₦airaland Forum

Hello bro I want to come for vacation can you please share your contact

Gatess:
THE UNDERRATED COTONOU

Since I was born till date, we Nigerians have always looked down on a lot of neighboring countries like Cameroon, Togo, Benin Republic etc.
Well, you are not to be blamed if you are among those who look down on some of these countries, even when we have not had an opportunity to cross border.

Well I was one of those people who actually looked down on most of these countries until I had an opportunity to sail round west Africa and the narratives changed.

Meanwhile I was completely marvelled the first time I visited Cotonou, the business hub of Benin Republic about 4 years ago when Patrice Talon newly took office
Two years after I re-visited, after touring round other west African countries. I spent 3 days here and without a waste of time, I concluded to relocate down to this place based on the level of development I saw, the security, serenity etc.

Finally I am now living here and I have no regret so far.

I will say this country is blessed with the best president who is working tirelessly to improve the living conditions of his beloved citizens and I am glad hearing citizens saying positive things about the president.

Things You Don't Know About Benin Republic...

*They have currently have one of the best roads/road network in west Africa
* The maintain law and order
* Security is good
* Security personnels are friendly and don't intimidate anyone. If caught intimidating you, he or she will severely be punished
" If you are caught in a robbery attack which involves gun, forget it, u are gun forever.
* Electricity is 247. No low voltage or unecessarily interruptions.
* Steady clean water supply by the government at an affordable rate
* 247 transport system cos of good security
* Night life is topnotch.. in fact their balling na night with street light almost every nook and cranny of the city.
* Amazing beaches with super duper fun.
* Nice Bilingual schools for your kids
*Stress free movement without traffic jam.
* Policemen scattered at every nook and cranny of the town to maintain law and order and not for stop and search.
* Drugs are only bought or sold at a registered pharmacies and not from quacks or roadside vendors
* Foreigners almost have same right with citizen and can't be treated anyhow
*Women are like egg here. Any maltreatment or mistreatment, you will face the law.
*Public school, go to sch by 7:30am and return home for break by 12noon and return back to school by 3pm to dismiss between 6-7pm Monday- Friday
* You can choose to relocate from your rented apartment after a month or two cos of the privilege of monthly payment plan
* Their money now more valuable than naira in black market
*This is the only safe transit route coming from other African countries to Nigeria. Of course you should know how that helps an economy.
*Internet is steady and fast but a bit expensive
*Pepper body no common here like naija
* ETC

Business Opportunities
From My Findings So Far...

*Tailoring is a place to explore especially when you sew English wears and Nigerian attires
* Sales of any kind of electronics which you can bring from Nigeria and Togo cos they are cheaper over there and expensive here.
* Sales of second hand phones and laptops, not forgetting their accessories too. Very lucrative
* Nigerian foods are in high demand especially areas where Nigerians live more. U go sell tire
* Sales of sewing machines(more of manual)and it's accessories are in high demand cos this is their major skill work with hairdressing.
* Phone and laptop repairs needs serious attention here cos most of the engineers are not competent enough
* Sales of motor parts/bike parts. Both are very good biz here too.
* Bilingual schools are still in high demand in some places including teachers.
* Transportation biz- As a naija man, u will do better plying from border to town, if you are a smart. As an okada rider, concentrate around Tokpa, Misebo and Beach, you will be fine too.
Those who are into okirika(2nd clothes, shoes & bags), it's still very profitable till date but you must have a good contact for you not to be cheated.
Etc


Let me drop my pen here for now. I will be sharing some photos of the places I have been to like the beaches etc . So stay tuned as we will be dropping more information to give you a comprehensive info about the country generally.

Bro please can you share your contact or email

zx9651:
op stated facts. been living here for
almost four years, initially came for
a degree program which i have completed but i don’t wanna go back to naija.

Sweetvie:
High cost of living in Benin?🙄

yeah compare to that of Nigeria. Gas, house rent, tax

Valentineboy1:
Please must I have international passport before I can.enter the country? And what is best route by land to follow

Yes, you MUST possess a valid passport as your means of Identification to either travel or reside there. Sometimes police harass non nationals and without your passport, you may have issues.

You can also live in other areas aside from Cotonou. Porto Novo for example is quite good.

pansophist:
The price of arrogance is that you see past your shortcomings while others you look down upon grow even better. As someone that have been to Benin republic, I completely agree with the poster.

