IDD is available. Country code: 229. There is an additional charge for calls made from a coin box.

Some roaming agreements exist. Coverage is limited. Handsets can be hired locally. Further information can be obtained from the Office des Postes et Télécommunications du Bénin (website: www.opt.bj).

Public access is available in Cotonou.

The constitution guarantees media freedom although harsh libel laws have been used against journalists. Benin has more than 50 newspapers and periodicals, one state TV channel, a handful of commercial TV channels and more than 30 state, commercial and local radio stations. In 2003, the authorities paved the way for a further expansion of the private media scene, allocating frequencies for five private TV stations and 10 commercial radio stations. The BBC World Service and Radio France Internationale are available on FM in Cotonou.
Press: La Nation is the daily official newspaper. Other private dailies include Le Matinal, Fraternité, Le Républicain, L'Aurore and L'Evènement du Jour.
Television: Télévision Nationale is state-run; Golfe TV and LC2 are commercial channels.
Radio: Radio Benin is a national, state-run station; Golfe FM is a commercial station; Radio Immaculée Conception is a catholic radio station.

Airmail takes three to five days to reach Europe. Surface mail letters or parcels take from six to eight weeks. Post office hours: Mon-Sat 0800-1400.