Benin has a reliable and growing mobile network system, with good coverage in urban areas like Cotonou, Porto-Novo, Parakou, and Ouidah. The two main operators provide 4G LTE services across much of the country.
🏆 1. Main Mobile Operators in Benin
✅ MTN Bénin
- Largest and most widely used provider
- Good 4G coverage in cities and towns
- Competitive data plans
- Supports mobile money (MoMo)
✅ Moov Africa (by Maroc Telecom)
- Strong network coverage
- Affordable data & voice bundles
- Also offers mobile money (Flooz) services
📶 Both networks support 4G LTE, though speeds can vary outside major cities.
💳 2. How to Get a SIM Card
🛫 At the Airport:
- You can buy an MTN or Moov SIM card at Cotonou International Airport
- Or get one in the city from official stores or kiosks
📌 Requirements:
- Valid passport
- Local registration (done on the spot)
- Cost: Around 1,000–2,000 XOF ($2–$4 USD)
📶 3. Internet & Data Plans (2025)
| Data Plan | MTN Price | Moov Price | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | ~500 XOF | ~450 XOF | 1 day |
| 5 GB | ~2,000 XOF | ~1,800 XOF | 7 days |
| 10 GB | ~3,500 XOF | ~3,000 XOF | 15 days |
| 25 GB | ~6,000 XOF | ~5,500 XOF | 30 days |
💡 Buy top-ups at kiosks or use mobile money apps.
📡 4. Coverage Quality
| Area | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Cotonou | Excellent 4G |
| Porto-Novo | Good 4G |
| Parakou | Good 4G |
| Ouidah, Abomey | Moderate to Good |
| Remote Villages | 2G/3G or no service |
🔐 5. Useful Codes
MTN Benin:
- Check balance:
*120# - Buy data:
*123# - MTN MoMo:
*400#
Moov Africa:
- Check balance:
*101# - Buy data:
*155# - Flooz (Moov Money):
*155#
🛡️ 6. Is It Safe and Reliable?
✅ Yes — both MTN and Moov are regulated and reliable. Many locals use them for:
- Internet
- Calls & SMS
- Mobile banking
- Business services