Only that for Nigerians, abroad have to be when they live with white people. Of course you should move to the West, but if that's not attainable, then neighbouring countries ain't bad either. Ivory Coast is also a good one and even better than Benin.

If your idea of a good life is good roads, security, safety, sane citizen and be contented with the basics of life, to run your business in peace, and can achieve Self-actualisation with hard work, then lots of countries within Africa offers that.

Ivory coast has serious armed robbery problems,after their little civil war.

Gatess:
THE UNDERRATED COTONOU

Since I was born till date, we Nigerians have always looked down on a lot of neighboring countries like Cameroon, Togo, Benin Republic etc.
Well, you are not to be blamed if you are among those who look down on some of these countries, even when we have not had an opportunity to cross border.

Well I was one of those people who actually looked down on most of these countries until I had an opportunity to sail round west Africa and the narratives changed.

Meanwhile I was completely marvelled the first time I visited Cotonou, the business hub of Benin Republic about 4 years ago when Patrice Talon newly took office
Two years after I re-visited, after touring round other west African countries. I spent 3 days here and without a waste of time, I concluded to relocate down to this place based on the level of development I saw, the security, serenity etc.

Finally I am now living here and I have no regret so far.

I will say this country is blessed with the best president who is working tirelessly to improve the living conditions of his beloved citizens and I am glad hearing citizens saying positive things about the president.

Things You Don't Know About Benin Republic...

*They have currently have one of the best roads/road network in west Africa
* The maintain law and order
* Security is good
* Security personnels are friendly and don't intimidate anyone. If caught intimidating you, he or she will severely be punished
" If you are caught in a robbery attack which involves gun, forget it, u are gun forever.
* Electricity is 247. No low voltage or unecessarily interruptions.
* Steady clean water supply by the government at an affordable rate
* 247 transport system cos of good security
* Night life is topnotch.. in fact their balling na night with street light almost every nook and cranny of the city.
* Amazing beaches with super duper fun.
* Nice Bilingual schools for your kids
*Stress free movement without traffic jam.
* Policemen scattered at every nook and cranny of the town to maintain law and order and not for stop and search.
* Drugs are only bought or sold at a registered pharmacies and not from quacks or roadside vendors
* Foreigners almost have same right with citizen and can't be treated anyhow
*Women are like egg here. Any maltreatment or mistreatment, you will face the law.
*Public school, go to sch by 7:30am and return home for break by 12noon and return back to school by 3pm to dismiss between 6-7pm Monday- Friday
* You can choose to relocate from your rented apartment after a month or two cos of the privilege of monthly payment plan
* Their money now more valuable than naira in black market
*This is the only safe transit route coming from other African countries to Nigeria. Of course you should know how that helps an economy.
*Internet is steady and fast but a bit expensive
*Pepper body no common here like naija
* ETC

Business Opportunities
From My Findings So Far...

*Tailoring is a place to explore especially when you sew English wears and Nigerian attires
* Sales of any kind of electronics which you can bring from Nigeria and Togo cos they are cheaper over there and expensive here.
* Sales of second hand phones and laptops, not forgetting their accessories too. Very lucrative
* Nigerian foods are in high demand especially areas where Nigerians live more. U go sell tire
* Sales of sewing machines(more of manual)and it's accessories are in high demand cos this is their major skill work with hairdressing.
* Phone and laptop repairs needs serious attention here cos most of the engineers are not competent enough
* Sales of motor parts/bike parts. Both are very good biz here too.
* Bilingual schools are still in high demand in some places including teachers.
* Transportation biz- As a naija man, u will do better plying from border to town, if you are a smart. As an okada rider, concentrate around Tokpa, Misebo and Beach, you will be fine too.
Those who are into okirika(2nd clothes, shoes & bags), it's still very profitable till date but you must have a good contact for you not to be cheated.
Etc


Let me drop my pen here for now. I will be sharing some photos of the places I have been to like the beaches etc . So stay tuned as we will be dropping more information to give you a comprehensive info about the country generally.

how can one find nice hotels there for a week or two vacation since their language is French and not English

Starboytwo:
How many people are in bene republic again?

If Nigeria was just like eg Ebonyi, small, maybe 5 million people, it will be very easy to govern.

