Cape Verde flag CV

How to Call Cape Verde from the United States

Country code +238 — Dial 011 238 99X XX XX from a US landline or +238 99X XX XX from a mobile phone.

+238
Cape Verde Country Code

What to Dial

  1. 1Dial 011 from a US landline, or + from a mobile (hold the 0 key).
  2. 2Dial 238, the country code of Cape Verde.
  3. 3Dial the number: 7 digits, exactly as written: Cape Verde has no leading 0 to drop.
Calling a… Written in Cape Verde From a US landline From a cell phone
Mobile 99X XX XX 011 238 99X XX XX +238 99X XX XX
Landline (Ribeira Grande, Santo Antão) 221 XX XX 011 238 221 XX XX +238 221 XX XX

X stands for any digit. Mobile numbers start with 36, 51–53, 58–59 or 9. More number types: Cape Verde phone number format.

Mobile or Landline?

Cape Verde had 112 mobile subscriptions and 11.7 landlines per 100 people in 2024. Most people you call will be on a mobile, so ask for their mobile number and check what your plan charges for calls to Cape Verde mobiles.

Source: World Bank (ITU).

Calling Tips for Cape Verde

Best Time to Call

To reach someone between 9 AM and 8 PM in Praia, call between 5:00 AM–4:00 PM EST (2:00 AM–1:00 PM PST). Cape Verde doesn’t change its clocks, so the gap moves by an hour when the US does.

Cape Verde is on UTC−1, 4 hours ahead of US Eastern Time right now.

Cost Saving Tips

  • VoIP services such as Google Voice or Vonage usually charge less per minute than a carrier's standard international rate.
  • WiFi calling apps (WhatsApp, Viber, FaceTime) are free when both parties have the app.
  • Check your carrier's international plan — many offer add-on packages.

Time Difference

US Eastern (EST)
--:--
UTC-5
+4h
Cape Verde
--:--
UTC-1

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I call Cape Verde from the US?
From a US landline, dial 011, then 238, then the number: 011 238 99X XX XX for a mobile. From a cell phone, dial +238 99X XX XX.
Do I need to drop a 0 when calling Cape Verde?
No. Cape Verde has no trunk prefix: dial every digit after +238 exactly as written, for example +238 99X XX XX.
How many digits is a phone number in Cape Verde?
7 digits after the country code +238. Mobile numbers start with 36, 51–53, 58–59 or 9.
What time should I call Cape Verde from the US?
Cape Verde is 4 hours ahead of New York (UTC−1 in Praia). To reach someone between 9 AM and 8 PM there, call between 5:00 AM–4:00 PM EST, or 2:00 AM–1:00 PM PST on the West Coast. Cape Verde doesn't change its clocks, so the difference shifts by an hour when the US switches to or from daylight saving time.
How much does it cost to call Cape Verde?
It depends on your plan: many US plans charge per minute for international calls, and calls to Cape Verde mobiles often cost more than calls to landlines. Internet calling apps are free when both people have the same app.
Cape Verde Quick Info
Country Code +238
ISO Code CV
Capital Praia
Time Zone UTC-1
Exit Code (US) 011
Full Country Profile
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