What does a Congo phone number look like?
- International format
+242 061234567- IDD format (caller ID)
00242 061234567- Mobile example
-
061234567(local) →+242 061234567 - Landline example
-
222123456(local) →+242 222123456
Received a call or message from +242?
A call or text from +242 (or 00242) originates from Congo.
If you don't know anyone in Congo, be cautious. Common patterns with unfamiliar international numbers:
- One-ring scams (Wangiri): The caller rings once and hangs up, hoping you'll call back a premium-rate number. Don't return calls to numbers you don't recognize.
- SMS phishing: Messages claiming to be from banks, delivery services, or government agencies. Legitimate organizations won't contact you from a +242 number unless you have an account in Congo.
- Spoofed numbers: The caller ID can be faked. A call showing +242 may not actually originate from Congo.
If you do know someone in Congo and want to call them back, see the dialing instructions below.
How to call Congo from abroad
- International format (recommended)
-
+242 [local number]Example:
+242 06 123 4567 - From a mobile phone
-
Press and hold 0 or tap + to get the plus sign, then dial
+242followed by the local number. - From a landline
-
Dial your country's international access code, then
242, then the local number.
| From | Dial |
|---|---|
| US/Canada | 011 242 [local number] |
| United Kingdom | 00 242 [local number] |
| Australia | 0011 242 [local number] |
| Your browser (DialHard) | +242 [local number] |
Do I need to drop the leading zero?
Congo numbers don't typically have a trunk prefix to remove. Dial the number as-is after the country code.
What time zone is Congo?
Africa/Lagos
Good time to call
05:05 PM local time · Weekend daytime
Good for personal calls.
Calling Congo
Direct calling to Congo isn't available yet. View available destinations.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the code +242 from?
+242 is the international dialing code for Congo.
Is +242 a mobile or landline code?
+242 is the country code for all of Congo — both mobile and landline numbers use this code. The digits after the country code may indicate the number type, but this varies by country.
Is a call from +242 a scam?
Not necessarily. +242 is the legitimate country code for Congo. However, scammers can spoof any country code. If you don't recognize the number or weren't expecting a call from Congo, don't call back — especially if they only rang once.
Why won't my call to Congo connect?
Common issues:
- Wrong format: Make sure you're using +242 (not 00242 or just 242)
- Extra digits: Remove any trunk prefix (usually 0) from the start of the local number
- Missing digits: Ensure you have the complete local number after the country code
What does a Congo phone number look like?
A Congo number in international format starts with
+242 followed by the local number.
Example: +242 061234567
How do I save a Congo number in my contacts?
Always save international numbers in E.164 format: +242 followed by the local number (without the leading 0 if applicable). This format works worldwide.
How do I block calls from +242?
On most smartphones, you can block individual numbers by opening your recent calls, tapping the number, and selecting "Block." To block all calls from a country code, check your carrier's international call blocking options or use a call-filtering app.