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Need Traveling Advice To Cotonou - Travel (45) - Nairaland

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Relocating To Cotonou / Pls I Need Guide On How To Get To Cotonou And Also Where To Get Things Cheap / Cotonou, Benin Republic (2) (3) (4)

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Re: Need Traveling Advice To Cotonou by Reanzi: 6:02am On Dec 23, 2022
sirrotex:
I can't answer question a but for the documents, you require your yellow card and vaccination card for children. You may also require COVID certificate

Please do ATM cards in benin work on international sites?
Re: Need Traveling Advice To Cotonou by sirrotex: 8:59am On Dec 23, 2022
No. It's been suspended internationally
Reanzi:


Please do ATM cards in benin work on international sites?
Re: Need Traveling Advice To Cotonou by Reanzi: 12:19pm On Dec 23, 2022
sirrotex:
No. It's been suspended internationally

Okay. Thanks so much for this info.
Re: Need Traveling Advice To Cotonou by papuchudo: 10:53pm On Dec 24, 2022
Ohhh, you mean, Benin Republic bank cards don't work for international transactions?



sirrotex:
No. It's been suspended internationally
Re: Need Traveling Advice To Cotonou by sirrotex: 8:32pm On Dec 25, 2022
Nigeria Bank cards do not work abroad. They have been temporarily suspended
papuchudo:
Ohhh, you mean, Benin Republic bank cards don't work for international transactions?



Re: Need Traveling Advice To Cotonou by sirrotex: 2:16pm On Dec 26, 2022
Here is a feedback on my experience traveling to Cotonou and Togo. I left on the 19th of December. From mile 2, I entered a cab to Seme boarder for 3k. I would advise you to have your international passport because immigration extorted those who did not have. The cab stopped me at conoil. From Conoil, I walked to the seme boarder, went through port health,they asked for my Yellow card which I gave them, from there to Ndlea. The guy at Ndlea just looked at my passport and said because of my extensive travel experience he would not search me. From there I went to stamp my passport at immigration. The officer was polite, stamped the passport and asked for 1k. I told him that I had traveled extensively and no where in the world have I been asked to pay to get my passport stamped. He then let me go but told me, I would have to pay at the Benin immigration. At the Benin immigration, those without passport paid money and crossed freely. I gave the immigration officer my passport then the problem started, he said I was to pay 2k. I told him I don't have, he asked if I didn't pay at the Nigerian side and I told him I did not. I also told him to confirm from the Nigeria Immigration. After some delay he stamped my passport into Benin Republic. I had changed money in Lagos, so I didn't have any need to change money, I would also advise intending travellers to change their money in Lagos as the rates are better. From there I entered a Taxi to Togo for 7k CFA. At the Hillcondji boarder was where my problem started. Those guys couldn't not speak English or pretended not to be able to, so we did not understand each other. After much delay and due to the people I was delaying in the cab. I paid 2k CFA on the Benin Republic exit and 2k on the Lome entry. I took a picture of the immigration police at the Benin Republic boarder and would take him up. Coming back, I paid 1k each at the Lome and happy Benin Boarder and also 1k to the Benin exit immigration. The Nigerian guy that stamped me in did not ask for a dime though I gave him 1k in the spirit of Christmas.
This is my first experience crossing the border and hope it will get better as time progresses. As for the guy that I took his picture, I am processing my petition to their police commissioner.
I hope this helps someone

5 Likes

Re: Need Traveling Advice To Cotonou by Reanzi: 3:01am On Dec 27, 2022
sirrotex:
Nigeria Bank cards do not work abroad. They have been temporarily suspended

