Calling Congo: telephone code and dialing format
Two countries are called Congo, and each has its own calling code: +242 for the Republic of the Congo and +243 for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Learn how to tell them apart and format the call.
Contents
"Congo" can refer to two separate countries, and each has its own international calling code. Before you dial, confirm which country your contact is in. A number sent to the wrong code will not reach them.
The short answer: two countries, two codes
| Country | Common informal name | Country calling code |
| Republic of the Congo | Congo-Brazzaville | +242 |
| Democratic Republic of the Congo | Congo-Kinshasa | +243 |
These are country calling codes, and each one covers an entire country. Neither code identifies a city or region. Any local area structure within the national number is a separate matter, and this guide does not address it.
Working out which Congo you need
The two countries are neighbours, which makes them easy to confuse. Informally, each is often identified by its capital city: Congo-Brazzaville for the Republic of the Congo and Congo-Kinshasa for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The abbreviation DRC refers to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. If a contact or document only says "Congo," ask which country is meant before relying on either code.
How to format the call
An international call to either country follows the same basic structure. First comes your international access, then the destination country code, then the national subscriber number.
Republic of the Congo: +242 [subscriber number]
Democratic Republic of the Congo: +243 [subscriber number]
From a landline:
[your international access prefix] 242 [subscriber number]
[your international access prefix] 243 [subscriber number]- Step 1: Start with the plus sign (+) on a mobile phone, or with the international access prefix used in the country you are calling from.
- Step 2: Enter the country code, 242 or 243, depending on which Congo you are calling.
- Step 3: Enter the subscriber number without spaces, brackets or other punctuation.
The international access prefix depends on the country you are calling from, and no origin was specified here. That is why this guide does not give one definitive dialing sequence. Most mobile phones accept the plus sign in place of the prefix. If you are using a landline, check your own operator's international dialing instructions.
What this guide cannot confirm
- Trunk prefix: the available evidence does not confirm whether either country uses a domestic trunk prefix, such as a leading 0, or whether it should be dropped when dialing from abroad. If a number is written with a leading 0, confirm the correct international format with your contact or your operator.
- Number length and structure: the expected length of subscriber numbers and the difference between mobile and landline formats were not verified for either country.
- Currency of the assignments: the codes come from a published list of country calling codes. Numbering plans can change, so if your call fails, check current information from your operator or the national telecommunications regulator.