How to Call Ethiopia
Complete guide to dialing Ethiopia (country code +251)
Connecting with friends, family, or business contacts in Ethiopia doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're making your first international call or need a quick refresher, understanding how to call Ethiopia properly can save you time, money, and frustration. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about calling Ethiopia from anywhere in the world. We'll cover step-by-step dialing instructions, highlight common mistakes that could prevent your call from going through, and share essential Ethiopian phone etiquette to help your conversations go smoothly. You'll also discover useful emergency numbers and important contacts to keep handy. By the end of this guide, you'll feel confident making international calls to Ethiopia whenever you need to reach someone in this beautiful East African nation.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
International Dialing Format Structure
To call Ethiopia from abroad, you need four components: your country's exit code, Ethiopia's country code (+251), the local area code (without the leading zero), and the phone number.
Basic Format: Exit Code + 251 + Area Code + Local Number
Important: Dropping the Leading Zero
Ethiopian phone numbers start with 0 when dialing domestically. Always remove this zero when calling from international locations. For example, if the local number is 011 234 5678, dial 11 234 5678 after the country code.
How to Dial from Different Countries
From USA or Canada:
Exit code is 011
- Format: 011-251-XX-XXX-XXXX
From UK or Europe:
Exit code is 00
- Format: 00-251-XX-XXX-XXXX
From Australia:
Exit code is 0011
- Format: 0011-251-XX-XXX-XXXX
Using Mobile Phones:
Replace exit codes with the + symbol
- Format: +251-XX-XXX-XXXX
Specific Dialing Examples
Example 1: Calling an Addis Ababa Landline from USA
Local number: 011 234 5678
Dial: 011-251-11-234-5678
Example 2: Calling an Ethiopian Mobile Number from UK
Local number: 091 123 4567
Dial: 00-251-91-123-4567
Example 3: Calling a Dire Dawa Landline from Australia
Local number: 025 112 3456
Dial: 0011-251-25-112-3456
Example 4: Using Mobile Phone from Any Country
Ethiopian mobile: 092 765 4321
Dial: +251-92-765-4321
Quick Reference by Number Type
Addis Ababa landlines: Code 11
Mobile numbers: Codes 91, 92, 93, 94
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Dial your country's exit code (or + on mobile)
- Dial 251 (Ethiopia's country code)
- Drop the leading 0 from the local number
- Dial the remaining area code and phone number
Most modern smartphones automatically format international numbers when you add the + prefix, simplifying the process considerably.
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Common Mistakes
When calling Ethiopia, avoid these common mistakes that can prevent your call from connecting:
1. Not dropping the leading zero from the local number
Ethiopian phone numbers start with 0 domestically, but you must remove it when dialing internationally. For example, if the local number is 011 234 5678, dial +251 11 234 5678, not +251 011 234 5678.
2. Using the wrong exit code
Many callers use their own country's exit code incorrectly. Instead of memorizing different exit codes (011 for US, 00 for Europe), simply use the + symbol, which works universally from any country.
3. Confusing the country code with area codes
The country code +251 must come first, followed by Ethiopia's area codes (11 for Addis Ababa, 25 for Dire Dawa, etc.). Never place area codes before the country code.
4. Forgetting to check the number length
Ethiopian landlines typically have 9 digits (after the country code), while mobile numbers have 9 digits starting with 9. If your number is shorter or longer, verify it before dialing.
5. Adding unnecessary spaces or symbols
While spaces help readability, adding hyphens or parentheses incorrectly can cause dialing errors on some systems.
Cultural Etiquette
Ethiopian phone etiquette reflects the country's warm, relationship-focused culture where personal connections matter deeply. Understanding these customs helps build trust and shows respect.
Greetings are Essential
Always begin calls with proper greetings. Ask "Tena yistilign?" (How are you?) or "Dehna neh/nesh?" (Are you well?) before discussing business. Inquire about family and health—skipping this seems rude and abrupt.
Formality Matters in Context
Use formal titles and respectful language when calling elders, business contacts, or people you don't know well. Address people as "Ato" (Mr.) or "Weizero" (Mrs.) with their first name. Personal calls among friends can be more casual, but respect remains important.
