How to call the DRC from the US
- From mobile
- +243 xx xxxxx
- From landline
- 011 243 xx xxxxx
From $0.83/min in your browser, no plan needed
How to dial the DRC from the US
How to make a call to the DRC from the US: dial the exit code, the country code, and the number. A Congolese number has 7 to 10 digits, and a 7-digit number is the shortest.
- Dial 011
- Dial 243
- Dial the number without its 0
- 011The US exit code
- 243Country code of the DRC
- xx xxxxxThe number, area code first
- From a mobile: +243 xx xxxxx
Paste or type a number here to see how to dial it from anywhere
Example: +243 12 34567
- Mobile
- +243 12 34567
- Landline
- 011 243 12 34567
Main area codes in the DRC
The area code comes right after 243, then the local number
- Kinshasa011 2431then the local number
- Katanga011 2432then the local number
- Bas-Congo/Bandundu011 2433then the local number
- Kasai-Oriental/Kasai-Occidental011 2434then the local number
- Oriental Province (Kisanga/Mbandaka)011 2435then the local number
- North Kivu/South Kivu/Maniema011 2436then the local number
Before you call the DRC
Dial a Congolese region
Calling the DRC from the USA, the digit after 243 picks the region.
- Kinshasa011 243 1
- Katanga011 243 2
- North Kivu011 243 6
Remove the 0 after 243
A call to the DRC from the USA fails when the number keeps its 0. Delete the 0 before you dial.
- Fails
- 011 243 01 xxxx
- Works
- 011 243 1 xxxx
Dial a Congolese cell phone
How to dial the DRC from the USA when calling the DRC cell phones: the same digits, no leading 0.
- 011exit
- 243DRC
- xxxxxxxlocal number
Calling the DRC from the US without an international plan
Suparelay calls the DRC for $0.88/min from your browser, with no plan. Without one, carriers in the US charge up to $5.00/min. How do I call the DRC from the USA on a carrier plan? Add the carrier's international add-on first.
| Carrier | Per minute |
|---|---|
SuparelayNo plan neededUp to 5× cheaper | $0.88 landline$0.83 mobile |
 | $5.00 + tax$0.50 + tax with plan |
 | $5.00 + tax$0.59 + tax with plan |
 | $2.49 + tax$1.39 + tax with plan |
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 to the DRC changes in March and November, when US clocks change.
- Time difference
- March to November: 5 hours ahead of New York
- November to March: 6 hours ahead of New York
- Daylight saving time
- None, the clocks never change
- Time zones
- 2
Why a call to the DRC fails
AT&T bills Wi-Fi calls abroad at long-distance rates
An AT&T Wi-Fi call to an international number uses international long distance rates. The Wi-Fi connection does not make the call cheaper.
AT&T, Wi-Fi CallingFrom any country, a call to the DRC also fails when
- The 0 is still in the number
- The exit code is wrong for your country
Questions
How to call the DRC from the USA cell phone or mobile?
Dial +243, then the number. It works from any mobile in the US
Are calls to the DRC included in the USA phone plans?
Not on most plans. No carrier in the US that we checked includes the DRC in a plan
How much does it cost to call the DRC from the USA?
With no plan, carriers in the US charge up to $5.00 a minute. Suparelay charges each started minute, from your browser
How to call Kinshasa from the USA?
For Kinshasa, dial 011 243 1, then the local number
Do I need to dial 011 to call the DRC?
From a landline, yes: dial 011, then 243. From a mobile, type + instead, and the phone adds the exit code
How do I dial a +243 number?
Press and hold 0 until + appears, then dial 243 and the number
Can I call the DRC on my iPhone?
Yes. In the Phone app, press and hold 0 for +, then dial 243 and the number. Your plan must allow calls to the DRC
Why isn't my call going through to the DRC?
The usual causes: the 0 is still in the number and the exit code is wrong for your country. Each one is listed above, with a link to its fix
How to call the DRC from the USA for free, and is there a free call to the DRC?
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 to call the DRC from the USA on WhatsApp?
WhatsApp and FaceTime call for free, but only someone with the same app. To ring a landline or a phone in the DRC without the app, use your phone plan, a calling service, or Suparelay
How to call the DRC landline from the USA?
From a landline in the US, dial 011 243, then the number
When is the best time to call the DRC?
Call between 8:00 and 22:00 in the DRC. March to November: 5 hours ahead of New York. November to March: 6 hours ahead of New York
How to make an international call to the DRC?
Dial 011 243, then the number. From a mobile, +243 works too