Guinea-Bissau Country Code + International Calling Guide
+245 · Bissau · XOF · CFA · West African CFA Franc
Guinea-Bissau: West Africa's hidden pearl — Bijagós Islands wildlife, cashew forests & creole culture
📞+245Dial Code
🏛️BissauCapital
💰XOFCurrency
🚨113Emergency
🔌220V 50Hz · Type CElectricity
The international dialing code for Guinea-Bissau is +245, and its capital city is Bissau. The local currency is the XOF · CFA · West African CFA Franc. In an emergency, dial 113. Electrical outlets here use 220V 50Hz · Type C, so bring a suitable travel adapter. Nearby countries include Senegal, Guinea, Gambia, Sierra Leone. Food lovers should try local dishes such as Caldo de peixe (fish soup), Farofa de peixe (fish & cassava), Calulu de peixe (fish stew).
🛂 Guinea-Bissau passport: ranked #162 of 197 worldwide, with 49 visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations.
See full passport ranking →
Follow these 4 simple steps to dial any phone number in Guinea-Bissau:
1
Dial your international access code
Most countries use 00 or +. From mobile phones, the + symbol works worldwide.
2
Dial Guinea-Bissau's country code: +245
Dial +245 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 +245 1 [number]. From mobile: + +245 1 [number].
☎️ Complete Guide to Calling Guinea-Bissau
How to Call Abroad from Guinea-Bissau
To call another country from Guinea-Bissau: 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 Guinea-Bissau numbers is +245 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: +245 [national number without the leading 0]
Tips to Lower Your Call Costs to Guinea-Bissau
Use internet apps like WhatsApp, Viber or Messenger for free calls over Wi-Fi.
Buy a local SIM or eSIM when traveling to Guinea-Bissau 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 +245 — 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 Guinea-Bissau.
Common Questions About Calling Guinea-Bissau
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 +245 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 Guinea-Bissau?
For a mobile: dial +245 then the mobile number without its leading 0. For a landline: dial +245, 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 Guinea-Bissau from abroad?
Save the number in international format — +245 then the number without its leading 0 — and send your message as usual. Your carrier may apply international SMS charges.
How can I call Guinea-Bissau via WhatsApp?
Add the contact in international format — +245 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 Guinea-Bissau?
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 +245 mean and where does it come from?
+245 is the international dialing code assigned to Guinea-Bissau 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 Guinea-Bissau number in the correct international format?
Always store it in E.164 format: +245 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.
📞 Complete Dialing Guide for Guinea-Bissau
Country Code
+245
Calling abroad from Guinea-Bissau? Start with
00
📋 Full dialing examples
From any mobile (anywhere in the world)
+245 …
From most countries (landline or mobile, starts with 00)
00 245 …
From USA or Canada (starts with 011)
011 245 …
From Australia (starts with 0011)
0011 245 …
💡 Tip: The + symbol on any mobile replaces all exit codes and works worldwide.
📲 How to Call Guinea-Bissau from Other Countries
To reach Guinea-Bissau, first dial your country's international exit code, then Guinea-Bissau's country code +245, then the local number without its leading 0. The table below shows the exact start of the dialing sequence from major countries.
From
Dialing sequence
🇺🇸 United States
011 245local number
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
00 245local number
🇩🇪 Germany
00 245local number
🇫🇷 France
00 245local number
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
00 245local number
🇦🇪 UAE
00 245local number
🇹🇷 Turkey
00 245local number
🇮🇳 India
00 245local number
On a mobile phone you can replace the exit code with the + sign, then dial +245 and the number — it works worldwide.
⏰ Best Time to Call Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Bissau uses UTC+0. People there are usually awake from 09:00 to 21:00 local time, so the table below shows the best time to call Guinea-Bissau from major countries — in the caller's local time.
From
Best time to call (local time)
🇺🇸 United States
07:00–17:00
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
10:00–22:00
🇩🇪 Germany
11:00–23:00
🇫🇷 France
11:00–23:00
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
12:00–23:00
🇦🇪 UAE
13:00–23:00
🇹🇷 Turkey
12:00–23:00
🇮🇳 India
15:00–23:00
Times are approximate and may shift by about an hour during daylight saving time.
🧭 From Your Country to Guinea-Bissau
Live dial format and time difference — updates instantly
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011–245–XXX–XXXX
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Select your passport country to see visa requirements and embassy info relevant to you:
🛂 Visa Requirements
Common Visa Questions for Guinea-Bissau
Do I need a visa to visit Guinea-Bissau?
