How to Call Guinea-Bissau
Complete guide to dialing Guinea-Bissau (country code +245)
Making an international call can feel overwhelming, especially when you're figuring out how to call Guinea-Bissau for the first time. Whether you're connecting with family, coordinating business matters, or reaching out to friends, calling Guinea-Bissau requires knowing the correct dialing sequence and country codes. This comprehensive guide simplifies the entire process, walking you through step-by-step instructions for calling Guinea-Bissau from anywhere in the world. You'll discover the essential dialing format, learn about common mistakes that can prevent your call from connecting, and understand proper phone etiquette when speaking with Guinea-Bissau contacts. We'll also provide you with useful emergency numbers and important contacts you might need. By the end of this guide, you'll feel confident making calls to Guinea-Bissau without hesitation or confusion.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
International Dialing Format for Guinea-Bissau
To call Guinea-Bissau from abroad, you need to understand the basic international dialing structure: Exit Code + 245 + Local Number
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions
1. Start with Your Country's Exit Code
- USA/Canada: 011
- UK: 00
- Most European countries: 00
- Australia: 0011
2. Add Guinea-Bissau's Country Code: 245
3. Dial the Local Number
Guinea-Bissau phone numbers typically have 7 digits. Important: If the local number starts with a zero, drop it when dialing internationally.
Specific Dialing Examples
Example 1: Calling a Bissau Landline (955-1234)
- From USA: 011-245-955-1234
- From UK: 00-245-955-1234
- From Australia: 0011-245-955-1234
Example 2: Calling a Mobile Number (966-5678)
- From USA: 011-245-966-5678
- From UK: 00-245-966-5678
- From Germany: 00-245-966-5678
Example 3: Calling Another Mobile (955-9876)
- From USA: 011-245-955-9876
- From UK: 00-245-955-9876
- From France: 00-245-955-9876
Quick Reference by Country
From USA/Canada: Dial 011-245-[local number]
From UK/Most Europe: Dial 00-245-[local number]
From Australia: Dial 0011-245-[local number]
From Mobile Phones: Many smartphones allow using the + symbol. Simply dial +245-[local number], and your phone automatically applies the correct exit code.
Important Tips
- Guinea-Bissau uses 7-digit local numbers
- Mobile numbers often start with 5, 6, or 7
- No area codes are required within Guinea-Bissau
- Always verify current number formats, as telecommunications systems occasionally update
- Consider time zone differences (GMT+0) when calling
For calling within Guinea-Bissau domestically, simply dial the 7-digit local number without any prefixes.
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Common Mistakes
When calling Guinea-Bissau, avoid these common mistakes that can prevent your call from connecting:
Forgetting to drop the leading zero - If a local Guinea-Bissau number starts with 0, you must remove it when dialing internationally. For example, if the local number is 095-123456, dial +245 95 123456, not +245 095 123456.
Using the wrong exit code - Many callers use their own country's exit code incorrectly. Instead of memorizing various exit codes (011 for US, 00 for Europe), simply use the + symbol, which works universally from mobile phones.
Confusing the country code with area codes - Guinea-Bissau uses +245 as its country code only. Don't add additional area codes, as the country's numbering system doesn't require them for international dialing.
Incorrect number length - Guinea-Bissau phone numbers are typically 7 digits (mobile numbers start with 5, 6, or 7). If you're dialing more or fewer digits after the country code, double-check the number.
Adding unnecessary spaces or characters - While spaces help readability, too many dashes or parentheses can confuse automated systems. Use the format: +245 XXXXXXX for clarity.
Cultural Etiquette
When making phone calls in Guinea-Bissau, understanding local customs helps build respectful relationships. The country's communication style reflects its Portuguese colonial history and diverse ethnic traditions.
Greetings are essential. Always begin calls with proper greetings, asking about the person's well-being and family before discussing your purpose. Rushing directly to business is considered rude. Use "Bom dia" (good morning) or "Boa tarde" (good afternoon) in Portuguese, or learn greetings in local languages like Creole ("Kuma di kurpu?").