Oh no, I was asking if Benin republic cards themselves work on international websites (since ours - Nigerian card don't)?
Re: Need Traveling Advice To Cotonou by Reanzi: 3:04am On Dec 27, 2022
sirrotex:
Here is a feedback on my experience traveling to Cotonou and Togo. I left on the 19th of December. From mile 2, I entered a cab to Seme boarder for 3k. I would advise you to have your international passport because immigration extorted those who did not have. The cab stopped me at conoil. From Conoil, I walked to the seme boarder, went through port health,they asked for my Yellow card which I gave them, from there to Ndlea. The guy at Ndlea just looked at my passport and said because of my extensive travel experience he would not search me. From there I went to stamp my passport at immigration. The officer was polite, stamped the passport and asked for 1k. I told him that I had traveled extensively and no where in the world have I been asked to pay to get my passport stamped. He then let me go but told me, I would have to pay at the Benin immigration. At the Benin immigration, those without passport paid money and crossed freely. I gave the immigration officer my passport then the problem started, he said I was to pay 2k. I told him I don't have, he asked if I didn't pay at the Nigerian side and I told him I did not. I also told him to confirm from the Nigeria Immigration. After some delay he stamped my passport into Benin Republic. I had changed money in Lagos, so I didn't have any need to change money, I would also advise intending travellers to change their money in Lagos as the rates are better. From there I entered a Taxi to Togo for 7k CFA. At the Hillcondji boarder was where my problem started. Those guys couldn't not speak English or pretended not to be able to, so we did not understand each other. After much delay and due to the people I was delaying in the cab. I paid 2k CFA on the Benin Republic exit and 2k on the Lome entry. I took a picture of the immigration police at the Benin Republic boarder and would take him up. Coming back, I paid 1k each at the Lome and happy Benin Boarder and also 1k to the Benin exit immigration. The Nigerian guy that stamped me in did not ask for a dime though I gave him 1k in the spirit of Christmas.
This is my first experience crossing the border and hope it will get better as time progresses. As for the guy that I took his picture, I am processing my petition to their police commissioner.
I hope this helps someone

Thank so much. It helps. Please at what rate did you change in Lagos, an where? Then what's the rate at the border? Thank you.
Re: Need Traveling Advice To Cotonou by sirrotex: 12:37pm On Dec 27, 2022
I bought from a Mallam in broad street at N1000-865 CFA whereas at the Benin side of the boarder it was N1000 - 820 CFA
Reanzi:


Thank so much. It helps. Please at what rate did you change in Lagos, an where? Then what's the rate at the border? Thank you.
Re: Need Traveling Advice To Cotonou by sirrotex: 12:38pm On Dec 27, 2022
I have no idea
Reanzi:


Oh no, I was asking if Benin republic cards themselves work on international websites (since ours - Nigerian card don't)?
Re: Need Traveling Advice To Cotonou by Reanzi: 8:04pm On Dec 27, 2022
sirrotex:
I have no idea

Okay. Thanks
Re: Need Traveling Advice To Cotonou by Reanzi: 8:04pm On Dec 27, 2022
sirrotex:
I bought from a Mallam in broad street at N1000-865 CFA whereas at the Benin side of the boarder it was N1000 - 820 CFA

Grateful for the info. Thank you.
Re: Need Traveling Advice To Cotonou by ekitimanalways(m): 10:10am On Dec 28, 2022
eddiense:
Who knows this company in Port Novo (Siar Industry Sarl) they is a rumour that they are recruiting and requesting for 1k USD for the job with Port Novo resident permit, accommodation and a pay of 150USD weekly after a 6weeks training.

Is it legit?
I am afraid it's not legit!
Na scam! Run!
A word is enough for the wise.

1 Like

Re: Need Traveling Advice To Cotonou by SamuraiDan: 1:51am On Dec 31, 2022
Please can anyone help me with answers;
- the cost of rent of a single-room self contain and a one bedroom apartment in Cotonou, and maybe a website or app to check for apartments.
- what is an ideal(minimum) salary for a newcomer to Cotonou with regards to current cost of things in Cotonou
- is there an online market where one can check prices of simple house furnitures like mattress etc.
-and also what advise can anyone give to someone that is relocating to Cotonou for the first time.
Thanks very much ��
Re: Need Traveling Advice To Cotonou by Gatess: 6:33am On Dec 31, 2022
SamuraiDan:
Please can anyone help me with answers;
- the cost of rent of a single-room self contain and a one bedroom apartment in Cotonou, and maybe a website or app to check for apartments.
- what is an ideal(minimum) salary for a newcomer to Cotonou with regards to current cost of things in Cotonou
- is there an online market where one can check prices of simple house furnitures like mattress etc.
-and also what advise can anyone give to someone that is relocating to Cotonou for the first time.
Thanks very much ��


A room selfcon ranges from 15k cefa to 25k or more depend on location or landlord.

Most online platforms adverts are in french language and u can get some in fb.

As for the mattress, it depends on size but ranges from 50k cefa and above, depend on size, quality etc and u can still get fairly used ones but still expensive too

Going with a mentality of searching for a job, may not be the best. Meanwhile do u speak french? If no, it's gonna be tough but may be easier for u if u are a teacher. Sincerely, the best way is to have a biz plan and some cash to run a biz there.

Finally, as a new comer, have an open mind to enable u adapt faster and be friendly and sociable. Have a good plan B4 u come so u don't get stranded. It's a safe, serene and calm place to live.

