If you have received an unexpected call starting with the 225 country code (often displayed as + 225 or 00225 country code), it originated from Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) in West Africa. What is 225 in the context of unknown callers? It is frequently associated with international “Wangiri” or missed call scams designed to trick you into returning the call and incurring massive long-distance charges.
This 2026 guide clarifies exactly + 225 which country the number belongs to, explains the correct dialing formats, and provides critical safety steps to protect your phone bill from international fraud.
225 Country Code: Location and Time Zone
When users ask +225 which country number or +225 which country code this is, the answer is always Côte d’Ivoire. It is a major economic center in West Africa, with Abidjan acting as its primary economic hub.
Key Details for Côte d’Ivoire
| Detail | Information |
| Country | Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) |
| Continent | Africa |
| Primary Dialing Codes | +225 code, + 225 country code, or 00225 |
| Time Zone | Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) / UTC±00:00 (No Daylight Saving Time) |
Note: People often confuse this with other African prefixes like the +220 (Gambia) or broadly ask about a general +22 area code (which does not exist, as African codes are typically three digits). Others sometimes ask +20 is from which country, which is Egypt.
Warning: The +225 Scam Risk
The +225 code is notorious globally for its use in the “Wangiri” (Japanese for “one ring and drop”) scam. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) frequently warns consumers about this specific tactic.
How the “One Ring” Scam Works
- The Bait: Scammers use automated systems to call your number from a + 225 which country code line. They hang up after a single ring, leaving a missed call notification.
- The Trap: You see the missed call. Because the number format might look slightly familiar (resembling a US area code), you call it back.
- The Theft: You are immediately connected to a premium-rate international number. The scammers keep you on the line as long as possible, racking up exorbitant fees on your phone bill.
Actionable Steps to Protect Yourself
- Do Not Call Back: Never return a missed call from an unknown + 225 number.
- Block the Prefix: Use your smartphone settings to block the specific number or the entire country code if your device allows it.
- Ask Your Carrier: If you never make international calls, ask your mobile provider (like Verizon or AT\&T) to block all outgoing international dialing on your account.
How to Legitimately Dial Côte d’Ivoire
If you need to make a legitimate call to Côte d’Ivoire, you must understand their numbering plan. In 2021, the country transitioned to a 10-digit national numbering format to accommodate mobile growth.
To call from the US or Canada:
- Dial the exit code: 011
- Dial the country code: 225
- Dial the 10-digit national number.
Example: 011 – 225 – XX XX XX XX XX
Differentiating from Domestic US Codes
It is crucial to distinguish the international country code from domestic US numbers, as this confusion is exactly what scammers prey upon.
- +1 225 country code / +1 225: This is NOT Ivory Coast. The “+1” indicates the North American Numbering Plan. An area code of 225 in the US belongs to Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
- Shortcodes (*225\# / *\#*\#225\#): If you type *225\# or *\#*\#225\# into your phone dialer, you are not making a phone call. These are USSD codes used to check billing balances on specific mobile carriers (like AT\&T) or access hidden Android calendar info menus.
Always check for the “+” sign and the length of the number before returning a call to ensure you aren’t dialing internationally by mistake.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only, and we are not affiliated with any financial or governmental institution mentioned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What country uses the 225 country code?
The +225 country code is the official international dialing prefix for Côte d’Ivoire, also known as Ivory Coast, located in West Africa.
Why am I getting missed calls from +225?
Unsolicited missed calls from the +225 code are almost always part of a “Wangiri” or “one-ring” scam. Scammers want you to call the number back so they can charge you premium international long-distance rates.
Should I call back a missed call from a 00225 country code?
No. You should never call back an unexpected international number. Doing so will result in massive fees on your cell phone bill.
Is 225 an area code in the United States?
Yes. In the United States, the 225 area code belongs to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. You can tell the difference because a US call will display as +1 (225) XXX-XXXX, while the African country code will display as +225 followed by a 10-digit number.
What does dialing \*225\# do on my phone?
Dialing \*225\# (or a similar USSD code) is a shortcut used by some US mobile carriers, like AT\&T, to instantly check your current account balance. It is unrelated to the international country code.
How do I call Côte d’Ivoire from the US?
To make a legitimate call to Ivory Coast from the US, dial 011 (the international exit code), then 225 (the country code), followed by the 10-digit local phone number.
How can I block +225 scam calls?
You can block the specific number directly in your smartphone’s recent calls list. For ultimate protection, if you do not have contacts overseas, you can ask your cellular provider to block all outgoing international calls from your line.
