Benin Phone Number Format: Local & International Code

Confused About the Benin Phone Number Format? Here’s Everything You Need to Know! 📞

Dialing Benin just got a major update! As of November 30, 2024, the Benins phone numbers received some major changes.

Benin phone numbers now follow a 10-digit format, with the mandatory “01” prefix added after the country code for Benin (+229).

Whether you are calling for business, calling your family, or traveling to Benin, you don’t want to risk calling the wrong number!

This comprehensive guide will explain the Benin phone number format step by step to help you call the correct number to keep you connected, no matter whether you are calling from within Benin or from abroad. ✅

Understanding Benin Phone Number Format

Benin phone numbers follow a standardized structure to ensure consistency and effective communication. Every valid phone number in Benin consists of 8 digits, with the recent introduction of prefixes, which are added after the country code, it becomes a 10-digit number when dialing within the country.

Let’s break down the typical Benin phone number:

• Country Code: +229
• Prefix: “01” added after the country code
• Number Length: 10 digits

Format: +229 01 [original 8-digit number]

Example: +229 01 97 00 00 00

Types of Benin Phone Numbers

I. Landline Number

Benin landline numbers are assigned to specific regions and are used for both business phone communications and home connections. They begin with particular area codes that are part of the updated dialing Benins phone number system.

Format for Landline Numbers:

• Country Code: +229
• Area Code: 2 digits (e.g., 21 for Cotonou)
• Subscriber Number: 6 digits

Example: +229 21 30 40 50 (Cotonou landline)

II. Mobile Number

Benin mobile numbers follow the general 8-digit format and begin with specific prefixes depending on the carrier. Unlike landlines, mobile numbers can be used for domestic calls as well as international calls.

Format for Mobile Numbers:

• Country Code: +229
• Mobile Prefix: 2 digits (e.g., 97, 98, 99 for different carriers)
• Subscriber Number: 6 digits

Example: +229 97 12 34 56 (Mobile number)

III. Virtual Number

Benin virtual phone numbers are often used by businesses to establish a local presence without needing a physical office. These numbers facilitate features like call forward, call recording, and even call transcription for quality control. They follow the same 10-digit format as standard mobile or landline numbers.

IV. Emergency Number

Benin has dedicated emergency numbers for different services. These numbers are usually short and easy to remember.

Some useful Beninese emergency numbers are as follows:

Codes for Dialing Benin Numbers

Benin phone numbers use specific codes for both local and international calls. Below is a list of essential codes you should know when dialing a Benin phone number.

Benin Country Code: Use code +229 while dialing Benin from abroad.

International Access Code: Each country has its own international dialing prefix code. For example, 0011 for Australia, 00 for most European countries, and 011 for the USA and Canada..

Area Code: Required for landlines. Mobile numbers do not need an area code. uses specific area codes, which vary on its geographical areas. For example, 21 is the area code Cotonou, 20 for Ouémé)

Local Number: The remaining digits of the phone number.

List of Popular Benin Area Codes

When calling a landline in Benin, it is necessary to dial the correct area codes to connect to the desired region. Familiarity with Benin’s area codes ensures that your calls are correctly connected. Some of the most used area codes in Benin are as follows:

How to Dial Benin Phone Numbers?

Dialing a Benin telephone number is straightforward once you learn the right format. Follow these steps whether you’re on an international call or making domestic calls:

I. Calling Benin from Abroad

When calling Benin from outside, you will need the correct format. This would include the exit code of your country, Benin’s country code (+229), and the phone number.

The procedure is easy; here is how it is carried out.

• Step 1: Dial Exit Code

Use your country’s international access code (e.g., 011 in the US or 00 in the UK).

• Step 2: Dial Country Code

Dial the Benin Country Code, which is +229.

• Step 3: Dial the newly implemented Prefix

Add “01” after the country code.

• Step 4: Local Number

Enter the 8-digit number.

