Calling Codes for Tanzania: A Quick Guide

Mesan Ali
If you are planning to call Tanzania or need to connect with someone there, understanding the dialing codes, formats, and regional specifics is essential. This guide provides you with the necessary information to make your calls to and from Tanzania smoothly.
How Do I Call Tanzania?
To initiate a call to Tanzania from another country, you will need to use its specific international dialing code. Tanzania uses the following calling codes:
- Country Code: +255
- International Access Code: 000 (when dialing from outside Tanzania)
- Long-distance Access Code: 0 (when dialing within Tanzania)
A typical phone number in Tanzania consists of a country code, an area code, and a subscriber number.
Subscriber Number Lengths
The length of the subscriber number can vary based on the National Destination Codes (NDCs):
- For NDCs under 2X, 4X, 6X, and 7X: 7 digits
- For NDCs under 8XY and 90X: 6 digits
Specific Area Codes
Tanzania has several area codes corresponding to different regions. Here are the most notable ones:
Region | Area Code |
Arusha | 27 |
Coast Region | 23 |
Dar es Salaam | 22 |
Dodoma and Iringa | 26 |
Kagera | 28 |
Kigoma | 28 |
Kilimanjaro | 27 |
Dialing Formats
From Outside Tanzania
To call a number in Tanzania from abroad, use the following format:
- Format: +255 XXX XXX XXX
- Example: +255 22 XXX XXX (for Dar es Salaam)
Within Tanzania
To call a local number within Tanzania, use this format:
- Format: 0XXX XXX XXX
- Example: 022 XXX XXX (for Dar es Salaam)
Regional Calls
If you are making calls to Tanzania from neighboring countries, you will need to use specific codes:
- Calls to Kenya: Dial 005 instead of +254
- Calls to Uganda: Dial 006 instead of +256
- Calls from Kenya and Uganda to Tanzania: Dial 007 instead of +255
Additional Information
- Time Zone: Tanzania is in the UTC/GMT +3 hours time zone.
- Daylight Saving Time: Not applicable in Tanzania.
FAQs
Why didn’t my call to Tanzania go through?
There could be several reasons for a failed connection:
- You may have forgotten to include the international access code.
- The area code you dialed might be incorrect.
- The number you are trying to reach may not be in service or may be a mobile phone that does not accept international calls.
- Ensure that you have dialed the complete format including the country code +255.
Do phone numbers in Tanzania typically have voicemail?
Yes, many phone numbers in Tanzania, especially mobile phones, come with voicemail services. Users can set up personalized greetings for incoming calls.
What sounds can I expect when calling Tanzania?
When calling a Tanzanian number, you can anticipate the following tones:
- Dial tone: A standard tone indicating the line is ready to connect.
- Busy signal: A repetitive beep indicating that the line is currently busy.
- Unobtainable message: A notification indicating that the number you are trying to reach cannot be connected.
What if I frequently travel to Tanzania?
If you travel to Tanzania often, consider acquiring a local SIM card upon arrival. This will provide you with an affordable option for making calls and using data without incurring high international roaming fees.
By following this guide, you should be well-equipped to make calls to and from Tanzania efficiently. Happy dialing!