Visit to Benin City

Hi and welcome to Expat.com AdelGirl!

How long will be your stay?
Hope you will get more infos from others' experiences.

Regards
Armand

Hey AdelGirl,
            I am a caucasion bloke that just returned from Benin City. It is not a bad place to go, but do make sure that you know somebody there. Do not get around on your own at night at all. During the day you will be ok, but do exercise extreme caution being a white female. When at the markets be very mindful of pick pocket thieves (Chained Wallet). Do not just go getting around town with out a trusted person. If you are on your own then hire a car and keep your driver with you at all times and very near. Avoid the taxi's in Benin City mate they will definately have the mentality to get a lot more than what is a realsitic fare.Some people will always try to beg for money. Just be straight, but not rude and simply say. No right now. Sorry. Then just keep walking. They are good at begging.If you are going to meet someone in Nigeria then stick with him and his family like glue.
Ok on the other side of the coin. The people in general are fairly accommodating and very easy to get along with.The city is nice in a couple of spots but otherwise fairly run down and in need of an upgrade.
I meet my fiancee in Benin City and have had a good time there with her. Meet a couple of people and stick with them as it is possible to land in the wrong hands. Just be savy with everything you do ok. Well I hope you have a wonderful time. My partner is still there and I am back in Australia right now, so good things can happen in the most unlikeliest of places.

Good Luck

Thanks Sandgroper1
Yes am meeting friends who are locals over there, they have suggested Randehki as a place to stay. Where did you stay? As I would be looking at 3 week stay. My friends have "suggested" that I do not wonder about alone, and that either them or nominated friends of theirs take me to where I want to go. Thanks

Adel,
    Hey mate. I stayed over in the Ikpoba Hill area. Not real flash, but was living with the Mrs family. If you are going to do the Hotel thing I can definately recommend the Sage Hotel (Also has a website, look up sage hotel benin city Nigeria.)as it is in the secure area where all of the politians live andnot far from the airport.If you are not worried about security to much then your friends will be able recommend other hotles where you can get rooms as little 6-8000 Naira p/n. Not very nice though. Wish I could remember the name s of a couple more.
Well I hope this helps.


Regards
Alan.

Hey Alan, are you planning on going back anytime soon?  Anne

Yer mate I am heading back in February. I will back up in The Ikpoba Hill area again. I will also be going to Lagos and Abuja. Abuja is a nice. Everything there is being renewed because it basically where the buck stops in Nigeria.Have not spent much time in Lagos though will be spending a few days there this time.

Hello Adelgirl,

Nice you visiting Benin City this festive season. Its an ancient City and The Oba of benin its the head, every december come a festive season of the Bini people and its filled with festivies to make the season of the Oba of Benin. I grow up there before i moved down to Abuja, and also planning to spend my Christmas Break there.  Would say the basic info you really need to know is for you to be very cautious and vigilant. The People generally are very friendly, outgoing and fun full.  There are lots of nice hotels in Government reserved Area, close to the Airport, and there is security in the hotels with moderate rates. The city is normally with lots of guest this period. Would advice you really take caution on your movement this period and try to not keep too late at night. Have fun while you come and stay. The weather season this period is so lovely and i guess you would enjoy your stay. take care. Regards

Hey Anne,
        Don't know if you got aroung to ringing the miss yet mate but it is all good for you ring if you wish mate. Just remember to subtract 7hrs mate. Anytime during the day is good, Thursday and Sunday might not work out though. Alright take carenow.

Regards
Alan