+229 explained
The Benin country code, 229, is what you dial before a Benin number when you call from abroad. It is also known as the Benin dialing code, Benin calling code, or Benin phone code. In the Benin phone number format, +229 comes first, then the area code and the local number.
- Country code
- +229
- The 00229 country code is the same number
- ISO country codes
- BJ, BEN
- Use the BJ country code or the BEN country code on forms and passports. To call Benin, dial +229
- Used in
- Benin
- No other country or territory dials +229
- Exit code
- 00
- From most countries. Also 011 from United States and Canada, 0011 from Australia, and + from any mobile
- Trunk prefix
- None
- Keep every digit after +229
- Number length
- 8 or 10 digits
- After +229
- Time now in Benin
- Benin mobile number format
- 01 95 12 34 56
- From abroad: +229 01 95 12 34 56
- Benin landline number format
- 01 20 21 12 34
- From abroad: +229 01 20 21 12 34
Benin phone number types
The first digits of a Benin number tell you what kind of number it is: a landline, a mobile, a free number, or one that costs more to call. Here is a sample of each type of Benin phone number, as dialed inside Benin and from abroad.
Good to know before you call Benin
“Allô”
The word used to start a telephone conversation
Reply
“Allô”
On 30 November 2024, Benin's phone numbers grew from 8 to 10 digits, and every number gained 01 at the start.
BanoutoBenin's old 8-digit numbers stopped working completely at midnight on 30 April 2025.
ARCEP Bénin, Décision N°2025-79Benin reserves 3 and 4-digit numbers, in the 1WX and 1WXY ranges, for emergency and general-interest services such as civil protection.
ARCEP BéninBenin's numbering plan is now closed: it has no city area codes, so every long number is dialed the same way nationwide.
ARCEP Bénin, Décision N°2024-063ARCEP Benin runs a free number, 131, that anyone can call to ask about the new phone number format.
ARCEP Bénin
What it costs to call Benin (using Suparelay)
Landline from $0.90/minMobile from $0.82/min
Only 33 of 221 countries cost more to call than Benin.
Enter a numberEach bar counts the countries at that price
Want to call Benin?
Call any phone from this tab. Nothing to install on either side, and you pay cents a minute.
Why a call to Benin fails
You call from: 🇺🇸 United States
The exit code is wrong for your country
00 works from Benin, Europe, and most of the world. From the US and Canada the exit code is 011.
- Connects
- 011 229 01 20 21 12 34
- Does not connect
- 00 229 01 20 21 12 34
The number is missing its new digits
Benin added 01 to the front of every number on 30 November 2024. An old 8-digit number will not connect until you add it.
- Connects
- 011 229 01 20 21 12 34
- Does not connect
- 00 229 01 20 21 12 34
Questions about +229
Which country is +229?
+229, or country code 229, belongs to Benin, in West Africa.
What is +229?
+229 is the part you dial before a Benin number when you call from another country. It is Benin's own calling code.
What is the difference between +229 and 00229?
The + stands for your own exit code. 00 is the exit code in Benin, Europe, and most of the world, so 00229 and +229 reach the same number there. From the US and Canada, dial 011 229 instead.
Can I text a +229 number?
Yes. Write the number as +229 followed by the 10 digits, and your phone sends the text abroad at your carrier's international rate.
How much does it cost to call Benin?
The dialer on this page shows the exact price of the number you enter before you call.
Why did Benin's phone numbers get longer?
Since 30 November 2024, ARCEP added 01 to the front of every Benin number, moving the country from 8 to 10 digits to make room for more numbers.
Why doesn't my old Benin number work anymore?
Benin's 8-digit numbers stopped working for good at midnight on 30 April 2025. Add 01 to the front of the old number to reach it now.
The information on this page is accurate as of September 26, 2026.
ARCEP Bénin, Plan National de Numérotation