£1 F CFA 758
Today
4:53 am
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Travel warning
There's a high threat of terrorist attacks, even at places like beach resorts and hotels, and the risk of kidnapping is increased in northern areas, especially near national parks.
Weather in Benin
Benin
32°
Slight rain showers
Wed
28
32
Thu
28
32
Fri
28
32
Sat
27
33
Sun
27
31
SPF level in Benin
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Benin
Tipping in Benin
Tipping is not as common in Benin as it is in some other countries, but it is becoming more appreciated, especially for good service. While not obligatory, a small tip can go a long way.
Restaurant
5-10% for good service
Bar/Café
Small change or rounding up the bill
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is appreciated
Hotel Porter
200-500 XOF per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
200-500 XOF per day, left at the end of your stay
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour price, depending on the length and quality of the tour
Safety in Benin
Tips for British travellers
Benin is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Be alert to theft and pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like hotels, bars, and the Dantokpa Market.
Do not walk on the beach alone at any time due to safety risks.
Do not take photos at or near sensitive sites like military installations or the airport as this is illegal.
Be very cautious when swimming as ocean currents are very strong and many drownings occur each year.
Avoid driving after dark as roads are poorly lit and driving standards are poor.
Bonus tips:
Politely decline any requests for 'gifts' from officials to avoid being implicated in illegal activity.
Arrange travel and accommodation in advance during the annual Voodoo Festival in early January as options are limited.
Driving in Benin
UK driving licenses are accepted for short visits. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
100 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Remember: Benin drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
117
Ambulance
118
Fire
110
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Benin
Voltage
220V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type E
UK adapter needed?
Yes
In Benin, the standard voltage is 220V and the frequency is 50Hz. You will need a plug adapter to use your UK appliances as Benin uses Type C and Type E plugs.
Cards & payments
Credit card acceptance is low, mainly limited to larger hotels, restaurants, and businesses in major cities. Cash is preferred for most transactions.
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +13039671096
ATMs in Benin
Limited, primarily in larger cities such as Porto-Novo and Cotonou.
Local name
Guichet automatique
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are not widely available outside of major cities. It is advisable to carry sufficient cash, especially when traveling to more rural areas. Ensure your card is chip and PIN enabled. It is advisable to inform your bank of your travel plans before departure.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the EU roaming regulations no longer apply to UK mobile users. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Benin. It's often more cost-effective to purchase a local SIM card.
Local SIM data package
5 GB for 5000 XOF (~£6.50)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Local carriers
Moov Africa Benin, MTN Benin, Libercom
WiFi & internet
Limited, primarily available in hotels, restaurants, and cafes in larger cities.
Average speed
8 Mbps
Wi-Fi access is not widespread. Mobile data is a more reliable option for internet access. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for data.
Health & vaccinations in Benin
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, as medical facilities in Benin may be limited. Check that your policy covers all activities you plan to undertake.
Vaccinations required?
Yes
Recommended
Yellow Fever
It is essential to consult your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance of your trip to Benin to discuss necessary vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis. Ensure you are up-to-date with routine vaccinations like measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, polio, and varicella (chickenpox). Drink only bottled or boiled water and avoid ice in drinks. Be cautious about food hygiene, especially from street vendors.
Calling Benin
Country code
+229
To call Benin from the UK, dial 00 229 followed by the local number.
00 229 1234 5678
The country code for Benin is 229. When calling from outside Benin, always include the country code. When calling within Benin, you generally dial the local number directly.
UK Embassy in Benin
British Embassy Cotonou (Non-resident)
The British Embassy in Cotonou is non-resident. For consular assistance, contact the British High Commission in Abuja, Nigeria.
Airport in Benin
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.