Are you finding it challenging to stay connected with loved ones in Ethiopia while living in the United States? There's no need to worry! You can easily reach out to your friends and family in Ethiopia using an Ethiopian phone number in the USA. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you understand the process and the costs involved.
Firstly, let's clarify that reaching Ethiopia from the US isn't as complex as it might seem. You can make both landline and mobile calls, and even send SMS messages. The Ethiopians use the +251 country code, followed by a 9-digit number to reach both landlines and mobiles. Keep reading to learn how to dial Ethiopian numbers from the US.
Long-Distance Calling to Ethiopia from the US
To make a long-distance call from the US to Ethiopia, you'll need to follow the international dialing format. Here's how you can do it:
1. Dial the US exit code, which is '011'.
2. Dial the Ethiopian country code, which is '251'.
3. Dial the Ethiopian mobile or landline number, which is a 9-digit number.
Dialing Ethiopian Mobile Numbers
Ethiopia uses the mobile prefixes 091, 093, 094, 095, 096, 098, 099. When dialing from the US, you don't need to dial the '0' at the beginning of the number. For instance, if the number you're calling is 091-1234-567, dial: 011-251-91-123-4567.
TIP: Some mobile carriers might charge Extra for using the 011 exit code. It's a good idea to check with your provider to avoid unexpected charges.
Dialing Ethiopian Landline Numbers
Ethiopian landline numbers usually start with a city-specific prefix, followed by a 7-digit number. For example, an Addis Ababa landline number might look like this: 011-123-4567. When dialing from the US, don't dial the leading '0'. So, the number would be dialed as: 011-251-1-123-4567.
NOTE: Some landline numbers in Ethiopia might not start with '0'. If this is the case, dial the number as it is, without adding any prefix.
Sending SMS to Ethiopia from the US
Sending SMS to Ethiopia from the US is also possible. Here's how you can do it:
1. Start your message with '011251' (followed by a space).
2. Add the Ethiopian mobile number you're sending the SMS to. For instance, if the number is 91-123-4567, your message would look like this: '011251911234567 Hi!'.
Important Note on SMS
SMS can be a cost-effective way to communicate with Ethiopia, but keep in mind that some mobile carriers might not support SMS from the US to Ethiopia. Always check with your provider to avoid any unwanted charges.
Moreover, ensure the Ethiopian number you're trying to reach is an SMS-capable number. Not all mobile providers allow international SMS to their subscribers to prevent spam.
As you've learned, it's simple and cost-effective to reach out to your loved ones in Ethiopia from the US. By following these guidelines, you'll be able to stay connected with your family and friends no matter where you are. So, what are you waiting for? Give them a call, send an SMS, or even consider using a VoIP service for a more cost-effective and reliable calling experience!