How to Call East Timor
Complete guide to dialing East Timor (country code +670)
Making an international call can feel confusing, especially when you're unfamiliar with the process. If you're wondering how to call East Timor from abroad, you've come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about calling East Timor, whether you're contacting family, friends, or business associates. We'll cover the complete dialing instructions step-by-step, highlight common mistakes people make when placing calls, and share important phone etiquette tips to ensure smooth communication. You'll also find a helpful list of essential East Timorese numbers for emergencies and services. By the end of this guide, you'll feel confident making calls to this beautiful Southeast Asian nation without any hassle or confusion.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
International Dialing Format for East Timor
To call East Timor (Timor-Leste) from anywhere in the world, you need to understand the basic international dialing structure: Exit Code + 670 + Local Number.
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions
1. From the United States:
Dial 011 (US exit code) + 670 (East Timor country code) + local number
2. From the United Kingdom:
Dial 00 (UK exit code) + 670 + local number
3. From Other Countries:
Use your country's international exit code (commonly 00) + 670 + local number
Important Note About Leading Zeros
East Timor phone numbers do not typically use leading zeros in their local format. Local numbers are generally 7-8 digits long, so you'll dial them directly after the country code.
Specific Dialing Examples
Example 1 - Dili Landline from USA:
To call +670 331 2345: dial 011-670-331-2345
Example 2 - Mobile Number from UK:
To call +670 7723 4567: dial 00-670-7723-4567
Example 3 - Landline from Australia:
To call +670 332 1234: dial 0011-670-332-1234 (0011 is Australia's exit code)
Example 4 - Mobile Number from Anywhere:
For +670 7812 3456, use your exit code + 670-7812-3456
Quick Reference Format
- Mobile numbers in East Timor typically start with 7
- Landline numbers often begin with 3
- Always include the complete local number after 670
- No zeros need to be dropped from local numbers
Pro Tips
When saving East Timor contacts internationally, use the full format: +670 XXXX XXXX. The plus sign (+) automatically substitutes your country's exit code when dialing from mobile phones, making international calling seamless across different locations.
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Common Mistakes
When calling East Timor, avoid these common mistakes that can prevent your call from connecting:
Forgetting to drop the leading zero - East Timorese local numbers often start with zero (like 7712-3456), but you must remove this zero when dialing internationally. The correct format is: +670 7712 3456, not +670 07712 3456.
Using the wrong exit code - Many callers forget their own country's exit code. From the US/Canada use 011, from the UK use 00, from Australia use 0011. For example: 011-670-7712-3456 from America, not just 670-7712-3456.
Confusing country code with area codes - East Timor doesn't use area codes. The +670 is solely the country code, and all local numbers follow directly after it without additional regional prefixes.
Incorrect spacing or formatting - Adding random spaces or dashes can confuse some phone systems. Use consistent formatting: +670 7712 3456 or +670-7712-3456, avoiding irregular patterns like +670-77-123-456.
Not accounting for time differences - East Timor is GMT+9. Calling at your convenient time might mean reaching someone at 3 AM, leading to unanswered calls.
Cultural Etiquette
When making phone calls in East Timor, understanding local customs helps build respectful relationships. Timorese culture values politeness and personal connections, which extends to phone conversations.
Start calls with a warm greeting such as "Bondia" (good morning) or "Botarde" (good afternoon) in Tetum, the local language, though Portuguese and Indonesian greetings are also understood. Always inquire about the person's well-being before discussing business matters, as rushing straight to the point can seem rude.
For business calls, maintain a respectful tone but expect conversations to be less formal than in many Western countries. Personal relationships often blend with professional ones, so building rapport is essential. However, address elders and authority figures with appropriate titles and deference.
The best times to call are between 9 AM and 5 PM on weekdays, avoiding early mornings, late evenings, and meal times around noon and 7 PM. Sunday mornings are generally reserved for church and family.
Keep calls relatively brief unless the other person encourages longer conversation. Phone credit can be expensive for many Timorese, so being mindful of call length shows consideration.
Voice messages are acceptable but less common in rural areas where older phones are still used. If calling a mobile phone that goes unanswered, a brief text message may be more practical than leaving voicemail.
Family and community connections matter deeply, so mentioning mutual acquaintances naturally strengthens communication.
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Emergency Numbers
Emergency Numbers for East Timor:
- Police: 112
- Ambulance: 110 or 112
- Fire Department: 115 or 112
Important Information:
East Timor's emergency services can be reached from both landlines and mobile phones free of charge. The universal emergency number 112 connects to all services and is available 24/7. However, be aware that emergency response infrastructure remains limited, particularly outside the capital, Dili.
Language Considerations:
Operators primarily speak Tetum and Portuguese. English-speaking operators may not always be available, so having a local contact or hotel staff assist with emergency calls is advisable.
Alternative Contact:
For serious medical emergencies, contact your embassy directly, as they can facilitate faster response and coordinate appropriate care. Keep these numbers saved in your phone before traveling.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- Directory Assistance: 102 - For local phone number inquiries and business listings
International Services
- International Operator: 100 - Assistance with overseas calls and international directory information
Tourism & Visitor Support
- Tourism Hotline: +670 3331 2912 - General tourist information, attractions, and travel guidance
- Ministry of Tourism: +670 3339 4500 - Official tourism inquiries and assistance
Embassy Contacts
- Australian Embassy: +670 3332 2111
- Indonesian Embassy: +670 3332 1825
- Portuguese Embassy: +670 3332 3580
- US Embassy: +670 3313 2500
Utility Services
- Timor Telecom Customer Service: 103 - Phone service inquiries and technical support
- Electricity Authority (EDTL): +670 3321 2444
Additional Services
- Immigration Department: +670 3331 2020 - Visa and residency matters
Tips for Calling East Timor
When calling East Timor, keep in mind the country operates on UTC+9, putting it ahead of most Western nations. For callers from the US East Coast (UTC-5), this means a 14-hour difference—9 AM in New York equals 11 PM in Dili.
Schedule business calls during East Timor's standard working hours: 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday. Aim for early morning their time (8-10 AM) to catch counterparts before afternoon commitments. This typically means evening calls if you're in the Americas or early morning from Europe.
Always schedule business calls in advance—showing up unannounced, even virtually, is considered unprofessional. Avoid calling during major holidays including Independence Day (May 20), Catholic observances like Good Friday and Christmas, and Islamic holidays observed by the Muslim minority.
For optimal call quality, use internet-based services like WhatsApp or Skype, as traditional phone lines can be unreliable. Speak clearly and slightly slower than usual, as many East Timorese conduct business in Portuguese or Tetum with English as a second or third language. Confirm important details via follow-up email to prevent miscommunication.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for East Timor (also known as Timor-Leste) is +670. You need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to East Timor from anywhere in the world.
To dial East Timor from your cell phone, start by dialing + (or your country's international access code), then 670 (East Timor's country code), followed by the local phone number. For example: +670-XXXX-XXXX.
East Timor's phone numbers typically don't have a leading zero in their local format. Simply dial +670 followed by the complete local number as given to you, usually 7-8 digits for mobile and landline numbers.
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In East Timor, the emergency numbers are: 112 for general emergencies, 115 for police, 110 for ambulance, and 118 for fire services. These numbers can be dialed free of charge from any phone within East Timor.
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