Figures are estimates projected from the latest official statistics (ITU, UN, UN Tourism) and are for general reference only.
📲 How to Call Egypt from Abroad
Follow these 4 simple steps to dial any phone number in Egypt:
1
Dial your international access code
Most countries use 00 or +. From mobile phones, the + symbol works worldwide.
2
Dial Egypt's country code: +20
Dial +20 immediately after the international access code. Do not include the + again if you already used 00.
3
Dial the city or area code
For landlines, dial the city code (drop any leading 0). For mobile numbers, skip this step.
4
Dial the local phone number
Enter the remaining digits of the recipient's phone number to complete the call.
💡 Example: To call Baghdad from the US, dial 011 +20 1 [number]. From mobile: + +20 1 [number].
☎️ Complete Guide to Calling Egypt
How to Call Abroad from Egypt
To call another country from Egypt: dial the international exit code (00 in most countries, or press and hold 0 on a mobile to get +), then the destination country code, then the area code (without its leading 0), then the number. Example: to call the US, dial 00 1 [number] or + 1 [number].
International Number Format (E.164)
The global standard format for Egypt numbers is +20 followed by the national number without its leading 0. A full international number has at most 15 digits including the country code. Save all your contacts this way so they work from anywhere in the world and in every app.
💡 Example: +20 [national number without the leading 0]
Tips to Lower Your Call Costs to Egypt
Use internet apps like WhatsApp, Viber or Messenger for free calls over Wi-Fi.
Buy a local SIM or eSIM when traveling to Egypt to pay local rates.
Activate an international plan from your carrier before you travel.
Use Wi-Fi Calling when available to avoid roaming charges.
Compare calling-card and VoIP providers for the lowest per-minute rate.
Why Isn't My Call Connecting? Common Fixes
You dialed 00 and + together — use only one of them.
You kept the leading 0 of the area or mobile code — remove it for international calls.
You forgot the country code +20 — it must come right after the exit code.
You added a city code to a mobile number — mobile numbers don't need one.
Your line isn't enabled for international calls — check with your carrier.
Wrong time — make sure it isn't the middle of the night in Egypt.
Common Questions About Calling Egypt
When should I use + instead of 00?
The + symbol works from any mobile phone anywhere in the world and replaces each country's exit code, so you never need to memorize them. 00 is the most common exit code and works on both landlines and mobiles. On a mobile, always prefer + — it is the most reliable.
Why do I drop the leading 0 of the area or mobile code when calling from abroad?
The leading 0 is a national trunk prefix used only for domestic calls. When calling internationally, the country code +20 takes its place, so you remove that 0 — otherwise the number is wrong and the call fails.
How do I call a mobile versus a landline in Egypt?
For a mobile: dial +20 then the mobile number without its leading 0. For a landline: dial +20, then the city code (without its leading 0), then the local number. Mobile numbers never need a city code.
How do I send a text message (SMS) to Egypt from abroad?
Save the number in international format — +20 then the number without its leading 0 — and send your message as usual. Your carrier may apply international SMS charges.
How can I call Egypt via WhatsApp?
Add the contact in international format — +20 then the number without its leading 0. If they have WhatsApp, they appear automatically. WhatsApp calls run over the internet, are free, and need no exit code.
How much does it cost to call Egypt?
It depends on your carrier and the line type; international calls over the regular phone network can be expensive. To save money, use internet apps like WhatsApp or Viber, or get a local SIM or eSIM.
What does the code +20 mean and where does it come from?
+20 is the international dialing code assigned to Egypt by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Every country has a unique code that identifies it on the global telephone network.
How do I save a Egypt number in the correct international format?
Always store it in E.164 format: +20 then the national number without its leading 0 and without spaces. Saved this way, it works from any country and in every app without changes.
⏰ Best Time to Call Egypt
Egypt uses UTC+3. People there are usually awake from 09:00 to 21:00 local time, so the table below shows the best time to call Egypt from major countries — in the caller's local time.
