How to Call Sierra Leone
Complete guide to dialing Sierra Leone (country code +232)
Calling Sierra Leone from another country doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're connecting with family, conducting business, or reaching out to friends, understanding the proper dialing process is essential. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to call Sierra Leone successfully. We'll cover step-by-step dialing instructions for both landlines and mobile phones, highlight common mistakes people make when calling Sierra Leone, and share important phone etiquette tips to ensure smooth conversations. You'll also discover useful numbers for emergencies, customer service, and essential services. By the end of this guide, you'll have all the knowledge needed to make clear, hassle-free international calls to Sierra Leone with confidence, saving you time and avoiding frustrating connection problems.
On This Page
Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
Understanding Sierra Leone's Dialing Format
To call Sierra Leone internationally, you need to understand the basic structure: Exit Code + Country Code (232) + Local Number (without leading zero).
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions
1. From the United States:
Dial 011 (US exit code) + 232 (Sierra Leone country code) + local number
Example for Freetown landline: 011-232-22-123456
Example for mobile number: 011-232-76-234567
Example for Bo landline: 011-232-32-345678
2. From the United Kingdom:
Dial 00 (UK exit code) + 232 + local number
Example for mobile: 00-232-77-123456
Example for Freetown landline: 00-232-22-234567
3. From Other Countries:
Replace the exit code with your country's international access code (commonly 00) + 232 + local number
Example from Canada: 011-232-88-345678
Example from Australia: 0011-232-25-123456
Important: Dropping the Leading Zero
Sierra Leone local numbers often start with zero when dialed domestically. Always remove this leading zero when calling internationally.
Incorrect: 011-232-076-234567
Correct: 011-232-76-234567
Number Type Recognition
- Freetown landlines: Begin with 22
- Mobile numbers: Typically start with 25, 30, 33, 34, 40, 44, 50, 55, 76, 77, 78, 79, 88, or 99
- Other city landlines: Bo (32), Kenema (32), Makeni (25)
Quick Reference Format
General formula: [Your country's exit code] - 232 - [Local number without zero]
When calling from mobile phones, you can often replace the exit code with the + symbol: +232-XX-XXXXXX
Always verify the complete local number length with your contact, as Sierra Leone numbers typically contain 8 digits after the country code.
The Easy Way with ZippCall
Don't want to memorize exit codes, country codes, and dialing formats? With ZippCall, you don't have to.
Simply select "Sierra Leone" from the country list, enter the local phone number exactly as you see it, and ZippCall automatically handles all the international dialing codes for you. No confusion, no mistakes—just easy calling.
Join 7,744 users who choose ZippCall for simple international calling.
Common Mistakes
When calling Sierra Leone, avoid these common errors:
1. Forgetting to drop the leading zero
Sierra Leone phone numbers often appear with a leading zero (like 076 123 456), but you must remove it when dialing internationally. The zero is only for domestic calls. Dial +232 76 123 456, not +232 076 123 456.
2. Using the wrong exit code
Many callers use incorrect exit codes for their country. While 011 works from the US/Canada, other countries differ (00 for most of Europe, 0011 for Australia). Alternatively, use the + symbol, which works universally on mobile phones—just press and hold zero.
3. Confusing the country code with area codes
232 is Sierra Leone's country code, not an area code. Some mistakenly dial their own country's exit code plus an assumed area code. Always dial: [your exit code] + 232 + [local number without zero].
4. Incorrect spacing or formatting
Adding random spaces or hyphens can cause dialing errors on some systems. Follow the standard format: +232 XX XXX XXX for mobile numbers.
5. Not verifying number length
Sierra Leone mobile numbers are typically 8 digits (after removing the zero). If your number is shorter or longer, double-check it.
Cultural Etiquette
When making phone calls in Sierra Leone, showing respect and warmth is essential. Sierra Leoneans value personal connections, so don't rush straight to business. Begin calls with proper greetings, asking "How are you?" and "How is your family?" Even in business contexts, taking time for these pleasantries demonstrates respect and builds trust.
For business calls, maintain a polite and somewhat formal tone, especially when first establishing relationships. Use titles like "Mr.," "Mrs.," or professional designations when appropriate. However, Sierra Leonean communication style is generally friendly, so you can be warmer than in some Western business cultures.
