The Ultimate Guide to Country Code +20: Calling Egypt, Understanding “00201,” and Stopping Scam Calls

An unexpected call from an international number can be a source of confusion and concern. If a number beginning with the sequence “00201” has appeared on your phone, you are likely seeking clarity on its origin and intent. This guide serves as the definitive resource for understanding this number, demystifying the complexities of international dialing, and providing actionable solutions for dealing with both legitimate communications and the rising tide of phone scams.

The sequence “00201” is not a country code. It is a composite of three distinct parts: an international access code (00), a country code (20), and a mobile phone prefix (1). This report will break down each component, explain how to correctly dial numbers in Egypt from the United States, and provide an in-depth analysis of why you might be receiving these calls. Furthermore, it offers a comprehensive playbook for identifying, blocking, and reporting malicious scam calls, along with a detailed cost comparison for making affordable calls to Egypt.

 

Decoding “00201” – The Truth Behind the International Number

 

The primary source of confusion surrounding “00201” stems from a misunderstanding of global telephone dialing conventions. There is no country assigned the code “00201.” Instead, this string of digits represents the beginning of an international call to a mobile phone in Egypt, formatted for a non-US audience. Understanding the components is the first step to demystifying the number.

 

Breaking Down the Code: 00 + 20 + 1

 

A phone number is a structured address, and each part of an international number has a specific function. The sequence 00201 can be broken down as follows:

• 00 – The International Access Code: This two-digit prefix, often called an “exit code,” is used in many countries around the world to signal to the telephone network that the subsequent digits are for an international call. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) recommends 00 as the standard, and it is used by Egypt, the United Kingdom, and most other countries in Europe and Africa. When you see a number published with a  

  00 at the beginning, it is an instruction to dial out of that country’s local network.

• 20 – The Country Code for Egypt: After the exit code, 20 is the unique country calling code assigned to the Arab Republic of Egypt. This code directs the call to the Egyptian telephone network.  
• 1 – The Mobile Subscriber Prefix: In Egypt’s numbering plan, all mobile phone numbers begin with the digit 1, which is then followed by another digit identifying the specific mobile carrier. Therefore, a number starting with  

  +20 1... is definitively a mobile phone in Egypt.

 

The US vs. The World: 011 vs. 00

 

A critical point of confusion for American callers is the difference in exit codes. While much of the world uses 00, the standard international access code for calls originating from the United States and Canada is 011. This means if you are in the US and see a number written as  

00-20-1..., you must replace the 00 with 011 to place the call correctly. Attempting to dial 00 from a US-based phone will not connect the call.

 

The Universal Solution: The Plus Sign (+)

 

To simplify international dialing and eliminate the confusion between different exit codes, the plus sign (+) was established as a universal symbol for the international access code. When you dial a number starting with  

+ from a mobile phone, the phone’s network automatically substitutes the correct exit code for the country you are in. For instance, dialing +20... from a mobile phone in the US will cause the network to automatically dial 011-20..., while dialing the same number from the UK will cause the network to dial 00-20.... For this reason, it is best practice to save all international contacts in your phone with the + prefix.

 

Not to Be Confused with Area Code 201

 

It is also important to distinguish the international sequence from the North American area code 201. Area code 201 is a domestic US area code that serves northeastern New Jersey, including major cities like Jersey City, Bayonne, and Hoboken. A call from  

201-xxx-xxxx is a domestic call from New Jersey, whereas a call from +20-xxx-xxxx is an international call from Egypt.

Table 1: Deconstructing “00201” vs. Correct US Dialing

 

The Real Country Code – An In-Depth Look at +20 for Egypt

 

Egypt’s telephone numbering system is managed by the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) under the framework of the 2003 Telecom Act. Understanding this system provides the ability to identify the geographic origin and network provider of any Egyptian phone number. The country uses a closed numbering plan, which means the area code must always be included when dialing between different regions within Egypt.  

 

Landline Numbering Plan

 

Egyptian landline numbers are operated by the state-owned Telecom Egypt and are organized by geographic area codes. The country’s most populous regions are assigned shorter, single-digit area codes to simplify dialing and accommodate a larger subscriber base.  

• Major Metropolitan Codes:
  • 2: Greater Cairo, which includes the governorates of Cairo, Giza, and parts of Qalyubia.  
  • 3: Alexandria Governorate and the surrounding Mediterranean coastal region.  
• Regional Governorate Codes: Other cities and governorates use two-digit area codes.

