Benin

Guide for dating in Benin helps you to meet the best girls. This dating guide gives you tips how to date Beninese women. You will learn rules where and how to flirt with local Beninois girls. We advise how to move from casual dating to the relationship and find the real love. We also tell the best dating sites in Benin. In this article below you will find more information where to meet and date girls in Benin, Africa.

Hot girls of Benin at the Concerto Nightclub

Girls in Benin:

Looks of girls: 3 / 5

Attitude of girls: 3 / 5

Loyalty of girls: 3.5 / 5

Education level of girls: 2.5 / 5

Dating in Benin:

Chance of arranging dates: 2 / 5

Casual dating culture: 2 / 5

Online dating popularity: 2.5 / 5

Sex in Benin:

Women's sexual activity: 3 / 5

One-night stands: 2.5 / 5

More about Benin:

Nightlife in general: 2.5 / 5

Locals' English level: 2.5/ 5

Budget per day: US$250 - $320

Accommodation: US$150 - $180

Dating

The Republic of Benin is located in the Western region of Africa. Formerly called Dahomey, it shares borders with Togo, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and Niger. This country should not be confused with Benin, a city in Nigeria as they have no relations whatsoever.

With a population of more than 11 million people and 60 ethnic groups, Benin is home to several temples and ruins of magnificent palaces. It is also popular for the beauty of its culture and the wildlife reserve. Its capital city is Porto- Novo, however, the seat of government is located in Cotonou. Benin is known as one of the safest and most peaceful countries in the continent, with a stable democracy.

Agriculture is its major source of revenue. The leading exports are cotton and palm oil. It is also a source of income for many of the local people. The official currency is the CFA Franc. The Tourism industry is also experiencing significant growth. However, the poverty rate in the country is on the increase. The rate of literacy is also one of the lowest among the nations of the world.

Major languages spoken within the country are French, and other indigenous languages such as Fon, Yoruba, and Dendi. Christianity is the most practiced religion, followed by Islam, and then African traditional religions such as Vodun and Animistic religions. Some also incorporate the beliefs of these traditional religions with those of Christianity.

Benin is home to many foreigners, especially immigrants from other African nations such as Nigeria, Togo, and Mali. You would also find Lebanese, Indians, and a few nationals from other European countries. There is also a part of the population believed to be French descendants.

Finding love, relationship, and having special intimate moments in the country is quite exciting. This article would shed more light on the possibilities that exist for you as a tourist and with the local women in the country.

Dating Culture

Dating is not a common practice in Benin. Although the official age for marriage is 18 years, many of these girls are forced or given into early marriage with their parents’ consent. The groom is usually arranged by the girl’s family, after which she is only informed to get prepared for family life.

There is also the case of marriage by barter where daughters are exchanged in marriage by families. This is a way to create a deeper bond between both families. It is usually done to raise the social status and recognition a family may have.

As it is in most African communities, the man is the head of the household. He is responsible for the provision of the family needs while the woman handles the raising of the kids and domestic affairs. As such, even when it comes to relationships if any, the man ahs to take the dominant role while the woman responds.

There is a high level of poverty and a low level of literacy among the local women. These factors have a huge impact on the dating culture in the country. Some girls would readily give in to older and wealthy men as a way of taking care of their financial needs.

Premarital sex is massively frowned upon in the country. It is expected that the ladies maintain their dignity and preserve their virginity for their future husbands. This is one of the reasons why they are married early, to eliminate the possibility of them engaging in premarital sexual relationships.

Although the expectation is for the girls to preserve themselves, it is not always so. The young people in the country are experimenting within themselves. The influence of the media in this occurrence cannot be overlooked. The local ladies also face a great deal of sexual abuse, especially by older men who have a sort of authority over them.

The low level of enlightenment and literacy in the country, and among the females has hindered certain progress that would have been made as regards their choice in dating and marriage. Therefore, while they wait to be matched with the groom of their parent's wishes, they often engage in sexual intimacy. They do this either for pleasure or financial gains. At times, it leads to unwanted pregnancies.