The best times to call are typically between 9 AM and 7 PM. Avoid calling during Friday prayer times (around 1-2 PM) if you know the person is Muslim, as Sierra Leone has a significant Muslim population alongside Christians and other faiths.
Personal calls can be more casual and may happen later in the evening, as social connections are highly valued. Extended conversations are normal and appreciated—brief calls may seem abrupt or rude.
Regarding voicemails, many Sierra Leoneans prefer direct conversation over messages. If you must leave a voicemail, keep it brief and expect that people may call back rather than respond to your message directly.
Network connectivity can be unreliable, so be patient if calls drop or if people need to call you back. Always thank callers for their time at the conversation's end.
Ready to call Sierra Leone?
ZippCall lets you make cheap international calls to Sierra Leone from any device. No contracts, no hidden fees—just simple pay-as-you-go rates.
Join 7,744 users making affordable international calls with ZippCall.
Emergency Numbers
Emergency Numbers in Sierra Leone:
- Police: 019
- Ambulance: 999
- Fire Department: 019
Sierra Leone's emergency response system is still developing, and response times may vary significantly, especially outside Freetown. The emergency numbers should work from both landlines and mobile phones, though network coverage can be unreliable in rural areas.
English is the official language, so operators typically speak English alongside local languages like Krio. However, emergency services infrastructure remains limited, and you may experience delays or difficulty reaching operators.
It's advisable to have contact information for your embassy, private hospitals, and security services. Many expatriates and visitors rely on private medical evacuation services. Keep local police station numbers for your specific area as direct contacts often prove more reliable than national emergency lines.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 191: Directory inquiries for local telephone numbers and business listings
International Services
- 100: International operator for assisted calls and collect calls to other countries
Tourist Information
- +232 22 225 620: National Tourist Board office in Freetown for visitor information and travel assistance
Embassy Contacts
- US Embassy: +232 99 105 000
- British High Commission: +232 76 515 081
- Nigerian High Commission: +232 22 223 790
Additional Services
- 999: Electricity emergency hotline (EDSA)
- Maritime rescue coordination can be reached through police emergency services
- Airport information (Lungi International): +232 76 611 223
Important Note: Save your country's embassy number before traveling. Mobile network coverage varies outside Freetown, so keep physical copies of essential contacts.
Tips for Calling Sierra Leone
When calling Sierra Leone, factor in their UTC+0 time zone—they're on Greenwich Mean Time year-round with no daylight saving changes. If you're calling from the US East Coast (UTC-5), add 5 hours to your local time.
For business calls, aim for 9 AM to 5 PM Sierra Leone time, Monday through Friday. These are standard business hours when you'll reach professionals at their desks. Schedule important business calls in advance via email to ensure availability and demonstrate professionalism.
Avoid calling during Ramadan's fasting hours if contacting Muslim colleagues, and steer clear of major holidays like Independence Day (April 27), Christmas, and Eid celebrations when offices close.
For cost savings, check with your provider about off-peak rates, typically evenings and weekends, though this matters less for business communications.
To ensure clear communication despite potential line quality issues, speak slowly and clearly, confirm key details by repeating them back, and consider following up important conversations with written summaries via email. Mobile networks generally offer better clarity than landlines. Have backup contact numbers available, as connectivity can occasionally be unreliable.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Sierra Leone is +232. You must dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Sierra Leone from anywhere in the world.
To call Sierra Leone from your cell phone, dial + (or 011 in the US), then 232 (country code), followed by the area code and local number. For example: +232-XX-XXXXXX.
Yes, if the Sierra Leone phone number starts with a zero, you should drop it when dialing internationally. After dialing +232, enter the remaining digits without the leading zero.
The cheapest way to call Sierra Leone 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 Sierra Leone.
In Sierra Leone, the main emergency numbers are 999 for police, 019 for fire services, and 999 for ambulance services. These numbers can be dialed free of charge from any phone within the country.
Yes! ZippCall allows you to make calls to Sierra Leone directly from your web browser. Simply visit the ZippCall website, add credit to your account, and start calling without downloading any software.
Start Calling Sierra Leone Today
Now that you know how to dial, make cheap calls to Sierra Leone with ZippCall's crystal-clear connections and unbeatable rates.
Join7,744users who have made13,437minutes of calls in the last 7 days.
View rates for calling Sierra Leone