How to Call Egypt from the USA: Step-by-Step Guide

Every day, thousands of calls are made from the US to Egypt, whether for business, family, or official reasons. But many times, calls fail simply because the number was dialed incorrectly. This usually happens due to confusion around the unique dialing codes involved in the international dialing format.
The good news is, once you understand the correct dialing sequence, it’s easy to connect every time.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to call Egypt from the USA on mobile, landline, and toll-free numbers. Additionally, we’ll share the tips on the best time to call and affordable ways to stay connected.
Key Highlights:
- To call Egypt from the US, dial the US exit code (011), followed by Egypt’s country code (20), the area code/mobile prefix, and the 7 to 8-digit local number.
- Egypt’s area codes range from 1 to 3 digits, depending on the region. These unique codes help direct the call to the specific city or area within the country.
- Mobile numbers in Egypt start with a carrier-specific prefix. When calling from abroad, you should omit the leading ‘0’ in the prefix.
- The best time to call Egypt from the US is during Egypt’s business hours, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Calling Egypt through traditional carriers can be costly. Consider using virtual numbers, calling cards, or apps like WhatsApp or Viber for low-cost or free calls.
Things to Consider When Calling Egypt from the US
When calling Egypt from the USA, consider the major components of the international phone number format for Egypt. These include the US’s exit code, Egypt’s country code, area codes or mobile prefixes, and local numbers.
1. US Exit Code
The exit code is the first number prefix you must dial when placing an international call. When calling overseas from the United States, the exit code is 011. You can replace the exit code with the ‘+’ symbol when calling using mobile phones.
2. Egypt’s Country Code
The country code helps direct your call to a specific nation. Egypt’s country code is 20. This code routes your call to Egypt's national telephone network when calling from abroad. Without the correct country code, the call may fail or connect to the wrong region.
3. Area Code
Area codes are regional identifiers that represent the specific city or area you’re calling. Egypt’s area codes are 1 to 3 digits long, depending on the region. When calling a landline number, you must include the correct area code to reach the target place.
Here are some popular area codes in Egypt alongside their corresponding cities/regions:
City / Region | Area Code |
Cairo, Giza, Qalyubia | 02 |
Alexandria | 03 |
Port Said | 066 |
Suez | 062 |
Ismailia | 064 |
Luxor | 095 |
Aswan | 097 |
Assiut | 088 |
Beni Suef | 082 |
Fayoum | 084 |
Minya | 086 |
Shebin El Kom / Menoufia | 048 |
4. Mobile Prefix
Mobile numbers in Egypt begin with carrier-specific prefixes. These prefixes are usually two-digit long and vary depending on the mobile provider. You must also include this prefix after the country code when calling an Egyptian mobile number from the USA.
Network Operator | Carrier Prefix |
Vodafone | 10 |
Etisalat | 11 |
Orange | 12 |
WE (Telecom Egypt) | 15 |
5. Local Phone Number
Local phone numbers are unique subscriber numbers assigned to individuals or businesses. It is the final part of the phone number. In Egypt, local phone numbers are 7 to 8 digits long.
Get an Affordable Virtual Phone Number to Make Cheap International Calls to Egypt from the US.
How to Dial Egypt from the USA? [Landline, Mobile, Toll-Free]
Dialing Egypt from the US requires a specific sequence: USA exit code (011), Egypt country code (20), area code or mobile prefix, and the local number.
While the landline numbers in Egypt include the area codes, the cell phone numbers consist of the mobile carrier prefix.
How to Dial an Egyptian Landline Number from the USA?
To contact an Egyptian landline number from the USA, dial the US’s exit code, Egypt’s country code, the area code, and the local landline number.
- Step 1: Start with the US exit code, 011 or +.
- Step 2: Add Egypt’s country code, 20.
- Step 3: Dial the regional area code (without the leading zero).
- Step 4: Enter the local landline number.
Final Dialing Structure: 011 + 20 + area code + landline number
Example: If you're calling a local landline number, 02 9873 65XX in Cairo, Egypt, from the USA, dial 011 20 2 9873 65XX or +20 2 9873 65XX.
Here,
- 011 - US exit code
- 20 - Egypt country code
- 2 - Cairo area code
- 9873 65XX - Local landline number
How to Call an Egyptian Mobile Number from the United States?
To call an Egyptian mobile number from the US, dial the US exit code (00), Egypt’s country code (20), the mobile prefix, and the local mobile number.
- Step 1: Dial the US exit code, 011 or the ‘+’ symbol.
- Step 2: Enter the Egypt country code, 20.
- Step 3: Dial the mobile prefix (dropping the leading zero).
- Step 4: Add the rest of the mobile numb.
Final Dialing Structure: 011 + 20 + mobile prefix + cell phone number
Example: To call an Egyptian mobile number, 010 567 43XX, from the USA, dial 011 20 10 567 43XX or +20 10 567 43XX.
