Ethiopia Phone Number Format
Country code +251 — Complete guide to Ethiopia phone number formats, mobile and landline structures, and area codes.
Number Format Overview
Phone numbers in Ethiopia use the international country code +251. When dialing from outside Ethiopia, you must include this country code before the local number.
International Format
+251 [area code] [local number]
From the United States
011 251 [area code] [local number]
When dialing a number within Ethiopia, local dialing rules apply. You may need to include a trunk prefix (often 0) before the area code for domestic calls, but you should omit this prefix when dialing internationally.
Mobile vs. Landline Numbers
Mobile Numbers
Mobile phone numbers in Ethiopia typically:
- Begin with specific mobile prefixes
- May have a different length than landline numbers
- Are often 8-10 digits after the country code
+251 XX XXXX XXXX
Landline Numbers
Landline numbers in Ethiopia typically:
- Start with a geographic area code
- Area codes identify the city or region
- Total length varies by area code
+251 (area) XXXX XXXX
Example Phone Numbers
These are example formats only and are not real phone numbers:
| Type | Local Format | International Format | From US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landline (Addis Ababa) | (0XX) XXXX XXXX |
+251 XX XXXX XXXX |
011 251 XX XXXX XXXX |
| Mobile | 0XXX XXX XXXX |
+251 XXX XXX XXXX |
011 251 XXX XXX XXXX |
| Toll-Free | 0800 XXX XXXX |
+251 800 XXX XXXX |
011 251 800 XXX XXXX |
Dialing Tips
- Remove the leading zero: When dialing internationally, drop the trunk prefix (usually 0) that is used for domestic calls in Ethiopia.
- Use the + notation: From a US mobile phone, use
+251instead of011 251. - Verify the number length: Make sure you have the correct number of digits. If your call does not connect, check whether you need to add or remove an area code digit.
- Save contacts in international format: Always store phone numbers with the full
+251prefix so they work from any country.
Ethiopia Quick Info
| Country Code | +251 |
|---|---|
| ISO Code | ET |
| Capital | Addis Ababa |
| International Prefix | 011 (from US) |