Nigeria Country Code + International Calling Guide
+234 · Abuja · NGN · ₦ · Nigerian Naira
Nigeria: Africa's Giant — Nollywood, Afrobeats, Lagos's electric energy & 234 million stories
📞+234Dial Code
🏛️AbujaCapital
💰NGNCurrency
🚨199Emergency
🔌230V 50Hz · Type D/GElectricity
The international dialing code for Nigeria is +234, and its capital city is Abuja. Food lovers should try local dishes such as Jollof rice (Nigerian style), Egusi soup with fufu, Suya (spiced skewers). Electrical outlets here use 230V 50Hz · Type D/G, so bring a suitable travel adapter. In an emergency, dial 199. The local currency is the NGN · ₦ · Nigerian Naira. Nearby countries include Cameroon, Benin, Niger, Chad.
🛂 Nigeria passport: ranked #178 of 197 worldwide, with 42 visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations.
See full passport ranking →
Follow these 4 simple steps to dial any phone number in Nigeria:
1
Dial your international access code
Most countries use 00 or +. From mobile phones, the + symbol works worldwide.
2
Dial Nigeria's country code: +234
Dial +234 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 +234 1 [number]. From mobile: + +234 1 [number].
☎️ Complete Guide to Calling Nigeria
How to Call Abroad from Nigeria
To call another country from Nigeria: 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 Nigeria numbers is +234 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: +234 [national number without the leading 0]
Tips to Lower Your Call Costs to Nigeria
Use internet apps like WhatsApp, Viber or Messenger for free calls over Wi-Fi.
Buy a local SIM or eSIM when traveling to Nigeria 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 +234 — 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 Nigeria.
Common Questions About Calling Nigeria
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 +234 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 Nigeria?
For a mobile: dial +234 then the mobile number without its leading 0. For a landline: dial +234, 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 Nigeria from abroad?
Save the number in international format — +234 then the number without its leading 0 — and send your message as usual. Your carrier may apply international SMS charges.
How can I call Nigeria via WhatsApp?
Add the contact in international format — +234 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 Nigeria?
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 +234 mean and where does it come from?
+234 is the international dialing code assigned to Nigeria 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 Nigeria number in the correct international format?
Always store it in E.164 format: +234 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 Nigeria
Country Code
+234
Calling abroad from Nigeria? Start with
00
Mobile number length
10 digits
📱 Mobile: +234 80X XXX XXXX
☎️ Landline: +234 1 XXX XXXX (Lagos)
📋 Full dialing examples
From any mobile (anywhere in the world)
+234 …
From most countries (landline or mobile, starts with 00)
00 234 …
From USA or Canada (starts with 011)
011 234 …
From Australia (starts with 0011)
0011 234 …
💡 Tip: The + symbol on any mobile replaces all exit codes and works worldwide.
☎️ Major City Phone Codes
Dial after the country code +234.
Lagos · +234 1
Abuja · +234 9
Kano · +234 64
Ibadan · +234 22
Port Harcourt · +234 84
Kaduna · +234 62
📱 Mobile Network Operators & Prefixes
Mobile numbers in Nigeria start with these prefixes.
Operator
Prefix(es)
MTN Nigeria
0803, 0806, 0813, 0816
Airtel Nigeria
0802, 0808, 0812
Glo
0805, 0807, 0811
9Mobile
0809, 0817, 0818
🔢 Phone Number Format Examples
Mobile
+234 80X XXX XXXX
Landline
+234 1 XXX XXXX (Lagos)
Replace X with actual digits. Always drop the leading 0 when calling from abroad.
📡 VoIP & Calling App Status in Nigeria
Live status of major calling apps when dialing to or from Nigeria.
💬 WhatsApp
Works freely
🔵 Skype
Works freely
📹 FaceTime
Works freely
📲 Viber
Works freely
💡 Calling Tips for Nigeria
WhatsApp is the dominant communication tool in Nigeria. MTN Nigeria has the widest coverage including rural areas. Expect data speeds to vary significantly by location.
📲 How to Call Nigeria from Other Countries
To reach Nigeria, first dial your country's international exit code, then Nigeria's country code +234, 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 234local number
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
00 234local number
🇩🇪 Germany
00 234local number
🇫🇷 France
00 234local number
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
00 234local number
🇦🇪 UAE
00 234local number
🇹🇷 Turkey
00 234local number
🇮🇳 India
00 234local number
On a mobile phone you can replace the exit code with the + sign, then dial +234 and the number — it works worldwide.
