About Somalia
Somalia, located in the Horn of Africa, is known for its rich culture and history. The country spans a significant area and is bordered by Ethiopia, Djibouti, the Gulf of Aden, and the Indian Ocean. With a population of over 16 million, Somalia has a vibrant and diverse cultural landscape. The primary languages spoken are Somali and Arabic, though many residents are multilingual, also speaking English and Italian.
Somalia Country Code
The country code for Somalia is +252. This code is essential for routing international calls to Somalia, and the dialing sequence starts with this country code when making a call to a phone number in Somalia from abroad. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) assigns this code, facilitating seamless global communication.
How to Call Somalia?
To successfully call Somalia, it is important to follow a specific sequence of steps, whether you are using a mobile phone or a landline.
Are there Specific Area Codes in Somalia?
Yes, Somalia has specific area codes that you must be aware of. These area codes are used to designate different regions within the country. After dialing the country code, you must enter the appropriate area code followed by the local phone number.
List of City Codes in Somalia
To help you easily connect with your loved ones in Somalia, here’s a list of city codes:
| CITY | DIAL CODES |
| HARGEYSA | 251 |
| MOGADISCIO | 191 |
Calling Somalia from a Mobile Phone
Making international calls from a mobile phone involves a straightforward process, provided the correct sequence is followed.
Step-by-Step Guide to Call +252 Numbers
Dial the International Access Code
The international access code varies by country. For example, the United States uses 011, the United Kingdom uses 00, and Australia uses 0011. Confirm your country’s international access code with your local service provider or government telecom website.
Enter the Country Code for Somalia
After the international access code, dial +252, the country code for Somalia.
Dial the Area Code
Enter the specific area code for the region you are calling.
Dial the Local Phone Number
Directly enter the local phone number following the area code.
Example:
Suppose you are calling a number in Mogadishu, Somalia (area code 61 and local number 123-4567). The dialing sequence from the United States would be:
- International Access Code: 011
- Country Code: 252
- Area Code: 61
- Local Number: 123-4567
On your mobile keypad, you would dial 011-252-61-123-4567.
Calling Somalia from a Landline
The process of calling from a landline is similar, though some nuances need attention.
Step-by-Step Guide to Call Somalian Landline Number
Dial the International Access Code
This code is specific to the country you are calling from. For instance:
- United States and Canada: 011
- United Kingdom: 00
- Japan: 010
Enter the Country Code for Somalia
Enter the Somalia country code:+252.
Dial the Area Code
Enter the appropriate area code for the region you are calling.
Dial the Local Phone Number
Enter the recipients local phone number.
Example:
If you are calling a number in Hargeisa, Somalia (area code 65 and local number 987-6543) from the United States, the dialing sequence would be:
- International Access Code: 011
- Country Code: 252
- Area Code: 65
- Local Number: 987-6543
On your landline phone, you would dial 011-252-65-987-6543.
Best Times to Call Somalia
When calling Somalia, it’s important to consider the time zone differences. Somalia operates on East Africa Time (EAT), which is UTC+3, and does not observe daylight saving time. Here’s what you need to know:
Daylight Saving Time
Somalia does not follow daylight saving time, so the time difference remains consistent throughout the year.
Time Differences
The time difference between Somalia and other regions varies. Here are some examples:
- United States (Eastern Time): Somalia is 8 hours ahead during standard time and 7 hours ahead during daylight saving time.
- Germany: Somalia is 3 hours ahead throughout the year.
- France: Somalia is 3 hours ahead throughout the year.
- United Kingdom: Somalia is 4 hours ahead throughout the year.
- India: Somalia is 2 hours and 30 minutes behind.
Be sure to check the current local time in Somalia before making a call to ensure it’s a suitable time.
Call Somalia from the USA
| US TIME ZONE | SOMALIA TIME ZONE (EAT) | BEST TIME TO CALL (STANDARD TIME) |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Time Zone (EST) | East Africa Time (EAT) | 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Central Time Zone (CST) | East Africa Time (EAT) | 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Mountain Time Zone (MST) | East Africa Time (EAT) | 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Pacific Time Zone (PST) | East Africa Time (EAT) | 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Call Somalia from Germany
| GERMANY TIME ZONE (CET) | SOMALIA TIME ZONE (EAT) | BEST TIME TO CALL (STANDARD TIME) |
|---|---|---|
| Central European Time (CET) | East Africa Time (EAT) | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Central European Summer Time (CEST) | East Africa Time (EAT) | 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Call Somalia from France
| FRANCE TIME ZONE (CET) | SOMALIA TIME ZONE (EAT) | BEST TIME TO CALL (STANDARD TIME) |
|---|---|---|
| Central European Time (CET) | East Africa Time (EAT) | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Central European Summer Time (CEST) | East Africa Time (EAT) | 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Call Somalia from the UK
| UK TIME ZONE (GMT) | SOMALIA TIME ZONE (EAT) | BEST TIME TO CALL (STANDARD TIME) |
|---|---|---|
| Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) | East Africa Time (EAT) | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| British Summer Time (BST) | East Africa Time (EAT) | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Call Somalia from India
| INDIA TIME ZONE (IST) | SOMALIA TIME ZONE (EAT) | BEST TIME TO CALL (STANDARD TIME) |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Standard Time (IST) | East Africa Time (EAT) | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Troubleshooting Call Issues
If you encounter issues when attempting to call Somalia, there could be several reasons:
Incorrect Dialing Sequence
Ensure the international access code, country code, area code, and local number are dialed correctly.
Network Problems
Temporary network issues may be affecting connectivity in either your country or Somalia.
Phone Plan Restrictions
Some phone plans may not allow international calls or may have restrictions on calling Somalia.
Incorrect Number
Verify that the number you are trying to reach is correct and still in service.
Service Provider Issues
Check with your service provider to ensure there are no blocks or issues with making international calls.
Do Phone Numbers in Somalia Have Voicemail?
Yes, phone numbers in Somalia generally include voicemail services. Voicemail allows callers to leave messages if the recipient is unavailable or does not answer.
Mobile Phones:
Most mobile service providers in Somalia offer voicemail services. When you call someone who is unavailable, you will be directed to their voicemail to leave a message.
Landlines:
Voicemail services are available for landlines, though you may need to request this feature from your service provider.
How to Use Voicemail:
When you reach voicemail, listen to the recorded greeting and follow the instructions to leave your message. This might involve speaking after a beep or pressing a specific key to start recording.
The Bottom Line
Calling Somalia is straightforward once you understand the necessary steps and codes. Whether calling from a mobile phone or a landline, ensure you correctly dial the international access code, the country code (+252), the appropriate area code, and the local phone number.
Being aware of potential issues such as incorrect dialing sequences or network problems can help you connect easily with friends, family, or business contacts in Somalia.
