How To Call Eritrea From USA: Updated For 2025
Quick Answer
To call Eritrea from the United States:
- Landline:
011 + 291 + Area Code (usually 1 for Asmara) + Local Number (6 digits) - Mobile:
011 + 291 + Mobile Prefix (usually 7) + Local Number (6 digits)
Examples:
- For an Asmara landline (Area Code 1):
011 + 291 + 1 + XX XXXX - For an Eritrean mobile phone (Mobile Prefix 7):
011 + 291 + 7 + XX XXXX
Eritrea is on East Africa Time (EAT), UTC+3. It is 7 hours ahead of US Eastern Time (ET) year-round.
How to Dial Eritrea from the US
How to Call a Landline in Eritrea
To call an Eritrean landline from the United States, follow these steps:
- Step 1 – Dial the US exit code: Start by dialing
011. - Step 2 – Dial Eritrea's country code: Next, key in
291. - Step 3 – Dial the Eritrean Area Code: The most common area code, especially for Asmara, is
1. Other specific area codes might exist for different regions, but often calls are routed through the main area code. - Step 4 – Dial the local phone number: This is typically a 6-digit number.
For example, to call an Asmara landline number 1XX XXXX, you would dial: 011 291 1 XX XXXX
How to Call a Mobile Phone in Eritrea
Calling an Eritrean mobile phone from the US involves these steps:
- Step 1 – Dial the US exit code: Start by dialing
011. - Step 2 – Dial Eritrea's country code: Next, key in
291. - Step 3 – Dial the Eritrean mobile prefix: The primary mobile prefix is
7. (Older allocations might have used other prefixes like1followed by a mobile indicator, but7is the current standard). - Step 4 – Dial the local mobile number: This is typically a 6-digit number.
For example, if the Eritrean mobile number is 7XX XXXX, you would dial: 011 291 7 XX XXXX from the US.
Understanding Eritrean Phone Numbers
Eritrean phone numbers use the country code +291. When dialing internationally, any leading 0 from a domestic number is dropped (though Eritrean numbers typically don't use a leading zero domestically when listed with an area code).
Landline Numbers
- Format from US:
011 + 291 + Area Code (e.g., 1) + Subscriber Number (6 digits) - The total National Significant Number (NSN) length after
+291for landlines is typically 7 digits (e.g.,+291 1 XXXXXXfor Asmara).
Mobile Numbers
- Format from US:
011 + 291 + Mobile Prefix (e.g., 7) + Subscriber Number (6 digits) - After
+291, Eritrean mobile numbers are typically 7 digits long, starting with the mobile prefix7.
Eritrean Area Codes (Fixed Lines)
When calling a landline in Eritrea from the US, dial 011 + 291, then the area code, followed by the local subscriber number. The numbering plan is relatively simple, with 1 being the primary area code for Asmara and often used for other regions as well. Specific smaller towns might have numbers starting with other digits after the country code, but these are less commonly listed.
| City/Region | Area Code (Dial after 291) | Example Local Number Format (after Area Code) |
|---|---|---|
| Main Area Code | ||
| Asmara (Capital) & most regions | 1 | XX XX XX (6 digits) |
| Other Regions (may also use '1' or have specific prefixes) | ||
| Massawa | (Often uses 1, or specific local structure) | Variable |
| Keren | (Often uses 1, or specific local structure) | Variable |
| Mendefera | (Often uses 1, or specific local structure) | Variable |
Note: The Eritrean telephone numbering plan is not as extensively documented publicly as in some other countries. The area code 1 is the most reliably cited for Asmara and general landline calls. Local numbers are typically 6 digits.
Eritrean Mobile Phone Prefixes
Eritrean mobile phone numbers are typically 7 digits long after the +291 country code. The most common mobile prefix is 7.
| Mobile Prefix (after +291) | Operator | Example Full Number (from US) |
|---|---|---|
7 XXX XXX | EriTel (Sole Operator) | e.g., 011 291 7 XX XX XX |
8 XXX XXX (Fixed CDMA - sometimes used for fixed wireless) | EriTel | e.g., 011 291 8 XX XX XX |
The subscriber number following the prefix is 6 digits long. EriTel is the sole telecommunications provider in Eritrea.
