Preparing for your trip
| Package: | Spirit of West Africa, 2027/2028 |
and refer to it as you prepare for your trip!
Printed Jun 26, 2026. Please visit /before-you-go/?tourId=2185 for the latest updates.
Checklist
| Item | Due | |
|---|---|---|
| ☐ | Ensure you have a current passport valid for at least six months after your return date. | ASAP |
| ☐ | Passport Pages. Ensure you have enough empty pages in your passport as per the entry requirements at your destination. | ASAP |
| ☐ | Complete your registration. You'll receive a link to the registration form after you complete your booking. | Within 5 days of booking |
| ☐ | Request any additions or changes you may still want to make to your trip. (Fees and/or additional charges may apply.) | 95 days prior to travel |
| ☐ | Make your final payment if any balance is due. | See your invoice |
| ☐ | Obtain any necessary travel visas and review any requirements for entry. | See below |
| ☐ | Print your itinerary and other final documents which we will send you via email by 14 days prior to travel. | Prior to travel |
| ☐ | Print your policy documents if you purchased travel insurance, and carry them with you. | Prior to travel |
| ☐ | Enroll in The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) if you're a U.S. citizen or national, so the State Dept. can locate and assist you in case of an emergency. | Prior to travel |
In addition, if you booked flights with your package:
| Item | Due | |
|---|---|---|
| ☐ | Book connecting flights to your departure city, if necessary. (Please confirm your international flight schedule first!) | After receiving your e-tickets |
| ☐ | Make advance seat reservations for your international flight, if you have a preference. | After receiving your e-tickets |
| ☐ | Confirm your flight times and any special meal requests with the airline, and print and carry a copy of your e-ticket. | 72 hours prior to travel |
| ☐ | Check in for your flights online and download/print your boarding passes (if available). | 24 hours prior to travel |
| ☐ | Arrive at the airport, ready for the trip of a lifetime! | 3½ hours prior to departure |
Documents & Entry Requirements
Entry requirements are provided for your convenience. However, unless otherwise stated, it is your responsibility to determine the requirements that apply to you and your trip and to comply with them, including obtaining any necessary visas or other travel documents by the required deadlines and carrying them with you.
Ghana Entry Requirements
Advice from Friendly Planet
All information provided below pertains to U.S. passport holders only. Non-U.S. Citizens should check with the appropriate foreign consular representative.
Visa: US passport holders must obtain a tourist Visa before beginning their journey to Ghana. If taking our Spirit of West Africa package, a multi-entry tourist Visa must be purchased.
- To start the visa process (you must visit an embassy in person to finish the process as it can't fully be completed online) please visit the Official Government Website
- If you would like to use a professional service to assist with applying for your Visa to Ghana, we have partnered with GenVisa. Please check back here in the coming weeks to find their Ghana Visa kit.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Entry Requirements: Proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination is required for all travelers over nine months of age entering into Ghana.
World Health Organization, List of Yellow Fever Endemic Countries
We suggest you verify this information with the relevant embassy or consulate or (if you're a U.S. passport holder) with the U.S. State Dept.
Togo Entry Requirements
Advice from Friendly Planet
All information provided below pertains to U.S. passport holders only. Non-U.S. Citizens should check with the appropriate foreign consular representative.
Visa: US passport holders must obtain an e-Visa to enter Togo. If taking our Spirit of West Africa package, a multi-entry e-Visa must be purchased. The e-Visa application must be submitted at least 5 days before arrival into Togo but we suggest that it's done at least two weeks in advance to be safe.
- To apply directly, please visit the Official Government Website
- If you would like to use a professional service to assist with applying for your e-Visa to Togo, we have partnered with GenVisa. Please check back here in the coming weeks to find their Togo e-Visa kit.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Entry Requirements: Proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination is required for all travelers over nine months of age entering into Togo.
World Health Organization, List of Yellow Fever Endemic Countries
We suggest you verify this information with the relevant embassy or consulate or (if you're a U.S. passport holder) with the U.S. State Dept.
Benin Entry Requirements
Advice from Friendly Planet
All information provided below pertains to U.S. passport holders only. Non-U.S. Citizens should check with the appropriate foreign consular representative.
Visa: US passport holders must obtain a tourist e-Visa before beginning their journey to Benin. If taking our Spirit of West Africa package, a single-entry e-Visa must be purchased. The e-Visa application must be submitted at least 7 days before arrival into Benin but we suggest that it's done at least two weeks in advance to be safe.
