Do you need French in Cotonou? An honest answer
No, you don't. French is Benin's official language, and many people also speak Fon, Yoruba or Goun. But you can enjoy Cotonou perfectly well in English.
I grew up there, so here's the honest truth: people in Cotonou are genuinely kind. Speak English, slowly and with a smile. Many will understand you. If they don't, they'll usually find someone nearby who does and bring them over to help. Don't let language stop you from coming.
What languages are spoken in Benin?
French is used for government, signs, menus and business. Day to day, you'll also hear Fon, the most widely spoken local language in the south, plus Yoruba, Goun, Mina and many others. Nigerian visitors who speak Yoruba are often surprised by how much they can understand.
Where English works easily
Hotels, guesthouses and Airbnbs used to international guests
Supermarkets like Erevan, where prices are labelled
Many traders in busy markets, especially those who serve Nigerian customers
Restaurants in popular areas like Haie Vive
Where a little French helps
Zémidjans (motorbike taxis) and taxi drivers
Small local restaurants and street food stalls
Bargaining in markets
The real reason to be prepared
Not speaking French won't stop you. But it can mark you out as a visitor, and some sellers will quote a higher price. That's exactly why guides like this exist. Know roughly what something should cost before you ask, and you won't be cheated.
Insider tip: Ask your host or hotel what a fair price is for a taxi ride or a market item before you go out. Then you'll know straight away if a quote is too high.
Ten phrases worth learningguesthouses,
| English | French | Say it like |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Bonjour | bon-zhoor |
| Good evening | Bonsoir | bon-swahr |
| Thank you | Merci | mehr-see |
| Please | S'il vous plaît | seel voo pleh |
| How much is it? | C'est combien ? | say kom-byan |
| That's too expensive | C'est trop cher | say troh shair |
| Do you speak English? | Vous parlez anglais ? | voo par-lay ong-lay |
| I don't understand | Je ne comprends pas | zhuh nuh kom-pron pah |
| Where is...? | Où est... ? | oo eh |
| Welcome (Fon) | Kwabo | kwah-boh |
Helpful tools
Download French offline in Google Translate before you travel
Use the camera translate feature for menus and signs
Save your hotel address in French to show taxi drivers
Frequently asked questions
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Many people in hotels, shops and busy areas speak some English, and others will often help find someone who does.
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Yes. Most visitors get by in English with a few phrases and a translation app.
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Yes. Yoruba is spoken in parts of Benin, especially near the Nigerian border.
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Kwabo means welcome in Fon, Benin's most widely spoken local language.
Changing a larger amount? Meet my dad.
Licensed in Cotonou for 30 years. He handles larger amounts, and his team comes to meet you.
- Naira, CFA, pounds, dollars✓
- Larger amounts✓
- His team comes to you✓