Don’t be comparing 5million people to 250 million people. Over 300 ethnic groups. Over 500 languages. Oboy, incomparable.

This argument does not hold water.

The Chinese are over one billion, with different nationalities, yet their country is fantastic. The Indians the same, with over one billion people. The same goes for the USA with a population of close to 400 million and yet inviting more people from other nations.

Your country, Nigeria suffers because the people simply choose to do the same thing, the same way and wanting a different result. If the people choose the right leaders, who they hold accountable, Nigeria will be a better country.

aariwa:
how can one find nice hotels there for a week or two vacation since their language is French and not English

Very easy. Get in there and ask. Kekes will get you there.

Cantonese:
Very easy. Get in there and ask. Kekes will get you there.

okay I hope they are not like Nigerians that would want to exploit you once you start asking questions. My target is quidah along that oceans with lots of tourist areas to see. I tried to chat up a tourism company there but they were chatting in French

Gatess:
THE UNDERRATED COTONOU

Since I was born till date, we Nigerians have always looked down on a lot of neighboring countries like Cameroon, Togo, Benin Republic etc.
Well, you are not to be blamed if you are among those who look down on some of these countries, even when we have not had an opportunity to cross border.

Well I was one of those people who actually looked down on most of these countries until I had an opportunity to sail round west Africa and the narratives changed.

Meanwhile I was completely marvelled the first time I visited Cotonou, the business hub of Benin Republic about 4 years ago when Patrice Talon newly took office
Two years after I re-visited, after touring round other west African countries. I spent 3 days here and without a waste of time, I concluded to relocate down to this place based on the level of development I saw, the security, serenity etc.

Finally I am now living here and I have no regret so far.

I will say this country is blessed with the best president who is working tirelessly to improve the living conditions of his beloved citizens and I am glad hearing citizens saying positive things about the president.

Things You Don't Know About Benin Republic...

*They have currently have one of the best roads/road network in west Africa
* The maintain law and order
* Security is good
* Security personnels are friendly and don't intimidate anyone. If caught intimidating you, he or she will severely be punished
" If you are caught in a robbery attack which involves gun, forget it, u are gun forever.
* Electricity is 247. No low voltage or unecessarily interruptions.
* Steady clean water supply by the government at an affordable rate
* 247 transport system cos of good security
* Night life is topnotch.. in fact their balling na night with street light almost every nook and cranny of the city.
* Amazing beaches with super duper fun.
* Nice Bilingual schools for your kids
*Stress free movement without traffic jam.
* Policemen scattered at every nook and cranny of the town to maintain law and order and not for stop and search.
* Drugs are only bought or sold at a registered pharmacies and not from quacks or roadside vendors
* Foreigners almost have same right with citizen and can't be treated anyhow
*Women are like egg here. Any maltreatment or mistreatment, you will face the law.
*Public school, go to sch by 7:30am and return home for break by 12noon and return back to school by 3pm to dismiss between 6-7pm Monday- Friday
* You can choose to relocate from your rented apartment after a month or two cos of the privilege of monthly payment plan
* Their money now more valuable than naira in black market
*This is the only safe transit route coming from other African countries to Nigeria. Of course you should know how that helps an economy.
*Internet is steady and fast but a bit expensive
*Pepper body no common here like naija
* ETC

Business Opportunities
From My Findings So Far...

*Tailoring is a place to explore especially when you sew English wears and Nigerian attires
* Sales of any kind of electronics which you can bring from Nigeria and Togo cos they are cheaper over there and expensive here.
* Sales of second hand phones and laptops, not forgetting their accessories too. Very lucrative
* Nigerian foods are in high demand especially areas where Nigerians live more. U go sell tire
* Sales of sewing machines(more of manual)and it's accessories are in high demand cos this is their major skill work with hairdressing.
* Phone and laptop repairs needs serious attention here cos most of the engineers are not competent enough
* Sales of motor parts/bike parts. Both are very good biz here too.
* Bilingual schools are still in high demand in some places including teachers.
* Transportation biz- As a naija man, u will do better plying from border to town, if you are a smart. As an okada rider, concentrate around Tokpa, Misebo and Beach, you will be fine too.
Those who are into okirika(2nd clothes, shoes & bags), it's still very profitable till date but you must have a good contact for you not to be cheated.
Etc


Let me drop my pen here for now. I will be sharing some photos of the places I have been to like the beaches etc . So stay tuned as we will be dropping more information to give you a comprehensive info about the country generally.

