How to Call Togo
Complete guide to dialing Togo (country code +228)
Planning to connect with friends, family, or business contacts in Togo? Understanding how to call Togo correctly ensures your international calls go through smoothly every time. Whether you're calling Togo from the United States, Europe, or anywhere else in the world, the process involves specific country codes and dialing sequences that many people find confusing at first. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about calling Togo, including step-by-step dialing instructions for landlines and mobile phones, common mistakes to avoid that could result in failed connections, essential phone etiquette to help you make a great impression, and a collection of useful numbers for emergencies and services. By the end of this guide, you'll be confidently making international calls to Togo without hesitation.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
Complete Guide to Dialing Togo (+228)
When calling Togo from abroad, understanding the international dialing format ensures your calls connect successfully. Togo's country code is +228, and all Togolese phone numbers require this prefix when dialing internationally.
International Dialing Format Structure
The standard format for calling Togo is:
Exit Code + 228 + Local Phone Number
Togolese phone numbers are typically 8 digits long. When dialing internationally, remove any leading zero from the local number if present.
How to Dial from Different Countries
From the USA or Canada:
- Dial 011 (US/Canada exit code)
- Dial 228 (Togo country code)
- Dial the 8-digit local number
From the UK:
- Dial 00 (UK exit code)
- Dial 228 (Togo country code)
- Dial the 8-digit local number
From other countries:
Replace the exit code with your country's international access code (commonly 00), followed by 228 and the local number.
Specific Dialing Examples
Example 1 - Calling a Lomé landline from USA:
Local number: 022 XX XXX
Dial: 011-228-22-XX-XXX
Example 2 - Calling a Togo mobile number from UK:
Local number: 90 XX XX XX
Dial: 00-228-90-XX-XX-XX
Example 3 - Calling another mobile from Australia:
Local number: 70 XX XX XX
Exit code: 0011
Dial: 0011-228-70-XX-XX-XX
Example 4 - Using the + symbol:
Modern smartphones allow using + instead of exit codes.
To call mobile 91 XX XX XX: +228-91-XX-XX-XX
Important Tips
Mobile numbers in Togo typically start with 90, 91, 92, 93, 70, or 79. Landline numbers usually begin with 22. Always verify the complete 8-digit number before dialing, and remember that international calling rates apply based on your phone plan.
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Common Mistakes
When calling Togo, avoid these common mistakes that can prevent your call from connecting:
1. Forgetting to drop the leading zero
Togolese phone numbers start with 0 domestically, but you must remove it when dialing internationally. If the local number is 090 12 34 56, dial +228 90 12 34 56, not +228 090 12 34 56.
2. Using the wrong exit code
Each country has a different exit code (011 for the US/Canada, 00 for most European countries). Verify your country's exit code or simply use the + symbol, which works universally on mobile phones.
3. Confusing the country code with an area code
+228 is Togo's country code, not an area code. It must come immediately after your exit code and before the local number. There are no additional area codes within Togo.
4. Including incorrect spacing
While spaces don't affect connectivity, inconsistent formatting causes confusion. Follow the standard format: +228 XX XX XX XX for clarity.
5. Not checking number length
Togolese mobile numbers have 8 digits after removing the leading zero. If your number has more or fewer digits, double-check before dialing.
Cultural Etiquette
In Togo, phone etiquette reflects the country's respectful and community-oriented culture. Understanding these customs helps build stronger relationships in both personal and professional contexts.
Greetings Matter
Always begin calls with proper greetings. Ask "Ça va?" (How are you?) and inquire about the person's family before discussing your main reason for calling. Rushing directly to business is considered rude and impersonal.
Formality Levels
Use formal language ("Monsieur," "Madame") when calling elders, authority figures, or business contacts. With friends and peers, a more casual tone is acceptable once the relationship is established. French is commonly used for formal calls, while local languages like Ewe or Kabye show cultural respect in personal contexts.
Timing Considerations
Avoid calling during prayer times if contacting Muslim contacts, or early mornings and late evenings. The best times are mid-morning (9-11 AM) or mid-afternoon (3-5 PM). Sundays are family days, so reserve calls for urgent matters only.
Business vs. Personal Calls
Business calls should remain professional but warm. Personal calls can be longer and more conversational, as building relationships is valued over efficiency.
Voice Messages
Togolese typically prefer speaking directly rather than leaving voicemails. If someone misses your call, they'll often call back. However, brief, polite messages are acceptable.
Cultural Note
Sharing your phone with others is common in Togo, so don't be surprised if someone else answers a contact's phone.
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Emergency Numbers
Emergency Services in Togo:
- Police: 117 or 172
- Fire Department: 118
- Ambulance/Medical Emergency: 8200-1234 (Lomé area)
- General Emergency: 1010
Important Information:
These numbers can be dialed from mobile phones, though service reliability may vary depending on your network provider and location. Calls to emergency numbers are generally free of charge. However, it's important to note that emergency response infrastructure in Togo is limited, particularly outside the capital city of Lomé.
Operators primarily speak French, as it's the official language. English-speaking operators are rarely available. Response times can be slow, especially in rural areas. It's advisable to have a French-speaking contact available if possible and to know the location of the nearest hospital or medical facility in advance.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 1201: Directory assistance for local numbers
- 1212: National telephone information service
International Services
- 00 (International operator): For assistance with international calls and connections
Tourist Information
- Togo Tourism Office: +228 22 21 43 13 for visitor information and travel guidance
Embassy Contacts
- US Embassy Lomé: +228 22 61 54 70
- French Embassy: +228 22 23 46 30
- British Honorary Consulate: +228 22 21 77 59
Utility Services
- CEET (Electricity): 8000 for power outages
- TdE (Water): +228 22 21 44 65
Transportation
- Lomé-Tokoin Airport: +228 22 26 16 40
Financial Services
- Visa Card Services: +228 22 23 20 73
These numbers provide essential support for residents and visitors navigating daily services in Togo.
Tips for Calling Togo
When calling Togo (UTC+0), timing is crucial for successful connections. Business hours typically run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, making these ideal windows for professional calls. Schedule business calls in advance whenever possible, as impromptu calls may not receive immediate attention.
Calculate the time difference carefully from your location. For example, if you're calling from New York (UTC-5), Togo is five hours ahead. Aim to call during Togo's morning hours (8:00-11:00 AM local time) when connections are clearest and professionals are most available.
Avoid calling during major holidays including Independence Day (April 27), Labour Day (May 1), and religious observances like Eid al-Fitr and Christmas. Fridays after midday may see reduced availability due to prayers.
Off-peak calling (evenings and weekends) often offers better rates but lower availability for business matters. For personal calls, early evenings work well.
For clear communication, speak slowly and confirm important details via email afterward. Network quality can vary, so be patient with occasional disruptions. Having a backup calling method like WhatsApp or Skype ensures you can reconnect if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Togo is +228. You need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Togo from anywhere in the world.
To dial Togo from your cell phone, first dial your country's international exit code (011 from the US/Canada, 00 from most European countries), then 228 (Togo's country code), followed by the 8-digit local phone number.
Togo uses 8-digit phone numbers without a leading zero, so there's no zero to drop. Simply dial +228 followed by the 8-digit local number to reach your contact in Togo.
The cheapest way to call Togo 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 Togo.
In Togo, the main emergency numbers are: Police - 117, Fire Service - 118, and Medical Emergency - 8200 or 8201. These numbers can be dialed free of charge from any phone within Togo.
Yes! ZippCall allows you to make international calls to Togo directly from your web browser. Simply visit ZippCall's website, add credit to your account, and start calling Togo without downloading any software or apps.
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