Buying a SIM Card and Getting Internet in Cotonou: MTN and Moov (2026)
Getting online fast and having a local phone number matters from the moment you land in Cotonou — you'll need it to book a ride-hailing car, navigate by GPS, pay with Mobile Money, and stay in touch with people back home. Benin's telecom market is dominated by two major carriers: MTN Benin and Moov Africa Benin.
Quick summary: buying a SIM card in Cotonou (2026)
- Main carriers: MTN Benin (market leader) and Moov Africa Benin.
- Required ID for registration: a valid passport (for foreign visitors) or a Beninese biometric ID card / ANIP certificate with an NPI number (for residents).
- SIM card price: 500 to 1,000 FCFA (roughly $0.80–$1.60) at an official carrier store, with immediate activation after your photo and fingerprints are taken.
- 4G/5G data plans: around 1,000 FCFA (
$1.60) for 1.5–2 GB (weekly plan) up to 5,000 FCFA ($8) for 7–10 GB (monthly plan).
Here's the step-by-step guide to buying, registering, and topping up a SIM card in Cotonou.
1. The two major telecom carriers in Benin
MTN Benin (the yellow network)
A subsidiary of the South African telecom giant, MTN Benin is the country's largest carrier by both subscriber numbers and network coverage. It's the carrier to pick if you want the best 4G/5G reach across every neighborhood in Cotonou, as well as out in the regions (Ouidah, Porto-Novo, Parakou).
- Linked mobile money service: MTN MoMo (dial
*321#).
Moov Africa Benin (the blue network)
A subsidiary of the Maroc Telecom group, Moov Africa Benin runs very competitive pricing on data and on international calls to West Africa and France.
- Linked mobile money service: Moov Money (dial
*155#).
2. Where to buy and register a SIM card in Cotonou
Under regulations set by ARCEP-Bénin (the national telecoms regulator), every SIM card must be registered with an official ID document and the owner's biometric data — no exceptions.
1. At Cotonou International Airport
As soon as you step out of baggage claim at Cadjehoun airport, official MTN and Moov Africa counters let you buy and register a SIM card in about 10 minutes.
2. At the main retail stores around town
If you didn't pick one up at the airport, head to one of the official carrier stores around Cotonou:
- MTN stores: Haie Vive (Avenue du Canada), Ganhi (headquarters near the port), Cadjèhoun, and Fidjrossè.
- Moov Africa stores: Ganhi (Avenue Clozel), Haie Vive, and Akpakpa.
3. Documents needed for registration
Don't be tempted to buy a pre-activated SIM from a street vendor — unregistered chips get blocked by the carriers within 24 to 48 hours, no matter what you were told when you bought it.
For travelers and foreign visitors:
- Your original, valid passport (with the entry stamp or Beninese e-Visa).
For residents and Beninese nationals:
- The Certificat d'Identification Personnelle (CIP) or the biometric ID card issued by ANIP, showing your Personal Identification Number (NPI).
The agent at the store will take a digital photo of your face and scan your ID to validate instant activation of the line.
4. Data plan pricing (2026)
Once your SIM is active, you can subscribe to data plans through the carriers' USSD menus or their dedicated apps (MyMTN Benin / My Moov Benin).
Data plan reference table (MTN & Moov)
| Validity period | Data included | Approx. price (FCFA) | MTN USSD code | Moov USSD code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day pass (24h) | 500 MB – 1 GB | 300–500 FCFA (~$0.50–$0.80) | *130# | *115# |
| Weekly pass (7 days) | 2–3.5 GB | 1,000–1,500 FCFA (~$1.60–$2.40) | *130# | *115# |
| Monthly pass (30 days) | 7–10 GB | 5,000 FCFA (~$8) | *130# | *115# |
| Monthly XL pass (30 days) | 20–30 GB | 10,000–12,500 FCFA (~$16–$20) | *130# | *115# |
5. Activating your Mobile Money wallet (MoMo / Moov Money)
While you're registering your SIM in-store, ask the agent to activate your Mobile Money account right then and there.
- What it's for: paying for ride-hailing trips (GoZem), settling your water bill (SONEB) and electricity bill (SBEE), paying at restaurants, and sending money to other numbers within Benin.
- Adding cash to your account: you can deposit cash into your Mobile Money account at any yellow MTN or blue Moov kiosk — and there's one on practically every street corner in Cotonou.
FAQ: SIM cards and internet in Cotonou
Will my foreign SIM card (from France, Europe, the US) work in Cotonou?
Yes, international roaming works in Benin with the major global carriers. That said, data roaming rates are brutally expensive — often €10 to €15 per megabyte. Buying a local SIM as soon as you arrive is by far the cheaper route.
Is there 5G in Cotonou?
Yes. MTN and Moov have rolled out 5G in Cotonou's central and business districts (Haie Vive, Cadjèhoun, Ganhi, and the airport area). 4G+ covers the entire metro area.
How many SIM cards can I register in my name?
Under Beninese regulations, an individual may register a maximum of 3 SIM cards per carrier.