+229 · Porto-Novo · XOF · CFA · West African CFA Franc
Benin: The birthplace of Voodoo — Dahomey royal palaces, the floating village of Ganvié & vibrant Cotonou
📞+229Dial Code
🏛️Porto-NovoCapital
💰XOFCurrency
🚨117Emergency
🔌220V 50Hz · Type EElectricity
Planning to contact Benin? Its country dialing code is +229, and the capital is Porto-Novo. Don't miss tasting Gbègiri (bean soup), Akassa (corn pudding in banana leaf), Amiwo (tomato corn porridge). Visitors pay in XOF · CFA · West African CFA Franc. Regionally, Benin lies close to Togo, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Niger. The local emergency number is 117. For charging your devices, the sockets are 220V 50Hz · Type E.
🛂 Benin passport: ranked #140 of 197 worldwide, with 59 visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations.
See full passport ranking →
Follow these 4 simple steps to dial any phone number in Benin:
1
Dial your international access code
Most countries use 00 or +. From mobile phones, the + symbol works worldwide.
2
Dial Benin's country code: +229
Dial +229 immediately after the international access code. Do not include the + again if you already used 00.
3
Dial the city or area code
For landlines, dial the city code (drop any leading 0). For mobile numbers, skip this step.
4
Dial the local phone number
Enter the remaining digits of the recipient's phone number to complete the call.
💡 Example: To call Baghdad from the US, dial 011 +229 1 [number]. From mobile: + +229 1 [number].
☎️ Complete Guide to Calling Benin
How to Call Abroad from Benin
To call another country from Benin: dial the international exit code (00 in most countries, or press and hold 0 on a mobile to get +), then the destination country code, then the area code (without its leading 0), then the number. Example: to call the US, dial 00 1 [number] or + 1 [number].
International Number Format (E.164)
The global standard format for Benin numbers is +229 followed by the national number without its leading 0. A full international number has at most 15 digits including the country code. Save all your contacts this way so they work from anywhere in the world and in every app.
💡 Example: +229 [national number without the leading 0]
Tips to Lower Your Call Costs to Benin
Use internet apps like WhatsApp, Viber or Messenger for free calls over Wi-Fi.
Buy a local SIM or eSIM when traveling to Benin to pay local rates.
Activate an international plan from your carrier before you travel.
Use Wi-Fi Calling when available to avoid roaming charges.
Compare calling-card and VoIP providers for the lowest per-minute rate.
Why Isn't My Call Connecting? Common Fixes
You dialed 00 and + together — use only one of them.
You kept the leading 0 of the area or mobile code — remove it for international calls.
You forgot the country code +229 — it must come right after the exit code.
You added a city code to a mobile number — mobile numbers don't need one.
Your line isn't enabled for international calls — check with your carrier.
Wrong time — make sure it isn't the middle of the night in Benin.
Common Questions About Calling Benin
When should I use + instead of 00?
The + symbol works from any mobile phone anywhere in the world and replaces each country's exit code, so you never need to memorize them. 00 is the most common exit code and works on both landlines and mobiles. On a mobile, always prefer + — it is the most reliable.
Why do I drop the leading 0 of the area or mobile code when calling from abroad?
The leading 0 is a national trunk prefix used only for domestic calls. When calling internationally, the country code +229 takes its place, so you remove that 0 — otherwise the number is wrong and the call fails.
How do I call a mobile versus a landline in Benin?
For a mobile: dial +229 then the mobile number without its leading 0. For a landline: dial +229, then the city code (without its leading 0), then the local number. Mobile numbers never need a city code.
How do I send a text message (SMS) to Benin from abroad?
Save the number in international format — +229 then the number without its leading 0 — and send your message as usual. Your carrier may apply international SMS charges.
How can I call Benin via WhatsApp?
Add the contact in international format — +229 then the number without its leading 0. If they have WhatsApp, they appear automatically. WhatsApp calls run over the internet, are free, and need no exit code.
How much does it cost to call Benin?