Quite revealing

This thread reminds of my trip to Benin (Cotonou, Abomey and Calavi) for vacation in 2013 and my work-related trip (applying and interviewing for lecturing positions) in 2017/18.
Overall, République du Bénin is an organised country. A place to consider for remote/online workers due to their good electricity supply.
One thing I noticed about the Benin people is that they tend to be more contented with life's basic amenities and less materialistic. This world-view is glaringly lacking in the Nigerian society.

I should be planning another trip to Benin this year, to get more firsthand information on the current state of things.

Zaksart:
There's so much opportunities in Benin republic and I'll be talking about one today. While growing up we understand that Cotonou is the harbor of good used cars, I even have some friends that got there own cars back then from there.

But one thing a lot of us doesn't know is that Benin republic has room for sales of electronics gadgets and appliance. You see Benin republic, Togo and Ghana is a place you can sell electronics at double or almost double the price you bought your electronics.

But today I'll be focusing on phone sales... This info is coming from an experience electronics and phone repairs engineer. Do you know that
used iphone6 that's been sold here at 35/40k goes for as much as 70/75k in Benin, Togo or Ghana... I even overhead a colleague telling me same old iphone6 goes for 100k in Ghana.

Last year I sold used uk iphone6 for 85k Cefa... That was even when naira has a lil bit of value, but now as you all must have heard Cefa is now superior than Naira in the black market.

I get my used phones or laptop directly from warehouse in Lagos immediately the goods are been offloaded and go to Benin republic to make sells... I am bringing this information here because I'll need a partner that's interested in investing and who's interested so in learning how or where to buy and sale too.

I have invested a lot in yam farming at the beginning of the year and currently short of cash, so for those of you interested in investing please buzz me on WhatsApp at +2349050380553 let's make some good cash.

As I am preparing to enter Benin for business this march... Buzz me let's share profits. Thanks.

If you are serious and honest, I will give you a test with some American used laptops to sell, if it goes well, then forget about it, will send you lots more and more.


Do they buy Apple laptops?


Or low version Hp and Dell sell more? Reply so I will send someone to call you

Gatess:
THE UNDERRATED COTONOU

Since I was born till date, we Nigerians have always looked down on a lot of neighboring countries like Cameroon, Togo, Benin Republic etc.
Well, you are not to be blamed if you are among those who look down on some of these countries, even when we have not had an opportunity to cross border.

Well I was one of those people who actually looked down on most of these countries until I had an opportunity to sail round west Africa and the narratives changed.

Meanwhile I was completely marvelled the first time I visited Cotonou, the business hub of Benin Republic about 4 years ago when Patrice Talon newly took office
Two years after I re-visited, after touring round other west African countries. I spent 3 days here and without a waste of time, I concluded to relocate down to this place based on the level of development I saw, the security, serenity etc.

Finally I am now living here and I have no regret so far.

I will say this country is blessed with the best president who is working tirelessly to improve the living conditions of his beloved citizens and I am glad hearing citizens saying positive things about the president.

Things You Don't Know About Benin Republic...

*They have currently have one of the best roads/road network in west Africa
* The maintain law and order
* Security is good
* Security personnels are friendly and don't intimidate anyone. If caught intimidating you, he or she will severely be punished
" If you are caught in a robbery attack which involves gun, forget it, u are gun forever.
* Electricity is 247. No low voltage or unecessarily interruptions.
* Steady clean water supply by the government at an affordable rate
* 247 transport system cos of good security
* Night life is topnotch.. in fact their balling na night with street light almost every nook and cranny of the city.
* Amazing beaches with super duper fun.
* Nice Bilingual schools for your kids
*Stress free movement without traffic jam.
* Policemen scattered at every nook and cranny of the town to maintain law and order and not for stop and search.
* Drugs are only bought or sold at a registered pharmacies and not from quacks or roadside vendors
* Foreigners almost have same right with citizen and can't be treated anyhow
*Women are like egg here. Any maltreatment or mistreatment, you will face the law.
*Public school, go to sch by 7:30am and return home for break by 12noon and return back to school by 3pm to dismiss between 6-7pm Monday- Friday
* You can choose to relocate from your rented apartment after a month or two cos of the privilege of monthly payment plan
* Their money now more valuable than naira in black market
*This is the only safe transit route coming from other African countries to Nigeria. Of course you should know how that helps an economy.
*Internet is steady and fast but a bit expensive
*Pepper body no common here like naija
* ETC

Business Opportunities
From My Findings So Far...

