Tanzania Phone Number Format for Local & International Calls

The Tanzania phone number format consists of the country code (255), the trunk prefix ‘0’, the network prefix or area code, and the subscriber number. Each component plays a unique role in connecting your call to the right place.

The +255 code represents Tanzania’s country code in the international dialing system. You must include this code when calling the country from overseas. This code signals the network that the number belongs to Tanzania before it reads the remaining digits.

The trunk prefix ‘0’ appears at the start of a phone number for local calls within Tanzania. However, it is used only for domestic dialing and must be removed for international calls. It is replaced by the country code when dialing from abroad.

The area code is used in Tanzania landline numbers to indicate the specific city or region where the phone number is registered. For local calls, the area code comes after 0, and for international calls, it is included after the country code +255.

Tanzania uses the network prefix instead of area codes in its mobile numbers. Examples include 71, 74, 75, 76, 77, and 78. These prefixes guide the call through the correct mobile carrier and ensure proper routing within the network.

The subscriber number is the final part of the phone number that identifies the exact user or business phone line. It follows the area code or mobile prefix to complete the phone number.

For local calls, the Tanzania phone number includes the trunk prefix 0, a mobile network prefix or landline area code, followed by the local subscriber number.

Here’s how to dial a Tanzanian phone number for local calls:

1. Step 1: Dial the trunk prefix 0.
2. Step 2: Add the correct code based on the number type:
   • Landline: Enter the area code (for example, 22 for Dar es Salaam)
   • Mobile: Enter the mobile network prefix ( 75, 76, 77, or 78)
   • Toll-free: Enter the toll-free prefix, 800
3. Step 3: Dial the local subscriber.

1. Landline Phone Number: 0 + area code + subscriber number
   
   Example: 0 22 123 4567
   • 0 – Trunk prefix
   • 22 – Dar es Salaam area code
   • 123 4567 – Local landline number
2. Mobile Phone Number: 0 + mobile network prefix + subscriber number
   
   Example: 0 755 123 456
   • 0 – Trunk prefix
   • 755 – Mobile network prefix
   • 123 456 – Local mobile number
3. Toll-Free Phone Number: 0800 + subscriber number
   
   Example: 0800 123 456
   • 0 – Trunk prefix
   • 800 – Toll-free prefix
   • 123 456 – Local subscriber number

The international Tanzania phone number format begins with your country’s exit code, Tanzania’s country code “255”, the area code or mobile prefix, and the local subscriber number.

Steps to dial a Tanzanian phone number for international calls:

• Step 1: Enter your country’s exit code.
• Step 2: Dial 255 (Tanzania’s country code).
• Step 3: Dial the area code, mobile prefix, or toll-free prefix depending on the phone number type.
• Step 4: Dial the remaining digits of the phone number.

1. Landline Phone Number: exit code + 255 + area code (without 0) + subscriber number
   
   Example: 011 255 22 123 4567 or +255 22 123 4567
   • 011 or + – US exit code
   • 255 – Tanzania country code
   • 22 – Dar es Salaam area code
   • 123 4567 – Landline subscriber number
2. Mobile Phone Number: exit code + 255 + mobile network prefix (without 0) + subscriber number
   
   Example:011 255 755 123 456 or +255 755 123 456
   • 011 or + – US exit code
   • 255 – Tanzania country code
   • 755 – Mobile network prefix
   • 123 456 – Mobile subscriber number
3. Toll-Free Phone Number: exit code + 255 + 800 (without the leading 0) + subscriber number
   
   Example: 011 255 800 123 456 or +255 800 123 456
   • 011 or + – US exit code
   • 255 – Tanzania country code
   • 800 – Toll-free prefix
   • 123 456 – Subscriber number

Tanzania emergency phone numbers consist of 3-digit short codes to help people reach emergency assistance quickly during urgent situations. The country assigns 112 as the main emergency number and uses it to connect callers to police, medical services, or fire support.

Besides, it also provides seperate service-specific emergency contacts, including 114 for fire and rescue services and 113 for traffic-related emergencies. You can dial these numbers from both mobile phones and landlines anywhere in Tanzania.

When calling Tanzanian phone numbers from abroad, people mostly make mistakes by following the local phone number format for international calls, ignoring time zone differences, or overlooking the cost associated with international calls. These issues can lead to call failures, inappropriate calling times, or unexpected calling charges.

The most common mistake people make when calling an international number is dialing the number exactly as it appears for local calls. Local Tanzania numbers include the trunk prefix 0, which you should not use when calling from another country. Also, for international calls, the number must always start with the exit code and country code, followed by the correct mobile or area code.

Tanzania follows East Africa Time (EAT), which can be several hours ahead of many countries. For example, when it is daytime in the United States, it may already be late evening or night in Tanzania. A time that feels convenient for you may not be suitable for the receiver on the other end. So, always compare the local time before calling to make sure the timing is good for both sides.

International calls to Tanzania can be expensive through traditional carriers. The call charges can add up faster than expected, especially if you need to make frequent calls. However, you can use virtual phone numbers to keep the cost low. These online numbers, offered by VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service providers, let you make calls over the internet at much lower rates compared to traditional carriers.

The Tanzania phone number format uses a clear numbering system to connect your calls accurately. For local calls, dial the trunk prefix 0, followed by the area code or mobile prefix and local number. For international calls, replace the trunk prefix with your country’s exit code and Tanzania's country code.

Even with the correct format, sometimes your call may not go through. This commonly happens due to network issues. In this case, Calilio’s virtual phone numbers can help. It operates on advanced technology to ensure you face no connectivity issues when calling Tanzania from any part of the world. Also, the calling cost is much lower compared to traditional phone carriers.