Table 2: Egypt Landline Area Codes (Major Cities & Regions)

Note: For domestic calls within Egypt, a leading 0 is added before the area code (e.g., 02-xxxx-xxxx for Cairo).  

 

Mobile Numbering Plan

 

Egypt has a competitive mobile market with four primary operators. All mobile numbers are 10 digits long (following the domestic trunk prefix 0) and begin with a two-digit prefix that identifies the carrier. Knowing these prefixes is a powerful tool for identifying the source network of a mobile call.  

Table 3: Egypt Mobile Operator Prefixes & Formats

Sources:  

 

Special Numbers

 

To provide a complete picture, Egypt’s numbering plan also includes codes for specialized services. These are generally not dialable from outside the country but are useful to recognize:

• Toll-Free Numbers: 0800-xxx-xxxx  
• Premium Rate Services: 09xx-xxxx  
• Short Hotlines: 5-digit numbers starting with 15xxx, 16xxx, 17xxx, or 19xxx for services like Egypt Post (16789).  

 

How to Call Egypt from the USA: A Step-by-Step Guide

 

Placing a call to Egypt from the United States is straightforward once the correct dialing sequence is understood. The most common error is failing to remove the leading “trunk prefix” 0 from the local Egyptian number.

The fundamental formula for a successful call is: US Exit Code + Egypt Country Code + Area/Mobile Code + Local Subscriber Number

Here is the step-by-step process:

• Step 1: Dial the US Exit Code 011 This is the mandatory first step for placing any international call from the United States to a country outside the North American Numbering Plan.  
• Step 2: Dial Egypt’s Country Code 20 This two-digit code routes your call to the Egyptian telecommunications network.  
• Step 3: Dial the Area or Mobile Code (and Drop the ‘0’) This is the most critical step. Egyptian local numbers are often written with a leading 0 (the trunk prefix), such as 02 for Cairo or 010 for Vodafone. When dialing internationally, this 0 must be omitted.  
  • For a landline in Alexandria (area code 3), you would dial 3.
  • For an Orange mobile number (prefix 12), you would dial 12.
• Step 4: Dial the Remaining Subscriber Number This is the final 7 or 8-digit local number.  

Table 4: Step-by-Step Dialing: USA to Egypt (Examples)

Sources:  

To ensure numbers are always dialed correctly and are portable across different countries, it is highly recommended to save them in the standardized E.164 format. This format includes the plus sign, country code, and the full national number without the leading trunk 0 (e.g., +202xxxxxxxx for a Cairo landline).  

For reference, key emergency numbers within Egypt include Police (122), Ambulance (123), Fire (180), and the dedicated Tourist Police (126).  

 

Why Am I Getting Calls from Egypt? Uncovering Legitimate and Illegitimate Reasons

 

Receiving an unexpected call from a +20 number can be unsettling. While the immediate assumption may be that the call is malicious, there are several legitimate reasons why a person or business in Egypt might be contacting someone in the United States. However, if you have no known connections to the country, caution is warranted.

 

Legitimate Reasons for Calls from +20

 

• Family and Friends: The United States is home to a large and well-established Egyptian diaspora, with estimates placing the population of Egyptian ancestry at over 250,000. These communities are concentrated in major metropolitan areas like New York/New Jersey, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C.. A call from a  

  +20 number could simply be a relative or friend from back home.

• Business and Customer Service: In our globalized economy, many US companies utilize international call centers for customer support, sales follow-ups, or market research. There are documented cases of American companies, such as Empire Carpets, using call centers in Egypt to conduct customer satisfaction surveys, leading to confusion for customers who receive calls from a +20 number. This is a prime example of a legitimate, though potentially confusing, business call.  
• Tourism and Travel: Egypt’s tourism sector is a cornerstone of its economy, attracting millions of visitors annually. If you have booked a trip to Egypt, a hotel, tour operator, or guide may call to confirm your arrangements or travel details.  
• International Trade: The U.S. and Egypt share a significant trade relationship, with total goods traded estimated at $8.6 billion in 2024. This provides a backdrop for legitimate business-to-business communications between the two countries.  

 

The More Common Reality: Unsolicited and Scam Calls

 

Despite the potential for legitimate contact, if you have no family, business, or travel connections to Egypt, an unsolicited call from a +20 number is highly likely to be part of a scam operation. International scammers frequently use foreign country codes to circumvent domestic regulations, mask their true location, and prey on unsuspecting recipients. The following sections provide a detailed overview of the most common scams and how to protect yourself.  