- To apply directly, please visit the Official Government Website
- If you would like to use a professional service to assist with applying for your e-Visa to Benin, we have partnered with GenVisa. Please check back here in the coming weeks to find their Benin e-Visa kit.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Entry Requirements: Proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination is required for all travelers over nine months of age entering into Benin.
World Health Organization, List of Yellow Fever Endemic Countries
We suggest you verify this information with the relevant embassy or consulate or (if you're a U.S. passport holder) with the U.S. State Dept.
General Requirements & Guidelines
- In general, you must have a passport to travel abroad, which should be valid for at least six months after your return date. Passports expiring before then should be renewed as soon as possible. Passports contain at least 2 blank pages for each country visited. If your passport does not have this many pages, obtain a new passport as soon as possible.
- if your passport and visa are not in order, airlines and cruise ships may deny boarding, countries may deny entry, and your trip may be disrupted. Travel insurance may not cover such losses.
- Any changes in names or passport information should be reported to us immediately. Airlines and cruise ships may deny boarding if the name on your passport does not match your tickets.
- Minors (age 17 or younger) departing and/or returning to the U.S. without parents or with only one parent may be required by U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) to present a notarized parental consent letter and/or unabridged birth certificate ( more information ). Many other countries have similar entry requirements, especially for minors traveling with a parent/guardian with a different surname; check with the consulates of all countries you'll be visiting to learn more.
Final Documents
Your final travel documents will be sent to you via email by 14 days prior to departure. These will include your daily itinerary, hotel and emergency contact information, and other relevant information. Please print your documents and take them with you. If you're departing in less than a week and haven't received your documents, let us know immediately!
Travel Insurance Documents
If you purchased travel insurance, please print and carry your policy documents, including contact information for emergency travel assistance and instructions on how to make a claim. If you purchased the travel protection plan we offer, we recommend you print the full policy.
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
We encourage all U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This free service allows you to receive important updates about safety and security issues in your destination, and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy, as well as family & friends, to contact you in case of an emergency. To enroll or get more information, please visit the STEP website or any U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Flights, Transfers & Arrival
Questions about your flights before you depart? Read the information below first. If you still have questions, contact our air specialists at 800-555-5765 ext. 2 or air@friendlyplanet.com.
Tour Only Option
If you purchased this package without flights, you are responsible for booking your own flights into and out of Accra. The touring program will begin at the hotel in Accra on Day 2 at approximately 4 PM and end at the hotel in Accra on Day 13 at approximately 6 PM.
Find out what to do in case of arrival complications.
Flights & Tickets
If you selected flights with your package, we generally book your flights and issue tickets after your final payment due date.
If you requested flights from another city, our air specialists will research the best options and send you a tentative flight schedule and quote for your approval within 5 business days of your booking (or approximately 330 days prior to travel, if you booked further out than that).
Once we have issued your tickets, we will send you an "e-ticket receipt" which contains all of your flight information, including times, carriers, an airline booking reference number, and an e-ticket number. If you have not received this, or have questions about the flights we booked for you, please contact our air department. You will not receive paper tickets. We recommend you print and carry a copy of your flight details, including the airline booking reference number and e-ticket number, as some airports require this to enter the terminal. You do not need to reconfirm your flights with the airline prior to your departure, as we will handle this for you.
Important: Most international flights have a minimum check-in of 3 hours before departure time. Most international flight check-in counters close one hour before departure. Passengers arriving less than 1 hour before departure will not be permitted to board the plane. Please don't risk losing your departure flight by arriving late at your international gateway.
Toll-free numbers for air assistance
- United Airlines (UA): 800 864-8331
- Swiss International Airlines (LX): 877-359-7947
- Austrian Airlines (OS): 800-843-0002
- Brussels Airlines (SN): 866-308-2233
- Delta Airline (DL): 800-221-1212
To see full details, click the button to the right.
Flight Schedule
If you selected flights with your package, you may review the sample flight schedule(s) below. This information is for general planning purposes. You will receive your actual flight schedule by email once we issue your tickets.
If you requested flights from another city, our air specialists will research the best options and send you a tentative flight schedule for your approval, and a confirmed schedule once we issue your tickets.
