Chad Country Code +235: Complete Calling Guide 2026
Complete guide to Chad country code +235. Learn how to call N'Djamena, mobile carriers (Airtel, Tigo), and the cheapest ways to call Chad.
The Chad country code is +235. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about calling Chad in 2026, including how to dial N'Djamena and other cities, mobile carrier prefixes (Airtel, Tigo/Millicom), number formats, emergency numbers, and the cheapest ways to call Chad from abroad.
Quick Reference: Chad +235
Country Code: +235
Exit Code: 00
Phone Format: 8 digits
Capital: N'Djamena
Time Zone: WAT (UTC+1)
Currency: Central African CFA franc (XAF)
How to Call Chad
International Dialing Format
To call Chad from abroad:
+ 235 + 8-digit numberNote: Chad uses 8-digit phone numbers with no area codes or trunk prefix. All numbers are dialed directly after the country code. Landlines start with 22, and mobiles start with 6 (Airtel) or 9 (Tigo).
Dialing Examples
Chad Number Format
Chad uses a flat 8-digit numbering system with no area codes. The first two digits identify the number type and carrier.
| Type | Starting Digits | Region / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Landline (N'Djamena) | 22XX | Capital city |
| Landline (Moundou) | 26XX | Logone Occidental |
| Landline (Sarh) | 27XX | Moyen-Chari |
| Landline (Abeche) | 28XX | Ouaddai |
| Landline (Bongor) | 29XX | Mayo-Kebbi |
| Mobile (Airtel) | 66XX, 99XX | Largest carrier |
| Mobile (Tigo) | 63XX, 65XX, 95XX | Second carrier |
| Salam (SOTEL) | 90XX | State-owned operator |
Mobile Carriers in Chad
Chad has a mobile penetration rate of around 50%, one of the lowest in Africa. Two private carriers and one state-owned operator serve approximately 8 million subscribers.
| Carrier | Prefix | Market Share | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airtel Chad | 66XX, 99XX | ~55% | 2G/3G/4G |
| Tigo Chad (Millicom) | 63XX, 65XX, 95XX | ~40% | 2G/3G/4G |
| Salam (SOTEL Tchad) | 90XX | ~5% | 2G/3G |
Tip: Airtel Chad offers the best coverage outside N'Djamena, particularly in the southern and central regions. Tigo has competitive pricing and is strong in urban areas. Salam is the state-owned operator with very limited coverage.
Special & Emergency Numbers
| Service | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Police | 17 | National police |
| Fire Department | 18 | Sapeurs-pompiers |
| Gendarmerie | 22 51 72 63 | Military police |
| Hopital General de Reference | 22 51 54 33 | Main hospital, N'Djamena |
Best Times to Call Chad
Chad uses West Africa Time (WAT), UTC+1 year-round. There is no daylight saving time.
From US East (EST): Chad is 6 hours ahead
From US West (PST): Chad is 9 hours ahead
From UK (GMT): Chad is 1 hour ahead
From France (CET): Same time zone
From Cameroon: Same time zone
Business hours: 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM WAT
Recommended Calling Windows (from US East):
- Morning calls: 2:00 AM - 6:00 AM EST = 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM in N'Djamena
- Best overlap: 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM EST = 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM in N'Djamena
- Evening calls: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST = 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM in N'Djamena
Cheapest Ways to Call Chad
BubblyPhone
VoIP calling with affordable rates to Chad. More reliable than app-based calls given Chad's limited internet infrastructure.
Try Free →Free app-to-app calls when internet is available. Usage is growing in N'Djamena but limited in rural areas.
How to Call Chad From...
From USA
011 + 235 + 8-digit number
Or from mobile: +235 + number
From France
00 + 235 + 8-digit number
Large Chadian diaspora in France
From Cameroon
00 + 235 + 8-digit number
Southern neighbor, same time zone
From UK
00 + 235 + 8-digit number
Or from mobile: +235 + number
Internet & Connectivity in Chad
Chad has one of the most challenging telecommunications environments in Africa. Here are key facts about connectivity:
- Internet penetration: Only about 15% of Chad's population has internet access. The vast Saharan north has almost no connectivity.
- Mobile coverage: Coverage is concentrated around N'Djamena, Moundou, Sarh, and Abeche. Large areas of the country have no cellular service.
- Internet shutdowns: The Chadian government has repeatedly shut down internet and social media, sometimes for months at a time. A notable shutdown in 2018-2019 lasted over 16 months.
- Languages: Phone system messages are typically in French (official language) or Arabic. Both are official languages of Chad.
- Reliability: For the most reliable international communication with someone in Chad, direct phone calls through the PSTN network are recommended over app-based alternatives.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Call not connecting to Chad
Verify you are dialing +235 followed by the full 8-digit number. Chad has no trunk prefix or area codes, so the format is simply +235 + 8 digits. If the call still does not connect, the network in that area may be temporarily down.
Internet-based calls keep failing
Chad has one of the most expensive and slowest internet connections in Africa. The government has also periodically restricted internet access and social media platforms. If WhatsApp or other app-based calls are not working, use BubblyPhone to call the phone number directly over the PSTN network.
Social media and VoIP blocked
Chad has a history of internet shutdowns and social media restrictions, particularly during periods of political unrest. If you cannot reach someone through messaging apps, try calling their phone number directly. PSTN-based calls typically continue to work even during internet restrictions.
Cannot reach rural areas
Mobile coverage in Chad is concentrated around N'Djamena, Moundou, Sarh, and Abeche. Vast areas of the Saharan north and many rural communities in the south have no coverage at all. If your contact is in a remote area, they may need to travel to a town with service.
High international calling rates
Chad is one of the more expensive African destinations to call from the US. Traditional carriers may charge $2-5/min. VoIP services like BubblyPhone offer significantly lower rates. Avoid using your regular carrier's international dialing unless you have a specific international plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the country code for Chad?
How do I call N'Djamena from the United States?
Why is calling Chad so expensive?
Does Chad block internet and social media?
Chad Telecommunications Overview
Chad is a landlocked country in central Africa with a population of approximately 17 million. It is one of the least connected countries in Africa, with mobile penetration around 50% and internet penetration under 15%. The vast Saharan north (which comprises most of the country's landmass) has almost no telecommunications infrastructure.
Chad has two official languages: French and Arabic. Phone system messages are typically in French. The country's telecommunications regulator is ARCEP (Autorite de Regulation des Communications Electroniques et des Postes).
Despite these challenges, mobile money is growing in N'Djamena and major southern cities, with Airtel Money being the most widely used service. International calling rates to Chad remain among the highest in Africa due to limited infrastructure and low competition.