How to Call Greenland
Complete guide to dialing Greenland (country code +299)
Planning to reach someone in the Arctic? Learning how to call Greenland doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're contacting family, coordinating business, or arranging your Arctic adventure, understanding the proper dialing process is essential. Many people struggle with international calling codes and formatting, which can lead to failed connections and unnecessary frustration. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need for calling Greenland successfully. You'll discover step-by-step dialing instructions from various countries, learn about common mistakes that prevent calls from connecting, and understand local phone etiquette to ensure respectful communication. We'll also share useful emergency numbers and important contacts you might need during your interactions with Greenland. By following these straightforward tips, you'll be confidently making calls to this fascinating island nation in no time.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
Complete Guide to Dialing Greenland (+299)
International Dialing Format Structure
To call Greenland from anywhere internationally, follow this structure:
Exit Code + 299 + Local Number
The exit code varies by country, while 299 is Greenland's country code. Greenland uses 6-digit local numbers with no area codes.
Dialing from Different Countries
From the USA or Canada:
- Dial 011 (exit code)
- Dial 299 (Greenland country code)
- Dial the 6-digit local number
Example: To call +299 36 24 58 from USA: dial 011-299-36-24-58
From the UK:
- Dial 00 (exit code)
- Dial 299 (country code)
- Dial the 6-digit local number
Example: To call +299 52 14 89 from UK: dial 00-299-52-14-89
From other countries:
Replace the exit code with your country's international access code (commonly 00 or 011), then follow with 299 and the local number.
Specific Dialing Examples
Example 1 - Nuuk landline:
To call +299 32 10 01 from USA: 011-299-32-10-01
Example 2 - Mobile number:
To call +299 55 43 21 from UK: 00-299-55-43-21
Example 3 - Business landline:
To call +299 36 88 00 from Australia: 0011-299-36-88-00
Important Note About Leading Zeros
Greenland phone numbers do not use leading zeros in their local format. When you see a Greenland number written domestically, it appears as a 6-digit number without any prefix. Therefore, there's no leading zero to drop when dialing internationally—simply add your exit code and 299 before the complete 6-digit number.
Mobile vs. Landline: Both mobile and landline numbers in Greenland follow the same 6-digit format, making international dialing straightforward regardless of phone type.
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Common Mistakes
When calling Greenland, avoid these common dialing errors:
Forgetting to drop the leading zero: If a Greenland number is listed as 01 23 45, you must remove the zero when dialing internationally. Dial +299 12 34 56 instead of +299 01 23 45. The leading zero is only for domestic calls within Greenland.
Using the wrong exit code: Many callers dial 011-299 from the US but forget that other countries use different exit codes (00 in Europe, 0011 in Australia). Always use + instead, which works universally from any mobile phone.
Confusing Denmark's country code: Since Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, people mistakenly use +45 (Denmark's code) instead of +299. Greenland has its own distinct country code that must be used for all calls.
Adding extra digits: Greenland uses 6-digit phone numbers. If you're dialing more or fewer digits after the country code, you likely have an incorrect number or are mixing formats.
Incorrect spacing in saved contacts: Save numbers as +299123456 without spaces, or use consistent spacing like +299 12 34 56 to avoid confusion.
Cultural Etiquette
When making phone calls in Greenland, understanding local customs helps build respectful connections. Greenlanders typically value straightforward, warm communication that balances friendliness with respect for personal space.
Greetings and Tone
Start calls with a simple "Aluu" (hello in Greenlandic) or "Hej" (Danish hello), followed by identifying yourself. Both casual and formal tones work, though business calls lean slightly more professional while remaining personable.
Business vs Personal Calls
Business calls should be concise and purposeful, as Greenlanders appreciate efficiency. Personal calls can be longer and more relaxed, often including inquiries about family and well-being before discussing the main topic.
