- Basics of Using SIM Cards in Benin
- Official Websites
- Frequencies Used in Benin
- Coverage & Speed in Benin
- At a Glance Comparison
- Biometric SIM Registration
- What to Expect When Buying a SIM
- Device Registration
- Apps for Managing Your SIM
- SIM Card Price
- Prepaid Plans (Data & Voice)
- Tourist SIM Options
- Data Add-Ons & Internet Bundles
- Activation Process
- Conclusion: Best SIM Card in Benin for Tourists & Expats
If you’re planning a trip to Benin or moving there for a longer stay, getting a local prepaid SIM cards is one of the smartest and most cost-effective ways to stay connected. With a handful of mobile providers, good coverage in cities, and data-friendly plans, Benin offers convenient prepaid SIM options for tourists and residents alike. This guide covers everything you need to know — from pricing and registration to the best networks and plans in 2025.
Basics of Using SIM Cards in Benin
Benin has a competitive mobile telecommunications market with four major operators offering prepaid services:
- MTN Benin
- Moov Africa Benin
- Celtiis (formerly Libercom)
- Glo Benin
All offer prepaid SIM cards with voice, text, and data services. SIM cards can be easily purchased at airports, official stores, street vendors, or supermarkets.
Official Websites
To check up-to-date offers or purchase bundles, visit the official websites of the major providers:
- MTN Benin – www.mtn.bj
- Moov Africa Benin – www.moov.bj
- Celtiis Benin – www.celtiis.bj
- Glo Benin – www.gloworld.com/bj
These websites provide information on coverage maps, data bundles, recharge options, and customer support.
Frequencies Used in Benin
Benin’s mobile networks operate on the following frequency bands:
| Network | 2G | 3G | 4G/LTE |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTN | 900 / 1800 MHz | 2100 MHz | 1800 MHz |
| Moov Africa | 900 / 1800 MHz | 2100 MHz | 1800 MHz |
| Celtiis | 900 / 1800 MHz | 2100 MHz | 1800 MHz |
| Glo | 900 MHz | No 3G | 1800 MHz |
⚠️ Note: Ensure your phone is unlocked and supports these frequencies, especially LTE Band 3 (1800 MHz).
Coverage & Speed in Benin
- MTN Benin has the widest coverage, especially in urban areas like Cotonou, Porto-Novo, and Parakou. 4G is available in major towns.
- Moov Africa offers strong coverage in cities with decent 4G data speeds.
- Celtiis is newer and focused on digital services, with growing 4G infrastructure.
- Glo Benin is known for low-cost data but has limited 3G/4G coverage.
According to Speed test Intelligence, average 4G speeds in urban Benin range from 10–25 Mbps, sufficient for browsing, streaming, and video calls.
At a Glance Comparison
| Provider | Coverage | 4G Speed | Best For | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTN Benin | Excellent | Fast | All-around use | mtn.bj |
| Moov Africa | Very Good | Good | Balanced plans | moov.bj |
| Celtiis | Growing | Average | App-based users | celtiis.bj |
| Glo Benin | Fair | Slow | Budget data | gloworld.com/bj |
Biometric SIM Registration
Benin mandates biometric registration for all SIM cards. You will need to:
- Present a valid passport or ID
- Register your fingerprints and photo
- Complete the process at official outlets or agents
SIMs without biometric verification may be blocked or deactivated after a grace period.
What to Expect When Buying a SIM
- SIM card purchase usually costs 1,000–2,000 CFA (approx. $1.50–$3.00 USD), depending on the provider.
- Some SIMs come preloaded with bonus airtime or data.
- SIM cards are available at airports, malls, kiosks, and mobile shops.
Pro tip: Buy your SIM from an official store or kiosk to ensure registration is done properly.
Device Registration
As of now, Benin does not require mandatory IMEI registration for phones. However, imported phones should be unlocked and compatible with local bands to avoid connectivity issues.
Apps for Managing Your SIM
Each mobile operator has its own app to help manage plans, data, and recharges:
- MTN Benin App – Manage usage, buy data, and top up.
- Moov Africa App – Easy bundle activation and customer support.
- Celtiis App – Digital-first services, account management.
- Glo Café – Balance checks, subscriptions, and more.
Most apps are available on Google Play and the App Store.
SIM Card Price
| Provider | SIM Card Price (CFA) | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| MTN | ~1,000 CFA | Some plans include 500 MB–1 GB |
| Moov | ~1,000 CFA | Usually includes a starter bundle |
| Celtiis | Free or ~1,000 CFA | Often digital-only via app |
| Glo | ~500–1,000 CFA | Cheapest option |
Prepaid Plans (Data & Voice)
Here are example prepaid bundles as of mid-2025:
MTN Benin
- 500 MB – 300 CFA (24 hrs)
- 2 GB – 1,000 CFA (7 days)
- 10 GB – 3,500 CFA (30 days)
Moov Africa Benin
- 1 GB – 500 CFA (3 days)
- 5 GB – 2,000 CFA (30 days)
- 10 GB – 3,500 CFA (30 days)
Celtiis
- App-exclusive bundles with daily, weekly, and monthly options
- 1.5 GB – 750 CFA (valid 5 days)
- 10 GB – 3,000 CFA (30 days)
Glo Benin
- 1 GB – 300 CFA (2 days)
- 3 GB – 1,000 CFA (7 days)
- 12 GB – 3,000 CFA (30 days)
Tourist SIM Options
Benin doesn’t offer dedicated tourist SIMs, but MTN and Moov often have visitor-friendly packages with:
- Instant activation
- Bonus data for the first month
- International calling bundles
You can ask store staff for current tourist promotions — they change frequently.
Data Add-Ons & Internet Bundles
Running out of data? No problem. All providers offer top-up options via:
- USSD codes (e.g., *123# for MTN)
- Mobile apps
- Scratch cards or mobile money
Popular add-ons include:
- Night Data Plans (cheaper rates after 11 PM)
- Social Media Bundles (WhatsApp, Facebook only)
- Combo Packs (minutes + data)
Activation Process
After biometric registration:
- Insert SIM card
- Dial the USSD code to activate data (*123# for MTN, *555# for Moov)
- Choose a bundle or allow pay-as-you-go use
- Install the mobile app for easier management
You’ll receive a welcome SMS confirming activation and any bonus balance.
Conclusion: Best SIM Card in Benin for Tourists & Expats
For short-term visitors, MTN Benin is the best all-around provider due to its wide coverage, fast speeds, and tourist-friendly support. Moov Africa is a solid second choice with reliable data plans and slightly better value for long-term usage.
If you’re tech-savvy and prefer app-based services, Celtiis might be worth exploring. For budget travelers with minimal data needs, Glo provides cheap bundles — but with trade-offs in speed and coverage.
Whatever you choose, getting a prepaid SIM in Benin is straightforward and affordable — ensuring you’re connected across this culturally rich West African nation.