Here,
- 011 - US exit code
- 20 - Egypt country code
- 10 - Mobile prefix for Vodafone
- 567 43XX - Local mobile number
How Do You Dial an Egyptian Toll-Free Number from the US?
To call toll-free numbers in Egypt from the USA, dial the US exit code (011 or +), Egypt’s country code (20), the toll prefix (0800), and the 7-digit local number.
- Step 1: Start with the US exit code, 011 or +.
- Step 2: Dial Egypt’s country code, 20.
- Step 3: Enter the toll-free prefix without the initial ‘0’, 800.
- Step 4: Lastly, dial the remaining subscriber number.
Final Dialing Structure: 011 + 20 + toll prefix + subscriber number
Example: To call an Egyptian toll-free number 0800 324 12XX, dial 011 20 800 324 12XX or +20 800 324 12XX.
Here,
- 011 - US exit code
- 20 - Egypt country code
- 800 - Toll-free number prefix
- 324 12XX - Subscriber number
What Is the Best Time to Call Egypt from the US?
The best time to call Egypt from the USA is between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Egypt's working hours. These are the best times to reach a business or government office. For personal calls, target late morning or early evening, when people are mostly free.
Furthermore, be mindful that the time differences between Egypt and the US are around 6 to 8 hours, depending on your location in the US. Consider the time differences before making a call to ensure your call reaches the appropriate time for your recipient.
Here’s a quick table to help you determine the best time to call Egypt based on different time zones in the USA:
USA Time Zone | Time Differences | Best Time to Call from the US | Egypt Business Hours |
Eastern Time (EST) | Egypt is 7 hours ahead | 2:00 AM - 10:00 AM | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Central Time (CST) | Egypt is 8 hours ahead | 1:00 AM - 9:00 AM | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Mountain Time (MT) | Egypt is 9 hours ahead | 12:00 AM - 8:00 AM | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Pacific Time (PT) | Egypt is 10 hours ahead | 11:00 PM - 7:00 AM | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
How Much Does it Cost to Call Egypt from the US?
The calling cost to dial Egypt from America varies depending on the network operators. It typically ranges from $2.49 to $3. The calling rate is typically high as it involves roaming charges. However, some services also offer lower rates through international calling plans.
Here are the rates for calling Egypt from the United States with some popular telephone carriers:
Mobile Operator | Calling Cost |
T-Mobile | $3.00/minute |
Verizon | $2.49/minute |
AT&T | $3.00/minute |
Cost-effective Alternatives for Calling Egypt from the USA
For affordable international calls, consider using international calling cards or online calling apps, or a virtual phone number. These services offer a lower call cost for international calling compared to traditional network operators.
1. Use International Calling Cards
Calling cards are prepaid cards that often offer discounted rates for international calls. You can purchase them online or at convenience stores. These cards come with a PIN and an access number that you’ll dial before entering the Egyptian number to make a call.
2. Use Online Calling Apps
Internet-based apps like WhatsApp, Viber, and FaceTime use your internet connection to make calls instead of phone lines. If the person you're calling also uses the same app, the call is completely free. But you can’t call regular landline numbers using this app, and the call quality totally depends on the internet connection.
3. Get Virtual Phone Number
A virtual phone number offers the most convenient and cost-effective way to make international calls. You can get these numbers online from a VoIP service provider. After getting the number, you can use it on your existing smartphones, desktops, or tablets, without requiring any additional hardware.
Conclusion
Calling Egypt from the United States is simple once you understand the correct dialing format. Whether you’re reaching out to a landline, mobile, or toll-free number, the key is to follow the right sequence: starting with the US exit code, followed by Egypt’s country code, the area code/mobile prefix, and the local number.
Before calling, also, consider the time differences between the countries to ensure your call connects at the right moment.
And to save costs, consider using a virtual phone number. VoIP service providers like Calilio offer virtual phone numbers from 100+ countries at an affordable cost. Besides low-cost international calls, we also provide additional telephony features like call recording, voicemail, call routing, and more with our phone numbers. Start calling Egypt affordably, get a virtual phone number from Calilio today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I call Egypt for free using WhatsApp?
Yes, you can make free calls to Egypt using WhatsApp as long as both parties are connected through the same app. However, as the calls are made online, you’ll need to pay for the data or internet.
What should I do if my call to Egypt is not connecting?
Are toll-free calls in Egypt really free when calling from the USA?
Is a virtual phone number better than a calling card for Egypt?

Still have questions?
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Please chat with our friendly team.
Related Articles
Here are some articles you might find interesting.
Stay in the loop
Get the latest call insights, trends, and updates delivered straight to your inbox.
By subscribing, you agree to receive updates from Calilio.
You can unsubscribe anytime.
Enter the World of AI Business Phone System with Calilio
Improve your business operation with Calilio's advanced virtual phone system. Join today for a better way to connect.
Phone numbers
Get International Phone Numbers
Singapore
|Australia
|New Zealand