The sequence “area code 255” is often incorrectly sought after, as 255 is not a domestic area code within the United States or Canada. Instead, +255 is the official international country calling code for the United Republic of Tanzania, a nation in East Africa famous for its diverse wildlife, including the Serengeti National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro.
If you have encountered a phone number starting with +255, it signifies an international call from Tanzania. This guide will clarify the code’s proper use, list the major regional codes, and provide essential consumer tips for international calling.
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Location and Time Zone of the +255 Country Code
The +255 country code serves the entire country of Tanzania, which includes the mainland territory (formerly Tanganyika) and the islands of Zanzibar.
| Feature | Detail |
| Country | Tanzania (ISO Code: TZ) |
| Continent | Africa |
| Capital City | Dodoma (Dar es Salaam is the largest city) |
| Time Zone | East Africa Time (EAT): UTC+3 |
Time Zone Note: East Africa Time (EAT)
Tanzania observes East Africa Time (EAT), which is UTC+3 year-round, as the country does not use Daylight Saving Time (DST).
- Calling from the U.S. East Coast (EST/EDT): Tanzania is typically 8 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time (EST) in the winter and 7 hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) in the summer. Always check the local time before placing a call.
- How to Dial a Phone Number Using the +255 Country Code
Tanzanian phone numbers, when dialed internationally, are generally 9 or 10 digits long, following the country code. The number structure relies on a regional code for landlines or a mobile prefix for cellular phones.
Dialing Structure
Dialing from the U.S. or Canada:
- Dial the International Exit Code (011): (Or use the + symbol on a mobile phone).
- Dial the Country Code (255).
- Dial the 2-Digit Area Code (for landlines) OR the 2-Digit Mobile Prefix.
- Dial the remaining 7-Digit Subscriber Number.
Example: Calling Dar es Salaam (Landline) from the U.S.
Major Tanzanian Regional Codes (Landlines)
Tanzanian landline numbers use a two-digit geographic code that follows the +255 country code:
| Major City/Region | Regional Code | Example Landline Format |
| Dar es Salaam | 22 | +255 22 XXXXXXX |
| Arusha (Near Mt. Kilimanjaro) | 27 | +255 27 XXXXXXX |
| Dodoma (Capital) | 26 | +255 26 XXXXXXX |
| Mwanza | 28 | +255 28 XXXXXXX |
| Zanzibar City | 24 | +255 24 XXXXXXX |
Mobile Phone Numbers
Mobile numbers typically start with the digits 6 or 7 (e.g., 61, 65, 68, 71, 74, 75, 76, 78) followed by the seven-digit number. When dialing a mobile number from abroad, the first three digits after +255 often identify the mobile operator (e.g., Vodacom, Airtel, Tigo).
- Cost and Safety Considerations
Calls to the +255 country code are subject to international calling rates, which can be expensive without a specialized international calling plan.
High Cost Warning
Calling Tanzania directly from a standard US or Canadian phone line can be costly. If you frequently call Tanzania:
- Use VoIP/Apps: Services like WhatsApp, Skype, or Google Voice offer affordable or free calling over the internet.
- Buy an International Plan: Your mobile carrier may offer international minutes or add-ons at a lower bulk rate.
Scam Alert
If you receive a suspicious missed call from a +255 number and do not recognize it, do not call back. These calls can be part of the “Wangiri” or “One Ring” scam, designed to trick you into calling a premium-rate international number that charges you high fees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is 255 a valid US area code?
No. The code 255 is officially unassigned for geographic use within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). It is listed as available for non-geographic assignment but is not used to serve any city or state in the U.S. or Canada.
How long are phone numbers in Tanzania?
When dialed internationally, Tanzanian phone numbers are typically 9 digits long for landlines (e.g., +255 22 XXXXXXX) or 10 digits long for mobile phones (e.g., +255 7XX XXXXXXX), not including the international exit code.
Do I need to dial the trunk prefix ‘0’ when calling Tanzania?
No. When dialing Tanzania internationally (using your exit code + 255), you should omit the local trunk prefix ‘0’. This prefix is only used for domestic long-distance calls within Tanzania.