Airlines may change schedules at any time, even after flights have been confirmed, and we are not responsible for such changes. Please check for updates to your flight schedule prior to booking any connecting flights and again 72 hours prior to departure.
| DEPARTURE | |||||||
| Flight | From | To | Depart | Arrive | Flight Time | ||
| UA 977 | Washington, D.C. (IAD) | Accra (ACC) | 6:30 PM | 8:40 AM (next day) | 10.10 hrs | ||
| RETURN | |||||||
| Flight | From | To | Depart | Arrive | Flight Time | ||
| UA 976 | ACC | IAD | 10:05 PM | 5:50 AM (next day) | 11.45 hrs | ||
Note: Airline schedules and flights are subject to change at any time without notice.
Connecting Flights
If you need to fly from (and/or return to) a different U.S. or Canadian city, we suggest you request those flights from us. If feasible, we will try to book all your flights together with a single carrier or a partner network on a single ticket. This ensures that your luggage will be transferred between flights for you, and more importantly, that if there are any schedule changes, flight cancellations, or delays that affect your trip, the airline(s) will adjust your flights to ensure you have sufficient time to make your connections and/or make alternate arrangements to get you to your destination. Besides offering the most peace of mind, this often yields lower fares than purchasing separate connecting flights.
If you plan to purchase connecting flights to your departure city, we strongly suggest waiting until after your final payment due date and after you receive the e-tickets for your international flights, to reduce the chances that your departure might be cancelled or rescheduled or that your international flight times might change. Before purchasing connecting flights, verify the times for your international flights. Leave at least 3½ hours connecting time between flights, and if you are traveling within a few weeks of Daylight Savings Time changes (in March and November, when flight schedules may change even more dramatically), allow 5–5½ hours between flights. Nobody likes waiting around the airport, but missing your flight is far worse.
Airport Transfers
Scheduled group airport arrival and departure transfers are included with this package. When you exit customs, please look for our representative holding a Friendly Planet sign, who will escort you to your transfer vehicle and assist with your luggage.
If you purchased this package without flights, transfers are not included. In most cases, private transfers are available for an additional fee; contact us for price and availability. Or you may instead arrange your own ground transportation to the touring program start and end points, usually the first and last hotels listed in the itinerary.
Arrival Complications
We make every effort to ensure our tours run smoothly and trouble-free. We do not expect any problems, and nor should you. But when things do not go as planned, here is what to do:
- You miss your flights, or your flights are cancelled: Please call us immediately. If it is outside our normal business hours, leave a message in our emergency mailbox, with a phone number at which to reach you, and we will get right back to you.
- Your flights are delayed and you are worried about missing your included transfers: Please contact us to let us know about the delay, and we will notify our partners in destination. If you are arriving on one of our group flights, or booked your own flights and supplied us with the details, our partners will be tracking your arrival and will plan accordingly.
- Your package includes transfers, but you cannot find our representative at your destination: Do not panic; they may have been unexpectedly delayed. Wait up to 30 minutes. Then contact our local partners in destination, listed on the emergency contact page of your final documents. If you cannot reach them, call us. If it is outside our normal business hours, leave a message in our emergency mailbox. If all else fails, make your own way to the starting hotel (or cruise port), and we will refund you the cost of your transfer.
Packing & Luggage
Baggage allowance: In general, our tours & packages allow per person: one checked bag; one carry-on bag, which should fit under your seat or in the overhead compartment; and one personal item such as a purse or camera bag, which must fit under the seat. While most international flights allow a checked bag up to 50 pounds, on some routes to destinations such as Costa Rica, Panama and Mexico, a checked bag may not be included for free (you will still be permitted one carry-on bag and one personal item such as a purse or camera bag at no additional cost.) If your tour package includes domestic or regional flights, note that the maximum weight for a checked bag on these flights may be 44 pounds or less. Baggage allowances may also vary for some touring coaches and boats. Please refer to your individual tour guidelines.
Learn more about Baggage Allowances on your international flights. Note that our baggage allowances may be less than those for your international flights. If you exceed the baggage limits, you may be subject to excess baggage charges levied by the airlines and/or by Friendly Planet.
Regardless of the limits—we recommend a smaller size and weight for both your checked and carry-on bags. It's so much easier and faster for you to get around when you have fewer, lighter bags. For your carry-on, consider a soft-sided bag such as a duffel rather than a hard clamshell-type case, which may not fit as easily into overhead compartments or under your seat, especially on buses. For your protection, we suggest your checked luggage have a TSA-approved lock.
