Benin City Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Communication

Stay connected with local SIM cards and internet access.

Local SIM Cards & Internet

Major providers: MTN, Glo, Airtel, 9mobile. MTN generally has wide coverage.
SIM registration is mandatory; passport or ID and fingerprints are needed.
Mobile data (4G/LTE) is common. Wi-Fi available in most mid-range/luxury hotels.

Postal Services

Sending mail and parcels locally and internationally.

Mail & Courier Options

Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) handles national mail.
International courier services like DHL, FedEx, UPS operate for reliable shipping.
For small parcels, courier services are a good option.

Language & Translation

Navigate conversations with a few phrases.

Communication Essentials

English is widely spoken, especially in urban areas.
Edo (Binis) is the local language. Nigerian Pidgin English is a common lingua franca.
Google Translate (with offline packs) can assist. Rosetta Stone for deeper language acquisition.

Essential Phrases

Basic greetings and expressions in English/Pidgin and Edo.

Expressions

"Hello/afternoon/evening" (English) / "How far?" (Pidgin)
"Thank you" (English) / "Tank you" (Pidgin) / "Óyèkè" (Edo)
"How much?" (English) / "How much e be?" (Pidgin)

Mobile Connectivity Solutions

ESIMs for Travelers

Stay connected with an eSIM from Airalo.
Download internet plans instantly for seamless internet access.
Avoid roaming charges with local data rates.

Portable Wi-Fi Devices

Consider a portable Wi-Fi device from Solis Wi-Fi.
Share internet access with multiple devices and travel companions.
Ensure a fully charged device for continuous connectivity.

Stay Connected

Good communication methods enhance your safety and overall experience.

Business Hours & Schedules

Understand typical operating hours for various services and public holidays.

Government & Banks

Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Banks may offer limited Saturday service.

Shops & Retailers

Mon-Sat, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM/7:00 PM. Some smaller shops open longer.

Markets

Are often open very early (6 AM) until evening (6-7 PM). Sundays typically see reduced activity.

Banking & ATMs

Accessing cash and banking services.

Financial Access

ATMs are widely available at bank locations and shopping centers.
Most ATMs operate 24/7, though occasional downtime or lack of cash.
It is wise to use ATMs during daylight hours and at secure, well-lit places.

Religious & Public Holidays

Impact of holidays at services and transport.

Holiday Schedule

Christian Holidays: Christmas, Easter, New Year's Day.
Islamic Holidays: Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha (the dates are different).
Federal Holidays: Independence Day (Oct 1), Workers' Day (May 1), Democracy Day (June 12).

Seasonal Closures & Reduced Schedules

Tourism & Services

No specific seasonal closures for tourism attractions.
Services may have reduced schedules during major holidays.

Planning Ahead

It is advisable to plan your activities around these periods.
Expect busier transport and markets during holiday periods.

Plan Your Day

Awareness of operating hours and holidays helps avoid unexpected disruptions.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Observe local customs for respectful and harmonious interactions.

Greeting Customs

Approaching locals with respect is highly valued.

Respectful Interactions

Always greet people, especially elders, with respect; handshakes are common.
Use titles like "Sir," "Ma'am," "Uncle," or "Aunty" for elderly people individuals.
Politeness and deference are highly valued in social settings.

Appropriate Attire

Dress codes vary by setting, modesty is general.

Dress Code Guide

General: Modest dress, covering shoulders and knees, is recommended.
Religious Sites: Dress conservatively (long sleeves/trousers/skirts); women may cover heads.
Business Meetings: Formal attire (suit for men, formal dress/suit for female travelers) is appropriate.

Dining & Tipping Practices

Mealtime Customs

For traditional meals, eating with the right hand is customary.
Giving a tip for good service is appreciated, consult local norms for expectations.
Engage politely with service staff.

Photography Ethics

Picture-Taking Guidelines

Always seek permission to photograph people, especially children.
Avoid photographing government/military buildings and security personnel.
Respect any signs prohibiting photography at sacred sites.

Sensitive Topics & Taboos

Avoid Discussion Of

Politics: This topic can be sensitive; approach with caution.
Left Hand: Avoid using the left hand for greetings or transactions.

Social Norms

Poverty: Avoid overtly pointing out or photographing poverty.
Direct Confrontation: Indirect communication is often preferred.

Gender & LGBTQ+ Information

Gender Relations

Public displays of affection are uncommon and generally conservative.
Men and women often maintain a respectful distance in public.

LGBTQ+ Travel

Nigeria has laws criminalizing same-sex relationships.
LGBTQ+ visitors should exercise extreme discretion and avoid public displays of affection.

Cultural Immersion

Respectful engagement with local customs deepens your travel experience.

Accessibility Information

Benin City has difficulties for travelers with mobility issues.

Infrastructure for Mobility Challenges

City infrastructure is generally not designed for accessibility.

Challenges

Sidewalks are often uneven or non-existent, roads are poor.
Public transport is not adapted for wheelchair users.

Accessible Attractions & Transport

Limited options for easy access.

Considerations

Most historical sites and museums have stairs or uneven terrain; ramps are rare.
A private vehicle with a driver is necessary, but destination navigation will remain a challenge.

Visual or Hearing Impairments

Specific services for sensory impairments are not widely available.

Support Services

No specific formal services cater to tourists with visual impairments.
No specific formal services cater to tourists with hearing impairments.

Accessibility Resources

Local information or organizations are not common.

Planning & Assistance

No specific local organizations offer tourist accessibility information for Benin City.
Travelers with mobility challenges should plan extensively and consider personal assistance.

Prioritize Personal Needs

Thorough preparation helps create a manageable and fulfilling trip for all travelers.

Benin City Travel Tips