The 238 area code is not a US or Canadian area code; it is the international country code for the nation of Cape Verde (Cabo Verde), a collection of islands in the central Atlantic Ocean off the coast of West Africa.
This is a crucial distinction: if you receive a call starting with the prefix +238 (or the international exit code followed by 238), it is originating from Cape Verde, and returning the call without an international plan will result in significant charges. This guide covers the location, time zone, and precise steps for dialing numbers within Cape Verde.
238 Country Code: Location and Time Zone
Cape Verde, officially the Republic of Cabo Verde, is an archipelago located about 350 miles (570 kilometers) off the coast of Senegal. The entire country uses the +238 country code.
Primary Location and Time Zone
| Detail | Information |
| Type of Code | International Country Code |
| Country | Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) |
| Capital City | Praia |
| Time Zone | Cape Verde Time (CVT) |
| UTC Offset | UTC-1 |
| Daylight Saving Time | Cape Verde does not observe Daylight Saving Time. |
Cape Verde Time (UTC-1) is generally three hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) during North American Daylight Saving Time periods.
Key Islands and Geographic Areas
While the entire country uses the +238 country code, telephone numbers (which are typically 7 digits long) may include initial digits that correspond to specific islands or regions. Examples of major regions and cities include:
- Santiago Island: Home to the capital, Praia.
- São Vicente Island: Home to the city of Mindelo.
- Sal Island: Home to the city of Espargos.
How to Dial a +238 Number (Calling Cape Verde)
Since 238 is a country code, the dialing format requires an international exit code to initiate the call from outside Cape Verde.
Dialing Format from the U.S. or Canada
To call a phone number in Cape Verde from the United States or Canada, you must follow this sequence:
- Dial the International Exit Code: 011 (for North America)
- Dial the Country Code: 238
- Dial the 7-Digit Local Number: XXX-XXXX
The full dialing sequence looks like this: 011 – 238 – XXX – XXXX
Dialing Format from Europe or Most of Africa/Asia
To call from countries that use the 00 exit code, the sequence is:
00 – 238 – XXX – XXXX
Scam Risk: What to Do If You See +238
Unlike the Caribbean countries that use the “1” prefix (like 809 or 473) and can be mistaken for US or Canadian calls, the +238 country code is clearly identifiable as international.
If you receive an unexpected call or text from a number starting with +238, you should treat it with caution, as you may be targeted by standard international phone scams.
High-Cost Callbacks (The “One-Ring Scam”)
Although the +238 code is distinct from North American codes, the principle of the “one-ring scam” still applies to any unexpected international call:
- The Method: A scammer calls and hangs up after one or two rings, hoping you will call back out of curiosity or concern.
- The Cost: If you call back, you may be connecting to a premium international service that charges highly inflated per-minute rates and connection fees, resulting in a significantly large phone bill.
Actionable Steps for Safety
- Do Not Call Back Unknown Numbers: Never return a call or text to any international number you do not recognize, regardless of the country code.
- Verify Legitimacy: If you suspect the call might be legitimate (e.g., from a traveler), look up the full number online to check for scam reports or contact the individual via a trusted method like email or social media.
- Ask Your Carrier: If you never make international calls, contact your mobile service provider (e.g., Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T) and ask them to block all outgoing international calls from your line to prevent accidental callback charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Cape Verde’s code not a North American area code like 809?
Cape Verde is located in West Africa and is not a part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). Therefore, it uses the standardized international country code system, which assigns blocks of codes based on geographic zones (Africa in this case), and received the +238 designation.
What is the current time zone in Cape Verde?
Cape Verde observes Cape Verde Time (CVT), which is UTC-1 year-round. This means the time is fixed and does not change with Daylight Saving Time. For comparison, it is typically 3 hours ahead of New York during the summer months.
Do I need to dial a city code when calling Cape Verde?
Cape Verde uses a closed dialing plan, where the entire 7-digit local number must be dialed. While the first few digits of the local number often correspond to a specific island or city (e.g., 230 for Mindelo), for mobile phones or from outside the country, you only need the full 7-digit number after the +238 country code.
