How to Call Reunion
Complete guide to dialing Reunion (country code +262)
Planning to make a phone call to Reunion? Understanding how to call Reunion correctly can save you time, money, and frustration. Whether you're contacting family, friends, or conducting business, calling Reunion requires knowing the proper international dialing codes and procedures. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need for successfully connecting with this beautiful French island in the Indian Ocean. We'll cover step-by-step dialing instructions from various countries, highlight common mistakes people make when calling Reunion, and share essential phone etiquette tips to ensure your conversations go smoothly. You'll also discover useful emergency numbers, business contact information, and practical advice for choosing the most cost-effective calling methods. By following our straightforward instructions, you'll be confidently placing calls to Reunion in no time, avoiding expensive errors and connection issues.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
International Dialing Format Structure
To call Reunion, you need to follow this format: Exit Code + 262 + Local Number. The exit code varies by country, +262 is Reunion's country code, and the local number comes after dropping any leading zero.
Dialing from Different Countries
From USA:
- Exit code: 011
- Format: 011-262-XXX-XXX-XXX
From UK:
- Exit code: 00
- Format: 00-262-XXX-XXX-XXX
From other countries:
- Most use 00 as exit code
- Alternatively, use + instead of the exit code: +262-XXX-XXX-XXX
Dropping the Leading Zero
When dialing Reunion from abroad, always remove the leading 0 from local numbers. For example, if a Reunion number is listed as 0262 XX XX XX, dial only 262 XX XX XX after your country's exit code.
Specific Dialing Examples
Example 1 - Calling a Reunion landline from USA:
- Local number: 0262 41 50 60
- Dial: 011-262-262-41-50-60
Example 2 - Calling a Reunion mobile from UK:
- Local number: 0692 12 34 56
- Dial: 00-262-692-12-34-56
Example 3 - Calling a Reunion landline from Australia:
- Local number: 0262 28 90 15
- Dial: 0011-262-262-28-90-15
Example 4 - Using the + format (works from any mobile):
- Local number: 0693 45 67 89
- Dial: +262-693-45-67-89
Number Types in Reunion
- Landlines: Begin with 0262
- Mobile numbers: Begin with 0692 or 0693
Remember, Reunion uses 9-digit local numbers. When calling internationally, the complete number you dial will include your exit code, Reunion's country code (262), and the 9-digit local number without the initial zero, making it a seamless connection to this French overseas department in the Indian Ocean.
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Common Mistakes
When dialing Reunion, several common errors can prevent your call from connecting:
Forgetting to drop the leading zero: Reunion phone numbers start with 0 when dialed domestically (like 0262 xx xx xx), but you must remove this zero when calling internationally. The correct format is: your exit code + 262 + the remaining 9 digits.
Using the wrong exit code: Different countries have different exit codes. US and Canada use 011, while most European countries use 00, and mobile users can typically use +. Verify your country's specific exit code before dialing.
Confusing the country code with the area code: The 262 is Reunion's country code, not an area code. Some callers mistakenly try dialing +33 262, mixing France's code with Reunion's, which won't work despite Reunion being a French territory.
Including spaces or dashes incorrectly: While spaces help readability (e.g., +262 692 12 34 56), entering them while dialing on some phones can cause errors. Dial continuously without pauses unless your phone system specifically requires them.
Not checking mobile vs. landline prefixes: Reunion mobile numbers start with 692 or 693, while landlines start with 262. Ensure you have the complete correct number.
Cultural Etiquette
When making phone calls in Reunion, understanding local customs helps create positive connections. The island's French heritage significantly influences communication styles, blending formality with warmth.
Greetings and Formality
Always begin calls with "Bonjour" (good morning) or "Bonsoir" (good evening), followed by asking how the person is doing. Use formal address ("Monsieur" or "Madame") in business contexts or when speaking with elders. Personal calls allow more casual Creole greetings like "Bonzour" once relationships are established.