Luggage tags: Friendly Planet luggage tags will be mailed to you approximately 21–14 days prior to departure. Once received, please complete the tags with your name and contact information and attach them to your luggage. This helps ensure your belongings can be easily identified should they become misplaced during your trip.
What to pack: Check out our list of top 10 must-haves for international travel, as well as what not to pack. Pack smart: put your travel documents, medications, one change of clothing, and other essentials in your carry-on, in case your checked baggage is misplaced. And pack light, for your own comfort and convenience. For clothing, we suggest packing a variety of separates with climate and comfort in mind.
What not to pack: U.S. law forbids you to carry hazardous materials aboard aircraft in your checked or carry-on baggage or on your person, including explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids & solids, loaded firearms, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Common examples include paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, mace/tear gas and oxygen bottles. Restricted materials may vary by airline and destination. Some items, in quantities of no more than 70 ounces total, may be carried within baggage, including medicinal or toilet articles such as hairspray, perfume and certain medicines that are necessary during your journey. Please check with the airline and/or visit the FAA website prior to travel if you have any questions.
While on Tour
What to Expect
This fast-paced, escorted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking and requires an average level of physical fitness. Travelers should be comfortable with several long touring days, extended periods of time in a vehicle, multiple border crossings, and some travel on uneven or unpaved roads. Rest stops may be limited in certain areas.
Remember that you're a guest in someone else's homeland, and that you're traveling to experience their country and culture. Be sensitive to local customs and manners, as many things may be done differently than what you're used to. And while we have made every effort to secure modern and comfortable accommodations and transportation, please note that the standards in other countries may be different from those you are accustomed to at home. Overall, you will find a polite, positive, patient, and open-minded approach generally yields the best travel experience.
Please keep in mind that you'll be traveling with a group. Sharing your explorations with like-minded folks can often be a source of joy, and some of our travelers become lifelong friends. But traveling with strangers can also sometimes be challenging, especially in a foreign country. We ask that you be patient and respectful with your fellow travelers, including their needs and preferences. Also remember that you have responsibilities to the group—please be prompt for group activities so you don't keep everyone else waiting. Lastly, please defer to your tour leader, guide or manager. They are there for your safety and wellbeing, and to ensure the journey goes smoothly for everyone. If you have a problem with one of our tour guides or managers, please let us know, either while you're on tour or after you return, and we'll make sure your concerns are addressed.
Accommodations
Rest easy knowing we've done the homework for you. Our hotels have been carefully selected by our experts for their location, comfort, and character, allowing you to simply unpack and enjoy your journey. Each stay meets Friendly Planet's high standards for quality, convenience, and value.
Throughout Ghana, Togo, and Benin, accommodations range from modern city hotels to beachfront resorts, providing a comfortable base from which to explore West Africa's rich cultures and history. In Accra, Lomé, Cotonou, and Kumasi, you'll stay in centrally located hotels offering modern amenities and easy access to the destinations featured in your itinerary. Along Ghana's coast, enjoy a relaxing stay at a beachfront resort near Elmina, where you can unwind by the ocean after days filled with cultural discovery and sightseeing.
Hotel styles and amenities may vary throughout the region, but all properties have been chosen to provide a welcoming atmosphere, comfortable accommodations, and a memorable stay.
Eating & Drinking
The meals included with your package are listed in the itinerary.
Non-Included Meals: West African cuisine is flavorful and diverse, with regional specialties throughout Ghana, Togo, and Benin. During your journey, you'll have opportunities to sample dishes such as grilled fish, chicken, rice-based meals, stews, tropical fruits, and local favorites like jollof rice and fufu.
Most hotels used on tour offer on-site dining options, and in many destinations there are additional restaurants and cafés nearby. If you choose to dine independently, your tour guide will be happy to offer recommendations. The average cost for lunch (excluding beverages) is approximately $10–$20 per person, per meal. The average cost for dinner is approximately $15–$30 per person, per meal, excluding beverages. Major credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants, but cash is recommended for smaller establishments and local eateries.
Water & Produce: Tap water in Ghana, Togo, and Benin is not considered safe for drinking. We recommend drinking only bottled water and beverages from sealed bottles or cans. Bottled water, soft drinks, local beers, and fresh fruit juices are widely available throughout the region. To help avoid stomach upset, enjoy cooked fruits and vegetables whenever possible and avoid raw items unless they can be peeled. Many travelers are not accustomed to the microorganisms found in food and water in other countries, so taking these precautions can help you stay healthy during your trip.
