How to Call Egypt
Complete guide to dialing Egypt (country code +20)
Planning to connect with friends, family, or business contacts in Egypt? Learning how to call Egypt doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're making your first international call or need a quick refresher, understanding the proper dialing process will save you time and frustration. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about calling Egypt from anywhere in the world. We'll cover step-by-step dialing instructions, highlight common mistakes to avoid, share essential phone etiquette tips for communicating with Egyptian contacts, and provide useful numbers you might need during your call. By the end of this guide, you'll feel confident placing calls to Egypt, whether for personal or professional purposes. Let's get started on making your international calling experience smooth and hassle-free.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
Understanding Egypt's International Dialing Format
To call Egypt from abroad, you need to understand the basic dialing structure: Exit Code + Country Code (20) + Area Code (without leading 0) + Local Number.
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions
1. Identify the Required Codes
- Egypt's country code: +20 (or 0020)
- Exit codes vary by country: USA/Canada use 011, UK uses 00, most others use 00
2. Remove the Leading Zero
When dialing Egypt internationally, always drop the leading "0" from Egyptian phone numbers. For example, if a Cairo landline shows as 02-XXXX-XXXX locally, you'll dial it as +20-2-XXXX-XXXX internationally.
Dialing Examples from Different Countries
From the USA to an Egyptian Mobile Number:
Egyptian mobile: 010 1234 5678
Dial: 011-20-10-1234-5678
From the UK to a Cairo Landline:
Cairo number: 02 1234 5678
Dial: 00-20-2-1234-5678
From Other Countries to Alexandria:
Alexandria number: 03 987 6543
Dial: 00-20-3-987-6543 (or replace 00 with your country's exit code)
Mobile vs. Landline Examples
Egyptian Mobile Numbers (start with 10, 11, 12, or 15):
- Local format: 011 2345 6789
- International format: +20-11-2345-6789
Cairo Landline (area code 2):
- Local format: 02 3456 7890
- International format: +20-2-3456-7890
Alexandria Landline (area code 3):
- Local format: 03 4567 8901
- International format: +20-3-4567-8901
Quick Tips
- Most smartphones allow you to use + instead of exit codes (press and hold "0")
- Save international numbers with the + format: +20-XX-XXXX-XXXX
- Egyptian mobile numbers typically have 10 digits after the country code
- Landline area codes are 1-2 digits (Cairo is 2, Alexandria is 3)
Always verify current rates with your phone provider before making international calls to Egypt.
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Common Mistakes
When calling Egypt, avoid these common mistakes that can prevent your call from connecting:
1. Forgetting to Drop the Leading Zero
Egyptian phone numbers begin with 0 domestically, but you must remove this zero when dialing internationally. For example, if the local number is 012 3456 7890, dial +20 12 3456 7890, not +20 012 3456 7890.
2. Using the Wrong Exit Code
Many callers dial their country's exit code incorrectly. Instead of using "+" or your country's specific exit code (011 for US/Canada, 00 for most European countries), some mistakenly dial both or neither.
3. Confusing Country Code with Area Code
The country code +20 is not an area code. You must dial +20 followed by the Egyptian area code (like 2 for Cairo or 3 for Alexandria) and then the local number.
4. Including Unnecessary Spaces or Dashes
While formatting helps readability, some phone systems reject calls with spaces or dashes. If your call fails, try entering the number as continuous digits: +201234567890.
5. Dialing Old 7-Digit Numbers
Egypt upgraded to 8-digit mobile numbers. Verify you have current contact information before dialing.
Cultural Etiquette
When making phone calls in Egypt, understanding local customs helps build better relationships and shows cultural respect.
Greetings Matter
Always begin calls with "As-salamu alaykum" (peace be upon you) or "Sabah el-kheir" (good morning). Egyptians appreciate warm greetings before diving into business. Take time for brief pleasantries, asking about health and family, even in professional contexts.
Formality Levels
Business calls should start formally, using titles like "Doctor" or "Mr./Mrs." until invited to use first names. Personal calls can be more casual, though showing respect to elders remains important. Egyptians often shift to friendly tones quickly once rapport develops.
