How to Call Angola
Complete guide to dialing Angola (country code +244)
Planning to make a phone call to Angola but not sure where to start? You've come to the right place. Whether you're calling Angola for business, staying in touch with family, or connecting with friends, understanding the proper dialing process is essential. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to call Angola successfully. We'll cover step-by-step dialing instructions, highlight common mistakes to avoid when calling Angola, share important phone etiquette tips to help you make a great impression, and provide a list of useful numbers you might need. By the end of this guide, you'll be confidently making international calls to Angola without any hassle or confusion.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
Complete Guide to Dialing Angola (+244)
International Dialing Format Structure
To call Angola from abroad, use this format:
Exit Code + 244 + Local Number (without leading zero)
The exit code varies by country, while +244 is Angola's country code that remains constant for all international calls.
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions
From the United States
Exit code: 011
- Calling an Angolan mobile number (9XX XXX XXX):
Dial 011-244-923-456-789
- Calling a Luanda landline (2XX XXX XXX):
Dial 011-244-222-345-678
From the United Kingdom
Exit code: 00
- Calling an Angolan mobile number:
Dial 00-244-923-456-789
- Calling a Luanda landline:
Dial 00-244-222-345-678
From Other Countries
Most countries use 00 as their exit code. Alternatively, use the + symbol (available on mobile phones by holding the 0 key), which automatically replaces any exit code.
Example: +244-923-456-789 works from any country.
Understanding Angola's Number Format
Important: Drop the leading zero from Angolan local numbers when dialing internationally.
- Local format: 0923 456 789 (mobile) or 0222 345 678 (landline)
- International format: 244-923-456-789 or 244-222-345-678
Angola Number Types
Mobile numbers begin with 9 (usually 9XX XXX XXX)
Luanda landlines begin with 2 (usually 2XX XXX XXX)
Other landlines vary by province
Quick Reference Examples
- From USA: 011-244-9XX-XXX-XXX
- From UK/Europe: 00-244-9XX-XXX-XXX
- From mobile (worldwide): +244-9XX-XXX-XXX
Remember to check with your phone provider about international calling rates before dialing Angola to avoid unexpected charges.
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Common Mistakes
When calling Angola, avoid these common errors that can prevent your call from connecting:
Forgetting to drop the leading zero: Angolan phone numbers often appear with a leading zero domestically (like 0923 456 789), but you must remove it when calling internationally. Dial +244 923 456 789, not +244 0923 456 789.
Using the wrong exit code: Many people dial "011" (the US/Canada exit code) by default, forgetting that other countries use different codes. Europe uses "00," while some Asian countries use other prefixes. Using "+" instead works universally on mobile phones and bypasses this issue entirely.
Confusing the country code with area codes: Angola's country code is +244, but there are no separate area codes. The digits following +244 indicate the mobile network or region directly. Don't add extra numbers thinking you need an area code.
Incorrectly formatting the number: Adding spaces or hyphens inconsistently can cause confusion. Angolan mobile numbers are typically 9 digits after the country code. Format consistently: +244 XXX XXX XXX.
Not verifying number length: Ensure you have exactly 9 digits after +244 for mobile numbers to avoid misdialing.
Cultural Etiquette
Phone Etiquette and Calling Customs in Angola
When making phone calls in Angola, understanding local customs shows respect and helps build stronger relationships.
Greetings Matter
Always begin calls with a polite greeting. "Bom dia" (good morning), "Boa tarde" (good afternoon), or "Boa noite" (good evening) are essential. Take time to ask "Como está?" (How are you?) before diving into your purpose. Rushing immediately to business is considered impolite.
Formality Levels
Business calls require formal language, especially when speaking with elders or authority figures. Use titles like "Senhor" (Mr.) or "Senhora" (Mrs.) until invited to be more casual. Personal calls with friends allow relaxed conversation, though initial respect remains important.
