The number 230 is not a US or Canadian area code. Instead, the +230 code is the international Country Calling Code for the Republic of Mauritius.
Mauritius is a beautiful island nation located in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar. It uses a closed numbering plan where the country code is followed immediately by the national phone number.
This guide provides all the necessary details on the location, the specific format for dialing a Mauritian number, the time difference, and essential safety tips regarding unsolicited international calls.
Location of Country Code +230: Mauritius
The +230 code covers the entire Republic of Mauritius, including the main island and its outer islands.
| Detail | Information |
| Code Type: | International Country Calling Code |
| Country: | Mauritius |
| Continent: | Africa (Located in the Indian Ocean) |
| Capital City: | Port Louis |
| Time Zone: | Mauritius Time (MUT), which is UTC/GMT +4 hours. Mauritius does not observe Daylight Saving Time. |
Time Difference to the US Mainland
Due to its distant location, there is a significant time difference when calling Mauritius from the United States or Canada:
- US Eastern Time (ET): Mauritius is typically 8 hours ahead of EST.
- US Pacific Time (PT): Mauritius is typically 11 hours ahead of PST.
How to Call Mauritius Using the +230 Code
Calling Mauritius requires using the International Exit Code of your location, the +230 Country Code, and the full 7- or 8-digit National Number. Mauritius does not use city-specific area codes.
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions (From the US/Canada):
- Dial the International Exit Code: Use 011 (standard for the US and Canada). On a mobile device, the plus sign (+) is universally recommended.
- Dial the Mauritius Country Code: Enter 230.
- Dial the Local Number: Enter the full national number (7 digits for landlines, 8 digits for mobile phones).
International Exit Code+230+7-8 Digit Local Number
Example (Calling a Mobile Phone from the US):
Example (Calling a Landline from the US):
Note: Mauritian mobile numbers typically start with the digit 5.
Scam Warning: Unsolicited Calls from +230
While the +230 code is a legitimate country code, all unsolicited international calls should be treated with extreme caution. The African continent is a known origin for various telephone scams.
Potential Scam Risk: The “One-Ring” or Prize Scam
- Financial Fraud: Scammers may call or text from a +230 number and claim you have won a lottery, prize, or sum of money. To claim it, they demand you pay a “fee,” “tax,” or “customs charge” via wire transfer or gift cards.
- High-Cost Return Calls: Some international codes are used in Wangiri (one-ring) scams where the caller hangs up quickly, hoping your curiosity prompts you to call back. Returning the call connects you to a costly premium-rate line, resulting in high charges on your bill.
Safety Advice:
- Do Not Send Money: Never send money, gift cards, or personal banking information to an unknown international number claiming you have won a prize.
- Avoid Calling Back: If you receive an unexpected missed call from +230, or any unfamiliar international code, do not call it back. A legitimate contact will leave a detailed, verifiable message.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is 230 a US or Canadian area code?
No. The code 230 is an international Country Calling Code and is not part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). No state or province in the US or Canada uses 230 as a geographic area code.
How many digits are in a Mauritian phone number?
Mauritian phone numbers are typically seven digits for fixed lines and eight digits for mobile lines. The full number required for international dialing is +230 plus the 7- or 8-digit local number.
Can I be charged extra for calling a +230 number?
Yes. Calls to Mauritius are considered international calls from the US and Canada. Without an international calling plan or a VoIP service with special rates, you will be charged expensive per-minute fees by your mobile or landline carrier. Always check your plan’s international rates before dialing.