*Tailoring is a place to explore especially when you sew English wears and Nigerian attires
* Sales of any kind of electronics which you can bring from Nigeria and Togo cos they are cheaper over there and expensive here.
* Sales of second hand phones and laptops, not forgetting their accessories too. Very lucrative
* Nigerian foods are in high demand especially areas where Nigerians live more. U go sell tire
* Sales of sewing machines(more of manual)and it's accessories are in high demand cos this is their major skill work with hairdressing.
* Phone and laptop repairs needs serious attention here cos most of the engineers are not competent enough
* Sales of motor parts/bike parts. Both are very good biz here too.
* Bilingual schools are still in high demand in some places including teachers.
* Transportation biz- As a naija man, u will do better plying from border to town, if you are a smart. As an okada rider, concentrate around Tokpa, Misebo and Beach, you will be fine too.
Those who are into okirika(2nd clothes, shoes & bags), it's still very profitable till date but you must have a good contact for you not to be cheated.
Etc


Let me drop my pen here for now. I will be sharing some photos of the places I have been to like the beaches etc . So stay tuned as we will be dropping more information to give you a comprehensive info about the country generally.

Insightful topic.


What do you think about China trucks, do they sell over there? Even China truck spare parts, is it something you can recommend?


What about tech companies, are there Tech companies there? Do you think it will sell over there? Please kindly comment on these and more, thanks

ChristianMuslim:
Im from ketou

Is Ketou a Yoruba city? Does it have any historical connection with the Ketu in Nigeria?
What are the routes through which one cab reach Ketou from Nigeria?

Henryfortune:
The op forget to talk about life expectancy... I was in that country for about a year and everything the op said is true... You feel safe and look forward to the next day... No fear of okada hitting you as they have a special lane and speed limits... Traffic lights at every junction with bumps you no you don't have to run too much except in places within the capital... It's a cool place to live good accomodations if you can afford it and if you can't pay more you can still get small and decent accomodation at decent rate too.. and there girls are friendly to Nigerian especially and there men to forgin ladies 🤣

I want to marry a girl from Benin Republic. How, what and where do you advise I should start?

Valentineboy1:
Please must I have international passport before I can.enter the country? And what is best route by land to follow

You wan use plane enter Benin republic before?

Route is Badagry, please move in with your passport

Gatess:
THE UNDERRATED COTONOU

Since I was born till date, we Nigerians have always looked down on a lot of neighboring countries like Cameroon, Togo, Benin Republic etc.
Well, you are not to be blamed if you are among those who look down on some of these countries, even when we have not had an opportunity to cross border.

Well I was one of those people who actually looked down on most of these countries until I had an opportunity to sail round west Africa and the narratives changed.

Meanwhile I was completely marvelled the first time I visited Cotonou, the business hub of Benin Republic about 4 years ago when Patrice Talon newly took office
Two years after I re-visited, after touring round other west African countries. I spent 3 days here and without a waste of time, I concluded to relocate down to this place based on the level of development I saw, the security, serenity etc.

Finally I am now living here and I have no regret so far.

I will say this country is blessed with the best president who is working tirelessly to improve the living conditions of his beloved citizens and I am glad hearing citizens saying positive things about the president.

Things You Don't Know About Benin Republic...