Formality matters in business contexts. Address people by their titles and surnames until invited to use first names. Business calls require patience, as relationship-building takes precedence over efficiency.
Timing is important. Avoid calling during midday hours (12-3 PM) when people rest, and refrain from evening calls after 9 PM unless urgent or for close friends. Friday afternoons should be avoided due to Muslim prayer times, as Islam is widely practiced.
Personal calls are more relaxed. Once relationships develop, conversations become warmer and less formal, often including extended family updates.
Voice messages may go unanswered. Many Bissau-Guineans prefer direct conversation over voicemail. If someone doesn't answer, try calling back later rather than leaving a message.
Phone credit considerations: Be understanding if calls are brief, as prepaid phone credit is expensive. Offering to call back shows consideration.
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Emergency Numbers
Emergency Contact Numbers:
- Police: 117
- Fire Department: 118
- Ambulance/Medical Emergency: 119
Guinea-Bissau's emergency services infrastructure is limited, particularly outside the capital city of Bissau. These numbers may not function reliably in rural areas due to poor telecommunications coverage. Most operators speak Portuguese or local languages such as Crioulo; English-speaking operators are rarely available.
Mobile phone access to emergency services can be inconsistent depending on your network provider and location. Calls to emergency numbers are intended to be free, but connection success varies significantly.
Important: Due to limited emergency response capabilities, expats and travelers should maintain contact information for their embassy or consulate. Private medical facilities and international clinics often provide more reliable emergency assistance than public services. Consider arranging private transportation for medical emergencies when possible.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance: Dial 12 for local directory inquiries and telephone number information within Guinea-Bissau.
International Operator: Contact 090 for assistance with international calls, including operator-assisted connections and overseas directory services.
Tourist Information: The Guinea-Bissau Tourism Board can be reached at +245 320 1379 for travel guidance, accommodation assistance, and activity recommendations.
Embassy Contacts:
- U.S. Embassy (Senegal-based): +221 33 879 4000
- French Embassy: +245 320 1481
- Portuguese Embassy: +245 320 1562
Airport Information: Osvaldo Vieira International Airport: +245 320 1377
National Hospital: Hospital Nacional Simão Mendes: +245 320 1352
Telecommunications Providers:
- Guinétel: 103 (customer service)
- MTN Guinea-Bissau: 100 (customer support)
These numbers provide essential support for visitors and residents navigating daily services throughout the country.
Tips for Calling Guinea-Bissau
When calling Guinea-Bissau, keep in mind the country operates on Greenwich Mean Time (UTC+0) year-round with no daylight saving changes. To avoid disrupting recipients, call during their daytime hours, typically between 9 AM and 6 PM local time.
For business calls, schedule appointments in advance, as this demonstrates professionalism and ensures availability. Standard business hours run Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM to 6 PM, with many offices closing during midday. Avoid calling on weekends or during major holidays like Independence Day (September 24), New Year's Day, and religious observances including Eid al-Fitr and Christmas.
Consider off-peak calling times (evenings and weekends) for personal calls to benefit from lower international rates offered by many carriers. However, verify your provider's specific rate schedules.
For clearer communication, speak slowly and clearly, as Portuguese is the official language, though Kriol is widely spoken. Connection quality can vary, so be patient with potential delays or disruptions. Have backup contact methods ready, and confirm important details via follow-up messages to ensure mutual understanding despite any technical difficulties.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Guinea-Bissau is +245. You need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Guinea-Bissau from anywhere in the world.
To dial Guinea-Bissau from your cell phone, start with the plus sign (+) or your country's international access code, then dial 245 (Guinea-Bissau's country code), followed by the local phone number. For example: +245-XXXXXXX.
Guinea-Bissau phone numbers typically don't use a leading zero for local numbers. When calling internationally, simply dial +245 followed by the 7-digit local number without any additional prefix.
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In Guinea-Bissau, emergency services can be limited compared to other countries. The general police emergency number is 117. However, emergency response infrastructure may vary by location, so it's advisable to have local contacts and embassy information available.
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