What does a Ethiopia phone number look like?
- International format
+251 911234567- IDD format (caller ID)
00251 911234567- Mobile example
-
0911234567(local) →+251 911234567 - Landline example
-
0111112345(local) →+251 111112345
Received a call or message from +251?
A call or text from +251 (or 00251) originates from Ethiopia.
If you don't know anyone in Ethiopia, 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 +251 number unless you have an account in Ethiopia.
- Spoofed numbers: The caller ID can be faked. A call showing +251 may not actually originate from Ethiopia.
If you do know someone in Ethiopia and want to call them back, see the dialing instructions below.
How to call Ethiopia from abroad
- International format (recommended)
-
+251 [local number]Example:
+251 91 123 4567 - From a mobile phone
-
Press and hold 0 or tap + to get the plus sign, then dial
+251followed by the local number. - From a landline
-
Dial your country's international access code, then
251, then the local number.
| From | Dial |
|---|---|
| US/Canada | 011 251 [local number] |
| United Kingdom | 00 251 [local number] |
| Australia | 0011 251 [local number] |
| Your browser (DialHard) | +251 [local number] |
Do I need to drop the leading zero?
Yes. When calling Ethiopia from abroad, drop the leading 0 from the local number.
For example, if the local number is 0XX XXX XXXX, dial +251 XX XXX XXXX.
What time zone is Ethiopia?
Africa/Nairobi
Good time to call
07:08 PM local time · Weekend daytime
Good for personal calls.
How much does it cost to call Ethiopia?
International calls to Ethiopia vary dramatically by provider. Major US carriers charge $3.00/min or more, while VoIP services like DialHard start at $0.69/min.
| Provider | Rate/min | vs DialHard |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T | $3.00 | 77% more |
| Verizon | $2.99 | 77% more |
| T-Mobile | $3.00 | 77% more |
| DialHard | $0.69 | Save ~77% |
Carrier rates are based on published international calling rates without plan add-ons. Your actual rate may vary.
Calling Ethiopia
Direct calling to Ethiopia isn't available yet. View available destinations.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the code +251 from?
+251 is the international dialing code for Ethiopia.
Is +251 a mobile or landline code?
+251 is the country code for all of Ethiopia — 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 +251 a scam?
Not necessarily. +251 is the legitimate country code for Ethiopia. However, scammers can spoof any country code. If you don't recognize the number or weren't expecting a call from Ethiopia, don't call back — especially if they only rang once.
Why won't my call to Ethiopia connect?
Common issues:
- Wrong format: Make sure you're using +251 (not 00251 or just 251)
- 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 Ethiopia phone number look like?
A Ethiopia number in international format starts with
+251 followed by the local number.
Example: +251 911234567
How do I save a Ethiopia number in my contacts?
Always save international numbers in E.164 format: +251 followed by the local number (without the leading 0 if applicable). This format works worldwide.
How do I block calls from +251?
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.