How to Call Tanzania
Complete guide to dialing Tanzania (country code +255)
Planning to make a phone call to Tanzania but unsure where to start? You've come to the right place. Whether you're connecting with family, coordinating business matters, or arranging travel plans, understanding how to call Tanzania correctly will save you time and frustration. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need for calling Tanzania successfully, including step-by-step dialing instructions from various countries, common mistakes to avoid that could prevent your call from connecting, essential phone etiquette tips to help you communicate respectfully, and a collection of useful numbers for emergencies and services. By the end of this guide, you'll have the confidence to dial Tanzania effortlessly and connect with anyone in this beautiful East African nation without any hassle.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
How to Dial Tanzania: Complete International Calling Guide
International Dialing Format Structure
To call Tanzania from abroad, follow this structure: Exit Code + 255 + Local Number (without leading 0)
Tanzania's country code is +255. The exit code varies by country—011 for USA/Canada, 00 for UK and most European nations, and + from mobile phones worldwide.
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions
From the USA:
- Dial 011 (US exit code)
- Dial 255 (Tanzania country code)
- Dial the local number without the leading zero
From the UK and Europe:
- Dial 00 (international exit code)
- Dial 255 (Tanzania country code)
- Dial the local number without the leading zero
From Mobile Phones (Any Country):
Simply dial + then 255 and the local number without zero.
Specific Dialing Examples
Example 1 - Tanzanian Mobile Number (Vodacom):
Local format: 0754 123 456
- From USA: 011-255-754-123-456
- From UK: 00-255-754-123-456
- From mobile: +255-754-123-456
Example 2 - Dar es Salaam Landline:
Local format: 022 123 4567
- From USA: 011-255-22-123-4567
- From UK: 00-255-22-123-4567
- From mobile: +255-22-123-4567
Example 3 - Zanzibar Landline:
Local format: 024 223 4567
- From USA: 011-255-24-223-4567
- From UK: 00-255-24-223-4567
- From mobile: +255-24-223-4567
Important: Dropping the Leading Zero
Tanzanian phone numbers displayed locally always begin with 0 (like 0754 or 022). When calling internationally, always remove this leading zero. The zero is only used for domestic calls within Tanzania. For international calls, replace it with your exit code plus 255.
Quick Tips:
- Mobile numbers typically start with 06, 07, or 075 after the country code
- Landlines use area codes: 22 (Dar es Salaam), 24 (Zanzibar), 27 (Arusha)
- Save international contacts with + format for easy dialing worldwide
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Common Mistakes
When calling Tanzania, avoid these common mistakes that can prevent your call from connecting:
1. Forgetting to drop the leading zero
Tanzanian phone numbers start with 0 domestically, but you must remove it when dialing internationally. For example, if the local number is 0712 345 678, dial +255 712 345 678, not +255 0712 345 678.
2. Using the wrong exit code
Different countries use different exit codes (011 for USA/Canada, 00 for most of Europe). Know your country's exit code or simply use the + symbol, which works universally on mobile phones.
3. Confusing the country code with area codes
255 is Tanzania's country code, not an area code. You must dial +255 first, then the specific regional or mobile network code (like 22 for Dar es Salaam landlines or 71/68 for mobile networks).
4. Incorrect number length
Tanzanian mobile numbers have 9 digits after the country code, while landlines vary. If your dialed number seems too short or long, verify the complete number format.
5. Adding unnecessary spaces or characters
While spaces help readability, ensure your phone system accepts them, or remove all spaces when dialing.
Cultural Etiquette
In Tanzania, phone etiquette reflects the country's warm and respectful culture. Understanding these customs helps build stronger relationships, whether for business or personal connections.
Greetings Matter: Always begin calls with proper greetings. Start with "Shikamoo" (respectful greeting to elders) or "Hujambo" (how are you) before discussing your reason for calling. Rushing immediately to business is considered rude. Expect to exchange pleasantries about family and health first.
Business vs. Personal Calls: Business calls should be more formal, using titles like "Mzee" (elder/respected person) or professional designations. Personal calls can be warmer but still maintain respect, especially with older relatives or community leaders.