*They have currently have one of the best roads/road network in west Africa
* The maintain law and order
* Security is good
* Security personnels are friendly and don't intimidate anyone. If caught intimidating you, he or she will severely be punished
" If you are caught in a robbery attack which involves gun, forget it, u are gun forever.
* Electricity is 247. No low voltage or unecessarily interruptions.
* Steady clean water supply by the government at an affordable rate
* 247 transport system cos of good security
* Night life is topnotch.. in fact their balling na night with street light almost every nook and cranny of the city.
* Amazing beaches with super duper fun.
* Nice Bilingual schools for your kids
*Stress free movement without traffic jam.
* Policemen scattered at every nook and cranny of the town to maintain law and order and not for stop and search.
* Drugs are only bought or sold at a registered pharmacies and not from quacks or roadside vendors
* Foreigners almost have same right with citizen and can't be treated anyhow
*Women are like egg here. Any maltreatment or mistreatment, you will face the law.
*Public school, go to sch by 7:30am and return home for break by 12noon and return back to school by 3pm to dismiss between 6-7pm Monday- Friday
* You can choose to relocate from your rented apartment after a month or two cos of the privilege of monthly payment plan
* Their money now more valuable than naira in black market
*This is the only safe transit route coming from other African countries to Nigeria. Of course you should know how that helps an economy.
*Internet is steady and fast but a bit expensive
*Pepper body no common here like naija
* ETC

Business Opportunities
From My Findings So Far...

*Tailoring is a place to explore especially when you sew English wears and Nigerian attires
* Sales of any kind of electronics which you can bring from Nigeria and Togo cos they are cheaper over there and expensive here.
* Sales of second hand phones and laptops, not forgetting their accessories too. Very lucrative
* Nigerian foods are in high demand especially areas where Nigerians live more. U go sell tire
* Sales of sewing machines(more of manual)and it's accessories are in high demand cos this is their major skill work with hairdressing.
* Phone and laptop repairs needs serious attention here cos most of the engineers are not competent enough
* Sales of motor parts/bike parts. Both are very good biz here too.
* Bilingual schools are still in high demand in some places including teachers.
* Transportation biz- As a naija man, u will do better plying from border to town, if you are a smart. As an okada rider, concentrate around Tokpa, Misebo and Beach, you will be fine too.
Those who are into okirika(2nd clothes, shoes & bags), it's still very profitable till date but you must have a good contact for you not to be cheated.
Etc


Let me drop my pen here for now. I will be sharing some photos of the places I have been to like the beaches etc . So stay tuned as we will be dropping more information to give you a comprehensive info about the country generally.

honestly I have really considered that place, was there last in 2000 when I helped some buy a car ,seemed like a very organised place then.

Gate2:
At Tokpa axis. There is a particular person but don't have her number. She is Yoruba. But can try getting the number later

thank you very much

Euphoria19:
It was 850 cefa to 1k naira and I changed at the border as well as inside Cotonou proper, there are different exchange places, in my experience changing at the border was more expensive than inside Cotonou, but not by much difference except you’re changing lots of money though

thank you. am changing about 700k cefa to cover my hotel and food bills for the duration my stay

Pls all these 60k cefas ,20k cefas, can we compare it to like 60k naira , I mean the value. Cuz you ppl said Benin is cheap yet I am reading 60k cefas, 10 thousand cefas for hair. Pls help me explain more.

Gate2:
From my understanding so far, as long u meet the needs of the people, u will definitely sell. The most popular skill work here, is Tailoring and Hairdressing. As long as u package urs properly, u will sell, most might be poor but don't joke with their hairs and clothes. One of the cheapest hairdo with long attachment here is about 10k cefa.
Tailoring is lucative too especially when u locate your shop around places that have high concentration of Nigerians or inside Tokpa market.
There is this Nigerian lady that made a clothe for my friend for 20k cefa and I was wondering . Though wasn't too surprised cos we found it hard locating a female Nigerian tailor until we met her. If u wish to make enquiry of any kind from her on sewing, u can reach out via her Whatsapp number +2348067741738. She even makes fine beach wears for ladies.

Meanwhile most of their products here come from Nigeria like good soft bread except u wan eat the Tapalapa as I use to know it from other African countries. Very hard bread but adored here. Things like noodle, spaghetti, soaps, beverages, detergents etc all come from naija.
Sales of building materials are good too cos they long gigantic useless houses when they pick small money lol.
Sales of sewing machine accessories and manual machine sales is a good deal and it sells very fast.
Sales of fanciful home furnitures is bae here and our naija guys are deep in it. Sales of low quality mattress is bae too
Bike parts is lucrative. Motorpart is good too from my recent discovery is goid. It has high profit margin same with stuffs like printers, scanners etc.
2nd hand Android phones not above 60k cefa is a good deal as long as it does WhatsApp. They even buy HTC till date.
Phone repairs and laptop repairs and sales, will pay u well here if u are competent in it.
*Note: learn all skills in naija cos coming to learn it here is very expensive.
If u wanna deal on 2nd hand clothes, bags and shoes, u can buy and sell in naija or shift to another city to sell. U can start this with little money if u don't have enough money for bale, u can come urself or locate a trusted fellow to do picking for u which I even prefer cos in bales, u must surely get some rubbish. No matter what, the profit is still cool.
Ssales of Electricals is also a nice biz, Running a bar is nice too cos them like enjoyment oo.
If u have strength to sell naija foods with good location, u will be cashing out well. Etc. I don tire to write abeg

