Benin SIM Cards: Everything You Need To Know

Visiting Benin soon? Make sure to know what to expect when it comes to purchasing a Benin SIM card.

Fortunately, Africa is one of the best places where you can buy a SIM card easily.

You should be able to find a cheap SIM card pretty much anywhere in Africa. In fact, most data packages are affordable, which makes the whole thing easier!

In this guide, we’ll explain where to buy a SIM card in Benin in person and online. We’ll also discuss prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs if your mobile supports them.

Before you read this guide, you may wonder if you actually need a SIM card in Benin.

If you don’t mind not having Internet, you’ll likely find free Wifi in restaurants, shopping malls, and hotels.

That said, if you need data to get around, call a cab, or translate French – you may want to get a SIM card for your travels in Benin.

Best Benin SIM Cards

If you’re traveling in Benin, we recommend using a SIM card from MTN, Moov, or Airalo. (I’ll get back to Airalo later on, so keep reading to learn more!)

How To Buy A SIM Card In Benin

You can either buy a Benin prepaid SIM card in person in some international airports, mobile provider stores, convenience stores, or online.

Usually, you can expect higher costs and low data offers at the airport, so we don’t recommend buying a SIM card at the airport.

That said, you won’t necessarily find SIM card shops in every airport, so it’s essential to keep this in mind. And, when you see a shop, you might also have limited options.

For this reason, I’d recommend buying a SIM card directly from the mobile provider store. Note that you may need your passport to buy one.

Although, this means you won’t get data right upon your arrival. So, if you prefer to be connected at all times, you could use an eSIM or purchase an African prepaid SIM card online.

Now, let’s take a look at the data plans offered by MTN and Moov.

MTN SIM Cards

MTN has two different prepaid data-focused plans available:

• 80 GB, valid for 30 days for XOF 2500 ($4.13)
• 175 GB, valid for 30 days for XOF 5000 ($8.26)

Moov SIM Cards

Moov has three different prepaid plans available:

• 2 GB, valid for 15 days for XOF 2000 ($3.30)
• 4 GB, valid for 20 days for XOF 4000 ($6.61)
• 6 GB, valid for 30 days for XOF 6000 ($9.91)

Overall, we think MTN is the best option if you plan to buy your SIM card in person.

That said, any would do if you can’t find their store!

How To Buy A Benin Prepaid SIM Card Online

If you wish to have your SIM card ready for your arrival, you could purchase it online or on websites like Amazon.

You’ll find different plans on Amazon. For example, the OneSimCard works in more than 200+ countries and gives you data for $0.01 per MB. Benin is included.

But there are many other options worth considering, so have a look and make sure the countries you plan on visiting are listed.

Browse your options on Amazon

Finally, the last option is to buy an eSIM card for Benin or, if you’re traveling to multiple countries, an eSIM plan for Africa.

How To Buy An eSIM Card For Benin

eSIM is a new concept allowing you to have a virtual SIM card inside your phone.

If your mobile phone supports eSIM cards – it’s definitely one of the best options to get data in Benin.

Curious? Learn more about eSIMs for travelers on eSIM Roamers.

I started using eSIM as soon as my mobile phone supported it. To buy eSIMs, I usually use Airalo, a reliable eSIM provider.

Keep reading to learn more about the best eSIMs for Benin.

Airalo Benin

If you want to buy an eSIM for Benin, you could purchase one on Airalo.

This website offers many eSIM cards worldwide and special plans for Africa and Benin.

I’ve been using Airalo for several months, and it works fine. Learn more by reading our Airalo review.

Here are the options available:

• Cotton Mobile: 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $9.50

Go to Airalo

Final Thoughts On SIM Cards In Benin

As you can see, getting a prepaid SIM card in Benin or even an eSIM for your travels in Benin is pretty straightforward.

You’ll even be able to stay connected wherever you go in Africa without changing your SIM card, especially if you purchase an Africa or global plan.

The eSIM card is the most convenient way to get data in Benin if you wish to have Internet upon arrival.

This way, you won’t need to go to a store to buy a SIM card.

Obviously, you need to make sure your mobile phone supports eSIM first.

Traveling to Africa soon? Read one of the following blog posts:

• Mozambique SIM cards
• Ethiopia SIM cards
• Kenya SIM cards