The keyword inquiry “02 country code” can refer to several different numbering systems because the “0” often represents an international access code or a national trunk code.
The most direct and globally recognized country code that begins with the digits 20 is +20, which is the country calling code for Egypt.
However, the “02” sequence is also heavily used as a geographic area code prefix in the United Kingdom and as the local area code for major metropolitan areas in Egypt. This article clarifies the global and local contexts of the “02” designation.
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The Global Country Code: for Egypt
When making an international call, the country calling code for Egypt is +20. The initial “0” often seen in the search query is usually either an international dialing prefix (like 00) or an Egyptian national dialing code.
Egypt Dialing Format
- Country Code: +20
- Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET), which is typically UTC+2.
- Total Number Length: 10 digits (excluding the country code).
| To Call Egypt From: | Dialing Sequence | Breakdown |
| US/Canada | 011 20 2 XXXX XXXX | (Exit Code) (Country Code) (Cairo/Giza Area Code) + 7-digit number. |
| Mobile Phone | +20 2 XXXX XXXX | (Automatic Exit Code) (Country Code) + Area/Local Number. |
The Local Egyptian “02”
Within Egypt, the 02 prefix is the national dialing code for landlines in the largest metropolitan areas:
- 02: Used for Cairo, Giza, and Qalyubia.
When calling Cairo from within Egypt, a person dials followed by the 8-digit local number. When calling from outside Egypt, the “0” is dropped, and the full sequence is .
- The Prefix in the United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom (UK), numbers starting with 02 are geographic area codes tied to large cities.
- Format: is followed by a two-digit city code, and then the local number.
- Examples:
- 020: London
- 029: Cardiff
- 028: Northern Ireland
The “0” is the national trunk prefix (used for calls within the UK). When calling the UK from abroad, the “0” is dropped, and the country code +44 is used: e.g., XXXX XXXX.
- The Unassigned and Numeric Codes
In other international contexts, the “02” sequence can be a simple numerical designation.
- ISO 3166 Numeric Code: The three-digit ISO numeric code for Andorra is 020, and for El Salvador is 222 (though these are not used for telephone dialing).
- Numeric Zone: International telephone numbering is organized into zones (Zone 1 for North America, Zone 2 for Africa, etc.). The country code +20 falls within the Africa/Antarctica zone.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I receive a call from a number starting +20, where is it from?
A call displaying the country code +20 is originating from Egypt. Be aware of the time difference before answering or returning the call.
Is the number 02 used as an Area Code in the USA or Canada?
No. The US and Canada use the North American Numbering Plan, which has the country code +1. Domestic area codes are three digits and do not start with a “0”. For example, the US has the area code 202 (Washington D.C.), but this is dialed as 1-202, not 02.
What is the time difference when calling Egypt (+20) from the US East Coast (EST)?
Egypt (UTC+2) is generally 7 hours ahead of the US Eastern Standard Time (EST), and 6 hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). It is always wise to check the current time in Cairo or the specific Egyptian city before placing a call.
How do I dial a UK number with the 02 prefix from the US?
To call a UK number like 020 7XXX XXXX (London) from the US, you would dial:
Conclusion
The “02 country code” most directly refers to the +20 country calling code for Egypt. The initial “0” is often a national dialing code dropped during international dialing. The “02” sequence is also a prefix for major geographic area codes in the United Kingdom. Knowing the context—whether you are dialing internationally or locally—is key to using the correct format.
