If you see an incoming call or missed call notification for the number 245, you should know that it is not a local U.S. or Canadian area code. Instead, the numbers +245 represent the Country Calling Code for the West African nation of Guinea-Bissau.
The three-digit sequence is often referred to by users as an “area code” due to confusion with North American dialing standards, but in this case, it identifies a sovereign country. Since this is a West African country code, any call or text you receive from this number is an international communication and should be treated with caution due to the high risk of fraud and unexpected charges.
This article provides the definitive location, the correct dialing format, and crucial safety information for the +245 Country Code.
Where is the +245 Country Code Located?
The +245 Country Code is a geographical identifier for the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.
| Detail | Information |
| Location | West Africa |
| Time Zone | Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) / UTC+0 |
| Capital City | Bissau |
| Dialing Type | International Country Code |
| Warning | 245 is NOT a US or NANP (North American Numbering Plan) area code. |
The telecommunications structure in Guinea-Bissau uses a closed numbering plan, where all telephone numbers are typically nine digits long. Calls from mobile phones are common in this region, and the numbers often begin with prefixes like 95 or 96 after the country code.
How to Dial a +245 Phone Number Internationally
To successfully place a call to Guinea-Bissau, you must use your country’s international exit code first, followed by the +245 Country Code.
| Step | Action | Example (Calling from the US) |
| 1. Dial Exit Code | Enter your country’s international access code (e.g., 011 for US/Canada, 00 for most of Europe). | 011 |
| 2. Dial Country Code | Enter the Guinea-Bissau Country Code. | 245 |
| 3. Dial Local Number | Enter the full 9-digit local phone number (including any local area/city code). | 955 XXX XXX |
| Full Dialing Sequence | 011 245 955 XXX XXX |
Note: On a mobile phone, you can usually substitute the international exit code (e.g., 011) with the plus symbol (+) sign before the country code: +245 955 XXX XXX.
Safety Alert: Scam Calls from +245
Unsolicited calls from unfamiliar international codes, including +245, are highly suspicious and often part of sophisticated fraud schemes.
The Risk of the Wangiri Scam
Callers from this region may use the Wangiri scam (one-ring scam), where they call and immediately hang up. The goal is to provoke a callback, as the return call is often routed to a premium-rate international line, resulting in exorbitant charges on your phone bill.
What to Do if You Get a Call from 245
- Do Not Answer: If you do not have personal contacts in Guinea-Bissau, do not answer the call. Let it go to voicemail.
- Do Not Call Back: Never return a missed call from an unknown international number. Always search the number online first.
- Monitor Your Bill: If you accidentally call back, check your next phone statement for unusual or unexpected international call charges. If found, report them to your carrier immediately.
- Block and Report: Use your phone’s settings or a carrier-provided security app to block the specific number and report it as spam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is 245 a valid US area code?
No. The sequence 245 is currently not in use as a geographic or non-geographic area code within the United States or the North American Numbering Plan (NANP).
What time is it in the 245 area code?
The +245 Country Code is in the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) zone, which is UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) +0 hours. You should check your local time difference against GMT before calling a +245 number to avoid calling at an inconvenient hour.
Can I receive texts from the +245 country code?
Yes, you can receive text messages (SMS) from the +245 country code. However, be extremely wary of texts from unknown +245 senders. Never click on a link, open an attachment, or provide personal information in response to an unsolicited text, as this is a common method for phishing (smishing).
Conclusion
The Area Code 245 is the international Country Code for Guinea-Bissau (+245) in West Africa. It is not a domestic US area code. To ensure you remain protected from unnecessary charges, always be cautious with unsolicited calls or texts from international prefixes, and never call back a missed call from a number you do not recognize.
