The number 255 is not a North American area code. The +255 code is the official International Country Calling Code for the United Republic of Tanzania, an East African nation.
If you receive an unexpected call or text message displaying the +255 prefix, it is an international call originating from Tanzania. While the code is legitimate, unsolicited calls from unfamiliar international numbers should always be treated with caution due to the risk of fraud.
This guide provides the complete dialing instructions for Tanzania, lists the major city codes, and clarifies the status of the 255 code in the context of the U.S. and Canada.
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Location and Time Zone of the +255 Country Code
The +255 code covers the entire territory of Tanzania, including the capital Dodoma, the largest city Dar es Salaam, and the island of Zanzibar.
| Detail | Information |
| Country | United Republic of Tanzania |
| Continent | Africa (East Africa) |
| Code Type | International Country Calling Code |
| Time Zone | Eastern Africa Time (EAT), which is UTC+3. |
Time Zone Clarification
Tanzania observes Eastern Africa Time (EAT) year-round and does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). This means Tanzania is:
- 8 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
- 7 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
Major Tanzanian City and Regional Codes (Landlines)
Tanzania uses a system where a two-digit city or area code follows the country code for landline numbers.
| Major City/Region | Area Code |
| Dar es Salaam | 22 |
| Zanzibar City | 24 |
| Dodoma (Capital) | 26 |
| Arusha | 27 |
| Mwanza | 28 |
| Mbeya | 25 |
Note: Mobile numbers typically use three-digit prefixes starting with 6 or 7 (e.g., 65, 68, 74, 78) immediately after the +255 country code, followed by the local subscriber number.
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How to Dial a Phone Number Using the +255 Code
To place an international call to Tanzania from the U.S. or Canada, you must use the following sequence:
- International Exit Code (011): Dial 011 (the exit code for the U.S. and Canada).
- Country Code (255): Dial 255 (the country code for Tanzania).
- Area/Mobile Prefix: Dial the appropriate regional code (for landlines) or the mobile carrier prefix (for cell phones).
- Local Number: Dial the remaining local subscriber number (typically 7 digits).
Example (Calling a Dar es Salaam Landline from the U.S.):
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Scam Warning and U.S. Status
U.S. Area Code Status
The number 255 is unassigned in the North American Numbering Plan. While the digits 256 and 254 are active area codes in the U.S. (Alabama and Texas, respectively), 255 has been reserved for future non-geographic or geographic use but is not currently active in North America.
Scam Alert
Although the 255 code is not as notorious for scams as some West African or Caribbean codes, any unexpected call from a foreign number can be an attempt at fraud, such as:
- Premium-Rate Scams: Scammers call, ring once, and hang up, hoping you call back. If you return the call, you may be connected to an expensive premium-rate line, incurring high international charges on your phone bill.
- Impersonation: Scammers may pretend to be a family member traveling abroad or a foreign government official asking for bank details or payment.
Always verify the identity of the caller through a trusted alternative method (like email or social media) before returning an unsolicited international call or sharing any personal information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a domestic U.S. area code 255?
No. The number 255 is unassigned in the U.S. and Canada. The surrounding codes, 254 (Texas) and 256 (Alabama), are active geographic area codes, but 255 itself is currently reserved.
Is Zanzibar included in the 255 country code?
Yes. All telephone numbers for the island of Zanzibar are included under the +255 country code. Landline numbers in Zanzibar City use the regional code 24.
How many digits are in a Tanzanian phone number?
When dialing internationally, the full Tanzanian number (including the area code/mobile prefix and the local number) will usually have 9 or 10 digits following the +255 country code. For example, a landline might be +255 22 123 4567 (9 digits after +255).
