Ghana +233
To call Ghana from abroad, dial your exit code (or +), then 233, then the local number without its leading 0. In full: +233 23 123 4567.
The country calling code for Ghana is +233. A number starting +233 or 00233 is a call to or from Ghana. From abroad: +233 23 123 4567.
To call Ghana from abroad, dial your exit code (or +), then 233, then the local number without its leading 0. The +233 code identifies the country; the following digits identify the line (landline or mobile).
How to call Ghana from abroad
011 233 23 123 456700 233 23 123 45670011 233 23 123 4567+233 23 123 456723 123 4567 is a real-format Ghana mobile number (example from the ITU-T numbering plan): replace it with the number you were given, without its leading 0.
Ghana area codes
In Ghana, landlines usually include an area code after +233 (without its leading 0). Mobiles have no area code.
Number format
030 234 5678from abroad+233 30 234 5678023 123 4567from abroad+233 23 123 4567Landline numbers in Ghana have 9 digits after the country code; mobile numbers have 9 digits. The national prefix 0 is only dialled inside the country — drop it after +233.
Calling abroad from Ghana
To call another country from Ghana, dial the exit code 00 (or + on a mobile), then the country code, then the number. From Ghana to the United States, for example: 00 1 201 555 0123.
A Ghana number in international format is written +233 …. The + stands for the exit prefix (00 in much of the world, 011 in North America). Switching to international format, drop the leading 0.
Cheapest ways to call Ghana
With internet on both ends, apps like WhatsApp, Signal or FaceTime call Ghana for free. To reach a number without an app, VoIP services are usually cheaper than your operator’s international rate.
Frequently asked questions
What country has the code +233?
Ghana has the country calling code +233.
How do I call Ghana from the United States?
Dial 011, then 233, then the local number without its leading 0 — for example 011 23 123 4567.
What does +233 mean?
It is the international dialing code for Ghana. The + stands for your exit code (00 in much of the world, 011 in North America).
Is +233 mobile or landline?
The +233 code identifies the country, not the line type; Ghana landlines and mobiles share it.
A country code covers a whole nation; the full number depends on the city and operator.
Mobile networks in Ghana
3 mobile network operators run their own networks in Ghana. The largest is MTN, with about 30.3 million subscribers (Q2 2025). Pick the one with the best coverage where you will spend most of your time.
Owned by MTN (97.7%)
Owned by Telecel Group (70%) Government of Ghana (30%)
Owned by Government of Ghana
- 4G/5G frequency bands used in Ghana: LTE 2600, LTE 800. Most recent smartphones cover them; older or regional models may miss some.
- Moving there? Mobile number portability has existed since 2011-07-07, a transfer takes about typically 5–10 min., max 24 hours day(s) and costs free.
Also available: virtual operators (MVNOs) that rent capacity on these networks — Lebara.
Operators, subscriber counts, network codes and switch-off dates: Wikipedia (lists of mobile network operators, mobile network codes, 2G/3G phase-out, mobile number portability), licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Figures come from each operator or regulator at the date shown.
Getting a SIM card in Ghana
What visitors and new residents need to know before buying a local SIM or eSIM in Ghana, with a source for each point.
Buying a SIM as a visitor
Mandatory, with fingerprints and a photo captured at activation. Citizens and resident foreigners register with the Ghana Card (Non-Citizen Ghana Card for residents); non-resident foreigners use a passport or ECOWAS card. Visitors staying under 90 days can register with a passport, limited to 3 SIMs (residents up to 10), per the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications (2022). 2026: a new SIM (Number) Registration exercise with NIA verification was announced in March 2026; on 7 September 2026 the minister said biometric verification would start before the end of 2026 (legislative instrument passed; no deadline announced yet).
Source: nca.org.gh · graphic.com.gh · nca.org.gh · gbcghanaonline.com
Where to buy it
Operator booths (MTN, Telecel, AT) in the arrivals hall of Accra Kotoka airport, and operator service centres in towns; the original passport is required and fingerprints/photo are captured. Guides differ on which booths are staffed at the airport.
Source: akwaaba.app · nca.org.gh
Getting a monthly contract as a resident
MTN Ghana postpaid: verified location and digital address, copy of passport, driver's licence or national ID, e-mail address, utility bill or tenancy agreement, bank account with statements not older than three months, and refundable deposits; foreign nationals also need a valid Ghanaian visa/permit and resident card.
Source: help-center.mtn.com.gh
Scam calls and texts
Cyber Security Authority / CERT-GH: call or SMS 292, WhatsApp 0501603111, e-mail report@csa.gov.gh, or the online incident form (category Fraud or Spam/Phishing).
Source: csa.gov.gh
Emergency numbers
112 or 999 (police, fire, ambulance); Ghana Police helplines 191 (all networks) and 18555.
Source: gov.uk · police.gov.gh
WhatsApp and calling apps
None known. No NCA restriction on WhatsApp, FaceTime or Skype calls was found; OONI WhatsApp reachability tests from Ghana between 1 June and 27 September 2026: 241 of 259 measurements OK, 0 confirmed blocks.
Source: api.ooni.io
Checked on 28 September 2026 against the sources linked on each card (regulators, government portals and operators first). SIM and ID rules change often: confirm with the operator before you travel.
Staying connected in Ghana
With 114 mobile subscriptions per 100 people, almost everyone in Ghana has a mobile — a WhatsApp, Signal or FaceTime call is usually the easiest way in. Only 72 % of people use the internet, so a plain phone call may reach more people than an app.
Source: World Bank / ITU World Telecommunication indicators (IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.USER.ZS, IT.MLT.MAIN.P2), latest available year.
Free and premium numbers in Ghana
+233 800 12345Free from inside Ghana (numbers starting with 800). From abroad these numbers are often unreachable or charged at the international rate.
Number ranges: ITU-T national numbering plan for Ghana via Google libphonenumber.
Ivory Coast +225
Togo +228
Burkina Faso +226