Timing: Avoid calling early morning (before 8 AM) or late evening (after 9 PM) unless urgent. Midday calls during prayer times should be avoided if calling Muslim contacts. Weekends are generally acceptable for personal calls but confirm preferences for business matters.
Formality Level: Start formal and let the other person set the tone for casualness. Swahili and English are both common, but beginning with Swahili greetings shows cultural respect.
Voice Messages: Leaving voicemails is acceptable, but many Tanzanians prefer text messages (SMS). If someone misses your call, they often call back rather than checking voicemail.
Cultural Considerations: Patience is valued—conversations may be longer than Western norms. Community and relationship-building take precedence over efficiency, so allow time for proper social exchanges.
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Emergency Numbers
Emergency Numbers in Tanzania:
- Police: 112 or 999
- Ambulance: 114 or 115
- Fire Department: 115
- Traffic Police: 113
- Tourist Police (Dar es Salaam): +255 22 211 8888
Important Information:
These emergency numbers are accessible from both landlines and mobile phones throughout Tanzania. The 112 number is the unified emergency hotline and should work across all networks. However, response times can vary significantly, particularly outside major cities like Dar es Salaam and Arusha.
English-speaking operators are generally available on these lines, though Swahili is the primary language. Calls to emergency numbers are typically free from mobile phones. Due to limited emergency service infrastructure in rural areas, it's advisable to also have contact information for your hotel, tour operator, or embassy readily available for assistance.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 991: Directory inquiries for local phone numbers
- 0800 xx xxxx: Toll-free information lines (varies by provider)
International Services
- 0900: International operator assistance for overseas calls
Tourist Services
- +255 22 213 1555: Tanzania Tourist Board helpline for visitor information and assistance
Embassy Contacts
- +255 22 229 4000: U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam
- +255 22 229 0000: British High Commission
- +255 22 266 6017: Canadian High Commission
Other Useful Numbers
- 148: Tanzania Revenue Authority (tax inquiries)
- 0800 110 010: Anti-corruption hotline
- +255 22 211 8071: Immigration Services
- 993: Road accident information
Keep these numbers saved in your phone or written down for easy access during your stay in Tanzania.
Tips for Calling Tanzania
When calling Tanzania (UTC+3), time zone planning is essential. If calling from New York (UTC-5), Tanzania is 8 hours ahead, so 9 AM EST equals 5 PM in Tanzania. From London (UTC+0), add 3 hours.
For business calls, aim for Tanzanian business hours: 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday. Mid-morning (9-11 AM local time) typically works best, avoiding lunch hours around 1 PM. Always schedule business calls in advance via email, as drop-in calls are considered unprofessional.
Avoid calling during Ramadan fasting hours (dawn to sunset) when applicable, and major holidays including Union Day (April 26), Labour Day (May 1), and Independence Day (December 9). Fridays after 1 PM may see reduced availability due to prayer times.
For international calls, off-peak hours (evenings and weekends) often mean lower rates, but prioritize recipient convenience over savings for important matters.
Communication tips: speak slowly and clearly, as English proficiency varies. Mobile networks are generally reliable in urban areas, but confirm connection quality at the call's start. Use WhatsApp or other internet-based services as cost-effective alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Tanzania is +255. You need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Tanzania from anywhere in the world. It identifies Tanzania within the global telephone numbering system.
To dial Tanzania from your cell phone, start with the '+' symbol or your country's international access code, then dial 255 (Tanzania's country code), followed by the local phone number without the leading zero. For example: +255-XXX-XXXXXX.
Yes, you must drop the leading zero from the local Tanzanian phone number when calling internationally. If the local number is 0712-345-678, you would dial +255-712-345-678, removing the initial zero after entering the country code.
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In Tanzania, the main emergency numbers are: 112 (general emergency services), 999 (police), 114 (fire services), and 115 (ambulance). These numbers can be dialed free of charge from any phone within Tanzania for urgent assistance.
Yes, you can call Tanzania directly from your web browser using ZippCall. Simply visit the ZippCall website, enter the Tanzanian phone number you wish to call, and connect instantly without needing to download any software or applications.
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