Benin Calling Code: +229
Complete guide to calling Benin — international dialing code, step-by-step instructions, and FAQ.
How to Call Benin from Abroad
📞 Step-by-Step Dialing Guide
- Dial your country's exit code (e.g. 011 from US, 00 from most countries, + from mobile)
- Dial +229 — the country calling code for Benin
- Dial the local phone number (area code + subscriber number)
About Benin Calling Code
To reach Benin from another country, first dial the international calling code +229 — assigned by the ITU — followed by the local number. Benin is located in Africa, in Western Africa.
Benin is known locally as Bénin — Porto-Novo is the capital. When saving an international contact, write the number in full international format with +229 so it works from any country.
International calling codes follow the ITU-T standards E.123 and E.164, which define how phone numbers are written and dialed across borders. The prefix you dial after the exit code tells the global telephone network which national network to route the call to.
Where the +229 Calling Code Is Used
The country code +229 is assigned to Benin, located in Western Africa, with the capital Porto-Novo. This code is part of the international telephony numbering plan and is used for all calls made to Benin from outside the country.
When a number is written as +229 …, the +229 prefix directs your call to the Benin national network. After the prefix, dial the area code without its leading zero, then the subscriber number — the same pattern for landlines and mobiles.
ITU-T E.164 groups calling codes by world region; codes beginning with 2 cover the part of the world that includes Benin, in Western Africa. Storing numbers with +229 and omitting the domestic leading zero keeps contacts dialable from anywhere.
Benin Phone Number Formats
The ITU E.164 format for Benin numbers is +229 + area code + subscriber number, used for landlines and mobiles alike. Here is the general structure:
📱 Number Structure
- International format: +229 [area code] [subscriber number]
- From abroad: exit code + +229 + local number (drop the trunk prefix 0)
- Within Benin: dial the local number directly
Numbering plans vary: closed plans use fixed-length national numbers, while open plans allow variable lengths with a trunk prefix (usually 0) that is dropped for international calls. For calls to Benin, replace the trunk zero with +229.
Time Zone in Benin
The local time in Benin follows the Africa/Porto-Novo time zone (UTC+01:00 UTC). Check the time difference before you dial so your call arrives during waking hours.
Time differences matter when calling Benin: if it is UTC+01:00 there, a morning call from Europe may reach Porto-Novo in the afternoon, while callers in the Americas should check the offset to avoid late-night calls.
If Benin observes daylight saving time, its UTC offset shifts by an hour twice a year. Double-check the current offset before time-sensitive calls, especially in spring and autumn.
Emergency Numbers in Benin
If you need urgent help while in Benin, dial the local emergency numbers below. Note that these numbers are only for use inside Benin.
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 117 |
| Fire | 118 |
| Ambulance | 112 |
Example: Calling Benin Numbers in Practice
Here is how a typical call to Benin works, depending on where you are calling from:
🌍 From the United States or Canada
- Dial the US/Canada exit code 011
- Dial the Benin country code +229
- Dial the local number (area code + subscriber number, without the trunk prefix 0)
Example: 011 +229 [area code] [number]
🌍 From the United Kingdom or Europe
- Dial the international access code 00 (or use the + symbol on mobile)
- Dial the Benin country code +229
- Dial the local number
Example: 00 +229 [area code] [number], or +229 [area code] [number] from any mobile phone
If the local number begins with a trunk prefix (commonly 0), remove it when dialing internationally — +229 takes its place. The remaining digits are dialed exactly as written.
Calling Benin from Major Countries
International exit codes differ by country. Use this reference when dialing Benin (+229) from abroad:
| Calling From | Exit Code | Full International Dialing |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 011 | 011 229 [local number] |
| United Kingdom | 00 | 00 229 [local number] |
| Australia | 0011 | 0011 229 [local number] |
| China | 00 | 00 229 [local number] |
| Japan | 010 | 010 229 [local number] |
| India | 00 | 00 229 [local number] |
| Germany | 00 | 00 229 [local number] |
| France | 00 | 00 229 [local number] |
On mobile phones, the + symbol replaces the exit code entirely — just dial +229 followed by the local number.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the calling code for Benin?
The international calling code for Benin is +229.
How do I call Benin from the United States?
Dial 011 (US exit code), then +229, then the local phone number.
How do I call Benin from the United Kingdom?
Dial 00 (UK exit code), then +229, then the local phone number.
Can I use the + symbol instead of the exit code?
Yes! On mobile phones you can dial +229 directly followed by the local number. The + symbol automatically replaces your country's exit code.
How do I call within Benin?
If you're already in Benin, simply dial the local number directly. You do not need to use the country code +229 for domestic calls.
What is the capital of Benin?
The capital of Benin is Porto-Novo. When calling the capital from abroad, dial +229 followed by the local area code (without the leading 0) and the number.
What are the emergency numbers in Benin?
Police: 117, Fire: 118, Ambulance: 112. These numbers are only valid inside Benin.
Other Countries in Africa
Nearby countries and their calling codes:
Calling Benin from Egypt or South Africa works the same way: dial your local exit code first, then +229, then the local number. Within Africa, many callers simply use the + symbol on mobile to avoid exit-code differences.