Zambia +260
To call Zambia from abroad, dial your exit code (or +), then 260, then the local number without its leading 0. In full: +260 95 5123456.
The country calling code for Zambia is +260. A number starting +260 or 00260 is a call to or from Zambia. From abroad: +260 95 5123456.
To call Zambia from abroad, dial your exit code (or +), then 260, then the local number without its leading 0. The +260 code identifies the country; the following digits identify the line (landline or mobile).
How to call Zambia from abroad
011 260 95 512345600 260 95 51234560011 260 95 5123456+260 95 512345695 5123456 is a real-format Zambia mobile number (example from the ITU-T numbering plan): replace it with the number you were given, without its leading 0.
Zambia area codes
In Zambia, landlines usually include an area code after +260 (without its leading 0). Mobiles have no area code.
Number format
0211 234 567from abroad+260 211 234 567095 5123456from abroad+260 95 5123456Landline numbers in Zambia 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 +260.
Calling abroad from Zambia
To call another country from Zambia, dial the exit code 00 (or + on a mobile), then the country code, then the number. From Zambia to the United States, for example: 00 1 201 555 0123.
A Zambia number in international format is written +260 …. 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 Zambia
With internet on both ends, apps like WhatsApp, Signal or FaceTime call Zambia 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 +260?
Zambia has the country calling code +260.
How do I call Zambia from the United States?
Dial 011, then 260, then the local number without its leading 0 — for example 011 95 5123456.
What does +260 mean?
It is the international dialing code for Zambia. The + stands for your exit code (00 in much of the world, 011 in North America).
Is +260 mobile or landline?
The +260 code identifies the country, not the line type; Zambia landlines and mobiles share it.
A country code covers a whole nation; the full number depends on the city and operator.
Mobile networks in Zambia
3 mobile network operators run their own networks in Zambia. The largest is MTN, with about 4.45 million subscribers (Sep 2014). Pick the one with the best coverage where you will spend most of your time.
Owned by MTN Group
Owned by Bharti Airtel (78.88%)
Owned by Zambia Telecommunications Company Ltd
- 4G/5G frequency bands used in Zambia: 5G 2600, LTE 1800, LTE 900. Most recent smartphones cover them; older or regional models may miss some.
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.
Staying connected in Zambia
With 109 mobile subscriptions per 100 people, almost everyone in Zambia has a mobile — a WhatsApp, Signal or FaceTime call is usually the easiest way in. Only 17 % 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 Zambia
+260 800 123 456Free from inside Zambia (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 Zambia via Google libphonenumber.
Zimbabwe +263
Tanzania +255
Mozambique +258
Democratic Republic of the Congo +243
Namibia +264
Malawi +265
Angola +244