Business vs Personal Norms
Business calls require punctuality and structure. State your purpose clearly after initial greetings. Personal calls embrace longer conversations and relationship-building, so don't rush through pleasantries.
Timing Matters
Avoid calling during lunch hours (12:00-14:00), as this sacred break time is respected throughout the island. Business calls work best between 9:00-11:30 and 14:30-17:00. Evening personal calls should occur before 21:00 to respect family time.
Voice Messages
Leaving clear, polite messages is expected. State your name, reason for calling, and contact information. Many Reunionese prefer speaking directly, so expect return calls rather than text responses for important matters.
Cultural Considerations
Reunion's multicultural identity means patience and respect are essential. People may switch between French and Creole during comfortable conversations. Don't interpret longer greetings as time-wasting—this relationship-building approach reflects genuine island hospitality and strengthens both personal and professional connections.
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Emergency Numbers
Essential Emergency Numbers:
- 17 - Police (Gendarmerie)
- 15 - SAMU (Medical emergencies and ambulance)
- 18 - Fire Department (Pompiers)
- 112 - European emergency number (connects to all services)
- 196 - Sea rescue
- 3237 - Mountain rescue (Peloton de Gendarmerie de Haute Montagne)
All emergency numbers are toll-free and accessible 24/7 from landlines and mobile phones throughout Reunion. The 112 number works even without network coverage or a SIM card. French is the primary language for emergency operators, though some may speak basic English. For mountaineering accidents on Reunion's volcanic terrain, specifically call 3237. As a French overseas department, Reunion maintains European emergency service standards with well-equipped response teams.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 1012: Directory assistance for local and national numbers
- 3212: International directory inquiries
International Services
- 3123: International operator for assisted calls and collect calls
Tourist Information
- +262 262 21 00 41: RĂ©union Tourism Office (ĂŽle de la RĂ©union Tourisme) for travel information, attractions, and accommodation assistance
Embassy Contacts
Contact embassies through the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs as RĂ©union is a French overseas department, or reach consular services in mainland France.
Utility Services
- 09 69 32 15 15: EDF (electricity provider)
- 08 10 55 85 00: Water services inquiries
Transportation
- +262 262 90 79 80: Roland Garros Airport information
- 08 10 81 28 12: Car Jaune (regional bus service)
Medical Non-Emergency
- 15: SAMU (medical advice line, non-urgent)
Tips for Calling Reunion
When calling Reunion, factor in their UTC+4 time zone. If you're calling from New York (UTC-5), add 9 hours; from London (GMT), add 4 hours. Early mornings your time often work best to catch Reunion during business hours.
Standard business hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM local time. Avoid calling during the lunch break between noon and 1:00 PM when offices may be unstaffed. For business calls, scheduling appointments in advance is highly recommended—it demonstrates professionalism and ensures availability.
Peak calling times are typically mid-morning (9:00-11:00 AM) and mid-afternoon (2:00-4:00 PM). Early mornings and late afternoons see lighter phone traffic.
Key holidays to avoid include New Year's Day, Labor Day (May 1), Bastille Day (July 14), and Abolition of Slavery Day (December 20). Also note that August is vacation season for many businesses.
For clearer communication, speak slowly and confirm details. French is the official language, though Creole is widely spoken. Having key information written down beforehand helps overcome any language barriers. Consider that mobile networks generally provide better clarity than landlines across the island.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Reunion is +262. You'll need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Reunion from anywhere in the world.
To call Reunion from your cell phone, dial your country's international exit code (such as 011 from the US or 00 from most European countries), then 262 (Reunion's country code), followed by the 9-digit local phone number.
Reunion phone numbers don't typically have a leading zero. Simply dial +262 followed by the 9-digit local number. The local numbers usually start with 262 or 693 for mobile phones.
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In Reunion, dial 15 for medical emergencies (SAMU), 17 for police, and 18 for fire services. You can also dial 112, the European emergency number, which works from any phone including mobiles without a SIM card.
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