How to Call Zimbabwe
Complete guide to dialing Zimbabwe (country code +263)
Planning to connect with friends, family, or business contacts in Zimbabwe? Learning how to call Zimbabwe correctly ensures your calls go through smoothly every time. Whether you're calling from the United States, United Kingdom, or anywhere else in the world, understanding the proper dialing format is essential. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about calling Zimbabwe, including step-by-step dialing instructions for both landlines and mobile phones. We'll cover the most common mistakes people make when placing international calls, share important tips on phone etiquette to help you make a great impression, and provide a list of useful emergency and service numbers you might need. By the end of this guide, you'll be confidently making calls to Zimbabwe without any hassle.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
Complete Guide to Dialing Zimbabwe (+263)
International Dialing Format Structure
To call Zimbabwe from abroad, follow this standard format:
[Exit Code] + [263] + [Area Code without 0] + [Local Number]
Zimbabwe's country code is 263. When dialing internationally, you must remove the leading zero from local Zimbabwe numbers.
Dialing from Different Countries
From the United States
Exit code: 011
- Mobile number example: To call +263 77 123 4567
- Dial: 011-263-77-123-4567
- Harare landline: To call +263 24 123 456
- Dial: 011-263-24-123-456
From the United Kingdom
Exit code: 00
- Bulawayo landline: To call +263 9 234 567
- Dial: 00-263-9-234-567
- Mobile number: To call +263 71 987 6543
- Dial: 00-263-71-987-6543
From Other Countries
Most countries use 00 as their exit code (also called IDD prefix). However, some exceptions include:
- Canada: 011
- Australia: 0011
- Brazil: 00XX (where XX is your carrier code)
General example: [Your country's exit code]-263-[area code]-[local number]
Important: Dropping the Leading Zero
Zimbabwe phone numbers displayed locally start with 0 (e.g., 077 123 4567 or 024 123 456). When dialing internationally, always remove this leading zero.
Correct: 011-263-77-123-4567
Incorrect: 011-263-077-123-4567
Mobile vs. Landline Prefixes
- Mobile numbers: Begin with 71, 73, 77, or 78
- Landline area codes: Harare (24), Bulawayo (9), Mutare (20)
Quick Reference
From USA/Canada: 011 + 263 + number (without 0)
From UK/Europe: 00 + 263 + number (without 0)
From mobile phones: + 263 + number (without 0)
The + symbol replaces your country's exit code automatically on most mobile devices.
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Common Mistakes
When calling Zimbabwe, avoid these common mistakes that can prevent your call from connecting:
1. Forgetting to Drop the Leading Zero
Zimbabwean phone numbers start with 0 domestically, but you must remove this zero when dialing internationally. For example, if the local number is 024 123 4567, dial +263 24 123 4567, not +263 024 123 4567.
2. Using the Wrong Exit Code
Different countries have different exit codes (011 for USA/Canada, 00 for most of Europe). Using your country's exit code incorrectly will fail. Using the + symbol eliminates this confusion entirely.
3. Confusing Country Code with Area Code
The country code +263 must come first, followed by the area code (without the zero). Don't combine them or reverse the order.
4. Adding Unnecessary Spaces or Characters
While spaces help readability, some phone systems reject calls with incorrect formatting. Keep formatting consistent: +263-24-123-4567 or +26324123456.
5. Not Accounting for Time Differences
Zimbabwe is GMT+2 year-round. Calling at inappropriate local times may result in unanswered calls, wasting your international calling credits.
Cultural Etiquette
When making phone calls in Zimbabwe, proper etiquette reflects respect and cultural awareness. Understanding local customs helps build stronger personal and professional relationships.
Greetings Matter
Always begin calls with a proper greeting. "Good morning" or "Good afternoon" is essential before stating your business. Rushing into your purpose without pleasantries is considered rude. Ask "How are you?" and wait for a response, even in business contexts.
Formality Levels
Business calls require formal language, especially when calling elders or superiors. Use titles like "Mr.," "Mrs.," or professional designations. Personal calls with friends can be more casual, though respect remains important.
