How To Call Liberia From USA: Updated For 2025

Quick Answer

To call Liberia from the United States:

• Landline: 011 + 231 + Area Code (if applicable, e.g., 2 for Monrovia) + Local Number (Note: Fixed lines are rare, most calls are to mobiles).
• Mobile: 011 + 231 + Mobile Number (7 or 9 digits, e.g., XX XXX XXX or XXX XXX XXX)

Examples:

• For a Monrovia landline (Area Code 2, if used): 011 + 231 + 2 + XXXXXX
• For a Liberian mobile phone (e.g., Lonestar MTN prefix 886): 011 + 231 + 886 XXX XXX (if 9-digit) or 011 + 231 + XX XXX XXX (if 7-digit)

Liberia is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT, UTC+0) year-round. This is typically 4-5 hours ahead of US Eastern Time (ET), depending on US DST.

Understanding Liberian Phone Numbers

Liberian phone numbers use the country code +231. When dialing internationally, any leading 0 from a domestic area code or mobile prefix is dropped.

Landline Numbers

• Format from US: 011 + 231 + [Area Code] + Local Number
• Fixed-line infrastructure is very limited. If dialing a landline, an area code (e.g., `2` for Monrovia historically) might be used, followed by a 6 or 7-digit number. However, the most common way to reach people is via mobile.

Mobile Numbers

• Format from US: 011 + 231 + Mobile Number (7 or 9 digits)
• Liberian mobile numbers are 7 or 9 digits long after the country code. For 9-digit numbers, they often start with prefixes like `88X` or `77X`. Seven-digit numbers also exist.

Liberian Area Codes (Fixed Lines) & Mobile Numbering

Liberia's fixed-line telephone system is not extensive, and area codes are not commonly used in international dialing instructions as most calls are directed to mobile numbers. Historically, Monrovia used area code `2`. For the vast majority of calls, you will be dialing a mobile number.

Mobile numbers in Liberia are either 7 or 9 digits long when dialed internationally after the country code +231 (after dropping the leading '0' from the domestic format).

Liberian Mobile Phone Prefixes

Liberian mobile numbers are 7 or 9 digits long after the +231 country code. The initial digits after +231 often indicate the operator.

*Due to number changes and portability, it's always best to confirm the exact number with the recipient. Nine-digit numbers typically involve adding a prefix like `88X` or `77X` to an older 6-digit core, or are entirely new ranges.

Time Difference

Liberia operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which is UTC+0, year-round. Liberia does not observe Daylight Saving Time.

The time difference compared to the US East Coast (ET):

• When the US is on Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC-4, typically March to November): Liberia is 4 hours ahead of ET. (e.g., 12 PM EDT is 4 PM in Liberia).
• When the US is on Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC-5, typically November to March): Liberia is 5 hours ahead of ET. (e.g., 12 PM EST is 5 PM in Liberia).

Liberia's Phone System

Liberia's telecommunications infrastructure has faced significant challenges due to past conflicts but has been undergoing reconstruction and modernization. The system is regulated by the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA). Fixed-line services are very limited and primarily available in Monrovia, operated by Libtelco. The mobile sector is dominant, with major operators like Lonestar Cell MTN and Orange Liberia providing services across much of the country. These companies have been investing in network expansion, including 3G and 4G/LTE services. International connectivity is supported by submarine fiber optic cables.

Best Times to Call

Considering Liberia is 4-5 hours ahead of US Eastern Time (ET):

• For business calls from the US East Coast, morning to early afternoon ET is generally suitable. For example, 9 AM - 1 PM ET would correspond to 1 PM/2 PM - 5 PM/6 PM in Liberia.
• Typical business hours in Liberia are Monday to Friday, approximately 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM GMT.