From
Best time to call (local time)
🇺🇸 United States
07:00–14:00
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
07:00–19:00
🇩🇪 Germany
08:00–20:00
🇫🇷 France
08:00–20:00
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
09:00–21:00
🇦🇪 UAE
10:00–22:00
🇹🇷 Turkey
09:00–21:00
🇮🇳 India
12:00–23:00
Times are approximate and may shift by about an hour during daylight saving time.
🧭 From Your Country to Egypt
Live dial format and time difference — updates instantly
Dial from 🇺🇸 United States
011–20–XXX–XXXX
Time right now in Egypt
--:--
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🌐 Personalise for Your Passport
Select your passport country to see visa requirements and embassy info relevant to you:
🛂 Visa Requirements
Common Visa Questions for Egypt
Do I need a visa to visit Egypt?
It depends on your nationality. Some travelers can enter Egypt visa-free for short stays, while others need an e-Visa, a visa on arrival, or a visa obtained in advance from an embassy or consulate. Check the rule for your specific passport using the official IATA Travel Centre tool before you travel.
Does Egypt offer an electronic visa (e-Visa)?
Many countries now offer an online e-Visa for eligible nationalities, letting you apply and pay over the internet before arrival. Availability, eligible passports, and fees differ from country to country, so confirm whether Egypt currently offers an e-Visa for your nationality on the official IATA Travel Centre.
Is a visa on arrival available in Egypt?
A visa on arrival lets eligible travelers obtain their visa at the airport or border instead of applying beforehand. Whether Egypt grants it, and to which nationalities, can change over time, so verify your eligibility on the official IATA Travel Centre before relying on it.
How long can I stay in Egypt on a tourist visa?
Tourist stays are commonly limited to 30, 60, or 90 days depending on the country and your nationality, and overstaying can lead to fines or entry bans. Check the exact permitted duration for your passport on the official IATA Travel Centre.
What documents are usually required to apply for a Egypt visa?
Most applications ask for a passport valid for at least six months, recent passport photos, proof of onward or return travel, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds for your stay. Some visas also require travel insurance or an invitation letter, so confirm the exact list for Egypt on the official IATA Travel Centre.
How much does a Egypt visa cost and how long does it take?
Visa fees and processing times vary widely by nationality and visa type, ranging from same-day e-Visas to several weeks for embassy applications. Always apply well before your trip and check the current fee and processing time for Egypt on the official IATA Travel Centre.
How long must my passport be valid to enter Egypt?
Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry, with one or two blank pages for stamps. Confirm the exact passport-validity rule for Egypt on the official IATA Travel Centre before booking.
Cairo Metro 3 lines | Egyptian National Railways | Cairo-Alexandria express | Nile cruise felucca | EgyptAir domestic | Bus & microbus
✈️ Airports
22 airports | Cairo International Airport CAI (main) | Luxor LXR | Hurghada HRG | Sharm el-Sheikh SSH | Aswan ASW | Alexandria HBE
🗺️ Administrative Divisions
Egypt is divided into 27 governorates.
Cairo
Giza
Alexandria
Qalyubia
Sharqia
Dakahlia
Beheira
Gharbia
Monufia
Kafr El Sheikh
Damietta
Port Said
Ismailia
Suez
North Sinai
South Sinai
Faiyum
Beni Suef
Minya
Asyut
Sohag
Qena
Luxor
Aswan
Red Sea
New Valley
Matrouh
📅 Best Time to Visit
October–April is ideal for Egypt — comfortable temperatures for Pyramids, Nile cruises, and Red Sea diving. Summer (May–September) extremely hot (40°C+) especially in Luxor/Aswan. Ramadan affects opening hours of many sites and restaurants.
🛡️ Safety Advice
Tourist areas in Egypt are heavily guarded and safe. Sinai Peninsula (except Sharm El Sheikh) has travel restrictions. Constant requests for tips ('baksheesh') are normal — small notes useful. Women may face harassment — modest dress and confidence help. Always agree taxi fares before starting.
💉 Vaccinations & Health
Hepatitis A and Typhoid recommended. Yellow Fever certificate if arriving from infected country. Strict bottled water rule. Schistosomiasis risk in fresh water (Nile) — don't swim or wade.