Examples:

• From the US to Cotonou: 011 + 229 + 01 21xxxxxx
• From the UK to Parakou: 00 + 229 + 01 23xxxxxx

II. Calling Within Benin

Making a call within Benin is simple. Since all phone numbers now operate using a 10-digit pattern, the country code is no longer necessary to call. Just enter the full number, be it a landline or mobile number, and your call will connect instantly.

Follow this instruction when calling within Benin:

• Step 1: Dial Prefix

Enter the newly implemented prefix “01”.

• Step 2: Dial Local Number

Enter the 8-digit number.

Examples:

• Cotonou landline: 01 21xxxxxx
• Mobile number: 01 97xxxxxx

III. Calling Internationally from Benin

If you are making a call to someone outside of Benin, you will need to dial the international access code, then the recipient’s country code, and finally, the phone number.

It’s easy, but knowing the correct order of dialing will guarantee that you will reach the desired destination without problems. Follow these steps when you call Benin from abroad:

• Step 1: Dial International Access Code 00.
• Step 2: Country Code
• Step 3: Enter the country code of the destination (e.g., 1 for the US).
• Step 4: Phone Number: Dial the local phone number.

Example:

• Calling the US from Benin: 00 + 1 + 555xxxxxxx

What Is the Best Time To Call the Benin?

Benin operates on West Africa Time (WAT, UTC+1). To avoid waking someone up or calling at inconvenient hours, here’s a guide on the best time to call from different regions:

Benin Phone Number Regulations & Changes in 2025

Here are the key points about Benin’s phone number regulations and changes in 2025:

I. 10-Digit Phone Numbers

In 2025, Benin has completely transitioned to a 10-digit phone number format. This involves adding “01” after the country code +229 to all existing numbers.

For example, +229 97 00 00 00 becomes +229 01 97 00 00 00.

II. New Number Allocations

Mobile carriers are receiving new number allocations to accommodate the growing demand for mobile services.

III. Enhanced Phone Number Portability

Users can now switch providers while keeping their existing phone numbers, promoting competition and convenience.

IV. Stricter Phone Number Validity Rules

To combat fraud, stricter rules are being implemented to ensure phone number validity and security. The new rules help verify benins telephone numbering and secure connections.

Final Words

Now that you know everything about Benin’s phone number format, dialing codes, and phone system. It should be more easy making calls to and from Benin.

Whether you are using a mobile app, managing contact centers, or setting up marketing campaigns, this guide ensures you get through without any problem.

Simply dial Benin phone numbers correctly and enjoy benefits like call recording, caller id, and voicemail transcription that support your business phone operations.

Bookmark this guide, share it with your friends, and never struggle with dialing Benin again!

FAQs

What is Benin’s country code?

Benin’s country code is +229.

How many digits are in a Benin phone number in 2025?

A Benin phone number now has 10 digits (including the “01” prefix), excluding the country code.

Can I use my foreign phone in Benin?

Yes, if your phone is unlocked and supports Benin’s mobile network bands.

How do I call Benin from the UK or the US in 2025?

To call the UK or the USA from Benin, follow this format:

• From the UK: Dial 00 + 229 + local number (e.g., 00 + 229 + 01 21xxxxxx)
• From the US: Dial 011 + 229 + local number (e.g., 011 + 229 + 01 23xxxxxx)

Are there toll-free numbers in Benin?

Yes, Benin has toll-free numbers, typically starting with 80.

How do I write my Benin phone number?

For international use, write it as +229 01 97xxxxxx (for mobile) or +229 01 21xxxxxx (for landline).

What is the phone number example for Benin?

Example: +229 01 21 30 40 50 (landline) or +229 01 97 12 34 56 (mobile)

How do you write +234 phone numbers?

234 is Nigeria’s country code. A Nigerian number looks like: +234 803xxxxxxx.

What is the E-164 phone number format?

E-164 is an international standard format: +Country Code Subscriber Number (e.g., +229 01 97xxxxxx).