What's the country calling code for Nigeria?

When dialling someone in Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt from the UK, there are a few important steps you must follow to make sure you get connected.

This guide is designed to clear up any confusion. We explain the international code for Nigeria (+234), walk you through the exact dialling steps for both mobiles and landlines, and share tips on saving money and avoiding common mistakes, whether you’re calling from home or using a Revolut eSIM while travelling.

Understanding the international code for Nigeria

Making an international call requires a specific, multi-step sequence. The full sequence is essential to direct your call and ensure a successful connection.

The role of the international access code (00 or +)

Your call must begin with an international access code, also known as an exit code. This tells your phone company that the next digits are for a country outside of your own.

• Calling from a mobile phone: you should always start your sequence with +. This allows your phone company to redirect your call out of your country. Since most customers use mobile phones, this makes things simpler.
• Calling from a landline: you must start with 00 instead of +. This is the standard international exit code for the UK and many other countries.

The mandatory Nigeria country code

Immediately following your exit code, you must dial the country code. In this case, you use the Nigeria dialling code, 234.

Whether you begin with the landline exit code or the mobile + symbol, the combined sequence is the international dialling code for Nigeria.

• Mobile full start: +234

Example: if the Nigerian mobile number is 0803 123 4567, you'd dial +234 803 123 4567.

• Landline full start: 00 234

Example: if the Nigerian number is 01 234 5678, you'd dial 00 234 1 234 5678.

Understanding this format is the first step in mastering the Nigeria phone number format.

How to call a Nigerian phone number from the UK

Once you've entered the country code, the rest of the sequence is easy — you just need to dial the Nigerian phone number. But there’s one important thing to remember: Nigerian phone numbers usually start with a 0 when you're calling from within Nigeria. But if you're calling from the UK or any other country, you don’t use this 0. You leave it out and just dial the rest of the number. When calling internationally, the country code replaces it.

The general format you need to follow is:

• UK exit code or +
• Nigeria country code: 234
• Full Nigerian number (without the initial 0)

Dialling Nigerian mobile numbers

Nigerian mobile numbers are typically 11 digits long, including the initial 0.

Example: 0803 123 4567.

However, as mentioned above, you need to drop the 0 and replace it with +234 when you're calling from the UK.

Example: +234 803 123 4567.

Dialling Nigerian landlines: regional area codes explained

Nigerian landline numbers are generally 9 or 10 digits long, including the initial 0. But, just like with mobile numbers, you need to leave out that 0 when you're calling from the UK.

For example, if your contact in Lagos provides the landline number 01 234 5678, the international dialling code would be +234 1 234 5678.

How to save your Nigerian contacts

For seamless calling and messaging, especially when you're travelling or using apps, you should always save your Nigerian contacts in the international format.

Always save the contact starting with the + symbol and the country code.

• Correct mobile save: +234 803 123 4567
• Correct landline save: +234 1 234 5678

This standard format ensures that apps and services correctly interpret the number, removing any need to manually adjust the format or exit code, regardless of your current location.

Why didn't my call to Nigeria work?

Common dialling mistakes

If you tried to call a Nigerian contact and your call failed, you've most likely made a common dialling mistake. Even with the Nigerian country code entered correctly, other small mistakes in the sequence can stop your call from going to plan.

Mistake 1: forgetting to drop the domestic 0

This is the most common error for international calls to Nigeria. The domestic trunk code, 0, is only used for local calls within Nigeria. When you dial the country code, it should replace the 0, so make sure you're not leaving it in.

Mistake 2: incorrect number of digits after the country code

Dialling too many or too few digits will result in a connection failure.

Make sure you check the number you're dialling contains the correct number of digits based on whether it's a mobile (10 digits after the country code) or a landline (8 or 9 digits after the country code).

Mistake 3: the hidden costs of international calling

Even if your call connects, you might be shocked at how much it costs. If you're using a standard UK phone plan, calling Nigeria can incur significant per-minute charges.

Make sure you check your network provider's specific international calling rates to Nigeria before you dial. This is especially important if you're travelling there from the UK. Relying on UK network roaming for calls and data in Nigeria is notoriously expensive, which leads many customers to seek alternatives. Our African eSIM data plan offers a digital solution, allowing you to instantly buy data plans in-app and bypass those costly traditional roaming fees.