While in urban areas, there are sugar daddies who have sexual relationships with these young girls for money and gifts, there are also teachers who exchange good grades for sex in rural areas. Hence, even though in the past, sex was seen as needed for just reproduction, this trend is changing with the influence of western cultures.

Same-sex activities are legal but no recognition of rights for couples. Online dating is also quite common among the ladies of the country.

Sugar Dating

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Online Dating

Dating in Benin can be a bit tricky due to not knowing if you have a solid connection, so your best bet is to sign up for a dating site before you venture to the night club or bar, so you can meet a few locals ahead of time. AdultFriendFinder.com lets you meet local members in Benin and get to know them on a personal basis before you meet in person. Take advantage of site features like live chat and member to member webcams so you can begin flirting before arranging a face-to-face meeting.

Webcam Dating

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Women

Even though the 1977 constitution made both genders equal, this is only in writing. In reality, it is not so. The women of the country are still subject to the men and treated as inferior. Their rights are still not maintained and upheld and they do not have as much freedom as the men.

There are several odds against the women of the country. These include the problem of forced and arranged marriages. Most of these marriages occur among very little children below who are below 18years. These girls are expected to marry, at times much older men. There are many occasions where they are given off as second, third, or fourth wives.

The high rate of poverty is also a major factor. As these women are not empowered enough to fend for themselves. Most of the superior positions in the public service are occupied by men. If they are empowered enough, they would have the exposure and enlightenment needed to create a better life for them.

The rate of literacy among females is also very low. This is another serious issue as most of the women do not have the knowledge or skills to improve their standard of living. Many of the women you would find are reserved, conservative, and passive. You would notice that these women are also timid and shy. It is most likely that they have an inferiority complex and seek validation to be secure. Besides these factors already mentioned, many of these women have experienced different forms of abuse; physical, sexual, and emotional such as sexual harassment and domestic violence. Female genital mutilation is also a current occurrence in the country. Many girls are also forced into prostitution to be of service to tourists.

Beninese women are beautiful dark-skinned women. If you love some glowing chocolate skin color, you would find them in the country. Most of them have oval faces with alluring eyes, pointed noses, thin lips, and long necks. They also have slender body frames and long limbs.

Beninese Girls (age 18 - 29)

Many of the women within this age bracket would be married. For the local people, failure to hitch a man for marriage before a woman turns 30 should attract a level of opprobrium. They attach the woman’s worth to a capacity to get married and be found in a man’s house, it does not matter the position of wife she falls into.

This perception is some of the reasons why these girls are not sent to schools. Many of them lack basic education, and even if they get through the elementary stage, they have to forfeit the secondary. Their family and the society would be more concerned with hitching them with any man who can marry them off.

The unfortunate aspect is, even if they desire to go to school, they would be forced by either emotional blackmail or coercion to accept the situation. This is especially for those in rural areas.

Many of those who come from average homes and can afford to go to school still have older men who attend to their needs. These older men are called ‘sugar daddies’. These ladies are basically in this for the financial rewards, and not for emotional attachments.

It is possible, however, to still find a single lady within this age bracket who is interested in dating you. Despite the pressure on them to get married, it does not always go that way. Not all girls are forced into arranged marriages either.

Beninois Women (age 30 - 45)

Ladies within this age bracket would be married and attending to their husbands and children. These ladies would likely be on the plump side as they would have started with childbearing. They would also be attending to the planting, harvesting, and processing of food products through if they are practicing subsistence farming, especially in the rural areas.

It is possible to meet single women though within this category. These women may be divorced. According to the law, both partners have equal rights to the children in the case of a divorce. The women are also expected to marry. However, they would have to wait three hundred days before they remarry. But that would not restrict them from dating.

There would also be widows among women of this category. Most of them remarry by getting together with their husband’s brothers to maintain the deceased legacy within the family. Some of them go into a form of prostitution that is not frowned by society because it is believed to be essential for taking care of her children.