Time Difference
Eritrea operates on East Africa Time (EAT), which is UTC+3.
Eritrea does not observe Daylight Saving Time.
The time difference compared to the US East Coast (ET):
- Eritrea is 7 hours ahead of US Eastern Time (ET) throughout the year.
- When the US is on Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC-5): 12 PM EST is 7 PM in Eritrea.
- When the US is on Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC-4): 12 PM EDT is 7 PM in Eritrea.
Remember to adjust if you are in a different US time zone (e.g., Central Time is 8 hours behind Eritrea, Mountain Time is 9 hours behind, Pacific Time is 10 hours behind).
Eritrea's Phone System
The telecommunications infrastructure in Eritrea is managed by the state-owned Eritrean Telecommunication Services Corporation (EriTel), which is the sole provider of both landline and mobile telephone services. The system has seen some development, but overall penetration rates for both fixed and mobile services, as well as internet access, are among the lowest in Africa. Mobile services (GSM 900) were introduced in 2004 and cover major urban areas. Access to SIM cards can be restricted. The landline infrastructure largely relies on older copper wires, with some upgrades to switching systems in major cities. Internet access is limited and often slow, primarily available through dial-up, some leased lines, and internet cafes, with EriTel controlling the national gateway.
Best Times to Call
Considering Eritrea is 7 hours ahead of US Eastern Time (ET):
- To reach someone during typical Eritrean business hours (generally Saturday to Thursday, around 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM EAT, with a lunch break often from 12 PM to 2 PM. Friday is often a day off or has shorter hours):
- Call from the US ET zone between 1:00 AM and 10:00 AM ET (avoiding 5 AM - 7 AM ET which would be typical Eritrean lunch hours).
- Morning calls from the US (e.g., 8 AM - 10 AM ET) will reach Eritrea in their mid to late afternoon (3 PM - 5 PM EAT).
- For evening calls to Eritrea (e.g., up to 8:00 PM EAT):
- Call from the US ET zone up to 1:00 PM ET.
It's highly advisable to confirm local availability, especially given the unique work week and business hours in Eritrea. Be mindful of prayer times if applicable.
Call Eritrea For Less With Phone Card Choice
Connect with friends, family, or business contacts in Eritrea affordably. Our selected phone cards offer great rates and clear connections for your international calls.
My Africa Phone Card: Eritrea Landlines
26.5¢/min
Connection Fee: Nil | Billing Increment: 3 minutes
Pricing Tiers:
| Price | Talk Time |
|---|---|
| US$ 5.00 | 16min |
| US$ 10.00 | 37min |
| US$ 20.00 | 1h 13min |
| US$ 30.00 + US$3.00 bonus | 2h 4min |
| US$ 60.00 + US$6.00 bonus | 4h 7min |
Rates are subject to change. Please check the latest rates.
My Africa Phone Card: Eritrea Mobiles
26.6¢/min
Connection Fee: Nil | Billing Increment: 3 minutes
Pricing Tiers:
| Price | Talk Time |
|---|---|
| US$ 5.00 | 16min |
| US$ 10.00 | 37min |
| US$ 20.00 | 1h 13min |
| US$ 30.00 + US$3.00 bonus | 2h 4min |
| US$ 60.00 + US$6.00 bonus | 4h 7min |
Rates are subject to change. Please check the latest rates.
Why Choose Our Calling Cards?
Simple Steps to Call:
- Dial the local access number provided with your card.
- Enter your 10-digit PIN number.
- Dial the full international number for Eritrea:
011 + 291 + Eritrean Number(Area Code + Local Number for landlines, or Mobile Prefix + Local Number for mobiles).
Global Reach
Call over 200 countries, including Eritrea.
Flexible Use
Use from any US landline or mobile phone.
Transparent Pricing
Competitive rates with no hidden fees beyond any stated connection fee.
Instant Delivery
Phone card details delivered instantly via email.
100% Prepaid
Always know what you're spending. No surprises.
Value Retention
Credit rollover ensures you don't lose what you've paid for (card terms apply).
