- Voodoo cult

- Beautiful beaches

The country is under the influence of climates:

- Tropical moist - Coast

- Equatorial humid - middle part

- Equatorial dry - Northern Part

The average monthly temperature is 25 - 32 ° C. Annual rainfall ranges from 1500 mm on the Atlantic coast to 500-800 mm on the border with Niger. The greatest rainfall occurs between May to July and October in the coastal zone and from May to September in the rest of the country.  

Benin is best to visit between November and February.

In Benin rozróżna about twenty socio-cultural groups of which the largest is the Fon (the founders of the kingdom of Dahomey). Habits in each group to some extent differ from each other, but it is a lot of characteristics in the way of life for all inhabitants of Benin.

The average family consists of six people, there are certainly a lot more. Relatives usually live near the Siebe and interact in economic terms.

Polygamy is permitted and even though his wife should live in harmony, jealousy is on the agenda.

Children under the law belong to the father (effective patrimonial system of inheritance). Some of them work on plantations or in the homes. Since children are expected to obey, are taught early on gender roles.

In the farms, men do heavier work, the women help in planting, harvesting, etc., are also responsible for housework and child care. Some of them play a role as a Healer.

Around 15% of citizens are Muslims, Christians is the same. Other people believe in Benin indigenous religion, mainly Voodoo. Some Christians do not cease to believe in Voodoo and mixes elements of both religion (!)

During the greeting, use appropriate verbal formulas (often it takes a really long time)

Both the entrance and exit from the meeting should shake hands with each person.

Friends at the welcoming kiss on both cheeks.

Courtesy requires the visitor to offer food and drink (refusal to be considered a lack of culture)

Public displays of affection is somehow not seen when it comes to the person of the opposite sex. Often you can meet men while strolling hand in hand ...

Fon, Yoruba and other tribal languages

Little (lack of accurate data), but in recent years the number of English speakers began to increase.

34.7%

Most people speak at least two languages, working at least 50 dialects.

Polish citizens going to Benin must have a valid visa for travel and stay. A visa can be obtained from the diplomatic representations and con su larnych Benin (in Poland, no, the next in Moscow) or at the border of Benin. Entry is based on the temporary permit and residence visa issued by the nearest immigration office on the first working day. Please provide a return air ticket or the funds to buy it (eg. in the form of a deposit paid into a bank or travel agency).

Polish Consulate in Cotonou

Honorary Consul:

Christina Hounkponou BP

From 2006 to 1956 Cotonou, République du Benin

tel. (+229) 385117, 381715, 301091

Fax. (+229) 304196

E-mail: kryspol@intnet.bj

None of the Embassy of Benin in Poland, the closest:

Embassy of the Republic of Benin

Uspenskij per. 7, Moscow

tel. (0-0 7 095) 299 23 60, 299 79 85

Fax: (0-0 7 095) 299 02 26

E-mail: ambabéninmoscou@hotmail.com

None of the Polish Embassy in Benin. Benin is subject to the embassy in Abuja (Nigeria)

Access to medical care is very limited, practically possible only in big cities. The level of medical services (which are expensive), far from global standards. Need to perform major operations in Europe. The cost of medical visits is ok. $ 100, including eg. the blood test for malaria; night in hospital costs U.S. $ 100-250.

Should be prepared for a possible review of ownership and insurance of personal communication. Are considered the policy of foreign insurance companies.

Ambulance:

21 30 17 69 and 21 30 06 56

In Benin, you should drink only bottled water, which is available on most of the country. If we do not have access to bottled water, water should be boiled - at least three minutes before drinking - or purified iodine.

There is a high risk of sanitary-epidemiological, especially such diseases as malaria, cholera, typhoid, yellow fever, viral meningitis, AIDS, and many tropical diseases, but the level of risk may be very different depending on place of residence in Benin and hygienic conditions.

Benin compared to other countries in the region is a relatively safe country for tourists. Increased risk of crime, occurs only in Cotonou and in the vicinity of border crossings. We advise against walking alone in cities at night (best to have a trusted person who will act as a guide)

Lack of international conflicts. Benin is one of the most stable and safest countries in the region.

Police - 117

There is desirable driving at night and beyond the main routes.
The consequences of falling into conflict with the law are very severe in Benin. Only a suspicion of a crime that occurred very unpleasant situations.
Possession of drugs is prosecuted and punished high.

Hill-Condji

Krak

Natitingou

Tindangou

Benin has open borders with each of its neighbors.

Country's main city, Cotonou, has regular flights to Paris and Brussels and the capitals of most countries of West Africa

The main airport is the Cotonou International Airport. The most reliable carrier is Air France, it offers flights from Paris.

Other carriers:

Air Gabon International   (GN), Libreville.

Air Ivoire   (VU), Abidjan.

Air Togo   (YT), Lomé.

Ghana International Airlines   (GH), Accra.

Point Afrique-   (6V/DR) Paris.

Virgin Nigeria Airways   (VK), Lagos.

There are no rail links.

From Burkina Faso:

Sunday shuttle bus from Ouagadougou to Cotonou (CFA20, 000 = 142 PLN), and follow-up to Lagos (CFA30, 500 = 216 PLN)

With Nigeru:

From Niamey run regular bus lines (EHGM, STN, SNTV) but are usually full and is a good chance on it does not cheat.

From Nigeria:

From Lagos to Cotonou buses run virtually all day (CFA3000 = 22 PLN, 3 h). There are also direct flights from Lagos to Porto Novo (CFA2700 = 19 PLN, 2 ½ hours)

With Togo:

Regular shuttle bus from Lagos to Cotonou (CFA3000 = 22 PLN, 3 h)

There are at least three good main roads: one linking Cotonou to Niamey (Niger), second: Lagos to Porto Novo, Cotonou, Lome and Accra, and the third - Parakou of Kara in Togo.