You should also consider that many of these ladies would not be as exposed as the younger generation. These young ladies are open to influence from western cultures and some of them receive enlightenment within the learning environment.

It is going to be quite difficult to get a woman within this age bracket who is interested in dating you. Online dating apps could be of help too. However, if you succeed in getting one, ensure you have the right measure of patience. She may still hold very traditional beliefs and may not be willing to bulge. She may also have kids whom she would need your support with.

Beninese Ladies (age 45+)

Women within this age bracket would be more mature and elderly. Most of them might likely be grandmothers taking care of their nuclear and extended families. It would be quite challenging to meet women within this age bracket who would even consider dating or romantic ventures at this age.

Many of these women, especially those in the rural areas may have given up on romance. Even if they are divorced or widows, they would have other priorities that they are engaged with. Societal expectations also would limit them from exploring relationships at this age.

However, it is possible to meet the more enlightened and liberal ones who are urban dwellers, through online dating apps. These ladies may not mind seeking emotional succor and support from younger foreigners. They may also be open to financial assistance. This is especially if they have kids.

Again, it is important to buttress that it would be quite a difficult task meeting a lady within this age bracket, who would be willing to date, has new relationships.

Foreign Girls (tourists, expats, students, etc.)

There are a good number of foreign girls in the country. Many of them are immigrants from other African nations who have come to seek greener pastures. You would also find Lebanese, Indians, and some European ladies in the urban areas.

This set of girls make a good option for short term relationships and romantic ventures such as holiday romance because they are more liberal and open-minded in their views. They are not restricted by society’s expectations of them.

Some of them also do not have the presence of their families to monitor or pressure them into living according to societal norms or religious views. Hence, they feel a sense of liberty to be as adventurous as they can be, within their short stay. This is especially true of female tourists who do not intend to stay in the country for a long time.

You can also meet foreign ladies within the country who are interested in more than short relationships without commitment. They may be open to long term stable relationships that would lead to marriage.

You can meet these foreign ladies in malls, museums, art galleries, places of work, religious institutions, bars, clubs, and pubs. They can also cross paths with them while on a visit to any of the tourist attraction centers.

A group of foreign girls at the Jammin club

Sex

Like most African, societies, premarital sex is frowned upon by parents, family, and society at large. However, this does not imply that it is not occurring among the local people, especially the youth.

Some of the local girls are willing to engage in sexual intimacy with anyone who can foot their bills and make their lives better. For the more enlightened ones, they would only be sexually intimate with people they are in a relationship with. The idea is that since they are in a committed relationship; they are as good as married, even though it is official yet.

The third category is made up of ladies who through religious and cultural views have made efforts to keep themselves from sexual intimacy and intend to do so till marriage. These girls would not oblige you, even if you are a foreigner. They may even be offended by your proposal.

Some engage in sexual intimacy for financial gain. They are not interested in anything more than the reward they expect. As a foreigner, you would attract a lot of these ladies as coming from a different nationality gives them the impression that you came along with very hard currencies and they would certainly profit after being intimate with you.

There is also a group of sex workers. These girls are active on the streets at night, searching for clients. Many local girls among them would oblige you for a fee.

Sex Culture

There is a lack of proper and in-depth sex education for young people. Hence, these young ones are left to grope in the darkness searching for answers to the way they feel and reasons why they feel that way.

Many times, sex education is given to them is in the form of coercion so these young people can abstain. However, the moment the person they fear leaves the scene, they feel free to indulge in different ways. However, men still have more liberty to explore sexually, and having more than one partner is often seen as a sign of sexual strength.

A major reason why sex education is not being carried out is that their families and parents believe that this exposure to sexual matters would make them very curious and become sexually active. This has led to many of the young people experimenting on their own based on counsel from friends or influence from the media.

The women who are married are told and expected to have their eyes only on their husbands. Hence, most of the women are too timid to engage in extramarital affairs. If caught, the stigma would worsen their lives.

Same-sex relationships are not legalized in the country. Same-sex sexual relationships are even criminalized.

