
4. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Warm clothes. It is always warm and humid here.
5. But don't forget your:
Citronella candles. The mosquitoes never let up.
6. But don't forget your:
Citronella candles. The mosquitoes never let up.
7. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
8. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
9. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
10. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
11. Do you have any other comments?
If you like warm weather, water, sports, and/or have solid French language skills, you can make a nice life for yourself here. If you like none of these things, and you're not content to pass your days at home all day with family, this is probably not the place for you.
12. Do you have any other comments?
If you like warm weather, water, sports, and/or have solid French language skills, you can make a nice life for yourself here. If you like none of these things, and you're not content to pass your days at home all day with family, this is probably not the place for you.
