Nigerias Calling Code - How to call Nigeria

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You want to reach friends or family in Nigeria, but you need the right calling code. Every international call to Nigeria starts with the country code, which is +234. If you call from the USA, you must use the correct international calling sequence. People often make mistakes with calls because they forget the country code or use the wrong calling format. International calls to Nigeria require you to pay attention to calling codes and follow the steps for each country. The USA has its own way to connect calls to Nigeria, so knowing the proper calling code and country code helps you avoid errors. International calling can seem tricky, but with the right information, you can make calls to Nigeria from the USA without any trouble.

Key Takeaways

• Always start international calls to Nigeria with the country code +234 and drop the first zero from the local number.
• To call Nigeria from the USA, dial 011, then 234, followed by the area code for landlines or the mobile prefix for mobiles, and then the phone number.
• Use internet-based calling apps or services to save money and check Nigeria’s time zone to call at a convenient hour.

Nigeria Calling Code

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What is Nigeria’s Calling Code

If you want to call someone in Nigeria, you need to start with the right calling code. The official international calling code for Nigeria is +234. This code is recognized by the International Telecommunication Union and the Nigerian Communications Commission. When you dial from outside Nigeria, you must use this country code for nigeria before the rest of the phone number. You should also drop the first zero from the local number when calling from abroad. The country code helps your call reach the right country, so you do not get a wrong connection.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) keeps the most up-to-date information about calling codes and dialing rules. You can find more details on their official website.

Nigeria Phone Number Format

Nigerian phone numbers have a clear structure. Most phone numbers in Nigeria have 11 digits, including the area code or mobile prefix. Mobile numbers usually start with 7, 8, or 9. Some common mobile prefixes are 070, 080, 081, 090, and 091. Each network provider uses different prefixes. Here is a quick look at some of the most popular ones:

For landlines, the NCC made a big change in 2024. All fixed-line numbers now start with ‘02’ before the area code. For example, a Lagos landline that used to be 01 887 1000 is now 0201 887 1000. This makes all fixed-line numbers 11 digits long, just like mobile numbers.

Here is a table showing how Nigerian phone numbers look:

When you call Nigeria, always use the calling code +234, drop the first zero, and then dial the rest of the number. This way, your call will go through without problems.

How to Call Nigeria

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How to Call Nigeria from USA

If you want to reach someone in Nigeria from the USA, you need to follow a specific dialing sequence. The process may look confusing at first, but you can break it down into simple steps. Here’s how to call Nigeria from USA:

1. Dial the USA exit code, which is 011. This code tells your phone company you are making an international call.
2. Enter Nigeria’s country code, which is 234.
3. For landlines, dial the area code for the city you want to reach. For mobiles, skip this step.
4. Enter the local phone number. If the number starts with a zero, leave it out.

Here’s what the full sequence looks like:

• For a landline in Lagos:
  011-234-1-2345678
• For a mobile number:
  011-234-8031234567

Tip: On many smartphones, you can use the plus sign (+) instead of the exit code. So, you can dial +234, then the rest of the number.

If you are calling Nigeria from USA, always remember to drop the first zero from the Nigerian number. This rule applies to both landlines and mobile numbers.

Calling Nigeria Landlines and Mobiles

You might wonder if there’s a difference between calling landlines and mobiles in Nigeria. The answer is yes. Landlines use area codes, while mobile numbers use network prefixes. Here’s how you can tell them apart:

• Landlines: These numbers start with an area code. For example, Lagos uses ‘1’, Abuja uses ‘9’, and Port Harcourt uses ‘84’. After the area code, you dial the local number.
• Mobiles: Mobile numbers in Nigeria start with a three-digit prefix that shows the network. Some common prefixes are 803 for MTN, 805 for Glo, 802 for Airtel, and 809 for Etisalat.

Here’s a table to help you spot the most common mobile prefixes:

When you call a mobile number, you do not need an area code. Just dial the country code, the mobile prefix, and the rest of the number.

