How to Call Ethiopia from the US: Complete Guide (2026)
Step-by-step guide to calling Ethiopia from the US in 2026. Country code +251, dialing format, rates, time zones, and best calling apps.
Quick Answer:
Dial 011 + 251 + local number from a US landline, or +251 from a mobile phone. Rates from $0.6186/min with BubblyPhone.
Did you know? Ethiopia's country code (+251) is 3 digits long. Longer country codes were assigned later as the international numbering system expanded.
Ethiopia Country Code (+251)
The country code for Ethiopia is +251. This code is required for all international calls to Ethiopia — whether calling a mobile phone, landline, or business number.
Ethiopia's International Dialing Code
From US Landline
011-251-XX XXX XXXXFrom Mobile / +
+251 XX XXX XXXXPhone numbers in Ethiopia are typically 9 digits long (after the country code).
How to Dial Ethiopia from the US: Step-by-Step
Dialing Format
011 + 251 + Local Number- 1Dial 011
This is the US international access code (exit code). From a mobile phone, you can hold "0" to get a
+instead. - 2Dial 251
Ethiopia's country code. This routes the call to Ethiopia's phone network.
- 3Dial the local number
9 digits.
Visual Dialing Example
Here's how a complete call to Ethiopia looks, with each part color-coded:
From US Landline
From US Mobile
Tip: From a cell phone, use +251 instead of 011-251. The "+" replaces the exit code and works from any country. BubblyPhone handles the formatting automatically — just enter the number with +251.
Common Mistakes When Calling Ethiopia
Avoid these frequent dialing errors that can cause failed calls or wrong connections:
❌ Wrong
251-XXXXXXXX (missing exit code)✅ Correct
011-251-XXXXXXXXAlways dial 011 (US exit code) before Ethiopia's country code. From a mobile phone, use + instead of 011.
❌ Wrong
Dialing too few or too many digits✅ Correct
9 digits after +251Ethiopia numbers are 9 digits long (after the country code). If your call won't connect, check the digit count.
How Much Does It Cost to Call Ethiopia?
The cost to call Ethiopia from the US ranges from free (using WhatsApp or FaceTime) to $3-5/minwith traditional carrier rates. Here's a breakdown:
Free (App-to-App)
$0.00
WhatsApp, FaceTime, Viber
(both need the app)
⭐ Best Value
$0.6186/min
BubblyPhone VoIP
(call any number)
Carrier Rates
$3.00+/min
AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile
(without int'l plan)
Cost for Common Call Durations
| Duration | BubblyPhone | Carrier ($3/min) | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | $3.09 | $15.00 | 79% |
| 10 minutes | $6.19 | $30.00 | 79% |
| 30 minutes | $18.56 | $90.00 | 79% |
| 60 minutes | $37.12 | $180.00 | 79% |
Best Time to Call Ethiopia from the US
Check the current local time in Ethiopia before calling. The best window is between 9 AM and 9 PM local time.
Addis Ababa
8:28 PM
Good time to call
Calling Windows by US Time Zone
To reach someone in Ethiopia during reasonable hours (9 AM – 9 PM), call during these US times:
| Your Time Zone | Best Time to Call | Time Diff |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern (ET) | 2:00 AM→2:00 PM | +7h |
| Central (CT) | 1:00 AM→1:00 PM | +8h |
| Mountain (MT) | 12:00 AM→12:00 PM | +9h |
| Pacific (PT) | 11:00 PM→11:00 AM | +10h |
Cost Comparison: Ways to Call Ethiopia
| Service | Rate/min | 30-min call | Pros / Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| BubblyPhone ⭐ | $0.6186 | $18.56 | Calls any number, no app install |
| Free | Free | Both need app + internet | |
| Google Voice | Varies | Varies | US account required, limited |
| Skype | ~$0.02-0.10 | ~$0.60-3.00 | Requires credits or subscription |
| AT&T (no plan) | ~$3.00 | ~$90.00 | Standard per-minute rate |
| Verizon (no plan) | ~$3.00 | ~$90.00 | Standard per-minute rate |
Ethiopia Emergency Numbers
If you or someone you know is in Ethiopia and needs emergency help, these are the numbers to dial:
Police
991
Ambulance
907
Fire
939
112 is the international emergency number and works in most countries. These local numbers can be dialed from any phone in Ethiopia — no country code needed.
Call Ethiopia with BubblyPhone in 3 Steps
Enter the Number
Type +251 followed by the local number
Click Call
Connect instantly with crystal-clear audio
Calls to Ethiopia from just $0.6186/min — no subscription required