Dietary Needs: While we will do our best to accommodate dietary requests, options may be more limited than in North America. Please advise us of any dietary requirements in advance so arrangements can be requested wherever possible.
Please see above for special meal requests.
Tipping
We are delighted to welcome you on your upcoming journey through Ghana, Togo, and Benin, a tour meticulously crafted by our team of dedicated professionals. Our local experts, including your tour guide and driver, take immense pride in showcasing the beauty, culture, and traditions of their homeland to our esteemed guests. Their passion and commitment to service excellence play a pivotal role in enhancing your travel experience. In recognition of their efforts, we kindly ask you to consider our recommended guidelines for gratuities. Tipping is a time-honored way to express appreciation for services rendered and is greatly valued by those who make your journey memorable. Please note that while gratuities are entirely discretionary, they are a heartfelt gesture of thanks for the level of service you receive. We trust you will find our suggestions helpful in expressing your gratitude to our dedicated team members.
The recommended amounts are as follows:
- Tour guide: $5–$7 per person per day
- Driver: $3–$5 per person per day
- Local guide on sightseeing tours: $2–$3 per person per tour
- Restaurant staff: $1–$2 per person per meal
- Porters: $1–$2 per bag upon arrival and departure
- Housekeeping: $1–$2 per person per day
Independent Activities
You will have free time throughout your journey to relax or explore independently. In Lomé, enjoy an evening at leisure to experience the city's restaurants, cafés, and vibrant atmosphere, or take advantage of the facilities at your hotel. In Kumasi, spend your free evening relaxing at the hotel or exploring the city at your own pace. Along Ghana's coast, enjoy time at leisure at your beachfront resort in Elmina, where you can unwind by the ocean, enjoy the resort facilities, or take in the coastal surroundings.
Your tour guide will be happy to provide recommendations for sightseeing, shopping, dining, and other activities during your free time. We recommend obtaining a hotel business card from the front desk with the address and local telephone number should you wish to explore independently. Hotel staff and your tour guide will also be happy to assist with local recommendations and arrangements.
Special Needs & Requests
Please see above for special meal requests and seat requests. If you have any other special requests, including wheelchair or electric cart assistance, please mention your request when you book with an agent, or in the special requests section when you book online. We will do our best to accommodate them.
Country FAQs
Ghana Fast Facts
| Overview | Capital: Accra |
| Health Precautions & Vaccinations | You must provide a copy of your Yellow Fever vaccination certificate to enter Ghana. |
| Weather | Ghana enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The dry season, generally from November through March, is often considered the best time to visit, while rainy seasons vary by region and typically bring short but intense showers. |
| What to wear | Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended due to Ghana’s warm tropical climate. Comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent are essential. When visiting religious or cultural sites, modest attire that covers the shoulders and knees is appreciated. A light rain jacket may be useful during the rainy season. |
| Dining | Ghanaian cuisine is known for its bold flavors and hearty dishes, with specialties such as jollof rice, grilled meats, fresh seafood, and stews served with fufu or banku. International dining options are also available in larger cities like Accra. |
| Tipping | Tipping is appreciated in Ghana, particularly for local guides, drivers, and hotel staff. In restaurants, a service charge may already be included, but additional gratuities for good service are always welcomed. Your final documents will provide guidance on customary tipping practices. |
| Money & Credit Cards | The local currency is the Ghanaian cedi (GHS). Credit cards are accepted at many hotels and larger establishments, but cash is recommended for smaller purchases, local markets, and more remote areas. ATMs are widely available in major cities. Travelers should notify their bank before departure. Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card abroad. |
| Shopping | From colorful markets to artisan workshops, Ghana offers a wide variety of handcrafted goods, including kente cloth, wood carvings, beads, and basketry. Bargaining is common in local markets and can be part of the shopping experience. |
| Electricity & Power Adapters | Ghana uses 230V electricity and primarily Type G electrical outlets, similar to those used in the United Kingdom. Travelers from North America should bring a plug adapter and ensure devices are compatible with 220–240V power. Learn more about electrical standards around the world. |
| Cell Phones & Internet | Major cities and tourist areas generally have reliable cell coverage, though service may be limited in some rural regions. Travelers should check international roaming rates with their provider and ensure roaming is enabled or purchase an international roaming package prior to departure. An eSIM may also be a convenient option, as local SIM cards can be difficult to obtain and may not work seamlessly across borders. Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? Read up on using your cell phone abroad and the 5 ways to get Internet abroad. |
| Did you know? |