 

The Ultimate Guide to International Phone Scams from +20 and Beyond

 

Phone scams are a pervasive global issue, costing victims billions of dollars annually. Scammers leverage international numbers to create an air of mystery or urgency and to make their operations harder for law enforcement to trace. Understanding their tactics is the best defense.  

 

The “Wangiri” (One-Ring) Scam

 

One of the most prevalent international phone scams is known as “Wangiri,” a Japanese term meaning “one ring and cut”. This scam operates on a simple premise that exploits human curiosity.  

• The Tactic: Scammers use automated systems to dial thousands of numbers. They let the phone ring just once—enough to register as a missed call—and then hang up.  
• The Bait: The goal is to make you curious enough to call the number back to see who it was.
• The Trap: The number you call back is an international premium-rate number (IPRN). When you connect, you are immediately hit with a high connection fee and exorbitant per-minute charges. The scammer receives a share of this revenue from the telecom provider, so their goal is to keep you on the line for as long as possible with recorded messages or hold music. These charges will later appear on your phone bill as premium services.  

 

Impersonator Scams: The Fear Tactic

 

This category of scams relies on intimidation and creating a false sense of urgency by having the scammer pose as a person in a position of authority.

• Government Impersonators: Scammers will spoof their caller ID to make it appear they are calling from a legitimate government agency like the IRS, Social Security Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). They will claim you owe back taxes, have a problem with your immigration status, or that a package with illegal contents has been intercepted in your name. They then threaten arrest, deportation, or massive fines if you do not make an immediate payment.  
• Tech Support Scams: These often begin with a fake pop-up warning on your computer screen that claims your device is infected with a virus. The pop-up, which may use logos from trusted companies like Microsoft or Apple, instructs you to call a phone number for immediate assistance. The “technician” on the line will then try to sell you worthless software or services and may ask for remote access to your computer to steal personal information.  
• Bank Fraud Department Scams: A caller will pretend to be from your bank’s fraud alert department, informing you of “suspicious activity” on your account. They will then attempt to trick you into “verifying” your account number, password, or other sensitive data, which they then use to drain your account.  

 

Other Common International Scams

 

• Lottery and Prize Scams: The classic scam involves a call informing you that you’ve won a large foreign lottery or sweepstakes. The catch is that to claim your “prize,” you must first pay taxes or processing fees. A fundamental rule to remember is that if you have to pay money to receive a prize, it is not a prize—it is a scam.  
• Romance and Catfishing Scams: Scammers use social media and dating apps to build a relationship of trust over weeks or months. Once the victim is emotionally invested, the scammer invents a sudden emergency—a medical bill, a visa fee, or a legal problem—and asks for money to be sent urgently.  
• “Can You Hear Me?” Scam: The call begins with a simple question like “Can you hear me?” designed to elicit a “Yes” response. Scammers record your voice saying “yes” and may attempt to use this voice signature to authorize fraudulent charges on your accounts.  

Table 5: Common Phone Scam Red Flags

 

Protecting Yourself: How to Block Unwanted Calls from Egypt and Other Countries

 

While it is impossible to stop scammers from dialing your number, you have powerful tools at your disposal to prevent their calls from ever disturbing you. The most effective approach involves a multi-layered defense combining your phone’s built-in features, third-party applications, and services from your mobile carrier.

 

On Your iPhone

 

Apple’s iOS provides several robust, built-in tools for managing unwanted calls.

• Block Individual Numbers: If you receive a call from a specific unwanted number, you can easily block it. Navigate to the Phone app, tap on Recents, find the number, tap the “i” (info) icon next to it, scroll down, and select Block this Caller. This will prevent that specific number from calling or texting you again.  
• Silence Unknown Callers: This is one of the most effective features for combating spam. When enabled, any call from a number that is not in your contacts, recent outgoing calls, or Siri Suggestions will be automatically silenced, sent to voicemail, and displayed in your Recents list. This stops your phone from ringing for most spam calls. To activate it, go to  

  Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers. Be aware that this may also silence calls from legitimate people or businesses whose numbers are not saved in your phone.

• Use Third-Party Apps: For more advanced filtering, you can download call-blocking apps from the App Store. Apps like Truecaller, Hiya, and RoboKiller use extensive global databases to identify and block known spam and scam numbers before they reach you. After installing an app, you must enable it in  

  Settings > Phone > Call Blocking & Identification.

 

On Your Android Phone

 

Android devices, particularly those running modern versions of the OS, also offer strong protection.