It depends on your carrier and the line type; international calls over the regular phone network can be expensive. To save money, use internet apps like WhatsApp or Viber, or get a local SIM or eSIM.
What does the code +229 mean and where does it come from?
+229 is the international dialing code assigned to Benin by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Every country has a unique code that identifies it on the global telephone network.
How do I save a Benin number in the correct international format?
Always store it in E.164 format: +229 then the national number without its leading 0 and without spaces. Saved this way, it works from any country and in every app without changes.
📞 Complete Dialing Guide for Benin
Country Code
+229
Calling abroad from Benin? Start with
00
📋 Full dialing examples
From any mobile (anywhere in the world)
+229 …
From most countries (landline or mobile, starts with 00)
00 229 …
From USA or Canada (starts with 011)
011 229 …
From Australia (starts with 0011)
0011 229 …
💡 Tip: The + symbol on any mobile replaces all exit codes and works worldwide.
📲 How to Call Benin from Other Countries
To reach Benin, first dial your country's international exit code, then Benin's country code +229, then the local number without its leading 0. The table below shows the exact start of the dialing sequence from major countries.
From
Dialing sequence
🇺🇸 United States
011 229local number
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
00 229local number
🇩🇪 Germany
00 229local number
🇫🇷 France
00 229local number
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
00 229local number
🇦🇪 UAE
00 229local number
🇹🇷 Turkey
00 229local number
🇮🇳 India
00 229local number
On a mobile phone you can replace the exit code with the + sign, then dial +229 and the number — it works worldwide.
⏰ Best Time to Call Benin
Benin uses UTC+1. People there are usually awake from 09:00 to 21:00 local time, so the table below shows the best time to call Benin from major countries — in the caller's local time.
From
Best time to call (local time)
🇺🇸 United States
07:00–16:00
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
09:00–21:00
🇩🇪 Germany
10:00–22:00
🇫🇷 France
10:00–22:00
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
11:00–23:00
🇦🇪 UAE
12:00–23:00
🇹🇷 Turkey
11:00–23:00
🇮🇳 India
14:00–23:00
Times are approximate and may shift by about an hour during daylight saving time.
🧭 From Your Country to Benin
Live dial format and time difference — updates instantly
Dial from 🇺🇸 United States
011–229–XXX–XXXX
Time right now in Benin
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🌐 Personalise for Your Passport
Select your passport country to see visa requirements and embassy info relevant to you:
🛂 Visa Requirements
Common Visa Questions for Benin
Do I need a visa to visit Benin?
It depends on your nationality. Some travelers can enter Benin visa-free for short stays, while others need an e-Visa, a visa on arrival, or a visa obtained in advance from an embassy or consulate. Use our International Visa Checker below to instantly see the rule for your specific passport.
Does Benin offer an electronic visa (e-Visa)?
Many countries now offer an online e-Visa for eligible nationalities, letting you apply and pay over the internet before arrival. Availability, eligible passports, and fees differ from country to country, so confirm whether Benin currently offers an e-Visa for your nationality using our International Visa Checker below.
Is a visa on arrival available in Benin?
A visa on arrival lets eligible travelers obtain their visa at the airport or border instead of applying beforehand. Whether Benin grants it, and to which nationalities, can change over time, so verify your eligibility on our International Visa Checker below before relying on it.
How long can I stay in Benin on a tourist visa?
Tourist stays are commonly limited to 30, 60, or 90 days depending on the country and your nationality, and overstaying can lead to fines or entry bans. Check the exact permitted duration for your passport using our International Visa Checker below.
What documents are usually required to apply for a Benin visa?
Most applications ask for a passport valid for at least six months, recent passport photos, proof of onward or return travel, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds for your stay. Some visas also require travel insurance or an invitation letter, so confirm the exact list for Benin using our International Visa Checker below.
How much does a Benin visa cost and how long does it take?
Visa fees and processing times vary widely by nationality and visa type, ranging from same-day e-Visas to several weeks for embassy applications. Always apply well before your trip and check the current fee and processing time for Benin using our International Visa Checker below.
