The +20 country code is the international telephone prefix used to call the Arab Republic of Egypt. As one of Africa’s most populous countries and a major hub for business and tourism, Egypt utilizes the +20 code for all international connections to its national phone network.
If you have seen a missed call or need to place a call starting with +20, this guide will clarify the necessary dialing steps, list the major city area codes, and provide essential context on time zones and local dialing format.
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Location and Overview of the +20 Country Code
The +20 country code is assigned to Egypt, a transcontinental nation spanning the northeast corner of Africa and the southwest corner of Asia via the Sinai Peninsula.
| Feature | Detail |
| Country | Egypt (Official Name: Arab Republic of Egypt) |
| Continent | Africa/Asia (Transcontinental) |
| Capital City | Cairo |
| Time Zone | Eastern European Time (EET): UTC+2 |
Egyptian Time Zone: EET (UTC+2)
It is crucial to note that Egypt observes Eastern European Time (EET), which is 7 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time (EST) during the winter months. During the summer, Egypt may observe Daylight Saving Time (EEST, UTC+3), depending on local mandates. Always verify the current time in Cairo or the local city before calling.
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How to Dial a Phone Number Using the +20 Country Code
Placing a call to Egypt requires combining your country’s International Exit Code, the +20 country code, the regional area or mobile code, and the local subscriber number.
Dialing Structure (Landlines and Mobile)
Egyptian phone numbers typically follow a 10-digit format after the country code.
Dialing from the U.S. or Canada:
- Dial the Exit Code (011): This signals an international call. (Mobile users can typically substitute the +)
- Dial the Country Code (20).
- Dial the Area or Mobile Code (1 to 2 digits).
- Dial the Subscriber Number (7 to 8 digits).
Example: Calling a Cairo Landline from the U.S.
Major Egyptian City and Mobile Codes
When calling an Egyptian number, the next few digits after +20 determine the city for a landline or the mobile network operator for a cellular phone.
Landline City Codes
| City/Region | City Code | Example Full International Format |
| Cairo / Giza | 2 | +20 2 XXXX XXXX |
| Alexandria | 3 | +20 3 XXXX XXXX |
| Port Said | 66 | +20 66 XXX XXXX |
| Luxor | 95 | +20 95 XXX XXXX |
| Suez | 62 | +20 62 XXX XXXX |
Mobile Network Operator Codes
Mobile phone numbers in Egypt are 11 digits in total (Country Code + Mobile Code + Subscriber Number). The mobile network code is typically two digits.
| Operator | Mobile Code | Example Full International Format |
| Vodafone | 10 | +20 10 XXXX XXXX |
| Etisalat | 11 | +20 11 XXXX XXXX |
| Orange | 12 | +20 12 XXXX XXXX |
| We | 15 | +20 15 XXXX XXXX |
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Safety and Emergency Information
Calls from international numbers, including the +20 country code, carry a low but persistent risk of being associated with phone scams. While the majority of calls are legitimate, be cautious of unexpected contact.
Emergency Numbers in Egypt
If you or someone you know is in Egypt and needs immediate help, do not dial 911. Use the specific local emergency numbers:
- Police: 122 (or 112 from a mobile phone)
- Ambulance: 123
- Fire Brigade: 180
Warning: International Scams
If you receive a missed call from the +20 country code and do not know the number, it is recommended not to call back. This may be a tactic used in “One Ring” scams, which trick recipients into calling an international premium-rate line, resulting in high charges on your phone bill.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is +20 a valid area code in the United States?
No. The code 20 is not a valid area code within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), which includes the U.S. and Canada. The sequence +20 is exclusively the international country calling code for Egypt.
How long is a full phone number in Egypt?
When dialed internationally, a complete phone number in Egypt (excluding the exit code) consists of 11 digits for a mobile phone (+20 followed by 10 digits) and typically 10 digits for a landline phone (+20 followed by 9 digits, including the city code).
Will I be charged extra for an international call to Egypt?
Yes. Calls to Egypt are considered international calls and are subject to your phone carrier’s international long-distance rates. These rates can be very high (up to several dollars per minute). To save money, consider using a VoIP service (like Skype or WhatsApp) or purchasing an international calling plan or add-on from your carrier before dialing.