Timing Considerations
Avoid calling early mornings (before 8 AM) or late evenings (after 8 PM) unless it's urgent. Lunch hours (1-2 PM) are generally acceptable. Weekends are reserved for family time, so business calls should wait until Monday.
Voice Messages
If someone doesn't answer, leave a clear message stating your name, reason for calling, and callback number. Many Zimbabweans prefer missed calls (flashing) to save airtime, especially for non-urgent matters. The recipient understands this as a request to call back.
Cultural Considerations
Patience is valued—conversations may be longer than Western standards. Speaking too quickly or impatiently signals disrespect. Network issues are common, so remain courteous if connections drop. Always allow the person who initiated the call to end it first, showing proper deference.
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Emergency Numbers
Essential Emergency Numbers:
- Police: 995 or 999
- Ambulance: 994 or 999
- Fire Department: 993 or 999
- General Emergency: 999 (connects to all emergency services)
Important Information:
These numbers are accessible from both landlines and mobile phones throughout Zimbabwe. However, emergency response times can vary significantly depending on your location, with urban areas like Harare and Bulawayo generally having faster response than rural regions.
While calls to these numbers are intended to be free, mobile network connectivity issues may occasionally affect accessibility. English-speaking operators are typically available, as English is widely spoken in Zimbabwe's emergency services. Services operate 24/7, though resource limitations may impact response capabilities. Consider also having contact information for private emergency services and your embassy if you're a foreign visitor.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- Directory Enquiries: 962 - Local number lookup service
- International Operator: 960 - Assistance with overseas calls
Tourist Services
- Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Hotline: +263 242 758 730/4 - Travel information and assistance
Embassy Contacts
- US Embassy Harare: +263 242 250 593
- UK Embassy Harare: +263 242 338 800
- South African Embassy: +263 242 753 147
Utility & Service Providers
- TelOne Faults: 144 - Landline issues
- ZESA (Electricity): 910 - Power outages and faults
Transport
- Air Zimbabwe: +263 242 575 111 - Flight information
- National Railways: +263 242 383 401
Health Services
- Poison Information Centre: +263 242 792 581
These numbers provide essential support for residents and visitors navigating daily services in Zimbabwe.
Tips for Calling Zimbabwe
When calling Zimbabwe, timing is crucial for successful communication. The country operates on Central Africa Time (CAT), which is UTC+2 year-round with no daylight saving changes.
For international calls, target Zimbabwe's business hours between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM local time, Monday through Friday. Calculate the time difference from your location to avoid inconvenient late-night or early-morning calls. Most businesses close on weekends.
Schedule business calls in advance via email, confirming the date and time in both time zones to prevent confusion. This professionalism is appreciated and increases the likelihood of productive conversations.
Avoid calling during major holidays including New Year's Day, Independence Day (April 18), Workers' Day (May 1), Africa Day (May 25), and Christmas. Also be mindful of school holidays in April, August, and December when many professionals take leave.
For clearer communication, speak slowly and avoid heavy slang, as connection quality can vary. Mobile networks are generally reliable, but landlines may experience occasional disruptions. Consider using internet-based calling apps like WhatsApp or Skype as backup options, which are widely used throughout Zimbabwe.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Zimbabwe is +263. You'll need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Zimbabwe from anywhere in the world.
To call Zimbabwe from your cell phone, dial + (or 011 in the US), then 263 (Zimbabwe's country code), then the area code without the leading zero, followed by the local number. For example: +263-24-XXXXXXX for a Harare landline.
Yes, you must drop the leading zero from Zimbabwe's area code when calling internationally. For example, Harare's area code is 024 domestically, but you'd dial +263-24 when calling from abroad.
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In Zimbabwe, the main emergency numbers are: 999 for Police, 994 for Ambulance, and 993 for Fire Services. These numbers can be dialed free of charge from any phone within Zimbabwe.
Yes! ZippCall allows you to make calls to Zimbabwe directly from your web browser, making it convenient and easy. You don't need to download any software—simply use ZippCall's browser-based platform to connect with friends and family in Zimbabwe instantly.
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