One-Night Stands

One night stand in the country is possible with the local girls. Some of them are willing to hook and offer customers entertainment for the night. However, there is still a category that would never consider or accept your proposals.

You would likely meet the more willing and liberal ones at night clubs, bars, and pubs. This does not imply that every girl you meet while visiting any of the above-mentioned places is open to one night stands. However, there is a percentage of girls who visit these locations intending to get a man to spend the night with, in return for financial favors.

There are also sex workers in the city who would be interested in giving a foreigner like you company for the night. They do believe that foreigners have more money to spend than local men. Nevertheless, many of the local girls would not be interested in this type of arrangement. They are more interested in dating to get into a committed relationship that would lead to marriage.

Best Places to Meet Single Girls

There are different places to meet single Beninese ladies during your stay in the country. You can find the younger ladies in the universities and colleges in the cities. There is also a good chance of meeting these beautiful women in the malls, markets, palaces, museums, safari adventures, farming centers, underground villages, historical sites, lake towns, beaches, parks, and major landmarks.

You can also cross paths with them at night in the clubs, bars, lounges, restaurants, cafes, and pubs. These attractive women would give you attention, especially as a tourist. You can start up conversations but bear in mind that these are very sensitive people. You can be humorous but avoid talking about religion. Discussion on religion and social trends are also acceptable.

Bars, Pubs and Nightclubs

The nightlife in the Benin Republic is not as vibrant as other developing countries in the world, but at least they have their way of creating night entertainment. Most of the nightlife exists in clubs, local bars, and restaurants.

You would find more ladies open to the idea of one night stands or short romantic engagements in these locations. They would be very thrilled at the idea of a foreigner being attracted to them. Ensure you are very clear about your intentions with them.

You would also meet a lot of foreign ladies seeking to chill out at night after the day’s activities. They are another positive option for short romantic engagements.

Some popular bars, clubs, pubs, and lounges in the country are:

Drink City
La Maison Blanche
Le Livingstone
Le Parking
Mad Lounge
African Sound City
Code Bar
Le Yes Papa
Sanctuary
Jammin Bar
Le Magnum
Le Concerto
Lemon Night Club

Party at the Jammin club

Shopping Malls

Trade unions in the country make up more than 70% of the entire workforce. The people are given to managing business and investing in agriculture. You would find shopping malls and complexes where you can purchase basic and luxurious commodities. There are also banks and automated machines in major cities in the country.

However, be alert as prices can be doubled by merchants when they see you are a foreigner. Major shopping malls and centers in the country include:

Dantokpa Market
Erevan Hypermarket
Nossac
Africaine Des Assurances
Benin market Communication
Centre Commercial Nakura
Marche Fifadji
Dantokpa Mawule
Centre Gbeka
Classic Supermarket
Jim Style
Oxygene Service
Macori
Senoude Sarl
La Poste de Cadjehoun
Centre Panaf
Quinca
Somepac & Fils
Meridional Office
Benin Huahe
Cintra
Bernice Esthetique
Espace Dina
Bijouterie Le Diamono
Ets Samira
Marche Missebo

Outdoors

Different places where you can meet a beautiful single woman and probably go on a date with her include:

Kandi: This is a popular farming center where tourists visit, along with the beaches on it. It is a great place to meet the woman of your dreams, as well as hang out on a sate with her.

Sam: This is another very cool place to visit as a tourist, especially its beach. You would likely find the woman of your dreams here; Beninese ladies love to visit the beach to experience the cool wind and blue waters.

Parks: There are also parks for you to visit. Within this park, you can find wildlife reserves. You may also meet your Beninese princess here.

Point of No Return: This is a popular historical spot that serves a remembrance for those who were sent off to slavery.

Abomey Royal Places: This is also another interesting historical site and has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. You may find your Beninese lady here.

Ganvie: This is a well-known lake town right in the middle of Lake Nokoue. It is a spot you would likely find a beautiful woman from the country.

Tata: This is the name given to the mud and clay tower houses built by the people of Somba. It is a very entertaining sight to see, and you may cross paths with the love of your life here.

