he number +225 is the international Country Calling Code for the West African nation of Côte d’Ivoire (also commonly known as the Ivory Coast).
If you see a phone number starting with +225, the call or message originated from this country. It is a three-digit international code and is not an area code within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), which governs the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean.
This guide provides definitive information on the location, the correct 10-digit dialing format (following a recent national renumbering), and the relevant time zone for the +225 code.
Location of Country Code +225: Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
The +225 code serves the entire nation, which is a major economic hub in West Africa.
| Detail | Information |
| Code Type: | International Country Calling Code |
| Country: | Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) |
| Continent: | Africa (West Africa) |
| Largest City/Economic Center: | Abidjan |
| Capital City (Official): | Yamoussoukro |
| Time Zone: | Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) / UTC±00:00. |
Time Zone Comparison
Côte d’Ivoire is located in the GMT/UTC time zone, which means:
- 5 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time (EST).
- 8 hours ahead of U.S. Pacific Standard Time (PST).
How to Call Côte d’Ivoire Using the +225 Code
Following a major national renumbering that took effect in January 2021, all phone numbers in Côte d’Ivoire were expanded to 10 digits. This standardization greatly simplifies international dialing.
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions (From the US/Canada):
- Dial the International Exit Code: Use 011 (standard for the US/Canada) or the universal plus sign (+) on a mobile phone.
- Dial the Country Code: Enter 225.
- Dial the Full National Number: Enter the remaining 10 digits of the mobile or fixed-line number (including the two-digit carrier/area prefix).
International Exit Code+225+XX XX XX XXXX
Example (Calling a Mobile Number from the US): 011+225+07+XX XX XXXX
Example (Calling a Landline in Abidjan from the US): 011+225+27+XX XX XXXX
Scam Warning: Unsolicited Calls from +225
The +225 country code is occasionally used by scammers, often in West Africa, to target users globally.
Potential Scam Risk:
- WhatsApp/Social Media Scams: Scammers frequently initiate contact via WhatsApp or text message, often claiming to be from a business, asking you to call them back, or attempting to lure you into a financial scheme.
- Callback Fraud: Though less common than the Caribbean “one-ring” scam, any unexpected call from a foreign number is dangerous. Returning a call may connect you to a premium-rate international line, resulting in high charges on your phone bill.
Safety Advice:
- Do Not Engage: If you receive an unexpected call, text, or WhatsApp message from a +225 number, do not answer, call back, or click any links.
- Verify Urgency: If the message claims urgency (e.g., account suspension, prize winning), verify the claim through official channels, not by calling the unknown number.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long is an Ivorian phone number?
Since the 2021 renumbering, all mobile and fixed-line numbers in Côte d’Ivoire are 10 digits long after the +225 country code.
Is +225 a US area code?
No. The code 225 is a valid area code for Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA. However, when displayed as +225, the plus sign indicates it is the international Country Code for Côte d’Ivoire. The two codes are entirely separate.
What are the new mobile number prefixes in Côte d’Ivoire?
The new 10-digit mobile numbers typically begin with the prefixes , , or , depending on the carrier (Moov, MTN, or Orange, respectively). Landline prefixes typically start with , , or .
Conclusion
The +225 Country Code is the key to connecting with the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast). To call, use the prefix followed by the full 10-digit number. Remember that calls to West Africa are subject to international rates, and unexpected calls from this code should be treated with caution due to the risk of fraud.
