How to call the DRC
- From mobile
- +243 xx xxxxx
- From landline
- exit code + 243 xx xxxxx
From $0.83/min in your browser, from any country
How to call the DRC from another country
The exit code depends on the country you call from. Find yours, then dial the rest
How to dial the DRC from abroad
How to make a call to the DRC from another country: dial your exit code, the country code, and the number. The shortest DRC number has 7 digits and the longest has 10, so a short number is not always a mistake.
- Hold 0 until + shows
- Type 243
- Type the number without its 0
- 00Exit code
- 243Country code of the DRC
- xx xxxxxThe number, area code first
- From a mobile, type + instead of 00
- From the US or Canada, type 011 instead of 00
Paste or type a number here to see how to dial it from anywhere
Before you call the DRC
Dial a region by its code
How to call the DRC number of a region: add its digit right after 243.
- Kinshasa+243 1
- Katanga+243 2
- Kasai+243 4
- North Kivu+243 6
Mobiles start with 8 or 9
A DRC mobile starts 08 or 09 at home. From abroad, drop the 0 and dial 243 first.
- Fails
- +243 08 xxxxxxxx
- Works
- +243 8 xxxxxxxx
How the DRC phone numbers work
- Landlines
- Starts with 01 to 06. The digit after the 0 marks the region, as in Kinshasa's 01
- Mobiles
- Starts with 08 or 09
Want to call the DRC?
Type the number and call from your browser, with no app and no plan
When to call the DRC
The time now in the DRC, and the best hours to call. The time difference depends on where you call from, but most of the DRC keeps the time of Kinshasa.
- Daylight saving time
- None, the clocks never change
- Time zones
- 2
Holidays in the DRC
Offices close on these days by law
- Dec25Christmas DayFriday
- Jan1New Year's DayFriday
- Jan4Martyrs' DayMonday
- Jan16National Hero Laurent Désiré Kabila DaySaturday
- Jan16National Hero Patrice Emery Lumumba Day (observed)Saturday
- Jan17National Hero Patrice Emery Lumumba DaySunday
Why a call to the DRC fails
The 0 is still in the number
The 0 at the start of a DR Congo number is for calls inside the country. From abroad, leave it out: +243 takes its place.
The exit code is wrong for your country
00 works from DR Congo, Europe, and most of Africa. From the US and Canada the exit code is 011.
Questions
How do I call the DRC from another country?
Dial your exit code, then 243 and the number
Which exit code do I dial before 243?
From a landline, dial your exit code first: 00 in most countries, 011 in the US and Canada. From a mobile, + replaces it
How to call the DRC mobile number?
From a mobile in any country, dial +243, then the number
Why does my call to the DRC not go through?
The usual causes: the 0 is still in the number and the exit code is wrong for your country. Each one is explained above, with its fix
What time is it in the DRC now?
Call between 8:00 and 22:00 in the DRC. Most of the DRC keeps the time of Kinshasa. The DRC has no daylight saving time
How much does it cost to call the DRC?
It depends on where you call from. Many plans in the US and Canada include the DRC. From a browser, Suparelay charges each started minute, at the price shown before you call
Is there a free call to the DRC mobile number?
An app calls for free only when both sides have it. A call to a landline, or to a phone without the app, costs money
How do I type +243 on a phone?
Hold the 0 key until + shows, then type 243 and the number. It works the same in every country
Can I WhatsApp call the DRC number online, as an internet call?
Free apps such as WhatsApp ring only people who have them. A landline in the DRC needs a phone network: a plan, a calling service, or Suparelay from your browser
How to call to the DRC: what do I dial for an international call?
The country code of the DRC is +243
How do you call the DRC, and what's the best way to call the DRC?
It depends on where you call from. Many plans in the US and Canada include the DRC. From a browser, Suparelay charges each started minute, at the price shown before you call