Is it okay to use ATMs late in the evening in Benin or should I stick to daytime withdrawals only? I am a single woman travelling so want to be safe.
Backpacking through Benin was an adventure, but ATM access was inconsistent. In Abomey-Calavi, I tried using an ATM at night and it was either out of service or offline. Locals strongly advised me to avoid carrying visible cash after sunset. I withdrew what I needed at midday and stuck to mobile payments where possible. The risk isn’t huge, but it’s real.
I lived in Cotonou for a few weeks while doing remote NGO work. Used night ATMs twice - both times near Carrefour Erevan where it’s well-lit and patrolled. GT Bank and Ecobank ATMs were the most reliable. Still, I kept night withdrawals rare - even locals prefer doing banking in daylight. For withdrawing cash after dark in Benin, stay near expat zones or international hotels.
Solo traveler in Porto-Novo - used an ATM at Bank of Africa during the day, but avoided nights. Not because of direct danger, but the area just empties fast after dark. I met a French backpacker who got his card stuck in a UBA machine at 10 PM with no one to help. If you’re on a tight budget, best to plan your cash early in the day.
ATM safety at night in Benin isn’t something I’d recommend - especially outside Cotonou. I stayed near Fidjrosse Beach and one night tried an Ecobank ATM around 9:30 PM. The machine worked, but the street was pitch dark. Locals suggested only withdrawing during the day. I used hotel exchanges afterward - more secure and predictable.