The sequence +357 is the official international Country Calling Code for the Republic of Cyprus.
If you see a phone number starting with +357, the call or text originated from Cyprus, an island nation located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Cyprus utilizes a simple, closed national numbering plan, where all telephone numbers are eight digits long following the country code.
This article details the location, the correct dialing format, the time zone, and provides essential context for dealing with unsolicited calls from the +357 country code.
Location of +357: The Country Code for Cyprus
The +357 code covers the entire Republic of Cyprus, which is split into several administrative districts, including Nicosia, Limassol, and Larnaca.
| Detail | Information |
| Country: | Cyprus (Republic of Cyprus) |
| Continent: | Europe / Asia (Mediterranean Sea) |
| Capital City: | Nicosia |
| Time Zone: | Eastern European Time (EET), observing Daylight Saving Time (EEST). |
Time Zone Comparison
Cyprus (EET/EEST) is significantly ahead of North American time zones:
- 7 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time (EST).
- 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT/UTC) during standard time.
Dialing Rules for Cyprus (+357)
Cyprus uses a closed 8-digit National Significant Number (NSN) for both fixed (landline) and mobile phones.
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 Cyprus Country Code: Enter 357.
- Dial the 8-Digit National Number: Enter the full 8-digit local number (including the 2-digit regional code).
Example (Calling Nicosia from the US):
Regional Codes (Embedded in the 8-Digit Number)
The first two digits of the 8-digit national number identify the region:
| District | 2-Digit Code | Full 8-Digit Number Starts With |
| Nicosia | 22 | XXXXXX |
| Famagusta | 23 | XXXXXX |
| Larnaca | 24 | XXXXXX |
| Limassol | 25 | XXXXXX |
| Pafos | 26 | XXXXXX |
| Mobile Phones | 99, 97, 95, 96, etc. | XXXXXX, XXXXXX |
Security Warning: Handling Unsolicited +357 Calls
Cyprus is sometimes flagged in global scam reports as a source of high-volume, unsolicited international calls, particularly linked to online scams and investment fraud.
- High Cost: Calling the code will incur international charges from your mobile carrier unless you have an international plan.
- Scam Risk: Scammers often use VoIP services registered in the region. If you receive an unexpected call, especially one that hangs up after a single ring, do not call back out of curiosity.
Safety Advice:
- Block the Number: If you do not know the caller, block the number immediately on your device.
- Verify Login Attempts: The code may be used to send Two-Factor Authentication codes. If you receive an OTP from a +357 number you didn’t request, immediately change your password on the associated account (email, social media, or bank).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is 357 a valid US area code?
No. The 357 sequence is the international country code for Cyprus.
How long is a complete Cypriot phone number?
A full international phone number for Cyprus is 11 digits long (the country code plus the 8-digit local number).
What is the primary language spoken in Cyprus?
The official languages of the Republic of Cyprus are Greek and Turkish. English is also widely spoken, especially in business.
Conclusion
The +357 Country Code is the correct international dialing prefix for Cyprus. Calls to Cyprus require the full 8-digit national number, preceded by +357. Due to the time difference and potential for scams, always verify the source of an unexpected call before engaging.
