How To Call Sierra Leone From US: Updated For 2025
Quick Answer
To call Sierra Leone from the United States:
- Landline:
011 + 232 + Area Code (2 digits, drop leading 0) + Local Number (6 digits) - Mobile:
011 + 232 + Mobile Prefix (2 digits, e.g., 25, 30, 76, 77, 78, 88, drop leading 0 from domestic 0xx) + Subscriber Number (6 digits)
Examples:
- For a Freetown landline (Area Code 22):
011 + 232 + 22 + XXX XXX - For a Sierra Leonean mobile phone (e.g., Africell 077):
011 + 232 + 77 + XXX XXX
Sierra Leone is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), UTC+0. It is 4 hours ahead of US Eastern Standard Time (EST) or 5 hours ahead of US Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).
How to Dial Sierra Leone from the US
How to Call a Landline in Sierra Leone
To call a Sierra Leonean landline from the United States, follow these steps:
- Step 1 – Dial the US exit code: Start by dialing
011. - Step 2 – Dial Sierra Leone's country code: Next, key in
232. - Step 3 – Dial the Sierra Leonean Area Code: Area codes are 2 digits long (e.g.,
22for Freetown). When calling from abroad, drop the leading0if it's part of the domestic area code. - Step 4 – Dial the local phone number: This is typically a 6-digit number.
For example, to call a Freetown landline number that is locally (022) XXX XXX, you would dial: 011 232 22 XXX XXX
How to Call a Mobile Phone in Sierra Leone
Calling a Sierra Leonean mobile phone from the US involves these steps:
- Step 1 – Dial the US exit code: Start by dialing
011. - Step 2 – Dial Sierra Leone's country code: Next, key in
232. - Step 3 – Dial the Sierra Leonean mobile prefix: Mobile prefixes are 2 digits long (e.g.,
25, 30, 76, 77, 78, 88). The leading0from the domestic 3-digit code (e.g.,077) is dropped. - Step 4 – Dial the 6-digit subscriber number.
For example, if the Sierra Leonean mobile number is 077 XXX XXX, you would dial: 011 232 77 XXX XXX from the US.
Understanding Sierra Leonean Phone Numbers
Sierra Leonean phone numbers use the country code +232. When dialing internationally, the leading 0 from a domestic area code (for landlines) or mobile prefix is dropped.
Landline Numbers
- Format from US:
011 + 232 + Area Code (2 digits) + Subscriber Number (6 digits) - The total National Significant Number (NSN) length after
+232for landlines is 8 digits (e.g.,+232 22 XXX XXXfor Freetown).
Mobile Numbers
- Format from US:
011 + 232 + Mobile Prefix (2 digits) + Subscriber Number (6 digits) - After
+232, Sierra Leonean mobile numbers are 8 digits long, starting with a 2-digit mobile prefix (e.g.,25, 30, 76, 77, 78, 88) followed by a 6-digit subscriber number.
Sierra Leonean Area Codes (Fixed Lines)
When calling a landline in Sierra Leone from the US, dial 011 + 232, then the 2-digit area code (dropping any leading '0' used for domestic calls), followed by the 6-digit local subscriber number. Here is a list of common area codes:
| Area/City | Area Code (Dial after 232) | Operator (Typically) |
|---|---|---|
| Major Fixed Line Area Codes | ||
| Freetown | 22 | Sierratel |
| Bo / Kenema | 32 | Sierratel |
| Makeni / Koidu | 52 | Sierratel |
Note: Sierratel is the primary fixed-line operator. The local subscriber number is typically 6 digits.
Sierra Leonean Mobile Phone Prefixes
Sierra Leonean mobile phone numbers are 8 digits long after the +232 country code. They start with a 2-digit mobile prefix (the leading domestic 0 is dropped), followed by a 6-digit subscriber number. There are several mobile operators.