To Benin and can be reached by sea, the main port is located in Porto Novo.

Most get into the country by plane, and the cheapest bus or taxi.

Travelling by train is possible only inside the country.

The only line runs from Cotonou to Parakou.

Public Road is served by buses and vans. Quality of services is low - there are no timetables, vehicle accidents are often. The main asphalt road leading from the south toward the border with Niger and Burkina Faso are in good condition.

It is possible to rent a car, but it needs to produce an international driving license and employment benińskiego friend who will help in the negotiations;)

Cheapest means of transportation are scooters that run on a taxi (100fCFA - 300fCFA). However, careful choice of drivers - common practice in Benin is to drink alcohol while driving!

In large misatach find a few internet cafes, but only some of them offer high-speed internet access. Prices in relation to neighboring countries are not prohibitive.

Home e-mail address:

Rue 232, Cotonou

Avoid travel to Lagos at peak times, it is easy to get stuck in traffic for hours.

Traveling by car is worth taking with him a guide speaking the local language, save the trouble with the police

There is desirable driving at night and beyond the main routes.

CFA franc (XOF), 1 = 100 centimes XOF

VISA credit cards are accepted at certain banks, in major hotels (Marina and Novotel) and in some restaurants. American Express cards are not accepted by banks, while you can pay for them in these hotels.

Pineapple: 100 CFA (€ 0.15)

bunch of bananas: 300 CFA

sheep;) 40.000 - 70.000 CFA (€ 60 - € 107)

chicken: 1.000 - 3.000 CFA (€ 1.50 - € 3)

Large beer 500 CFA = 3,5 PLN

Bottle of local whiskey 2,000 CFA = 15 PLN

Prices in shops and hotels are usually higher than in Europe.

Most shops are concentrated around the town of Cotonou. There are both big and small supermarkets and souvenir stands. You can buy everything: clothes, souvenirs, etc cars. Shops are generally open from 9 - 13 and 16 - 19

First of all hand-made ornaments, artistic products. Throughout the country there are plenty of shops selling souvenirs such. They offer a wide selection of sculptures, bronze sculptures, leather goods, and distinctive local dress.

Bargaining is almost mandatory, usually the first price offered by the seller is ok. 3-fold over-estimation.

Prices in the bazaars and in the street hawkers are generally lower, but the range is pretty poor and the mediocre quality of our products.

In larger cities are shops with the Europeans needed.

Large selection of hotels, but only in larger cities.

The only hostel located in Cotonou.

The Cotonou Agreement is to do some camping fields.

A minimum of $ 10 per person, the cheapest on the camping.

"L'Amazone" - the cheapest room costs 3,000 CFA.

Novotel Cotonou: 555zł per person / night

Ibis Cotonou: from 399zł

It is worth booking in advance, especially in the hostel.

Kitchen is conditioned by the climate. All the products needed to prepare meals purchased in the bazaars. The most important and highly valued product is salt. Very popular dishes with beans, rice, and couscous and tapioca. Many of the dishes served are freshly fried donuts or sweet potatoes served with hot sauce. In the northern part of the country eaten pork and poultry in the south - the fish.

Fruits play a big role - the most popular ones are avocado.

In the south, fish, in the north of beef and chicken in the nuts.

Sodabi, local beer and whiskey.

There are many restaurants, most of the fresh air.

In every city you can meet all sorts of street food vendors - from beans and rice on the grilled chicken or turkey.

Prices are affordable, but you must make sure that the food is fresh, or rather how long it was stored in the sun.

Most people eat with his right hand fingers. The bad taste is used for this purpose the left hand or anything feeding it to another person.

Ganvie:

Village on piles driven into the bottom of the lake

Ouidah:

Voodoo cult center

Temple pythons

Route of Slaves

Abomey:

Royal Palace

Grand Popo - fishing village

The palace in Abomey to the tomb of King Glele.

Chair of the Cotonou Agreement.

In the capital there are no monuments throughout the country there are few historical buildings.

Museums:

Ethnographic Museum of

Porto Novo

Da Silva Museum (Porto Novo)

The Ouidah Museum of History

Pendjari National Park:

one of the best and most famous places across Africa where you can watch animals in their natural environment.

The 'W' National Park - occupies the area bordered by Niger, Benin and Burkina Faso, less developed than Pendjari park.

You can also go to the lake and see Nokoue Ganvie - the famous village on stilts, so. "African Venice."

Taking pictures is allowed everywhere except in clearly designated areas reserved. For the sake of local customs so as not to expose the aggressive reactions, you should inquire about the possibility of photographing objects of traditional culture, and photographing people - ask them for permission.

January 10 - Day of National Sovereignty
May 2 - Prophet's Birthday, Eid-Milad Nnabi
August 1 - Independence Day
October 26 - Armed Forces Day
January 10 - Day of National Sovereignty
May 2 - Prophet's Birthday, Eid-Milad Nnabi
August 1 - Day of Independence
October 26 - Armed Forces Day

National Voodoo Day in Ouidah - January

Nightlife in Benin focuses mainly in Cotonou, there is a lot of clubs. Prices (especially beer) are exploding, it is best to obtain adequately before going to the club;)

Protective clothing against mosquitoes. "Scares" of mosquitoes and malaria drugs that inhibit the development of. Benin is a tropical country, so you bring light clothes, summer (March-October) is the rain, so it's good to have the appropriate clothing for such weather.