Bohicon, Benin

This is a working-class transit hub where life revolves around the railway station and local markets. The wet season hits hard here – expect flooded streets from March through October, with the first half brutally humid before cooling slightly. You’ll navigate 10 arrondissements, but expats in Bohicon typically cluster near the station for convenience. The market’s fermented afitin paste is an acquired taste but packs protein for budget meals.

Bureaucracy moves at its own pace – registering a business can take months without local connections. Rent is laughably cheap, but reliable electricity isn’t guaranteed. This city suits ultra-lean FIRE types who can handle infrastructure gaps and want immersion in Benin’s interior. Digital nomads should look elsewhere unless they thrive in offline environments.