Timing Considerations
Avoid calling during prayer times (five times daily) or late evenings after 9 PM unless it's urgent or you're close friends. During Ramadan, don't call during fasting hours. Mid-morning and late afternoon work best for business calls.
Voice Messages
Egyptians commonly leave detailed voice messages rather than just asking for callbacks. It's polite to return missed calls promptly, as it shows you value the relationship.
Cultural Nuances
Expect longer conversations than Western standards—rushing feels rude. Egyptians value personal connection, so brief, transactional calls may seem cold. Speaking clearly and slightly louder than normal is common and doesn't indicate anger. If someone says "inshallah" (God willing) about future plans, understand it expresses hope but isn't always a firm commitment.
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Emergency Numbers
Essential Emergency Numbers:
- Police: 122
- Ambulance: 123
- Fire Department: 180
- Tourist Police: 126 (specifically for tourists, English-speaking operators available)
- Traffic Police: 128
- Gas Emergency: 129
All emergency numbers are accessible 24/7 from both landlines and mobile phones throughout Egypt. Calls to these numbers are free of charge. However, English-speaking operators may not always be immediately available on standard emergency lines (except Tourist Police). It's advisable to have a local Egyptian contact or hotel staff assist with calls if you don't speak Arabic. The Tourist Police (126) is particularly useful for foreign visitors, offering multilingual support and assistance with tourism-related emergencies, theft, or disputes.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 140: Local directory assistance for finding phone numbers within Egypt
- 144: International directory assistance and operator services
Tourist Services
- 126: Tourist police hotline for travel-related concerns and assistance in multiple languages
- +20-2-2390-3000: Ministry of Tourism information line
Embassy Contacts
Contact your embassy directly for consular services. Major embassies are located in Cairo's Zamalek and Garden City districts. Keep your embassy's 24-hour emergency number saved in your phone.
Utility Services
- 121: Telephone company complaints and technical support
- 125: Electricity company service line
- 129: Water company inquiries
Transport
- Cairo Airport: +20-2-2265-5000
- Ramses Railway Station: 2575
Save these numbers before traveling, as internet access may be limited in some areas.
Tips for Calling Egypt
When calling Egypt, remember the country operates on Eastern European Time (UTC+2), with no daylight saving time adjustments since 2015. For international callers, this makes timing more predictable year-round.
The best times to call are between 9 AM and 5 PM Cairo time, Tuesday through Thursday, when businesses are fully staffed and responsive. Avoid calling on Fridays, Egypt's primary day of rest, and Saturdays when many offices operate reduced hours or close entirely. Sunday through Thursday constitute the standard workweek.
For business calls, always schedule appointments in advance—Egyptians value respect for their time and prefer planned conversations over cold calls. Be mindful of Ramadan, when business hours shift significantly, typically running 10 AM to 3 PM, with reduced productivity before sunset.
Off-peak calling rates from most countries apply during Egyptian evenings (after 6 PM) and weekends, making personal calls more economical during these windows.
For clearer communication, speak slowly and avoid idioms, as English proficiency varies. When possible, confirm important details via email afterward. Consider using video calling platforms for business discussions to enhance understanding and build rapport.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Egypt is +20. You need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Egypt from anywhere in the world.
To call Egypt from your cell phone, dial + (or 011 from the US/Canada), then 20 (Egypt's country code), followed by the area code and local number. For example: +20-2-XXXX-XXXX for Cairo.
Yes, you must drop the leading zero from the Egyptian area code when dialing internationally. For example, Cairo's area code is 02 locally, but you dial +20-2 when calling from abroad.
The cheapest way to call Egypt is using ZippCall, which offers affordable pay-as-you-go international calling rates. With ZippCall, you can call from your web browser, iPhone, or Android device with no contracts, no subscriptions, and no hidden fees—just transparent, low-cost rates for calling Egypt.
In Egypt, dial 122 for police, 123 for ambulance, and 180 for fire services. The tourist police can be reached at 126. These are toll-free emergency numbers accessible throughout the country.
Yes, you can easily call Egypt directly from your web browser using ZippCall. Simply visit the website, enter the Egyptian phone number, and start calling—no downloads or installations required.
Start Calling Egypt Today
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