Cotonou Local Customs

Most Recent Local Customs in Cotonou

Sort by: Most recent | Most helpful

Write a Review
Some customs
Moesasji profile photo
Moesasji 8 reviews

Like everywhere in West-Africa, hishing to someone, when you wants his attention, is very common.
In West-Africa there is also a special way of handshaking with a fingerknip. Learn it, but don't use it with traditional or older woman and with old men. It's to them to choose for it.
And when you shop it's ofcourse very usual to bargain. However it isn't normal if you have to bargain for food and drinks and in the luxury stores. Further on: don't be offended if fathers or mothers want you to marry their daughters, because they want them to go to the western world. Some African friends will also try to bring you a girl for f*cking, even kids or their sisters. It's a sign of friendship. I am homosexual, so I didn't accept any of the many offers, but it's no problem if you want to accept one (but be careful with AIDS and I don't think that its a good idea to f*ck kids) .

Written Nov 27, 2003

Was this review helpful?

Top 3 Hotels in Cotonou

Hotel du Lac

 1 Review and 23 Opinions  This lovely hotel sits on the edge of the Lagoon and my room overlooked it quite literally – the... 

 Hotels in Cotonou

Ibis Cotonou

 1 Review and 26 Opinions  Hotel Ibis Cotonou in Boulevard de la Marina is the cheaper alternative if you can not afford to... 

 Hotels in Cotonou

The Place

Reviews and photos of Cotonou attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Cotonou sightseeing.

Experience Cotonou
  Share your Travels  
 

The People

5 Members Live Here
 
Our Members Say
 profile photo

 Like everywhere in West-Africa, hishing to someone, when you wants his attention, is very common. In West-Africa there is also a special way of handshaking with... 

5 members live in Cotonou

 

Questions and Answers

jotabecu profile photo

Q:  Will be one day in Cotonou May 2010, can anybody recommend tour guides? Thank you 

lynnehamman profile photo

A: Hi Our VT member janiebaxter has travelled extensivly in Africa, including Benin , and has made a page about Cotonou. Regarding the guide, maybe you could email Janie... 

Read 3 Replies

postQuestion_button

Top Cotonou Writers

1

Cotonou

janiebaxter profile photo

 Cotonou sits on the Atlantic’s Bight of Benin where the sea runs inland to form a large lagoon, and is next to Lake Nakoue. It is one of the most surrounded-by-water main cities I have ever visited...... 

2

Brigitte's Benin Pages

Riek profile photo

 I lived in Cotonou for 2 years and enjoyed it very much. Great beaches (if you like strong waves), a very interesting country and very friendly people! Although there are no so called "top sights"... 

3

Cotonou, a welcoming city

Nederbelg profile photo

 Go for the Benin Marina Hotel. It's big, it's safe, it's clean and you will have a great time there. Only 2 minutes from the airport, hotel provides shuttle. It is an oasis away from the hectic hassle... 

4

Cotonou

georeiser profile photo

 Cotonou is the largest city in Benin with 1.2 million inhabitants. It is also the economic capital of Benin. The city is very spread out and more westernized than other West-African cities. The... 

5

Cotonou, Benin

kbsunnyside profile photo

 The pace is relaxed at home, but in the street in town it can be HECTIC. The main market seems to spread out everywhere and everyone is selling something. Enjoy bargaining. Most places we eat are...... 

View all rated pages

View newest pages

Build your own Cotonou page