| Mobile Prefix (after +232) | Operator (Examples) | Example Full Number (from US) |
|---|---|---|
25 XXXXXX | Sierratel (CDMA/Mobile) | e.g., 011 232 25 XXXXXX |
30 XXXXXX | Africell | e.g., 011 232 30 XXXXXX |
31 XXXXXX | Qcell | e.g., 011 232 31 XXXXXX |
33 XXXXXX | Comium (May be inactive or merged) | e.g., 011 232 33 XXXXXX |
34 XXXXXX | Qcell (Also listed for Comium previously) | e.g., 011 232 34 XXXXXX |
40 XXXXXX | Smart Mobile (formerly Datatel/Cellcom) | e.g., 011 232 40 XXXXXX |
44 XXXXXX | Smart Mobile | e.g., 011 232 44 XXXXXX |
50 XXXXXX | Datatel/Cellcom (CDMA - may be outdated) | e.g., 011 232 50 XXXXXX |
55 XXXXXX | Ambitel / AFCOM | e.g., 011 232 55 XXXXXX |
66 XXXXXX | Onlime | e.g., 011 232 66 XXXXXX |
75 XXXXXX | Orange (formerly Airtel) | e.g., 011 232 75 XXXXXX |
76 XXXXXX | Orange (formerly Airtel) | e.g., 011 232 76 XXXXXX |
77 XXXXXX | Africell | e.g., 011 232 77 XXXXXX |
78 XXXXXX | Orange (formerly Airtel) | e.g., 011 232 78 XXXXXX |
79 XXXXXX | Orange (formerly Airtel) | e.g., 011 232 79 XXXXXX |
88 XXXXXX | Africell | e.g., 011 232 88 XXXXXX |
Mobile Number Portability (MNP) may affect which operator currently serves a number. The subscriber number is 6 digits.
Time Difference
Sierra Leone operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which is UTC+0.
Sierra Leone does not observe Daylight Saving Time.
The time difference compared to the US East Coast (ET):
- When the US is on Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC-5): Sierra Leone is 5 hours ahead of ET. (e.g., 12 PM EST is 5 PM in Sierra Leone).
- When the US is on Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC-4): Sierra Leone is 4 hours ahead of ET. (e.g., 12 PM EDT is 4 PM in Sierra Leone).
Always verify the current US time zone (EST or EDT) to accurately calculate the difference.
Sierra Leone's Phone System
Sierra Leone's telecommunications sector is regulated by the National Communications Authority (NatCA). The fixed-line infrastructure, primarily operated by the state-owned Sierratel, is limited, especially outside Freetown. Mobile telephony is the dominant form of communication, with several operators including Orange (formerly Airtel), Africell, Qcell, and Sierratel (also offering mobile services). 3G and 4G/LTE services are available, mainly in urban areas, but coverage and quality can vary. The landing of the Africa Coast to Europe (ACE) submarine cable has improved international connectivity. Internet penetration is growing but still relatively low, with mobile data being the primary access method for many.
Best Times to Call
Considering Sierra Leone is 4 or 5 hours ahead of US Eastern Time (ET):
- To reach someone during typical Sierra Leonean business hours (generally Monday to Friday, around 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM GMT):
- When US is on EDT (4 hours behind GMT): Call from the US ET zone between 4:00 AM and 1:00 PM ET.
- When US is on EST (5 hours behind GMT): Call from the US ET zone between 3:00 AM and 12:00 PM ET.
- Morning calls from the US (e.g., 9 AM - 12 PM ET) will generally reach Sierra Leone during their afternoon.
It's always a good idea to confirm the recipient's local time and availability, especially for important calls.
Call Sierra Leone For Less With Phone Card Choice
Connect with friends, family, or business contacts in Sierra Leone affordably. Our selected phone cards offer great rates and clear connections for your international calls.
Worldwide Phone Card: Sierra Leone Landlines
54.8¢/min
Connection Fee: Nil | Billing Increment: 3 minutes
Pricing Tiers:
| Price | Talk Time |
|---|---|
| US$ 5.00 | 7min |
| US$ 10.00 | 16min |
| US$ 20.00 | 34min |
| US$ 50.00 + US$5.00 bonus | 1h 40min |
Rates are subject to change. Please check the latest rates.
Worldwide Phone Card: Sierra Leone Mobiles
54.8¢/min
Connection Fee: Nil | Billing Increment: 3 minutes
Pricing Tiers:
| Price | Talk Time |
|---|---|
| US$ 5.00 | 7min |
| US$ 10.00 | 16min |
| US$ 20.00 | 34min |
| US$ 50.00 + US$5.00 bonus | 1h 40min |
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 Sierra Leone:
011 + 232 + Sierra Leonean Number(Area/Mobile Code + Local Number).
Global Reach
Call over 200 countries, including Sierra Leone.
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).