📶 SIM & Internet
Local SIMs widely available — buy at airport or official stores with passport. Data prices vary ($2–10 per GB depending on country). eSIM coverage improving (Airalo, Holafly). Network coverage strong in cities, patchy rurally. Mobile money (M-Pesa, Orange Money) often more useful than cash.
👔 Dress Code & Etiquette
Modest dress respected throughout Egypt, especially in Muslim-majority regions of North Africa. Cover shoulders and knees in religious sites and rural areas. Lightweight, light-colored clothing for heat. Long sleeves/pants in evenings against mosquitoes. Sturdy closed shoes for safari and bush walks.
🌍 Egypt: Culture, Food & Places
What are the most famous foods in Egypt?
Some of the most famous foods in Egypt include: Koshari (lentils, rice, pasta), Ful medames (fava beans, national), Kofta (minced meat), Mahshi (stuffed vegetables), Taameya (Egyptian falafel), Feteer Meshaltet (layered pastry), Molokhia (jute leaf stew), Hawawshi (meat-stuffed bread), Baklava & konafa, Karkadeh (hibiscus drink).
What are the best places to visit in Egypt?
Top places and landmarks to visit in Egypt include: Pyramids of Giza (UNESCO), Egyptian Museum Cairo, Karnak Temple Complex Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Abu Simbel Temples (UNESCO), Luxor Temple, Cairo Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, Philae Temple Aswan, Siwa Oasis, Red Sea Reefs Hurghada.
What are the main customs and traditions in Egypt?
Notable customs and traditions in Egypt include: Baksheesh (tip) is cultural obligation, Greet with 'Ahlan wa sahlan', Modest dress especially for women, Ramadan hours strictly observed, Bargaining in souqs expected.
What is Egypt famous for?
Egypt is well known for: Pyramids of Giza (7 Wonders of World), Nile River civilization, Islam & Al-Azhar University, Falafel & koshari street food, Cleopatra & pharaonic legacy.
Where in the world is Egypt located?
Egypt is located in Africa.
What countries are near Egypt?
Countries in the same region as Egypt include: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Republic of the Congo.
🆘 Emergency Numbers
123 Police | 180 Fire | 123 Ambulance
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of Egypt?
The capital of Egypt is Cairo. It is the largest city in the Arab world and Egypt's political, economic, and cultural center, on the banks of the Nile.
What currency is used in Egypt?
Egypt uses the EGP · £ · Egyptian Pound.
What is the dial code for Egypt?
The international dial code for Egypt is +20.
When is the best time to visit Egypt?
October–April is ideal for Egypt — comfortable temperatures for Pyramids, Nile cruises, and Red Sea diving. Summer (May–September) extremely hot (40°C+) especially in Luxor/Aswan. Ramadan affects opening hours of many sites and restaurants.
How much does a trip to Egypt cost per day?
Daily costs in Egypt range from $30 (budget) to $75 (mid-range) to $180 (luxury) per person, excluding flights.
Is Egypt safe for tourists?
Tourist areas in Egypt are heavily guarded and safe. Sinai Peninsula (except Sharm El Sheikh) has travel restrictions. Constant requests for tips ('baksheesh') are normal — small notes useful. Women may face harassment — modest dress and confidence help. Always agree taxi fares before starting.
How many governorates does Egypt have?
Egypt has 27 governorates. They are: Cairo, Giza, Alexandria, Qalyubia, Sharqia, Dakahlia, Beheira, Gharbia, Monufia, Kafr El Sheikh, Damietta, Port Said, Ismailia, Suez, North Sinai, South Sinai, Faiyum, Beni Suef, Minya, Asyut, Sohag, Qena, Luxor, Aswan, Red Sea, New Valley, Matrouh.
🧳 Practical Travel Info
🔌
Power PlugType C,F · 220 V · 50 Hz
💵
TippingBaksheesh expected everywhere — small notes useful for guides, drivers, hotel staff.
💧
Tap WaterBottled onlyTap water in Egypt is not safe for tourists — bottled water only.
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