Benin, here I come!

The following is a travel guide to Cotonou: 1. Preparation before the trip • Visa: Benin implements a visa-free policy for Chinese citizens, but it is recommended to confirm the latest policy before traveling. • Language: The official language of Benin is French. It is recommended to learn some simple French daily expressions in advance. • Currency: Benin uses the West African CFA Franc, which can be exchanged at local banks or currency exchange offices. • Vaccines: It is recommended to get the yellow fever vaccine in advance and bring relevant certificates. 2. Transportation Guide • Arriving in Cotonou: Cotonou has an international airport with direct international flights. • Transportation within the city: You can choose taxis or motorcycles within the city. It is recommended to confirm the price and destination with the driver in advance. 3. Must-see attractions • Ganvie Floating Village: Known as the "Venice of Africa", it is a village built on the lake. You can take a boat tour and visit the floating houses, shops, churches, etc. • Dantopka Market: This is one of the largest markets in Africa, where you can buy a variety of handicrafts and souvenirs. • Cotonou Cathedral: A landmark building in Cotonou, it has a unique architectural style and is worth a visit. • Friendship Stadium: It is one of the landmark buildings in Cotonou and you can visit its unique architectural style. • Cotonou Central Mosque: One of the religious buildings in Cotonou, where you can experience the local religious culture. • Old Bridge: The old bridge in Cotonou is one of the symbols of the city and you can take photos here. • Big Market: You can buy all kinds of local specialties here. • Cotonou Lagoon: This is where the local fishermen go fishing and the scenery is very beautiful when the sun sets. 4. Food Recommendations • Seafood: Cotonou is close to the sea and has abundant seafood resources. You can taste fresh grilled fish, fried fish, etc. • Local specialties: You can try local specialties such as corn porridge and cassava flour. • Street Food: Various snacks such as roasted corn, fried bananas, etc. can be found in the market or on the streets. 5. Accommodation Recommendations • Hotels: There are hotels of various grades in Cotonou, and you can choose according to your budget. • B&B: If you want to experience local life more deeply, you can choose to stay in a B&B. 6. Notes • Safety: Although Benin is generally safe, you should take care of your belongings when in crowded places. • Cultural etiquette: Respect local customs and religious beliefs and avoid doing things that offend local people. • Health: Pay attention to food hygiene, avoid eating unclean food, and prevent diseases. 7. Travel Tips • Best time to travel: Benin has a warm climate all year round and is suitable for travel in all seasons, but it is recommended to avoid the rainy season. • Shopping: Bargaining is acceptable when shopping in the market, but be sure to respect the sellers. • Photography: When photographing local people, it is recommended to obtain their permission first. I hope this guide can help you better plan your trip to Cotonou. I wish you a pleasant journey!