If you have a call or are searching for the Area Code 238, you are looking at the international identifier for an African island nation.
The code +238 is the international country calling code for Cabo Verde (formerly known as Cape Verde), an archipelago country located in the central Atlantic Ocean off the coast of West Africa.
The sequence of digits “238” is a country code, not an area code within the United States or Canada. This comprehensive guide provides the necessary dialing instructions, key location details, and time zone information for communicating with Cabo Verde.
The +238 Country Code: Cabo Verde
The +238 prefix is the mandatory International Direct Dialing (IDD) code used to route calls into Cabo Verde from any other country worldwide.
Key Facts About +238
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Cabo Verde (Cape Verde), West Africa |
| Capital City | Praia |
| Time Zone | Cape Verde Time (CVT) – UTC-1:00 |
| Local Number Length | 7 digits (A closed dialing plan) |
| Area Codes | 2XX (Fixed-line numbers have 3-digit regional codes, e.g., 241 for Espargos). |
How to Correctly Dial a Cabo Verde Number
Cabo Verde uses a closed numbering plan, meaning all domestic calls (including landlines and mobiles) are 7 digits long, regardless of the area. When dialing from outside the country, you need the exit code, the country code, and the 7-digit number.
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions (Example from the US/Canada)
- Dial the Exit Code: Dial 011 (the standard US/Canada exit code). You can also use the plus sign + on a mobile device.
- Dial the Country Code: Dial 238.
- Dial the Local Number: Dial the full 7-digit subscriber number.
Full Example (Calling Praia Landline/Mobile): 011 + 238 + XXX XXXX
Note on City Codes
For fixed-line numbers, the first three digits represent the regional area code (e.g., landlines in the capital, Praia, start with 260). However, when dialing internationally, you simply dial the country code followed by the full 7-digit local number. Mobile numbers use non-geographic prefixes, such as 5, 8, or 9, as the starting digit.
Time Zone and International Call Considerations
Time Zone
Cabo Verde observes Cape Verde Time (CVT) at UTC-1:00.
- This means Cabo Verde is significantly behind many global financial and telecommunications hubs:
- 4 hours behind US Eastern Time (ET).
- 2 hours behind UK Time (GMT/BST).
Scam and Safety Risk
The +238 country code is not frequently cited for the high-volume scams associated with some other African and Caribbean codes. However, any unexpected international call carries a risk of being a “Wangiri” (one-ring) scam, where the goal is to prompt you to call back and incur premium international charges.
Safety Tip: If you receive a missed call from +238 and are not expecting international contact, do not return the call. Always check your mobile plan’s international rates before calling any foreign number.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is there a US area code 238?
No. The sequence 238 is an international country code and is not listed as an active, reserved, or future area code within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP).
How long are phone numbers in Cabo Verde?
Excluding the +238 country code, phone numbers in Cabo Verde are typically 7 digits long for both fixed (landline) and mobile services.
Does Cabo Verde observe Daylight Saving Time?
No. Cabo Verde remains on UTC-1:00 year-round, as it is located close to the equator.
Conclusion
The Area Code 238 is the mandatory international dialing code for Cabo Verde. Knowing this code and the correct 7-digit dialing sequence is essential for smooth communication. Always be mindful of the significant time difference and the cost of making international calls before reaching out to the +238 prefix.