Timing Considerations
Avoid calling during lunch hours (12:00-14:00) when many people rest. Early mornings before 8:00 AM and late evenings after 9:00 PM are generally inappropriate unless previously arranged. Business calls work best between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM on weekdays.
Voice Messages
If someone doesn't answer, leaving a clear, brief voice message is appreciated. State your name, reason for calling, and contact information slowly and clearly.
Cultural Considerations
Portuguese is the official language, though many Angolans speak indigenous languages at home. Speaking slowly and clearly helps ensure understanding. Patience is valued—conversations may take longer than in some Western cultures. Building rapport matters more than efficiency, so don't rush conversations or show frustration with longer exchanges.
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Emergency Numbers
Police: 113
Ambulance: 112
Fire Department: 115
General Emergency (SOS): 111
Angola's emergency services primarily operate in Portuguese, with limited English-speaking operators available. These numbers function from both landlines and mobile phones throughout the country, though network coverage can be unreliable in rural areas. Calls to emergency services are free of charge.
Response times vary significantly between urban centers like Luanda and remote regions. In major cities, services operate 24/7, but availability may be limited in provincial areas. Due to infrastructure challenges, many expatriates and residents also keep contact information for private medical services and security companies. When calling, try to provide your location clearly, including landmarks, as street addressing systems can be inconsistent. Consider having a Portuguese speaker assist with emergency calls when possible.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 118: National directory assistance for finding local phone numbers and addresses
International Services
- 101: International operator for assistance with overseas calls and country codes
Tourist Information
- Ministry of Tourism: +244 222 310 174 for travel inquiries and visitor information
Embassy Contacts
- US Embassy Luanda: +244 222 641 000
- UK Embassy Luanda: +244 222 334 582
- Portuguese Embassy: +244 222 334 527
Other Useful Services
- TAAG Airlines (National Carrier): +244 222 353 180 for flight information
- Luanda Airport Information: +244 222 351 655
- Immigration Services: +244 222 323 025 for visa and documentation queries
Keep these numbers accessible during your stay for convenient communication and assistance throughout Angola.
Tips for Calling Angola
When calling Angola, factor in the UTC+1 time zone. If you're calling from New York (UTC-5), Angola is 6 hours ahead; from London (UTC+0), it's 1 hour ahead. Schedule calls during mid-morning or early afternoon your time to catch Angolan business hours.
Standard business hours in Angola run Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM, with a midday break. Avoid calling during lunch hours for better responsiveness. Friday afternoons can be less productive as the workweek winds down.
For business calls, always schedule in advance via email. This shows professionalism and ensures availability. Peak calling times (9-11 AM Angolan time) may have higher rates, so consider off-peak hours if cost is a concern.
Major holidays to avoid include New Year's Day, Liberation Day (February 4), Peace Day (April 4), Independence Day (November 11), and Christmas. Also be mindful of religious observances.
For clearer communication, speak slowly—Portuguese is the official language, and many conduct business in it. Confirm important details via email afterward. Mobile networks can be unreliable in remote areas, so landlines are preferable for important business discussions.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Angola is +244. You need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Angola from anywhere in the world. It identifies Angola within the global telephone numbering system.
To dial Angola from your cell phone, start with + (or 011 in the US), then dial 244 (Angola's country code), followed by the local phone number. For example: +244-XXX-XXX-XXX. Make sure to remove any leading zero from the local number.
Yes, you should drop the leading zero from the local Angolan phone number when calling internationally. If the local number starts with 0, remove it and dial the country code +244 followed by the remaining digits of the phone number.
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In Angola, the main emergency numbers are: 113 for police assistance, 112 for fire services, and 116 for medical emergencies/ambulance. These numbers can be dialed free of charge from any phone within Angola for urgent assistance.
Yes, you can call Angola directly from your web browser using ZippCall. Simply visit the ZippCall website, enter the Angolan phone number you wish to call, and connect instantly without downloading any software or apps. It's convenient and easy.
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