Can we the 500 cefas compare to 500 naira like I mean the value of their money

Gatess:
Food is relatively cheap bro. At least some bags of foreign rice is below 20k cefa. 1kilo of garri is about 250-300 cefa. Tomato of 500 cefa can last u for a day for a family of four.
Fish is cheaper here.
Fruits like pineapple is extremely cheap, even orange

Gatess:
THE UNDERRATED COTONOU

Since I was born till date, we Nigerians have always looked down on a lot of neighboring countries like Cameroon, Togo, Benin Republic etc.
Well, you are not to be blamed if you are among those who look down on some of these countries, even when we have not had an opportunity to cross border.

Well I was one of those people who actually looked down on most of these countries until I had an opportunity to sail round west Africa and the narratives changed.

Meanwhile I was completely marvelled the first time I visited Cotonou, the business hub of Benin Republic about 4 years ago when Patrice Talon newly took office
Two years after I re-visited, after touring round other west African countries. I spent 3 days here and without a waste of time, I concluded to relocate down to this place based on the level of development I saw, the security, serenity etc.

Finally I am now living here and I have no regret so far.

I will say this country is blessed with the best president who is working tirelessly to improve the living conditions of his beloved citizens and I am glad hearing citizens saying positive things about the president.

Things You Don't Know About Benin Republic...

*They have currently have one of the best roads/road network in west Africa
* The maintain law and order
* Security is good
* Security personnels are friendly and don't intimidate anyone. If caught intimidating you, he or she will severely be punished
" If you are caught in a robbery attack which involves gun, forget it, u are gun forever.
* Electricity is 247. No low voltage or unecessarily interruptions.
* Steady clean water supply by the government at an affordable rate
* 247 transport system cos of good security
* Night life is topnotch.. in fact their balling na night with street light almost every nook and cranny of the city.
* Amazing beaches with super duper fun.
* Nice Bilingual schools for your kids
*Stress free movement without traffic jam.
* Policemen scattered at every nook and cranny of the town to maintain law and order and not for stop and search.
* Drugs are only bought or sold at a registered pharmacies and not from quacks or roadside vendors
* Foreigners almost have same right with citizen and can't be treated anyhow
*Women are like egg here. Any maltreatment or mistreatment, you will face the law.
*Public school, go to sch by 7:30am and return home for break by 12noon and return back to school by 3pm to dismiss between 6-7pm Monday- Friday
* You can choose to relocate from your rented apartment after a month or two cos of the privilege of monthly payment plan
* Their money now more valuable than naira in black market
*This is the only safe transit route coming from other African countries to Nigeria. Of course you should know how that helps an economy.
*Internet is steady and fast but a bit expensive
*Pepper body no common here like naija
* ETC

Business Opportunities
From My Findings So Far...

*Tailoring is a place to explore especially when you sew English wears and Nigerian attires
* Sales of any kind of electronics which you can bring from Nigeria and Togo cos they are cheaper over there and expensive here.
* Sales of second hand phones and laptops, not forgetting their accessories too. Very lucrative
* Nigerian foods are in high demand especially areas where Nigerians live more. U go sell tire
* Sales of sewing machines(more of manual)and it's accessories are in high demand cos this is their major skill work with hairdressing.
* Phone and laptop repairs needs serious attention here cos most of the engineers are not competent enough
* Sales of motor parts/bike parts. Both are very good biz here too.
* Bilingual schools are still in high demand in some places including teachers.
* Transportation biz- As a naija man, u will do better plying from border to town, if you are a smart. As an okada rider, concentrate around Tokpa, Misebo and Beach, you will be fine too.
Those who are into okirika(2nd clothes, shoes & bags), it's still very profitable till date but you must have a good contact for you not to be cheated.
Etc


Let me drop my pen here for now. I will be sharing some photos of the places I have been to like the beaches etc . So stay tuned as we will be dropping more information to give you a comprehensive info about the country generally.

