How to Call Mozambique
Complete guide to dialing Mozambique (country code +258)
Planning to connect with friends, family, or business contacts in Mozambique? Understanding how to call Mozambique doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're making your first international call or need a quick refresher, this comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about calling Mozambique from anywhere in the world.
We'll cover the essential dialing instructions step-by-step, including country codes and area codes you'll need. You'll also learn about common mistakes people make when placing calls to Mozambique and how to avoid them. We've included helpful tips on phone etiquette to ensure your conversations go smoothly, plus a collection of useful numbers for emergencies, services, and important contacts. By the end of this guide, you'll be confidently calling Mozambique with ease.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
International Dialing Format Structure
To call Mozambique from abroad, you need to understand the basic dialing structure: Exit Code + 258 + Local Number (without leading zero). The exit code varies by country, while 258 is Mozambique's country code.
Dialing from Different Countries
From the USA or Canada:
Dial 011 (exit code) + 258 + local number
From the UK:
Dial 00 (exit code) + 258 + local number
From other countries:
Most countries use 00 as their exit code, but verify your specific country's code before dialing.
Important: Dropping the Leading Zero
Mozambican local numbers often start with zero when dialed domestically. Always remove this leading zero when calling from abroad. For example, if a local number is 021 123 456, you would dial only 21 123 456 after the country code.
Specific Dialing Examples
Example 1 - Maputo Landline from USA:
Local number: 021 490 123
Dial: 011-258-21-490-123
Example 2 - Mobile Number from UK:
Local number: 084 123 4567
Dial: 00-258-84-123-4567
Example 3 - Beira Landline from Australia:
Local number: 023 323 456
Dial: 0011-258-23-323-456
Example 4 - Mobile Number from USA:
Local number: 087 654 3210
Dial: 011-258-87-654-3210
Quick Reference Guide
- Find your country's international exit code
- Dial the exit code
- Dial 258 (Mozambique country code)
- Remove the leading zero from the Mozambican number
- Dial the remaining digits
Mobile numbers in Mozambique typically start with 82, 83, 84, or 87, while landlines begin with 21 (Maputo), 23 (Beira), or 26 (Nampula). Using these formats ensures your international calls connect successfully to Mozambique.
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Common Mistakes
When calling Mozambique, avoid these common errors that can prevent your call from connecting:
1. Forgetting to drop the leading zero
Mozambican phone numbers often start with 0 when dialing domestically, but you must remove this zero when calling internationally. If the local number is 082 123 4567, dial +258 82 123 4567, not +258 082 123 4567.
2. Using the wrong exit code
Many callers use their country's exit code incorrectly. Instead of +, you need to dial your country's specific code (011 from the US/Canada, 00 from most European countries) before 258.
3. Confusing country code with area code
258 is the country code for all of Mozambique, not an area code. You still need to include the specific regional or mobile prefix after 258.
4. Adding unnecessary spaces or characters
While spaces help readability, phones require continuous digits. Remove all spaces, hyphens, or brackets when dialing: +25882123456 instead of +258 (82) 123-4567.
5. Not accounting for time zones
Mozambique uses CAT (UTC+2). Check the local time before calling to avoid disturbing contacts during odd hours.
Cultural Etiquette
When making phone calls in Mozambique, understanding local customs helps create positive connections and shows cultural respect.
Greetings Matter
Always begin calls with a proper greeting. "Bom dia" (good morning), "Boa tarde" (good afternoon), or "Boa noite" (good evening) are essential before discussing your purpose. Take time for brief pleasantries and ask "Como está?" (How are you?) even in business contexts.
Formality Levels
Business calls require formal address, using titles like "Senhor" (Mr.) or "Senhora" (Mrs.) followed by the surname. Personal calls among friends can be casual, though showing respect to elders remains important regardless of relationship.
Timing Considerations
Avoid calling during lunch hours (12:00-14:00) when many people take breaks. Early mornings before 8:00 AM and late evenings after 21:00 are generally inappropriate unless previously arranged. Business calls work best between 9:00-12:00 and 14:30-17:00.
Voice Messages
Mozambicans commonly use voice messages, particularly on WhatsApp. Leave clear, concise messages stating your name, purpose, and callback number. Many prefer this method over voicemail on regular phone lines.
Cultural Considerations
Portuguese is the official language, though many speak local languages like Makhuwa or Tsonga. Speaking slowly and clearly helps ensure understanding. Patience is valued—rushed conversations may seem disrespectful. Connection quality can vary, so don't be offended if someone needs to call back for better signal.
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Emergency Numbers
Police: 119
Ambulance: 117
Fire Department: 198
General Emergency (SOS Emergency): 112
These emergency numbers can be dialed from both landlines and mobile phones throughout Mozambique. However, it's important to note that emergency response times may vary significantly, particularly outside major cities like Maputo, Beira, and Nampula. English-speaking operators are not always available, so basic Portuguese phrases may be helpful. While calls are generally free from landlines, mobile phone charges may apply depending on your carrier.
Additionally, consider keeping contact information for your embassy or consulate readily available. In remote areas, emergency services infrastructure may be limited, so travel insurance with evacuation coverage is strongly recommended. Private medical facilities often provide faster response than public emergency services.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services (1022): Access local telephone numbers and business listings throughout Mozambique.
International Operator (090): Connect with operators for assistance placing international calls or handling billing inquiries.
Tourist Information Helpline (+258 21 427 318): Get guidance on attractions, accommodations, and travel planning from Mozambique's tourism authority.
Embassy Contacts: Most foreign embassies are located in Maputo. Contact your home country's embassy for passport issues, legal assistance, or citizen services. Numbers vary by country—search online or through directory assistance.
Weather Information (+258 21 491 150): Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia provides forecasts and severe weather alerts.
Road Assistance (1888): Emergency roadside support for vehicle breakdowns.
National Hospitals: Maputo Central Hospital (+258 21 431 131) and other provincial hospitals offer medical consultations and appointments.
Tips for Calling Mozambique
When calling Mozambique (UTC+2), timing matters for successful connections. The country doesn't observe daylight saving time, making scheduling straightforward year-round.
For business calls, aim for 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM local time, Tuesday through Friday. Mondays can be hectic with meeting backlogs. Always schedule business calls in advance—punctuality and preparation are valued in Mozambican professional culture.
Consider off-peak hours (evenings and weekends) for personal calls when rates are typically lower. However, avoid calling late evenings after 9:00 PM unless previously arranged.
Key holidays to avoid include New Year's Day, Mozambican Heroes' Day (February 3), Independence Day (June 25), and Christmas. Friday afternoons may see reduced availability as people prepare for weekends.
For clear communication, speak slowly and clearly—Portuguese is the official language, though many business professionals speak English. Confirm important details via email afterward. Account for potential connectivity issues by allowing extra time for calls and having backup contact methods ready. Mobile networks are generally more reliable than landlines in remote areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Mozambique is +258. You need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Mozambique from anywhere in the world.
To dial Mozambique from your cell phone, start with + (or your country's international access code), then dial 258 (Mozambique's country code), followed by the area code and local number. For example: +258-XX-XXXXXXX.
Yes, if the local Mozambique number starts with a zero, you should drop it when dialing internationally. After dialing +258, enter the phone number without the leading zero.
The cheapest way to call Mozambique 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 Mozambique.
In Mozambique, the main emergency numbers are: 119 for police, 117 for ambulance/medical emergencies, and 198 for fire services. These numbers can be dialed from any phone within Mozambique.
Yes! ZippCall allows you to make calls to Mozambique directly from your web browser. Simply visit the ZippCall website, add credit to your account, and start calling Mozambique without downloading any software.
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