How to Call Burkina Faso
Complete guide to dialing Burkina Faso (country code +226)
Looking to connect with friends, family, or business contacts in West Africa? Learning how to call Burkina Faso doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're planning your first international call or need a quick refresher, this comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about calling Burkina Faso successfully. We'll cover step-by-step dialing instructions, including country codes and area codes, help you avoid common mistakes that could disconnect your call, and share essential phone etiquette tips to ensure smooth conversations. You'll also discover useful emergency numbers and important contacts to keep handy. By the end of this guide, you'll feel confident making calls to Burkina Faso from anywhere in the world, ensuring you stay connected with ease.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
International Dialing Format for Burkina Faso
Calling Burkina Faso requires understanding the proper international dialing sequence. Burkina Faso's country code is +226, and all phone numbers consist of 8 digits following this code.
Basic Dialing Structure
The standard format is: Exit Code + 226 + 8-Digit Local Number
Important Note: Burkina Faso phone numbers do not use a leading zero, so you simply dial the country code followed by the complete 8-digit number.
How to Dial from Different Countries
From the USA or Canada:
- Dial 011 (North American exit code)
- Dial 226 (Burkina Faso country code)
- Dial the 8-digit local number
From the UK:
- Dial 00 (UK exit code)
- Dial 226 (country code)
- Dial the 8-digit local number
From Other Countries:
Replace the exit code with your country's international access code (commonly 00), then follow with 226 and the local number.
Specific Dialing Examples
Example 1 - Calling a Ouagadougou Landline from USA:
To call +226 25 30 45 67: dial 011-226-25-30-45-67
Example 2 - Calling a Mobile Number from UK:
To call +226 70 12 34 56: dial 00-226-70-12-34-56
Example 3 - Calling Another Mobile from Australia:
To call +226 60 98 76 54: dial 0011-226-60-98-76-54
(Australia's exit code is 0011)
Example 4 - Using the Plus (+) Symbol:
Most smartphones allow direct dialing: +226-XX-XX-XX-XX
The plus symbol automatically substitutes your country's exit code.
Quick Tips
- Mobile numbers in Burkina Faso typically start with 5, 6, or 7
- Landline numbers usually begin with 2
- Always verify the complete 8-digit number before dialing
- International calling rates apply—check with your provider for costs
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Common Mistakes
When calling Burkina Faso, avoid these common mistakes that can prevent your call from connecting:
Forgetting to drop the local zero: Many people dial the leading "0" from Burkina Faso's local number format. When calling internationally, always remove this zero. For example, if the local number is 07 12 34 56 78, dial +226 71 23 45 67.
Using the wrong exit code: Not all countries use "00" to dial internationally. The US and Canada use "011" instead. Check your country's specific exit code or simply use the "+" symbol, which works universally on mobile phones.
Confusing the country code with an area code: Burkina Faso doesn't use area codes. The +226 is solely the country code, followed directly by the 8-digit local number.
Incorrect spacing or formatting: Adding unnecessary spaces, hyphens, or parentheses can cause dialing errors, especially on automated systems. The standard format is +226 XX XX XX XX.
Not verifying the current number length: Burkina Faso's numbers are 8 digits. If you have an older contact with fewer digits, it's likely outdated and needs updating.
Cultural Etiquette
When making phone calls in Burkina Faso, greetings are essential and should never be rushed. Always begin with "Bonjour" (good morning/afternoon) or the local language equivalent, followed by inquiries about the person's health and family. This greeting ritual applies to both business and personal calls and may last several minutes—skipping it is considered extremely rude.
For business calls, maintain a respectful and formal tone, using titles like "Monsieur" or "Madame." Personal calls can be more relaxed, but politeness remains important. The best times to call are mid-morning (around 10 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM), avoiding early mornings, lunch hours (12-2 PM), and prayer times, especially on Fridays if calling Muslim contacts.
Burkinabè culture values direct conversation over voice messages. If you must leave a voicemail, keep it brief and expect a callback rather than a detailed response. Many people prefer callbacks to save airtime costs, so don't be surprised if someone hangs up quickly and calls you back.
Important cultural considerations include showing patience during conversations—rushing is disrespectful. Network connections may be unreliable, so remain calm if calls drop and simply redial. Always end calls with proper farewells, asking the person to greet their family on your behalf. Building relationships through respectful phone interactions is valued more than quick efficiency in Burkina Faso's communication culture.
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Emergency Numbers
Police: 17
Fire Department: 18
Ambulance (SAMU): 112 or 3535
Burkina Faso's emergency services operate primarily in French, as it is the official language. English-speaking operators are generally not available, so basic French phrases may be helpful in emergencies.
These numbers can be dialed from both landlines and mobile phones. While emergency calls should be free from most networks, service availability may vary depending on your location and mobile provider.
Network coverage can be limited in rural areas, potentially affecting emergency response times. In urban centers like Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso, services are more reliable and operate 24/7.
For medical emergencies, private clinics and hospitals often provide faster response than public services. Keep your embassy's contact information readily available for additional assistance during emergencies.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 12: Directory enquiries for local and national numbers
International Services
- 00: International operator for assistance with overseas calls
- Country code: +226 (when calling Burkina Faso from abroad)
Tourist Information
- Burkina Faso Office of Tourism: +226 25 31 19 59
Embassy Contacts
- U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou: +226 25 49 53 00
- French Embassy: +226 25 30 66 74
- Canadian Embassy (in Accra, Ghana): +233 30 221 1521
Other Useful Numbers
- Air Burkina (national airline): +226 25 30 79 28
- ONATEL (telecommunications): 1010
- Weather information: +226 25 31 54 71
- SOTRACO (public transport): +226 25 31 40 49
Keep these numbers accessible during your stay for general inquiries and non-emergency assistance.
Tips for Calling Burkina Faso
When calling Burkina Faso (UTC+0), timing is crucial for successful communication. The country doesn't observe daylight saving time, making schedule planning straightforward year-round.
Best Times to Call
For business calls, aim for 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM local time, Monday through Friday. Government offices typically close earlier, around 3:30 PM. Avoid calling during lunch hours (12:30-3:00 PM) when many businesses pause operations.
Peak vs Off-Peak
International rates are usually lower during evenings and weekends. However, prioritize connection quality over cost savings for important conversations, as off-peak hours may have reduced network reliability.
Business Call Etiquette
Always schedule business calls in advance via email. This demonstrates professionalism and ensures availability. Confirm appointments one day prior.
Days to Avoid
Respect Islamic holidays (Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha) and national celebrations like Independence Day (August 5). Friday afternoons are reserved for prayers.
Communication Tips
Speak slowly and clearly, as French is the official language but not everyone's first language. Use video calls when possible for better understanding. Have a backup communication method ready, as connectivity can be intermittent in rural areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Burkina Faso is +226. You need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Burkina Faso from anywhere in the world.
To dial Burkina Faso from your cell phone, start with + (or your country's exit code), then dial 226 (Burkina Faso's country code), followed by the 8-digit local phone number. For example: +226-XXXX-XXXX.
Burkina Faso phone numbers don't typically start with a leading zero. Simply dial +226 followed by the 8-digit local number. If you see a zero at the beginning, it's used only for domestic calls within Burkina Faso.
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In Burkina Faso, the main emergency numbers are: Police - 17, Fire Brigade - 18, and Medical Emergency - 112. These numbers can be dialed directly within Burkina Faso without the country code for urgent assistance.
Yes! ZippCall allows you to make calls to Burkina Faso directly from your web browser without downloading any software. Simply log into ZippCall, add credit, and start calling Burkina Faso at affordable rates from any computer with internet access.
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