How to Call Afghanistan
Complete guide to dialing Afghanistan (country code +93)
Calling Afghanistan from abroad might seem complicated at first, but with the right instructions, you'll be connected in no time. Whether you're reaching out to family, friends, or business contacts, understanding how to call Afghanistan properly ensures your calls go through without issues. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about calling Afghanistan, including step-by-step dialing instructions, country and city codes, and the best times to call. We'll also highlight common mistakes people make when placing international calls and share essential phone etiquette tips to help you communicate respectfully. Plus, you'll find a handy list of useful emergency and service numbers in Afghanistan. Let's make your international calling experience smooth and straightforward.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
International Dialing Format Structure
To call Afghanistan (country code +93), follow this structure:
Exit Code + 93 + Area Code (without leading zero) + Local Number
The exit code varies by country, while Afghanistan's country code (+93) remains constant.
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions
From the USA or Canada:
- Dial 011 (exit code)
- Dial 93 (Afghanistan country code)
- Dial the area code WITHOUT the leading zero
- Dial the local number
From the UK:
- Dial 00 (exit code)
- Dial 93 (Afghanistan country code)
- Dial the area code WITHOUT the leading zero
- Dial the local number
From other countries:
Check your country's international exit code (commonly 00 or 011), then follow the same pattern.
Important: Dropping the Leading Zero
Afghan local numbers begin with a zero when dialing domestically (e.g., 020 1234567). When calling internationally, always remove this leading zero. For example, if the local number is 020 1234567, you would dial only 20 1234567 after the country code.
Specific Dialing Examples
Example 1 - Kabul Landline (Area Code 20):
- From USA: 011-93-20-1234567
- From UK: 00-93-20-1234567
- Local format: 020 1234567 (zero dropped for international calls)
Example 2 - Herat Landline (Area Code 40):
- From USA: 011-93-40-2345678
- From UK: 00-93-40-2345678
- Local format: 040 2345678
Example 3 - Afghan Mobile Number (starts with 7):
- From USA: 011-93-70-1234567
- From UK: 00-93-70-1234567
- Local format: 070 1234567
Example 4 - Kandahar Landline (Area Code 30):
- From USA: 011-93-30-3456789
- From UK: 00-93-30-3456789
Remember to verify current phone numbers as Afghanistan's telecommunications infrastructure continues developing.
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Common Mistakes
When dialing Afghanistan, avoid these common mistakes that can prevent your call from connecting:
1. Forgetting to drop the leading zero
Afghan phone numbers start with 0 domestically, but you must remove this zero when calling internationally. For example, if the local number is 070 123 4567, dial +93 70 123 4567, not +93 070 123 4567.
2. Using the wrong exit code
Different countries have different exit codes (011 for the US/Canada, 00 for most of Europe). Know your country's code or simply use the universal "+" symbol, which works from any mobile phone.
3. Confusing the country code with area codes
The country code +93 must come first, followed by the area code without its leading zero. Don't mix up the order or combine them incorrectly.
4. Incorrectly formatting mobile numbers
Afghan mobile numbers have specific prefixes (70, 72, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79). Ensure you're including the complete number after removing the leading zero.
5. Not accounting for time zones
Afghanistan uses UTC+4:30, an unusual half-hour timezone. Check the local time before calling to avoid disturbing recipients during odd hours.
Cultural Etiquette
When making phone calls in Afghanistan, cultural awareness and respect are essential. Afghans value personal connections, so beginning conversations with warm greetings is important. Always start with "Salaam" or "Salaam Alaikum" (peace be upon you) before discussing your purpose. Inquiring about the person's health and family shows respect and is expected, even in business contexts.
For business calls, maintain a formal and polite tone, especially when speaking with elders or authorities. Use titles and surnames unless invited to do otherwise. Personal calls can be more relaxed with friends and family, but politeness remains valued throughout Afghan culture.
Timing matters significantly. Avoid calling during prayer times, which occur five times daily, particularly Friday midday prayers. Early mornings and late evenings are generally inappropriate unless previously arranged. Mid-morning and mid-afternoon are typically safe times for business calls.