How long must my passport be valid to enter Benin?
Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry, with one or two blank pages for stamps. Confirm the exact passport-validity rule for Benin on our International Visa Checker below before booking.
Dry season (varies by region — generally May–October in East/Southern Africa, November–April in West Africa) is ideal for Benin. This is peak safari and wildlife-viewing time. Avoid rainy season for outdoor activities but it offers lush landscapes and lower prices.
📶 SIM & Internet
Local SIMs widely available — buy at airport or official stores with passport. Data prices vary ($2–10 per GB depending on country). eSIM coverage improving (Airalo, Holafly). Network coverage strong in cities, patchy rurally. Mobile money (M-Pesa, Orange Money) often more useful than cash.
👔 Dress Code & Etiquette
Modest dress respected throughout Benin, especially in Muslim-majority regions of North Africa. Cover shoulders and knees in religious sites and rural areas. Lightweight, light-colored clothing for heat. Long sleeves/pants in evenings against mosquitoes. Sturdy closed shoes for safari and bush walks.
🌍 Benin: Culture, Food & Places
What are the most famous foods in Benin?
Some of the most famous foods in Benin include: Gbègiri (bean soup), Akassa (corn pudding in banana leaf), Amiwo (tomato corn porridge), Kuli-kuli (peanut snack), Fufu with palmnut soup, Grilled tilapia fish, Ablo (steamed corn bread), Télibo (bean cakes), Tchakpalo (sorghum beer), Sodabi (palm spirit).
What are the best places to visit in Benin?
Top places and landmarks to visit in Benin include: Royal Palaces of Abomey (UNESCO), Ganvié Lake Village (stilt city), Ouidah Slave Trade Route (UNESCO), Route des Esclaves Ouidah, Pendjari National Park (lions & elephants), Porto-Novo Sacred Forest, Dantopka Market Cotonou, Malanville Market, Fidjrosse Beach, Lokossa Waterfalls.
What are the main customs and traditions in Benin?
Notable customs and traditions in Benin include: Greet with handshake, French is official language, Voodoo ceremony participation as guest possible, Traditional chief authority respected, Hospitality strong.
What is Benin famous for?
Benin is well known for: Voodoo (Vodun) birthplace, Porto-Novo historic capital, Dahomey Kingdom heritage, Ganvié lake village, Royal Palaces of Abomey.
Where in the world is Benin located?
Benin is located in Africa.
What countries are near Benin?
Countries near Benin include: Togo, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Niger, Ghana, Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire), Mali, São Tomé and Príncipe, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Liberia, Guinea.
🚨 Emergency numbers in Benin
Knowing the right emergency number in Benin can save lives. Below are the official police, fire and ambulance numbers, free to dial from any phone within the country.
Dial these numbers free of charge from any phone inside Benin. They generally work only within the country, not from abroad.
These numbers are provided for guidance and verified from public emergency-services data; always confirm with local authorities. In a life-threatening situation, call the local number shown above immediately.
Benin uses the XOF · CFA · West African CFA Franc.
What is the dial code for Benin?
The international dial code for Benin is +229.
When is the best time to visit Benin?
Dry season (varies by region — generally May–October in East/Southern Africa, November–April in West Africa) is ideal for Benin. This is peak safari and wildlife-viewing time. Avoid rainy season for outdoor activities but it offers lush landscapes and lower prices.
How much does a trip to Benin cost per day?
Daily costs in Benin range from $30 (budget) to $80 (mid-range) to $200 (luxury) per person, excluding flights.
How many departments does Benin have?
Benin has 12 departments.
What is the emergency number in Benin?
In Benin you can reach emergency services on the following numbers: General emergency: 117. Calls are free from any phone within the country.
🧳 Practical Travel Info
🔌
Power PlugType C,D,G · 230 V · 50 Hz
💵
TippingTipping common in tourist areas. 10% at restaurants, small change for guides and drivers.
💧
Tap WaterBottled onlyDrink bottled or boiled water only; avoid ice and raw vegetables washed in tap water.
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