⏰ Best Time to Call Nigeria
Nigeria uses UTC+1. People there are usually awake from 09:00 to 21:00 local time, so the table below shows the best time to call Nigeria from major countries — in the caller's local time.
From
Best time to call (local time)
🇺🇸 United States
07:00–16:00
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
09:00–21:00
🇩🇪 Germany
10:00–22:00
🇫🇷 France
10:00–22:00
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
11:00–23:00
🇦🇪 UAE
12:00–23:00
🇹🇷 Turkey
11:00–23:00
🇮🇳 India
14:00–23:00
Times are approximate and may shift by about an hour during daylight saving time.
🧭 From Your Country to Nigeria
Live dial format and time difference — updates instantly
Dial from 🇺🇸 United States
011–234–XXX–XXXX
Time right now in Nigeria
--:--
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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 Nigeria
Do I need a visa to visit Nigeria?
It depends on your nationality. Some travelers can enter Nigeria 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 Nigeria 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 Nigeria currently offers an e-Visa for your nationality using our International Visa Checker below.
Is a visa on arrival available in Nigeria?
A visa on arrival lets eligible travelers obtain their visa at the airport or border instead of applying beforehand. Whether Nigeria 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 Nigeria 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 Nigeria 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 Nigeria using our International Visa Checker below.
How much does a Nigeria 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 Nigeria using our International Visa Checker below.
How long must my passport be valid to enter Nigeria?
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 Nigeria on our International Visa Checker below before booking.
US Embassy Abuja Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive, Central District, Abuja ☎ +234 9 461 4000 Mon-Fri 7:30-16:30
💳 Tipping Culture
10% tip in restaurants appreciated.
🚄 Transport
NRC train Lagos-Ibadan new | Lagos BRT bus | Danfo yellow buses Lagos | Air Peace, Arik & United domestic | Lagos-Abuja 50-min flight | Keke napep auto-rickshaw
✈️ Airports
25+ airports | Murtala Muhammed International Airport LOS (Lagos main) | Nnamdi Azikiwe ABV (Abuja) | Port Harcourt PHC | Kano KAN | Enugu ENU
🗺️ Administrative Divisions
Nigeria is divided into 36 states.
📅 Best Time to Visit
Dry season (varies by region — generally May–October in East/Southern Africa, November–April in West Africa) is ideal for Nigeria. 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 Nigeria, 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.
🌍 Nigeria: Culture, Food & Places
What are the most famous foods in Nigeria?
Some of the most famous foods in Nigeria include: Jollof rice (Nigerian style), Egusi soup with fufu, Suya (spiced skewers), Pepper soup, Pounded yam & egusi, Moin moin (bean pudding), Akara (bean fritters), Efo riro (leafy stew), Banga soup, Zobo hibiscus drink.
What are the best places to visit in Nigeria?
Top places and landmarks to visit in Nigeria include: Olumo Rock Abeokuta, Yankari National Park (elephants & springs), Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove (UNESCO), Obudu Mountain Resort, Tarkwa Bay Beach Lagos, Nike Art Gallery Lagos, Zuma Rock Abuja, Osun River Sacred Forest, Calabar Carnival, Sukur Cultural Landscape (UNESCO).
What are the main customs and traditions in Nigeria?
Notable customs and traditions in Nigeria include: Greet with right hand (left is unclean), Respect for elders paramount, Aso-oke & agbada traditional dress, Yoruba, Hausa & Igbo major cultures, Hospitality and generosity.
What is Nigeria famous for?
Nigeria is well known for: Nollywood (world's 2nd largest film industry), Afrobeats music (Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid), Jollof rice wars (Ghana vs Nigeria), Lagos — Africa's most populous city, 234 million people — most populated Africa.
Where in the world is Nigeria located?
Nigeria is located in Africa.
What countries are near Nigeria?
Countries near Nigeria include: Cameroon, Benin, Niger, Chad, Togo, Equatorial Guinea, São Tomé and Príncipe, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Gabon, Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire), Republic of the Congo.
🚨 Emergency numbers in Nigeria
Knowing the right emergency number in Nigeria 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 Nigeria. 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.
Dry season (varies by region — generally May–October in East/Southern Africa, November–April in West Africa) is ideal for Nigeria. 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 Nigeria cost per day?
Daily costs in Nigeria range from $40 (budget) to $95 (mid-range) to $220 (luxury) per person, excluding flights.
How many states does Nigeria have?
Nigeria has 36 states.
What is the emergency number in Nigeria?
In Nigeria you can reach emergency services on the following numbers: Ambulance: 199. 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.
📊 Live Global Communication & Travel Stats
Estimated worldwide figures, updated continuously based on official annual data.
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