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Togo Fast Facts
| Overview | Capital: Lomé |
| Weather | Togo has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The dry season, generally from November through February, is often considered the best time to visit, while rainy seasons vary by region and bring lush landscapes and occasional showers. |
| What to wear | Pack lightweight, comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather, along with sturdy walking shoes for sightseeing. Sun protection, including a hat and sunscreen, is recommended. Modest dress is advised when visiting villages, markets, and places of worship. A lightweight rain jacket can be helpful during seasonal showers. |
| Dining | Togolese cuisine blends West African flavors with French influences. Local specialties include grilled fish, spicy stews, yams, plantains, and fufu, often enjoyed alongside fresh tropical fruits and regional sauces. |
| Tipping | Tipping is appreciated in Togo, particularly for local guides, drivers, and hotel staff. While not always expected, gratuities are a thoughtful way to recognize good service. Your final documents will provide guidance on customary tipping practices. |
| Money & Credit Cards | The local currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF). Credit cards are accepted at some hotels and larger businesses, but cash is recommended for markets and smaller establishments. ATMs are available in major cities such as Lomé. Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card abroad. |
| Shopping | Local markets offer a colorful array of handmade crafts, textiles, beads, wood carvings, and traditional artwork. Bargaining is common and can be an enjoyable part of the shopping experience. |
| Electricity & Power Adapters | Togo uses 220V electricity with Type C and Type E electrical outlets. Travelers from North America will need a plug adapter and should ensure their devices are compatible with 220–240V power. Learn more about electrical standards around the world. |
| Cell Phones & Internet | Cell coverage is generally reliable in cities and along major travel routes, though service may be limited in rural areas. Travelers are encouraged to confirm that international roaming is enabled with their provider or purchase an international roaming package before departure. An eSIM may also be a convenient option, as local SIM cards can involve registration requirements and may not work across multiple countries. Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? Read up on using your cell phone abroad and the 5 ways to get Internet abroad. |
| Did you know? |
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Benin Fast Facts
| Overview | Capital: Porto-Novo |
| Weather | Benin has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The dry season, generally from November through February, is often considered the best time to visit, while rainy seasons vary by region and bring lush scenery and occasional showers. |
| What to wear | Benin’s tropical climate calls for lightweight, breathable fabrics and comfortable walking shoes. Sun protection is recommended for outdoor excursions, and modest clothing is appropriate when visiting cultural or religious sites. Travelers may also wish to bring a light jacket or rain layer, particularly during the rainy season. |
| Dining | Beninese cuisine reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage, featuring dishes made with yams, maize, rice, seafood, and flavorful sauces. Local specialties include grilled fish, pâte (cornmeal dough), and spicy stews. |
| Tipping | Tipping is appreciated in Benin, particularly for local guides, drivers, and hotel staff. Small gratuities for good service are welcomed in restaurants and other hospitality settings. Your final documents will provide guidance on customary tipping practices. |
| Money & Credit Cards | The local currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF). Credit cards are accepted at some hotels and larger establishments, but cash is recommended for markets and smaller businesses. ATMs are available in major cities, including Cotonou. Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card abroad. |
| Shopping | From vibrant markets to artisan workshops, Benin offers a variety of handcrafted goods, including textiles, wood carvings, bronze work, beads, and traditional artwork. Bargaining is common in local markets. |
| Electricity & Power Adapters | Benin uses 220V electricity with Type C and Type E electrical outlets. Travelers from North America should bring a plug adapter and ensure their devices are compatible with 220–240V power. Learn more about electrical standards around the world. |
| Cell Phones & Internet | Cell coverage is generally reliable in cities and along major travel routes, though service may be limited in rural areas. Travelers should ensure that international roaming is enabled with their provider or purchase an international roaming package prior to travel. An eSIM may also be a convenient alternative, particularly for multi-country trips, as local SIM cards can require registration and may not function across borders. Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? Read up on using your cell phone abroad and the 5 ways to get Internet abroad. |
| Did you know? |
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Fine Print
Terms & Conditions: Please review our terms & conditions for this package.
Cancellations: If something comes up and you need to cancel your trip, please let us know as soon as possible. All cancellations must be made in writing. Cancellation fees vary by package; please see the cancellation fees for this package.