Timing Considerations
Avoid calling during meal times (typically 12-1 PM and 5-7 PM) or late evenings after 9 PM. Business calls are best between 9 AM and 4 PM on weekdays. Remember that during summer's midnight sun or winter's darkness, usual time perceptions may shift.
Voice Messages
Leaving clear, brief voice messages is acceptable and appreciated. State your name, reason for calling, and contact information.
Cultural Considerations
Greenlanders often communicate in either Greenlandic, Danish, or English, so asking about language preference shows respect. The culture values patience and listening, so avoid rushing conversations or interrupting. Small communities mean news travels quickly, so maintaining confidentiality during phone conversations is particularly important.
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Emergency Numbers
Emergency Numbers in Greenland:
- 112 - Universal emergency number (police, ambulance, fire department)
- +299 70 14 00 - Police non-emergency line
- +299 34 67 00 - Hospital in Nuuk
- 1717 - Maritime Search and Rescue
- +299 36 68 00 - Air Greenland emergency operations
Important Information:
The 112 emergency number works from all mobile phones and landlines throughout Greenland and is free to call. Operators typically speak Danish and Greenlandic; English may be limited, so speak clearly and slowly. Service is available 24/7.
Due to Greenland's vast distances and harsh weather, emergency response times can vary significantly depending on your location. In remote areas, assistance may take considerable time. Always inform someone of your travel plans when venturing outside settlements. Mobile phone coverage is limited outside towns.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 118 – Directory assistance for phone numbers in Greenland
- 113 – Telephone information and customer service
International Services
- 115 – International operator for assistance with overseas calls
Tourist Information
- Visit Greenland: +299 34 28 20 – Tourism information and travel assistance
Embassy Contacts
- Danish Embassy (Copenhagen): +45 33 92 00 00 – Consular services for Greenland
- U.S. citizens: Contact U.S. Embassy Copenhagen at +45 33 41 71 00
Travel & Transportation
- Air Greenland: +299 34 34 34 – Flight information and bookings
- Royal Arctic Line: +299 34 91 00 – Shipping and cargo services
Banking
- Grønlandsbanken: +299 34 77 77 – Main banking services
Keep these numbers accessible when traveling throughout Greenland's remote regions.
Tips for Calling Greenland
When calling Greenland, timing is crucial for successful communication. Greenland operates on UTC-2 during winter and UTC-3 during summer, so calculate the time difference from your location carefully before dialing.
For business calls, aim for weekdays between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM local time, when offices are typically open. Always schedule important business calls in advance, as Greenland's business community is relatively small and professionals often have packed schedules or travel frequently between settlements.
Avoid calling during major holidays including New Year's Day, Easter, National Day (June 21), and Christmas. The summer months (June-August) see reduced business activity due to vacation periods.
For the clearest connections, use landlines when possible, as mobile coverage can be unreliable outside major towns like Nuuk and Ilulissat. Speak slowly and clearly—many Greenlanders speak Danish and Greenlandic as primary languages, with English as a third language.
Consider off-peak calling times (evenings and weekends) for personal calls to reduce costs. However, be mindful that many Greenlanders maintain close-knit communities where work-life boundaries differ from other Western countries, so building rapport through scheduled calls demonstrates respect.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Greenland is +299. You'll need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Greenland from anywhere in the world.
To call Greenland from your cell phone, dial your country's international exit code (often + or 00), then 299 (Greenland's country code), followed by the 6-digit local phone number. For example: +299-XX-XX-XX.
Greenland phone numbers typically don't have a leading zero. Simply dial +299 followed by the 6-digit local number. There's no trunk prefix to remove when calling from abroad.
The cheapest way to call Greenland 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 Greenland.
In Greenland, the universal emergency number is 112 for police, fire, and medical emergencies. This number works throughout the country and can be dialed free of charge from any phone, including mobile devices.
Yes! ZippCall allows you to make calls to Greenland directly from your web browser. Simply log in to your ZippCall account, enter the Greenland phone number, and start calling—no additional software or apps required.
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