How to Call Ukraine from USA

Ukraine Area Codes (Major Oblasts & Cities)

Below is a list of area/city codes for major Ukrainian oblasts (regions) and cities. Area codes vary in length. When calling a landline from the USA, use the format: 011 + 380 + Area Code + Local Number. Remember to drop the leading '0' from the local area code (e.g., dial 44 for Kyiv, not 044). The total number of digits after '380' is usually 9.

Note: Due to the ongoing conflict, connectivity in certain regions may be affected or codes might be subject to change. This serves as a general guide based on standard assignments.

Mobile Phone Networks in Ukraine

Ukrainian mobile numbers locally start with '0' followed by a 2-digit operator code (e.g., 067, 050, 093). When calling from the USA, drop the leading '0'. The format is 011 + 380 + Mobile Code (2 digits) + Subscriber Number (7 digits). The total number dialed after '380' is 9 digits.

The main mobile operators are Kyivstar, Vodafone Ukraine, and lifecell. Number portability is active, meaning the prefix doesn't always guarantee the current network provider.

Time Difference in Ukraine

Most of Ukraine operates on **Eastern European Time (EET)**, which is **UTC+2**. Ukraine typically observes **Eastern European Summer Time (EEST)**, which is **UTC+3**, from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.

(Important: Due to the ongoing situation, adherence to DST may vary or be subject to official decrees. It's always best to double-check the current local time.)

The time difference with the United States (USA) varies depending on both countries' Daylight Saving Time observances:

When US is on Standard Time (EST/CST/MST/PST) & Ukraine is on EET (UTC+2):
- Ukraine is **7 hours ahead** of US Eastern Time (ET).
- Ukraine is **8 hours ahead** of US Central Time (CT).
- Ukraine is **9 hours ahead** of US Mountain Time (MT).
- Ukraine is **10 hours ahead** of US Pacific Time (PT).
(Usually early Nov to mid-March)

When US is on Daylight Time (EDT/CDT/MDT/PDT) & Ukraine is on EEST (UTC+3):
- Ukraine is **7 hours ahead** of US Eastern Time (ET).
- Ukraine is **8 hours ahead** of US Central Time (CT).
- Ukraine is **9 hours ahead** of US Mountain Time (MT).
- Ukraine is **10 hours ahead** of US Pacific Time (PT).
(Usually early April to late Oct)

During transition periods (Spring/Fall): The difference can shift by an hour (e.g., US starts DST before Ukraine, or Ukraine ends DST before the US). Check current times before calling.

Ukraine's Phone System

Ukraine historically had a well-developed telecommunications infrastructure, with high mobile penetration dominated by Kyivstar, Vodafone Ukraine, and lifecell offering widespread 3G/4G services. Fixed-line services are provided primarily by Ukrtelecom. Internet access via various technologies (DSL, Fiber, Mobile) was common, especially in urban areas.

However, the ongoing conflict since February 2022 has significantly impacted infrastructure in many parts of the country. While providers work constantly to maintain and restore services, connectivity can be unreliable or unavailable in active conflict zones and occupied territories. Mobile networks often remain the most resilient form of communication.

Best Times to Call Ukraine

Considering the time difference (typically 7 hours ahead of US Eastern Time during overlapping DST periods), choosing the right time is crucial.

Standard business hours in Ukraine are generally Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM EET/EEST (UTC+2/UTC+3).

The most convenient window for calling from the USA is usually the **US morning**. Aiming for **8:00 AM to 12:00 PM US Eastern Time** typically corresponds to **3:00 PM to 7:00 PM in Ukraine**, catching people during their late afternoon or just after typical work hours. Calling earlier in the US morning (e.g., 8 AM ET = 3 PM in Ukraine) is better for reaching businesses before they close.

Check the current time difference, especially around DST transition periods.