Koutammakou Valley: This is another site recognized by UNESCO. It is a valley located across the border. You may likely meet the girl of your dreams here.

When you cross paths with a Beninese lady that gladdens your heart, be confident to approach her. They are very friendly and hospitable, so you have no reason to be embarrassed. Also, be polite and carry no air of superiority.

Point of No Return is a popular tourist spot and you will be able to meet a lot of girls there

Universities and Colleges

There are several tertiary institutions in the country. They include:

African University Benin
Centre International Universitaire Des Milleuirs
Ecole Superieur d’Administration et d’Economie
Ecole Superieure D’Enseignment Professionnelle
Ecole Superiuere Des Cadre et Techniciens
Ecole Superiuere Des Technologies Avancees Et Des Management
University of Abomey-Calavi
University of Parakou
University of Ketou
University of Abomey

You would find most younger ladies in these locations. These women would be more enlightened and exposed to foreign influences. They are the best alternatives for those who would be willing to break out of the norm to experience dating as it is in the Western world.

The flipside, however, is that parents have the final say. While in school, their parents may have arranged a marital partner for them and they would hesitate to refuse them out of respect.

Relationship

Starting a relationship with a beautiful Beninese lady is a great idea. However, like every other relationship, it has to be defined. What kind of relationship are you looking at having with these women/ If it is a short relationship, solely to have sexual intimacy and for some days of adventures, then you have to hope the lady in questions would show interest.

As dating is not a common culture among the ladies, those who would be interested in anything more than a time of pleasure for financial rewards would prefer you have the intention of marrying them. Marriage is the goal for these women. They do not have the orientation to date, to wait for a while to confirm compatibility or possibility. They would rather you hasten things up to come to see their parents for a formal introduction.

However, you may also meet more enlightened ladies in the cities. These women probably have seen other countries and have been influenced by western cultures. They may be more willing to be involved in a loving relationship with you. Yet, that would not be for just sexual pleasure. They do not believe in terms such as ‘friends with benefits’. It has to be directed at walking down the aisle.

Holiday Romance

Having a holiday romance with a local girl in the city would be a challenge, but quite possible. However, not many of them would agree to be with you openly on a romantic quest with no destination in sight. The societal stigma would not let them. They would be seen as irresponsible and untrained.

It would also reduce their chances of getting hooked up in marriage with one of the local men. The idea is for the ladies to keep themselves chaste and have a good reputation, so they can be seen as ideal for the position of a wife.

The foreign ladies in the country would be the best alternative when in search of a partner for a holiday romance. When you meet them, ensure you are very clear about your intentions and expectations, so no party feels cheated.

Holiday romance is a romantic venture with no commitments and no attachments of emotions. It would not be so nice, if the lady falls for you during this time, even when your intention is not for anything more than a time of fun.

If you eventually get any local lady to indulge with you, it would be for the financial prospect. She would expect that after the time with you, there should be a difference in her standard of living.

Tips for Successful Relationship

Tips for a successful relationship with a beautiful Beninese lady include:

Support: Being fully aware of the economic situation in the country is one thing. Showing empathy is yet another. Your lady should know that you truly care. Hence, you should be ready to support her and her family when the need arises. However, do not place yourself as a mine for gold diggers. Draw boundaries, and be aware when you are being taken advantage of.

Commitment: For a successful relationship with a lady from the Benin Republic, you have to show commitment. You cannot afford to play games or she would back out. You should be willing to see her family and meet her parents. It is only after this event, that you would be taken as one with serious interest.

Respect: Regardless of her level of education, exposure, or financial strength, she deserves your respect as your partner. These should not be reasons to look down on her or disregard her views on issues. You should be willing to listen to her suggestions, as well as carry her along while making important decisions.

Love

Finding love with someone who understands and makes efforts to support and care for you is the ultimate feeling. The most beautiful part is that it can be found anywhere within the globe. It is very possible to find love with any of the Beninese girls.

However, their expression of love may not be like you understand it. It may not include all the mushy moments, candle lights, chocolate bars, and long poetic messages.