• Native Blocking and Screening: The standard Google Phone app allows you to long-press on a number in your recent calls list and block it. Google Pixel phones offer an advanced Call Screen feature that can automatically screen unknown callers and provide a real-time transcript, often causing scammers to hang up immediately.  
• Call Barring on Samsung Devices: Samsung Galaxy phones have a specific feature to block outgoing international calls, which can be useful for preventing accidental or unauthorized calls. This is typically found under Phone app > Settings > Supplementary services > Call barring. Enabling this feature may require a call barring password from your network carrier. Some Samsung devices also have options to block all incoming international calls under call settings.  
• Third-Party Apps: As with iPhone, apps like Truecaller and Hiya are available on the Google Play Store and provide excellent real-time spam detection and blocking.  

 

At the Carrier Level

 

For the most comprehensive protection, you can leverage services offered directly by your mobile provider.

• AT&T: Offers the AT&T Call Protect app, which provides automatic fraud blocking and spam warnings. Customers can also contact AT&T to request a block on all outgoing international calls.  
• Verizon: Provides the Verizon Call Filter service, which screens and blocks spam calls. For a complete international call block, customers should contact Verizon customer service.  
• T-Mobile: Offers the Scam Shield app, which provides scam identification and blocking. To block all international calling, customers must call T-Mobile customer service directly to have the feature added to their line.  

Table 6: How to Block Unwanted Calls: A Feature Comparison

 

Taking Action: A Guide to Reporting Scam Calls to the FTC and FCC

 

Blocking unwanted calls protects you, but reporting them helps protect everyone. While government agencies do not resolve individual complaints, they use the data from public reports to identify scam trends, investigate illegal operations, and take enforcement action against scammers. Understanding which agency to report to is key.  

 

Reporting to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

 

The FTC is the nation’s primary consumer protection agency focused on preventing fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices.

• When to Report to the FTC:
  • You were the target of a scam or fraud, especially if you lost money.  
  • You received a call from a telemarketer in violation of the National Do Not Call Registry.  
• How to Report:
  • The main reporting portal is ReportFraud.ftc.gov.  
  • For scams originating from outside the U.S., the dedicated international portal is econsumer.gov.  
• What to Include: Provide as much detail as possible, including the date and time of the call, the number that appeared on your caller ID, the name the caller gave, and any number they told you to call back.  

 

Reporting to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

 

The FCC regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable. Their focus is on the technical and legal aspects of telecommunications.

• When to Report to the FCC:
  • You received unwanted robocalls (prerecorded messages) or robotexts.  
  • Your caller ID was spoofed (when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID display to disguise their identity).  
  • A legitimate call you were expecting was incorrectly blocked or labeled as spam.  
• How to Report:
  • The official complaint center is fcc.gov/complaints.  
  • You can also call 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322).  
• What to Include: Similar to the FTC, provide the calling number, the number on your caller ID, and the date and time. For international calls with non-standard formats, you can enter the number in the “Additional Information” field.  

Table 7: Reporting Scams: A Comparison of the FTC and FCC

Sources:  

 

Calling Egypt Affordably: A 2025 Cost Comparison of Major US Carriers & VoIP Services

 

For those with legitimate reasons to call Egypt, navigating the costs can be challenging. Standard pay-per-minute rates from major US carriers are often prohibitively expensive, but more affordable options exist through monthly plans and third-party Voice over IP (VoIP) services.

 

The High Cost of Pay-Per-Minute Calling

 

Making an occasional call to Egypt without an international plan can result in significant charges.

• T-Mobile: The standard pay-per-minute rate for a call to Egypt is a staggering $3.00 per minute for both landlines and mobiles.  
• Verizon: Standard pay-per-minute rates start at $0.49 per minute, though older plans listed rates around $0.35/minute.  
• AT&T: Rate sheets from 2022 show a standard pay-per-minute rate of $0.47 per minute to Egypt.  

 

Carrier International Plans: A Better Deal?

 

For those who call Egypt more frequently, all three major carriers offer monthly add-on plans that significantly reduce the per-minute cost.

• T-Mobile: The $15/month Stateside International Talk plan is the most transparent. It reduces the rate for calls to Egyptian landlines and mobiles to $0.30 per minute. This plan becomes cost-effective if you talk for more than 5-6 minutes per month compared to the standard rate.  
• AT&T: The $15/month AT&T International Calling add-on provides unlimited calling to over 85 countries (Egypt is not on this unlimited list) and discounted rates to over 140 others, including Egypt. The exact discounted rate should be confirmed with AT&T, but it will be substantially lower than the standard $0.47/minute.  
• Verizon: Verizon offers several plans, including the Global Calling plan for $5/month and the Global Choice plan for $10/month, both of which offer discounted rates to over 220 countries. The Global Choice plan also includes a bundle of minutes to one selected country.  