Regarding voice messages, Afghans often prefer direct conversation over voicemail. If you must leave a message, keep it brief and clearly state your name, relationship, and reason for calling. Many people will return missed calls rather than listening to lengthy messages.
Gender considerations are important. Men should be cautious when calling unrelated women, as this may be considered inappropriate in conservative families. When possible, communicate through appropriate family members.
Phone conversations may be longer than Western standards, as relationship-building takes precedence over efficiency. Rushing through calls can seem disrespectful.
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Emergency Numbers
Emergency Numbers for Afghanistan:
- Police: 119
- Ambulance: 102
- Fire Department: 119
- Traffic Police: 122
Important Context:
These emergency numbers are theoretically operational throughout Afghanistan, though service reliability varies significantly by location. Urban areas like Kabul generally have better response capabilities than rural regions. English-speaking operators are rarely available; Dari and Pashto are the primary languages used.
Calls to emergency services should be free from landlines and mobile phones, though network coverage can be inconsistent, particularly outside major cities. The emergency response infrastructure remains limited, and response times may be lengthy. Many residents rely on local community networks and private services for urgent assistance. It's advisable to have backup contact information for local hospitals and security services when traveling in Afghanistan.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 118: Directory assistance for local phone numbers and business inquiries
International Services
- 00: International operator for placing calls abroad and assistance with international dialing
Tourist Information
- Afghanistan Tourism Organization: +93 (0)20 210 0348 for travel guidance and tourism inquiries
Embassy Contacts
- U.S. Embassy (relocated): Monitor State Department website for current contact information
- Contact your home country's embassy before traveling for updated emergency contact numbers
Utility Services
- Afghan Telecom Customer Service: 100 for telecommunications support
- Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS): 119 for electricity company inquiries
Additional Resources
- Ministry of Public Health Information: +93 (0)20 230 1393
- Kabul International Airport: +93 (0)20 220 3400
*Note: Verify all numbers before traveling, as services may change.*
Tips for Calling Afghanistan
When calling Afghanistan (UTC+4:30), timing is crucial for successful communication. The country operates on a unique half-hour offset with no daylight saving time adjustments.
Optimal calling times: Aim for late morning to early afternoon Afghan time (9 AM-2 PM) to reach people during productive hours. If calling from the US East Coast, this translates to midnight-5 AM; West Coast callers should dial between 9 PM-2 AM.
Business considerations: Standard business hours run Saturday through Thursday, 8 AM-4 PM, with Friday being the weekly holiday. Always schedule business calls in advance, as impromptu calls may seem unprofessional. Avoid calling during Ramadan's fasting hours (dawn to sunset) and major Islamic holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
Communication tips: Speak slowly and clearly, as connection quality can vary. Use simple language if your contact's first language isn't English. Have backup calling methods ready (WhatsApp, Skype) since traditional lines may be unreliable. Be patient with potential delays or disruptions. Consider cultural norms—begin with polite greetings and small talk before diving into business matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Afghanistan is +93. When calling Afghanistan from abroad, you must dial +93 before the local phone number. This international dialing code is essential for all calls to Afghanistan from any country worldwide.
When calling Afghanistan from your cell phone, dial + (or 011 in the US), then 93, followed by the area code and local number. For example: +93-20-XXXX-XXXX. Most smartphones allow you to press and hold 0 to insert the + symbol.
Yes, you must drop the leading zero from the area code when calling Afghanistan internationally. If the local number starts with 020, dial +93-20 instead. The zero is only used for domestic calls within Afghanistan.
The cheapest way to call Afghanistan is using VoIP services like WhatsApp, Skype, or Viber over WiFi. International calling cards and apps like ZippCall also offer affordable rates for calling Afghanistan, typically much cheaper than traditional phone carriers.
In Afghanistan, dial 119 for police, 102 for ambulance, and 119 for fire services. When calling Afghanistan emergency services from abroad, dial +93 first, though it's best to contact local authorities or embassies for international emergency assistance.
Afghanistan operates on Afghanistan Time (AFT), UTC+4:30. When calling Afghanistan, consider this unique time zone—it's 30 minutes offset from standard zones. Check the time difference from your location to call during appropriate business or personal hours.
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