Love with the Beninese lady would mean commitment, support, investment of time, and resources. For her, if you claim to love her, you should be willing to settle down with her.

You should also be willing to take her out of her country to where she can have the promise of a better life. Your claims should be backed up by your desire to make financial provisions for her and her family, understanding the level of poverty in the country.

Some of the more enlightened ladies are on dating apps and sites. You can connect with them via this means and slowly build up a meaningful relationship. However, be very wary of fraudsters and gold diggers who only use love as bait to reach into and drain your finances.

How to Make Sure She Is the One

The most beautiful ending for any long term committed relationship should be marriage. That is the goal for most lovers. However, that goal cannot be achieved if the relationship is not successful.

For a successful relationship, the parties should be meant for each other, orchestrated by destiny, fate, or the Higher Being. Hence, when you meet a lady fo your desire in Benin, you should be curious as to whether she is the right woman for you.

One way to find out is her willingness to go all the way with you. If she is playing games or refusing to be committed, then she is not the one. Beninese ladies are known to be very loyal when they are with someone they want to spend the rest of their lives with.

You can also tell the level of her interest by how well she expresses her affections. She may not do so like it is with women from other developed nations. However, she would be concerned about you. She would genuinely care about your well being and be interested in your success.

The right Beninese lady for you would respect and honor you. Women from this part of the world are groomed from their early teens to take care of a man, submit to and reverence him. She would do just that with you, and be ready to serve your interests.

Marriage

Couples can decide to have both civil and traditional marriages. For civil marriages, spouses should come with their birth certificates, valid passports, a medical certificate attesting premarital medical examinations, and residence permits. It is handled by the Ministry of Interior and the marriage register has to be signed by the couple.

It is processed manually but certificates are issued immediately after. Other information that needs to be given includes the occupation and place of residence of the spouses. The legal age for marriage is 18 years, but sadly minors are given in marriage with their parent’s consent.

Wedding

There are nice wedding venues you can use for yours. You would find most of them, in major cities like Cotonou. They include:

Benin Royal Hotel
The majestic Cadjehoun
Palace Royal
Le Majestic Fidjrosse
Place Des Fetes De L’echangeur
Golden Tulip Diplomate Cotonou
Azalai Hotel de la Plage
General Matthieu Kerekou Friendship Stadium
Benin Marina Hotel
Hotel Villa Les Orchidees
Residences Easy Hotel
Sun Beach Hotel
Novotel Cotonou Orisha
Nobila Airport Hotel
Hotel Saint Jean
Hotel Ayelawadje Palm Beach

You can also sign up with any of the major wedding planners so they help get you’re the best of venues, and other needed arrangement. The merit of using wedding organizers is that they would go the extra mile to achieve success within the limits of your budget. Therefore, you would avoid some of the mental and physical stress that comes with planning a wedding.

Family Life

Family life in the country is such that the man is the head of the home. In farming, the man does the heavier tasks while the woman assists. Marriages are often arranged, though people’s choices are receiving more respect these days. Remarrying is also very common after a divorce.

The public health care system is quite poor but you access medical services from the private. There are private international schools for your children to attend, although they would be more expensive. The roads need to be properly maintained as well.

Though few, there are places to get family and children entertainment. There is also an existing nightlife in the country. The country is safe and peaceful and the people are very friendly and welcoming.

However, the country is more expensive than some other African countries. It is expected though, that as a foreigner, you would get better opportunities at well-paying jobs that can handle the living expenses.

Regions

Map of Benin

Northern Benin
Arid landscapes and tribes

Southern Benin
The coastline, the capital and most of the sights

Cities

Porto-Novo — The capital
Abomey — Royal Palaces are on the UNESCO World Heritage List
Cotonou — Port town, International airport
Grand Popo — Beach resort town close to the Togolese border
Kétou
Parakou — Largest city in the central region
Malanville — Largest city in the far north, lies on the Niger border
Natitingou — Largest city on the way to northern Togo or Burkina Faso.
Tanguiéta