Timing Considerations
Avoid calling during Orthodox Christian fasting hours (typically early morning) or prayer times if the person is religious. Late evening calls after 9 PM should be reserved for close friends or emergencies. Business calls work best between 9 AM and 5 PM on weekdays.
Direct Communication Style
Ethiopians often speak warmly and may have longer conversations than Western cultures expect. Brief, transactional calls can seem cold. Allow time for relationship-building dialogue.
Voice Messages
Voicemail isn't widely used in Ethiopia. Many people prefer calling back rather than leaving messages. If someone misses your call, they'll typically return it.
Patience with Connections
Network coverage can be unreliable in some areas. If calls drop or don't connect immediately, try again without frustration.
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Emergency Numbers
Emergency Numbers in Ethiopia:
- Police: 991
- Ambulance: 907 or 939
- Fire Department: 939
- Traffic Police: 945
- Tourist Police (Addis Ababa): +251 11 551 8444
Important Information:
These emergency numbers are accessible from both landlines and mobile phones throughout Ethiopia. However, service reliability can vary significantly depending on your location, with better coverage in major cities like Addis Ababa.
English-speaking operators may not always be available, particularly outside tourist areas. Consider having a local speaker assist with calls when possible.
Emergency calls are generally free from most networks, though response times can be slower in rural areas. For serious emergencies in remote locations, contacting your embassy or hotel security may provide faster assistance. Keep your embassy contact information readily available as a backup option.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- Directory Enquiries: 979 - For finding local phone numbers and business contacts
- International Operator: 00 - Assistance with overseas calls and connections
Tourist Support
- Ethiopian Tourism Organization: +251 11 551 2310 - Travel information, guidance, and complaints
- Tourist Police Hotline: 945 - Specialized assistance for travelers
Embassy Contacts
Contact your embassy through Addis Ababa's main switchboard (+251 11) or visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for updated embassy lists and emergency consular numbers.
Utility Services
- Ethiopian Electric Power: 906 - Power outages and electrical issues
- Ethio Telecom Customer Service: 994 - Mobile and internet service inquiries
Transportation
- Ethiopian Airlines: +251 11 517 0000 - Flight bookings and information
- Addis Ababa Bole International Airport: +251 11 665 1300
Tips for Calling Ethiopia
When calling Ethiopia, factor in their time zone of UTC+3 (East Africa Time) with no daylight saving changes. Calculate the time difference from your location to avoid early morning or late evening calls. For business purposes, aim for 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Ethiopian time, Monday through Friday, when offices are fully operational.
Schedule business calls in advance, as Ethiopians value punctuality and preparation. Avoid calling during lunch hours (1:00-2:00 PM) when many businesses close briefly. Major holidays include Ethiopian New Year (September 11), Christmas (January 7), and Epiphany (January 19), when most businesses remain closed.
For personal calls, evenings between 6:00-9:00 PM Ethiopian time typically work best when people have finished work. Weekend mornings are also convenient for casual conversations.
To ensure clear communication, speak slowly and distinctly, as connections can sometimes be unreliable. If calling mobile phones, confirm you have the correct 10-digit number including the leading zero. Have important details written down beforehand, and confirm key points before ending the call. Consider using messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram as backup options if traditional calls experience quality issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Ethiopia is +251. You need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Ethiopia from anywhere in the world.
To dial Ethiopia from your cell phone, start with + (or 011 in the US), then dial 251 (Ethiopia's country code), followed by the local number without the leading zero. For example: +251-XX-XXX-XXXX.
Yes, you must drop the leading zero from Ethiopian phone numbers when calling internationally. If the local number is 011-234-5678, dial +251-11-234-5678 instead.
The cheapest way to call Ethiopia 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 Ethiopia.
In Ethiopia, the main emergency numbers are: 911 or 991 for police, 907 for ambulance services, and 939 for fire services. Keep these numbers handy when traveling in Ethiopia.
Yes! ZippCall allows you to make calls to Ethiopia directly from your web browser, making it convenient and easy. No additional software downloads required—simply use ZippCall's browser-based platform to connect with anyone in Ethiopia.
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