It depends on your nationality. Some travelers can enter Guinea-Bissau 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. Use our International Visa Checker below to instantly see the rule for your specific passport.
Does Guinea-Bissau 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 Guinea-Bissau currently offers an e-Visa for your nationality using our International Visa Checker below.
Is a visa on arrival available in Guinea-Bissau?
A visa on arrival lets eligible travelers obtain their visa at the airport or border instead of applying beforehand. Whether Guinea-Bissau grants it, and to which nationalities, can change over time, so verify your eligibility on our International Visa Checker below before relying on it.
How long can I stay in Guinea-Bissau 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 using our International Visa Checker below.
What documents are usually required to apply for a Guinea-Bissau 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 Guinea-Bissau using our International Visa Checker below.
How much does a Guinea-Bissau 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 Guinea-Bissau using our International Visa Checker below.
How long must my passport be valid to enter Guinea-Bissau?
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 Guinea-Bissau on our International Visa Checker below before booking.
Dry season (varies by region — generally May–October in East/Southern Africa, November–April in West Africa) is ideal for Guinea-Bissau. This is peak safari and wildlife-viewing time. Avoid rainy season for outdoor activities but it offers lush landscapes and lower prices.
📶 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 Guinea-Bissau, 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.
🌍 Guinea-Bissau: Culture, Food & Places
What are the most famous foods in Guinea-Bissau?
Some of the most famous foods in Guinea-Bissau include: Caldo de peixe (fish soup), Farofa de peixe (fish & cassava), Calulu de peixe (fish stew), Arroz de coco (coconut rice), Frango grelhado (grilled chicken), Óleo de palma (palm oil dishes), Mafé (peanut stew), Cuscuz (couscous), Caju (cashew fruit juice), Vinho de palma (palm wine).
What are the best places to visit in Guinea-Bissau?
Top places and landmarks to visit in Guinea-Bissau include: Bijagós Archipelago (UNESCO Biosphere), Bubaque Island, Cacheu Fort, Bolama Old Portuguese Capital, Varela Beach, Cacheu Nature Reserve, Quiráquibane Island, Bafatá town, Gabu Regional Capital, Bissau National Museum.
What are the main customs and traditions in Guinea-Bissau?
Notable customs and traditions in Guinea-Bissau include: Portuguese & Crioulo spoken, Greet with handshake, Muslim majority north; animist south, Hospitality despite economic hardship, Traditional mask ceremonies.
What is Guinea-Bissau famous for?
Guinea-Bissau is well known for: Bijagós Archipelago (UNESCO Biosphere), Political instability history, Portuguese Creole culture, Cashew nut export world leader, Traditional animist ceremonies.
Where in the world is Guinea-Bissau located?
Guinea-Bissau is located in Africa.
What countries are near Guinea-Bissau?
Countries near Guinea-Bissau include: Senegal, Guinea, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mauritania, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire), Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Togo.
🚨 Emergency numbers in Guinea-Bissau
Knowing the right emergency number in Guinea-Bissau can save lives. Below are the official police, fire and ambulance numbers, free to dial from any phone within the country.
Dial these numbers free of charge from any phone inside Guinea-Bissau. They generally work only within the country, not from abroad.
These numbers are provided for guidance and verified from public emergency-services data; always confirm with local authorities. In a life-threatening situation, call the local number shown above immediately.
Guinea-Bissau uses the XOF · CFA · West African CFA Franc.
What is the dial code for Guinea-Bissau?
The international dial code for Guinea-Bissau is +245.
When is the best time to visit Guinea-Bissau?
Dry season (varies by region — generally May–October in East/Southern Africa, November–April in West Africa) is ideal for Guinea-Bissau. This is peak safari and wildlife-viewing time. Avoid rainy season for outdoor activities but it offers lush landscapes and lower prices.
How much does a trip to Guinea-Bissau cost per day?
Daily costs in Guinea-Bissau range from $30 (budget) to $80 (mid-range) to $200 (luxury) per person, excluding flights.
How many regions does Guinea-Bissau have?
Guinea-Bissau has 9 regions.
What is the emergency number in Guinea-Bissau?
In Guinea-Bissau you can reach emergency services on the following numbers: General emergency: 113. Calls are free from any phone within the country.
🧳 Practical Travel Info
🔌
Power PlugType C,D,G · 230 V · 50 Hz
💵
TippingTipping common in tourist areas. 10% at restaurants, small change for guides and drivers.
💧
Tap WaterBottled onlyDrink bottled or boiled water only; avoid ice and raw vegetables washed in tap water.
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Estimated worldwide figures, updated continuously based on official annual data.
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