Senegal Country Code (+221): Complete Dialing Guide 2026
Complete guide to calling Senegal with country code +221. Learn Dakar area codes, mobile prefixes (Orange, Free, Expresso), and cheap calling options.
The Senegal country code is +221. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about calling Senegal in 2026, including how to dial Dakar and regional cities, mobile carrier prefixes (Orange, Free, Expresso), area codes, emergency numbers, and the cheapest ways to call Senegal from abroad.
Quick Reference: Senegal +221
Country Code: +221
Exit Code: 00
Phone Format: 9 digits
Capital: Dakar
Time Zone: GMT (UTC+0)
Currency: West African CFA Franc (XOF)
How to Call Senegal
International Dialing Format
To call Senegal from abroad:
+ 221 + 9-digit numberNote: Senegal uses 9-digit numbers with no trunk prefix. Landlines start with 33, and mobile numbers start with 70, 76, 77, or 78 depending on the carrier.
Dialing Examples
Senegal Area Codes
Senegal landline numbers all begin with 33, followed by a digit that indicates the region. Here are the major geographic prefixes:
| City / Area | Prefix | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Dakar | 33 8XX | Dakar Region |
| Thies | 33 9XX | Thies Region |
| Saint-Louis | 33 961 | Saint-Louis Region |
| Kaolack | 33 941 | Kaolack Region |
| Ziguinchor | 33 991 | Ziguinchor (Casamance) |
| Tambacounda | 33 981 | Tambacounda Region |
| Louga | 33 967 | Louga Region |
| Fatick | 33 949 | Fatick Region |
| Kolda | 33 996 | Kolda Region |
| Matam | 33 966 | Matam Region |
| Diourbel / Touba | 33 971 | Diourbel Region |
Mobile Carriers in Senegal
Senegal has three mobile operators with over 20 million subscribers combined. Orange dominates the market, particularly in Dakar and urban areas.
| Carrier | Prefix | Market Share | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orange Senegal | 77, 78 | ~55% | 2G/3G/4G/5G |
| Free (Tigo) | 76 | ~28% | 2G/3G/4G |
| Expresso | 70 | ~17% | 2G/3G/4G |
Tip: Orange Senegal (formerly Sonatel) is the country's first and largest operator. It also runs the popular "Orange Money" mobile money service widely used across Senegal for payments and transfers.
Special & Emergency Numbers
| Service | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Police | 17 | National police emergency |
| Fire Department | 18 | Sapeurs-pompiers |
| Ambulance / SAMU | 1515 | Medical emergency, free call |
| Gendarmerie | 13 | Military police |
| SOS Medecins | 33 889 15 15 | Doctor house calls (Dakar) |
Best Times to Call Senegal
Senegal uses Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), UTC+0 year-round. There is no daylight saving time.
From US East (EST): Senegal is 5 hours ahead
From US West (PST): Senegal is 8 hours ahead
From UK (GMT): Same time zone
From France (CET): Senegal is 1 hour behind
Business hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM GMT
Best for personal calls: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM GMT
Recommended Calling Windows (from US East):
- Morning calls: 3:00 AM - 7:00 AM EST = 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM in Dakar
- Afternoon calls: 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST = 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM in Dakar
- Evening calls: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM EST = 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM in Dakar
Cheapest Ways to Call Senegal
BubblyPhone
VoIP calling with affordable rates to Senegal landlines and mobiles. No app needed, works from your browser.
Try Free →Free app-to-app calls. Very popular in Senegal, especially in urban areas and among the diaspora in France.
How to Call Senegal From...
From USA
011 + 221 + 9-digit number
Or from mobile: +221 + number
From France
00 + 221 + 9-digit number
Large Senegalese community in France
From Italy
00 + 221 + 9-digit number
Significant Senegalese diaspora in Italy
From Spain
00 + 221 + 9-digit number
Or from mobile: +221 + number
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Call not connecting to Senegal
Verify you are dialing +221 followed by the full 9-digit number. Do not add a leading zero. Senegalese numbers are exactly 9 digits after the country code.
Reaching voicemail in French
Senegal's official language is French. If you hear an automated message in French, the phone may be turned off, out of range, or the number may be disconnected. "Le numero que vous avez compose n'est pas attribue" means the number is not assigned.
Poor call quality to Casamance region
The Casamance region (southern Senegal) has more limited network coverage than Dakar. If experiencing poor quality, try calling during off-peak hours or ask your contact to move to an area with better signal.
Number changed or not working
SIM card numbers in Senegal can be recycled if not used for an extended period. If a number you previously called no longer works, your contact may have been assigned a new number. Verify their current number through messaging apps.
High charges from my carrier
Traditional US carriers charge $1-3/min for calls to Senegal. Switch to a VoIP service like BubblyPhone for dramatically lower per-minute rates. No special app is needed; it works directly from your web browser.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the country code for Senegal?
How do I call Dakar from the United States?
What language will I hear on Senegalese phone systems?
Can I use WhatsApp to call Senegal for free?
Senegal Telecommunications Overview
Senegal is one of West Africa's most connected countries, with mobile penetration exceeding 115%. The market is dominated by Orange Senegal (formerly Sonatel), which was the first operator in the country and maintains the strongest infrastructure.
The Senegalese diaspora, particularly in France, Italy, Spain, and the United States, drives significant international calling traffic. Mobile money services (Orange Money, Free Money) are widely used for domestic and international remittances, making Senegal a leader in fintech adoption in the region.