Example Dialing Sequences

Let’s look at some real examples for calling Nigeria from USA:

• To call a Lagos landline:
  1. Dial 011 (USA exit code)
  2. Dial 234 (Nigeria country code)
  3. Dial 1 (Lagos area code)
  4. Dial the 7-digit local number
     Example: 011-234-1-2345678
• To call a Nigerian mobile:
  1. Dial 011 (USA exit code)
  2. Dial 234 (Nigeria country code)
  3. Dial the mobile prefix (e.g., 803 for MTN)
  4. Dial the 7 or 8-digit subscriber number
     Example: 011-234-8031234567

Note: Always skip the leading zero when dialing Nigerian numbers from the USA or any other country.

Major Area Codes in Nigeria

Area codes help you reach the right city when calling Nigeria. Each major city has its own code. You need this code if you want to call a landline. Here are some of the most important area codes:

If you want to call a landline in Lagos, you use the area code 1. For Abuja, use 9. For Port Harcourt, use 84. When you dial from the USA, the full sequence for a Lagos landline would be 011-234-1, followed by the local number.

Calling Nigeria from Other Countries

If you are not in the USA, you will use a different exit code. For example, if you are in the United Kingdom, you start with 00 instead of 011. Here’s how you do it:

1. Dial your country’s exit code (for the UK, it’s 00).
2. Dial Nigeria’s country code (234).
3. Skip the first zero in the Nigerian number.
4. For landlines, add the area code. For mobiles, use the mobile prefix.

So, if you are calling from the UK, the sequence looks like this:
00-234-1-2345678 (for a Lagos landline)
00-234-8031234567 (for a mobile)

Tip: The exit code is sometimes called the international prefix. It tells your phone company you want to make an international call.

International Dialing Reminders

• Always check the number format before you call.
• Make sure you have the correct area code or mobile prefix.
• Double-check the time zone in Nigeria before making international calls.

By following these steps, you can make calls to Nigeria from the USA or any other country without confusion. Knowing the right sequence and codes makes international dialing much easier.

Calling Nigeria: Cost and Best Time

Affordable Calling Options

You want affordable calls to nigeria, but you do not want to pay high call charges to nigeria. The cheapest way to call nigeria often uses internet-based services, like VoIP or calling apps. These options let you make free calls to nigeria or pay much less than regular phone rates. Many people in the usa use calling cards or apps to save money on international calls. Some services even let you call from your mobile or landline without buying a physical card.

Here is a quick look at some popular ways to get affordable calls to nigeria:

You can also try calling card-like services that use local dial-in numbers. These can help you save up to 90% on calls. Some apps let you make free calls to nigeria if both you and the person you call use the same app. The cheapest way to call nigeria is often through these internet-based services.

Many people complain about poor call quality or high costs. Using VoIP or calling apps can help you avoid these problems and get better rates.

Time Zone and Best Time to Call

Nigeria uses the Africa/Lagos time zone, which is UTC+1. If you live in the usa or Canada, you need to remember that nigeria is ahead by several hours. For example, if you are in Washington or Ottawa, nigeria is 5 hours ahead. This means when it is noon in the usa, it is already 5:00 PM in nigeria.

To make sure your calls reach someone at a good time, try calling between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM in your usa time zone. This matches late afternoon in nigeria, which is a great time for most people.

If you want free calls to nigeria, try using apps that offer this feature. The cheapest way to call nigeria is to use internet-based services, especially during off-peak hours. Always check the time in nigeria before you call to avoid waking someone up!

To call nigeria successfully, follow these steps:

1. Dial your country’s exit code, then nigeria’s +234.
2. Add the area code for landlines or the mobile prefix.
3. Double-check the number format and time zone.

Always verify the phone number and use affordable calling options to avoid errors.

FAQ

How do you know if a Nigerian number is a mobile or landline?

Mobile numbers start with prefixes like 070, 080, 081, 090, or 091. Landlines use area codes, such as 1 for Lagos or 9 for Abuja.

Tip: If you see a three-digit prefix after +234, it’s usually a mobile number.

Can you call Nigeria for free?

You can use internet-based apps to make free calls if both you and the person in Nigeria use the same app. Regular phone calls usually cost money.

What should you do if your call to Nigeria does not connect?

Check the number format. Make sure you dropped the first zero and used the correct country code. Try again or use a different calling method.

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