When's the best time to call someone in Nigeria?

Nigeria follows West Africa Time (WAT), which is UTC+1. This means the time difference is minimal, making planning relatively straightforward.

Navigating the Nigerian time zone

• During UK winter (GMT): Nigeria is 1 hour ahead
• During UK summer (BST): it's the same time in Nigeria as in the UK

Other Nigerian phone number types (toll-free and premium)

It's useful to know about 2 other types of numbers you might encounter:

• Toll-free numbers (10 digits starting with 0800): these numbers are primarily for business use within Nigeria. Calling them internationally using the international dialling code for Nigeria will likely incur charges or lead to connection issues.
• Emergency number: the national emergency number in Nigeria is 112. This number isn't diallable from overseas.

Staying connected internationally: our eSIM for Nigerian travel

If you're heading to Nigeria, managing your data and communication should be as easy as knowing the international code. Excessive data roaming charges are a thing of the past when you travel with us.

Eliminating roaming fees with a prepaid eSIM

Traditional roaming is expensive and unpredictable, and buying a local SIM card in Nigeria is inconvenient and involves physical insertion. Our eSIMs offer a digital solution that solves both problems.

A Revolut eSIM allows you to buy prepaid data packages in-app, without needing to buy a physical SIM card. This ensures you have high-speed data access from the moment you land, eliminating the stress of searching for WiFi or a local mobile shop.

You can instantly top up your data plan in-app, keeping you connected for maps, messaging, and internet calling services without steep international charges.

Benefits beyond calling: data plans for Nigerian travel

We offer flexible eSIM data plans that suit different travel durations and needs.

• Our global eSIM: for customers travelling through multiple countries (e.g. Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa), an African or even global eSIM plan might offer the most flexibility
• Our eSIM for Nigeria: if you're only planning on exploring Nigeria, a regional eSIM plan may be more cost-effective

Sending and managing money in Nigeria from the UK

Managing money across borders can be challenging, especially for travellers and those dealing with the Nigerian Naira (NGN).

International money transfers: sending NGN seamlessly

If you need to send money to a Nigerian bank account for rent, services, or family support, we simplify the process with international transfers. You can execute transfers directly from your Revolut account, with competitive exchange rates for the Nigerian Naira (NGN). This helps you easily manage your money across borders, ensuring your recipient receives it as efficiently as possible.

Exchanging and spending: using your Revolut card in Nigeria

While you're travelling, it's important to make sure you're getting the best exchange rate on the Nigerian Naira so you can stick to your budget. Using a Revolut card can help you do this effectively.

You can pay in NGN at competitive exchange rates with our travel money card. When you spend using your card in Nigeria, we automatically use the best available rate, so you aren't hit with the excessive fees that traditional banks often charge for foreign transactions.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What's the difference between +234 and 00234?

Both +234 and 00234 represent the country code of Nigeria. The difference is in how you dial them: 00 is the international exit code specifically for a UK landline, while the + symbol is the universal international access code used on mobile phones. For ease, always use +234 on a mobile phone.

Can I text a Nigerian phone number using +234?

Yes. Text messaging follows the same format as voice calls. You must begin the number with +234 and ensure the domestic 0 is dropped from the Nigerian mobile number (e.g. +234 803 123 4567).

How long should a Nigerian mobile number be?

When dialled internationally, a Nigerian mobile number should be 10 digits long, after the +234 code.

How to get started with Revolut

Ready to simplify your international travel and spending? Here's how you can use Revolut to stay connected and manage your money across the globe:

1. Sign up: open your account in minutes through the app
2. Order your card: get your physical card and instantly access global spending power with competitive exchange rates
3. Activate your eSIM: purchase and install your eSIM digitally to get data in Nigeria and over 100 countries, helping you avoid unexpected roaming charges
4. Send money seamlessly: make fast, cost-effective international transfers in NGN and many other currencies in-app

You can learn more about how Revolut is helping customers connect with our other regional calling guides, such as the calling code for Canada, the calling code for France, and the calling code for India.

Other guides are available for the calling code for Ireland, the calling code for Malaysia, the calling code for Mexico, the calling code for Australia, the calling code for UK, and the calling code for US.

The information provided is accurate as of 10 October 2025.

Exchange fees, remittance fees, fair usage limits, and T&Cs apply.