Very insightful wow!

How much should someone planing on staying over there for a while come up with?

ChristianMuslim:
Im from ketou

Are you a Celestial? I hear the church is strong in Imekonand Ketou.

With 10M naira or £10000 pounds what business can I start in the country?

Princewill1:
This is one of the reasons I support splitting up of Nigeria into smaller units.

Most smaller African countries have since gotten steady power supply, good road network, security of life and property etc which are the major prayer points of most Nigerians.

Despite the possibly abundant human and natural resources, huge and populous nations are complex and too difficult to run and black people don't have what it takes to run one efficiently.

When a country is smaller, it will be more easier to govern.

A split isn't really needed if regional government can be allowed to stay.

With regional system of government, every region gets to develop at her own pace.

I have visited Benin Republic twice. I first visited Ajase near Port novo 10 years back, secondly I visited Ketou. I stayed there for 3days. I love the country.... They have constant electricity, well organized. No police harassment, good and clean road. their food is cheap, though we're been cheated wen buying food there, because we don't know their currency conversion rate.

Zaksart:
.

Please can you enlighten us on means of doing business that the OP didn't state... But I heard someone saying food is damn cheap in Benin republic compare to Nigeria.... That with 1k Cefa a family of four can manage it in a day. How true can that be.

Yes he is right. Benin 🇧🇯 republic is very nice place. I was in Nigeria all because of presidential election but I found this country to be messy. If you have money relocate to Benin 🇧🇯. A lot if Nigerians are there.

Gate2:
Yesterday when I was returning from border. This is the tollgate while entering Cotonou from Nigeria or coming from port Novo

Good morning. If I want to enter Benin for two weeks vacation, what would I need and how much would you estimate I'd need to travel with?

Pemisire2020:
Yes he is right. Benin 🇧🇯 republic is very nice place. I was in Nigeria all because of presidential election but I found this country to be messy. If you have money relocate to Benin 🇧🇯. A lot if Nigerians are there.

Like how much for a start.
For one month or so, before settling down properly

jrobbins:
Good morning. If I want to enter Benin for two weeks vacation, what would I need and how much would you estimate I'd need to travel with?

Same thing I'd like to know too bro

Gatess:
I would have suggested Kenya but getting residence permit as a Nigerian isn't easy and the cost of traveling and settling down there is almost like traveling is gonna be high as well. Same goes to Rwanda but u will enjoy the place but I doubt if they have that good purchasing power.
Cameroon will give u flexibility cos of bilingual opportunity. Remember that both Cameroon and Benin republic is strictly for business. So without money and proper plan, u won't survive well. Since u don't have much money, Benin is my best choice for u so that u can utilize the little u have properly. Thanks

Hi. My cousin is skilled and very good in motor mechanic. How lucrative is that field over there.

DonroxyII:
Nigeria wouldn't have been Nigeria without the Almagamation ... It's a Blessing Because Nigeria would have been a war torned Country like Liberia and Sierra due to the number of Minor Tribes/Ethnic groups Concentrated in the Middle belts and SouthSouthern Nigeria with Deep Hatred for themselves....

Nigerdelta couldn't have been a small London but war torned Protectorate of the Oil Companies because the People can't manage themselves and that's what the Problem is all About "Managements Skills" that truly Represents Our Diversity and Uniqueness!

Nigerdelta has the most Concentrated of Minor Tribes in Nigeria only Second to North Central/Middle Belts ...

The Major Ethnic has helped keep Sanities Over the Minor Ethnic and that's Why Nigeria is Nigeria if not Chaos Would have Ravaged this Country due to Inter and Intra Ethnic/Tribes Conflicts On Lands, Women, Resources Etc...... People no too gather sense like that in these axis !

Nevertheless, the Major Ethnic are Bunch of Failures themselves because we need Strong Leadership over Nigeria and Deeper Internal Almagamation to Butress Our Unity, Growths and Developments ....

Shut up
Who told u that Niger delta cant manage themselves.
So the solution was to add more ethnic group (amalgamation) to a contraception already saturated with diverse ethnic groups?