Note: CEFA has more value now in the black market...#1000 to 850 cefa.
Hope my little info helps u. Cheers and good luck

2 Likes

Re: Need Traveling Advice To Cotonou by SamuraiDan: 3:59pm On Jan 06, 2023
I'm very grateful, your info and tips helps alot.

Gatess:



A room selfcon ranges from 15k cefa to 25k or more depend on location or landlord.

Most online platforms adverts are in french language and u can get some in fb.

As for the mattress, it depends on size but ranges from 50k cefa and above, depend on size, quality etc and u can still get fairly used ones but still expensive too

Going with a mentality of searching for a job, may not be the best. Meanwhile do u speak french? If no, it's gonna be tough but may be easier for u if u are a teacher. Sincerely, the best way is to have a biz plan and some cash to run a biz there.

Finally, as a new comer, have an open mind to enable u adapt faster and be friendly and sociable. Have a good plan B4 u come so u don't get stranded. It's a safe, serene and calm place to live.

Note: CEFA has more value now in the black market...#1000 to 850 cefa.
Hope my little info helps u. Cheers and good luck
Re: Need Traveling Advice To Cotonou by SamuraiDan: 11:24am On Jan 11, 2023
SamuraiDan:
I'm very grateful, your info and tips helps alot.

Please I'll be spending more than 3 months in Cotonou...do I need to get a proper visa at the Benin Embassy in Nigeria? or I should just go and get stamped in normally at the border

Also I want to go with taxis instead of ABC & Chisco etc..I'll appreciate tips for crossing the border as a newbie
Thanks
Re: Need Traveling Advice To Cotonou by SamuraiDan: 11:25am On Jan 11, 2023
Please I'll be spending more than 3 months in Cotonou...do I need to get a proper visa at the Benin Embassy in Nigeria? or I should just go and get stamped in normally at the border

Also I want to go with taxis instead of ABC & Chisco etc..I'll appreciate tips for crossing the border as a newbie
Thanks

Gatess:


A room selfcon ranges from 15k cefa to 25k or more depend on location or landlord.

Most online platforms adverts are in french language and u can get some in fb.

As for the mattress, it depends on size but ranges from 50k cefa and above, depend on size, quality etc and u can still get fairly used ones but still expensive too

Going with a mentality of searching for a job, may not be the best. Meanwhile do u speak french? If no, it's gonna be tough but may be easier for u if u are a teacher. Sincerely, the best way is to have a biz plan and some cash to run a biz there.

Finally, as a new comer, have an open mind to enable u adapt faster and be friendly and sociable. Have a good plan B4 u come so u don't get stranded. It's a safe, serene and calm place to live.

Note: CEFA has more value now in the black market...#1000 to 850 cefa.
Hope my little info helps u. Cheers and good luck
Re: Need Traveling Advice To Cotonou by feminineA: 12:49pm On Jan 13, 2023
olumide81:
Just stumbled upon this. You guys are heaven sent, i intend traveling to Cotonou this December with my family on vacation, we all have our international passport. My questions are:

a. Can we drive down to cotonou without less hassles

b. What other documents do we need outside international passport.


Thank you
Did you eventually go with your family? What was the cost like
Re: Need Traveling Advice To Cotonou by feminineA: 1:03pm On Jan 13, 2023
gentlebullet:

If you perhaps need a tour guide for your visit to Cotonou and probably Hilla Codji, Lome and Aflao...... I am your � CHEERS

Hello @gentlebullet sent you a message
Re: Need Traveling Advice To Cotonou by Amyjerry5812: 8:21am On Jan 17, 2023
ekitimanalways:

I am afraid it's not legit!
Na scam! Run!
A word is enough for the wise.

I have someone working in that company in portnovo. His name is Bassey and he is a supervisor. Siar industry Sarl company is real. They train u for 8wks and u start working.

However, depending on who is taking u there. Scammers can still capitalize on it to scam u don't mean the company is not real. The money demanded for is for resident permit, covid test, yellow card, opening of bank account with BOA, that's bank of America. If u are sure of your contact then go ahead the company is real.
But if u are not sure of your contact run, run

1 Like

Re: Need Traveling Advice To Cotonou by eddiense: 8:02am On Jan 18, 2023
Amyjerry5812:


I have someone working in that company in portnovo. His name is Bassey and he is a supervisor. Siar industry Sarl company is real. They train u for 8wks and u start working.

