If you are searching for the meaning of the abbreviation MOZ country code, you are looking for the international identifier for a nation in Southern Africa.
MOZ is the official three-letter (Alpha-3) country code assigned by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for the Republic of Mozambique. While MOZ is used in data, finance, and logistics, the actual telephone prefix required for placing a call is +258.
This comprehensive guide will detail Mozambique’s official telecommunication codes, provide step-by-step dialing instructions, list the key city codes, and offer general advice for placing international calls to this region.
The Official Telecommunication Codes for Mozambique
It is important to distinguish between the common abbreviations and the mandatory dialing prefix:
| Code Type | Code | Purpose |
| Telephone Country Code | +258 | The mandatory prefix for all international phone calls to Mozambique. |
| ISO 3166-1 Alpha-3 Code | MOZ | Used by international bodies (like the UN and IOC) for data and country identification. |
| ISO 3166-1 Alpha-2 Code | MZ | The two-letter code, often used for Internet Top-Level Domains (.mz). |
How to Dial Mozambique Using +258
To successfully call a number in Mozambique from any foreign country, you must follow the correct international dialing sequence.
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions (Example from the US/Canada)
- Dial the Exit Code: Dial 011 (the standard exit code for the US/Canada). You can also use the plus symbol + on a mobile device.
- Dial the Country Code: Dial 258 (Mozambique’s country code).
- Dial the Local Code: Dial the Area Code (for landlines) or the Mobile Prefix + Subscriber Number.
Dialing Format Examples:
| To Call | Dialing Sequence (from US/Canada) |
| Mobile Phone | 011 – 258 – 8X – XXX XXXX (e.g., 82, 84, 86 are common prefixes) |
| Maputo Landline | 011 – 258 – 21 – XXX XXXX |
| Beira Landline | 011 – 258 – 23 – XXX XXXX |
Key City and Mobile Codes
Mozambique’s fixed-line (landline) numbers typically begin with a National Destination Code (area code) that indicates the city. Mobile numbers are identified by specific prefixes assigned to operators.
| City/Region | Fixed-Line Code | Mobile Operator Prefixes |
| Maputo (Capital) | 21 | 82, 83 (Mcel), 84, 85 (Vodacom), 86, 87 (Movitel) |
| Beira | 23 | |
| Nampula | 26 | |
| Quelimane | 24 | |
| Tete | 252 |
Time Zone and International Call Advice
Time Zone
Mozambique observes Central Africa Time (CAT), which is UTC+2.
- This means Mozambique is generally 7 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time (EST) and 1 hour ahead of Central European Time (CET).
Cost and Connectivity
- Cost: International calls to Africa can be expensive. Always check your mobile or landline provider’s international calling rates, or consider using a VoIP application for a more cost-effective connection.
- Safety: While MOZ and +258 are legitimate codes, be vigilant about unsolicited calls, as international lines can sometimes be used in global “one-ring” or phishing scams. Never call back an unknown number or provide personal information to an unexpected caller.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is +258 used by any other country?
No. Each country has a unique international dialing code assigned by the ITU. The code +258 is used exclusively for the Republic of Mozambique.
How many digits are in a phone number in Mozambique?
The full National (Significant) Number (NSN) in Mozambique is typically 8 or 9 digits long, which includes the area/mobile prefix and the local subscriber number. When placing an international call, the total length, excluding the exit code, is 10 to 12 digits (Country Code + NSN).
When calling Mozambique from the US, is it treated as a domestic call?
No. Unlike Canada or Puerto Rico, which are part of the North American Numbering Plan and share the +1 country code, Mozambique uses +258. Calls from the US to Mozambique are charged as international calls.
Conclusion
The abbreviation MOZ is the official code for Mozambique, and the corresponding telephone prefix is +258. Armed with this information and the correct dialing format (Exit Code + 258 + Local Number), you can easily and accurately connect with numbers in the capital, Maputo, and throughout the entire nation.