 

The Best Value: VoIP and Calling Apps

 

For the lowest possible rates, third-party VoIP services are the clear winners. These services use an internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data) via an app on your smartphone to place the call.

• KeepCalling: Offers some of the most competitive rates, with calls to Egyptian landlines at 9.5¢/minute, general mobiles at 14.5¢/minute, and Etisalat mobiles specifically at 11.5¢/minute.  
• BOSS Revolution: Provides specialized plans, such as a 50-minute bundle for $4, which equates to just 8¢/minute.  
• Talk360: Rates for calling Egypt are advertised in the range of 18¢ to 20¢ per minute.  

The choice between a carrier plan and a VoIP service depends on call volume. For frequent or long calls, a VoIP service will almost always provide superior value.

Table 8: 2025 Cost Comparison: Calling Egypt from the US

Rates are subject to change and should be verified with the provider. Carrier plans may have additional taxes and fees.

 

The Egypt-US Connection: Understanding Diaspora, Business, and Tourism

 

The calls, texts, and data that flow between the United States and Egypt are rooted in a deep and multifaceted relationship. Understanding the context of this relationship—built on family ties, trade, and tourism—helps to explain the patterns of communication between the two nations.

 

The Egyptian Diaspora in the United States

 

The U.S. is home to a vibrant and highly accomplished Egyptian-American community.

• Population: Estimates place the number of people with Egyptian ancestry in the U.S. between 256,000 and 279,000, with over 181,000 being foreign-born immigrants. This makes them one of the largest Arab American populations in the country.  
• Geographic Concentration: The community is primarily concentrated in major urban centers, with the largest populations in the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and Nashville.  
• Socioeconomic Profile: Egyptian immigrants are notably well-educated, with rates of holding bachelor’s and graduate degrees that are more than double the U.S. national average. They are highly represented in management, business, science, and arts occupations. This strong presence in professional fields underscores the potential for legitimate business and personal communication.  

Table 9: Egyptian Diaspora in the US: Key Statistics

 

US-Egypt Business and Trade Relations

 

 

The economic ties between the U.S. and Egypt are substantial, creating a constant need for communication.

• Trade Volume: Total two-way trade in goods was estimated at $8.6 billion in 2024.  
• Key Exports/Imports: The U.S. exports goods like petroleum gas, soybeans, and machinery to Egypt, while importing apparel, textiles, and fertilizers. This flow of goods necessitates communication between businesses in both countries.  
• Investment: The U.S. has long been a major investor in Egypt, with American firms active in sectors from energy to hospitality.  

 

Tourism and Cross-Cultural Interaction

 

Tourism is a vital part of Egypt’s economy and a major driver of contact with the U.S.. While this generates legitimate communication, it also creates opportunities for scams. It is worth noting that tourists in Egypt can face on-the-ground scams that are distinct from phone scams. These often include aggressive touts at historical sites like the Giza Pyramids, overpriced taxis, fake tour guides, and pressure to buy goods at inflated prices. Awareness of these tactics provides a more complete picture of the potential pitfalls associated with international travel and interaction.  

 

Conclusion

 

The query “00201 country code” opens a window into a complex world of international telecommunications, global communities, and digital-age fraud. The analysis reveals that this number is not a country code but a misinterpretation of the dialing sequence for a mobile phone in Egypt, which has a country code of +20.

For the American consumer, this understanding is the first step toward empowerment. The second is recognizing the dual nature of these calls. Legitimate communications from family, businesses, and travel operators are possible, rooted in the strong diaspora and economic ties between the U.S. and Egypt. However, the prevalence of sophisticated international phone scams, such as the “Wangiri” one-ring scam and various impersonator frauds, means that unsolicited calls from a +20 number should be treated with extreme caution.

Ultimately, consumers are not helpless. By leveraging the powerful call-blocking tools built into modern smartphones, utilizing third-party apps, and engaging with carrier-level services, it is possible to create a strong defense against unwanted calls. Furthermore, by diligently reporting fraudulent activity to the FTC and FCC, consumers can contribute to broader law enforcement efforts. Finally, for those who need to make legitimate calls, the significant cost difference between standard carrier rates and affordable VoIP services demonstrates that staying connected does not have to be prohibitively expensive. A combination of knowledge, vigilance, and the right tools allows anyone to navigate the global telecommunications landscape safely and affordably.