However, depending on who is taking u there. Scammers can still capitalize on it to scam u don't mean the company is not real. The money demanded for is for resident permit, covid test, yellow card, opening of bank account with BOA, that's bank of America. If u are sure of your contact then go ahead the company is real.
But if u are not sure of your contact run, run

Ask him where the location of the company is in portnovo.
Re: Need Traveling Advice To Cotonou by gentlebullet(m): 9:26pm On Jan 18, 2023
feminineA:


Hello @gentlebullet sent you a message
I am just seeing this and sorry I no longer have access to the email attached to this forum. You are free to ask me any question here.
Re: Need Traveling Advice To Cotonou by Benwems(m): 1:54am On Jan 19, 2023
sirrotex:
I can't answer question a but for the documents, you require your yellow card and vaccination card for children. You may also require COVID certificate

Does anyone know if Covid-19 negative certificate is required?
Re: Need Traveling Advice To Cotonou by feminineA: 6:29am On Jan 19, 2023
gentlebullet:

I am just seeing this and sorry I no longer have access to the email attached to this forum. You are free to ask me any question here.

I needed a tour guide for my cotonou trip
Re: Need Traveling Advice To Cotonou by sirrotex: 8:14am On Jan 19, 2023
Please take it along to avoid extortion
Benwems:


Does anyone know if Covid-19 negative certificate is required?
Re: Need Traveling Advice To Cotonou by gentlebullet(m): 6:06pm On Jan 19, 2023
feminineA:


I needed a tour guide for my cotonou trip
Oh! Unfortunately, I now live in Europe. I hope you got a tour guide during your trip.....

1 Like

Re: Need Traveling Advice To Cotonou by NONNYG: 8:30pm On Jan 19, 2023
Amyjerry5812:


I have someone working in that company in portnovo. His name is Bassey and he is a supervisor. Siar industry Sarl company is real. They train u for 8wks and u start working.

However, depending on who is taking u there. Scammers can still capitalize on it to scam u don't mean the company is not real. The money demanded for is for resident permit, covid test, yellow card, opening of bank account with BOA, that's bank of America. If u are sure of your contact then go ahead the company is real.
But if u are not sure of your contact run, run
This sounds like Qnet

1 Like

Re: Need Traveling Advice To Cotonou by Joannebassey: 4:49pm On Jan 20, 2023
Unfortunately, social media allows people to say anything without repercussion since everyone is protected by being anonymous. However, we still need to get our facts straight before accusing an entity of something they have no business with. It's easy to point fingers, but for all you know, they could very well be victims of these scammers and are bleeding from the activities of these criminals. It would be wise to refrain from allowing these scammers to give us the job of discrediting a company through the comments we make, thereby contributing to the downfall of a very legitimate company. Clicking on the https://www.qbuzz.qnet.net/rumours-controversies-and-is-it-a-scam-question/ link will further dispel any doubts you have about the company.


NONNYG:
This sounds like Qnet

2 Likes

Re: Need Traveling Advice To Cotonou by Chiderachigozi: 1:08am On Jan 21, 2023
You took the words right out of my fingertips! Thanks for the link you shared, by the way, I’ve gone through the website of the link you shared, and I've gotten clarification on some things about the company I wasn't sure of before. I mean, this company isn’t just an anyhow company, it's a legit company with football clubs like Manchester City! they're also partners with the Confederation of African football; I doubt these football entities would partner with a company that wasn't legitimate. It doesn't even make sense for a company with such a huge reputation and presence to ruin its name by engaging in such shameful activities. They're definitely being impersonated.  









Joannebassey:
Unfortunately, social media allows people to say anything without repercussion since everyone is protected by being anonymous. However, we still need to get our facts straight before accusing an entity of something they have no business with. It's easy to point fingers, but for all you know, they could very well be victims of these scammers and are bleeding from the activities of these criminals. It would be wise to refrain from allowing these scammers to give us the job of discrediting a company through the comments we make, thereby contributing to the downfall of a very legitimate company. Clicking on the https://www.qbuzz.qnet.net/rumours-controversies-and-is-it-a-scam-question/ link will further dispel any doubts you have about the company.

2 Likes

Re: Need Traveling Advice To Cotonou by Kenox: 6:29pm On Jan 22, 2023
feminineA:


I needed a tour guide for my cotonou trip

Text me +22951017082
Re: Need Traveling Advice To Cotonou by SleekyP(m): 5:04am On Jan 23, 2023
eddiense:
Who knows this company in Port Novo (Siar Industry Sarl) they is a rumour that they are recruiting and requesting for 1k USD for the job with Port Novo resident permit, accommodation and a pay of 150USD weekly after a 6weeks training.

Is it legit?
Run with your toes.....I repeat!!!

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