How to Make International Call to Zambia
Why Use HelloAirDial to Call Zambia?
HelloAirDial lets you call Zambia directly from your browser - no apps, no calling cards, no SIM card required. Calling Zambia can be costly and confusing, with mobile surcharges, mixed line quality, and tricky trunk prefixes for overseas callers.
- Call Zambia directly from your browser with no SIM, calling card, or app install.
- Transparent per minute pricing to Zambian mobiles and landlines before you dial.
- Reliable routing that helps reduce call drops and audio issues on long distance paths.
- Caller ID support so contacts in Zambia can recognize and return your calls.
- Start calling in minutes with simple signup and prepaid balance control.
Make a free 1-minute call - no credit card required
Try Free CallHelloAirDial Call Rates to Zambia
Rates starting from
$0.40/min
1 minute call = $0.40
Country Code
+260
Browser-Based • No App
About Calling Zambia
Calling Zambia is straightforward with HelloAirDial. Open your browser, enter the number, and connect - no apps or special equipment needed. Your first call is free so you can try the service before adding any balance.
To place international calls to Zambia, dial your exit code, then the +260 country code, followed by the local mobile or area code and number. HelloAirDial shows clear per minute rates so you can focus on how to call Zambia without surprise fees.
Use HelloAirDial in your browser for cheap calls to mobiles and landlines, with instant setup, stable routing, and working caller ID, all without SIM cards, scratch cards, or installing an app.
💼 Business
- Coordinate with mining, agriculture, and NGO partners based in Zambia.
- Support local distributors, suppliers, and service teams across Zambian cities.
🏦 Banking
- Verify transactions or card activity with Zambian banks and mobile money.
- Complete security checks or reset credentials tied to Zambian phone numbers.
👪 Friends & family
- Stay in touch with relatives in Lusaka, Copperbelt towns, or rural areas.
- Share updates, celebrations, and urgent news with family back home in Zambia.
Common challenges: International callers to Zambia may face higher rates to mobiles, variable call quality in rural areas, and confusion over dropping the 0 trunk prefix when dialing from abroad.
Useful information about Zambia
Reliable routes and mobile reach make cheap calls to Zambia practical for business and family. Learn how to call Zambia and manage international calls to Zambia without bill shock.
- Country code: +260
- Primary time zone: Africa/Lusaka
- Rates from: $0.40/minute
Popular cities in Zambia:
- Lusaka (capital) · 211Capital and main business hub with government offices and banks.
- Ndola · 212Copperbelt industrial city with mining and logistics activity.
- Kitwe · 212Major Copperbelt city with mining services and retail trade.
- Livingstone · 213Tourism center near Victoria Falls with hotels and tour firms.
Timezones in Zambia:
1 time zone
Africa/Lusaka
Single time zone; business hours are consistent across the country.
Common languages spoken in Zambia:
- English (official)
- Bemba
- Nyanja
- Tonga
Telecom providers used within Zambia:
- MTN Zambia · mobile/data - Large mobile network with 3G and 4G coverage in major areas.
- Airtel Zambia · mobile/data - Nationwide GSM and data services, strong urban presence.
- Zamtel · mobile/fixed line - State linked operator offering landline and mobile services.
Guide to calling Zambia
Business hours to call
Live time check (refreshes every minute) to plan calls in the right window.
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Working days
Typical working days: Monday-Friday. Confirm with local teams during holidays.
Business hours
Business hours often run from 08:00 to 17:00. Typical office hours in the single Africa/Lusaka timezone.
Professional calling etiquette
- Open with a formal greeting and briefly state your name, role, and company.
- Be patient with hold times and confirm key details by repeating them.
- Follow up important calls with an email or message summarizing actions.
How to greet
- Hello, good morning, may I speak with ... please?
- Good afternoon, this is [name] calling from [company].
- Muli shani / Bwanji, then continue in English for business topics.
Public holidays
- Independence Day — 10-24
- Africa Freedom Day — 05-25
- Heroes and Unity Days — 07-01
Emergency numbers
Keep these numbers handy for critical situations. Use the local emergency line when in Zambia.
- Police: 991
- Fire: 993
- Ambulance: 992
- General emergency (mobile): 112
Call the appropriate service first, then follow local guidance. Provide your location and stay on the line until advised otherwise.
How to Dial Zambia
To call Zambia, dial your exit code (or +), then +260, followed by the area or mobile code and local number. Drop any local trunk prefix (like 0) when dialing internationally.
Dialing format
+260 + [area code or mobile prefix] + [6 to 7 digit local number] for a total of 9 digits after the country code.
- Mobile: 0979123456.
- Landline: 0211123456.
- Remove local trunk prefixes (e.g., leading 0) and confirm number length before placing the call.
Common mistakes while calling Zambia
- Forgetting to remove the leading 0 from Zambian numbers when dialing from abroad.
- Dialing the wrong number of digits after the country code, especially for landlines.
- Using an incorrect or outdated area code for cities like Lusaka or Ndola.
- Not checking time difference and calling outside normal Zambian business hours.
Step-by-step dial guide
- Dial your international exit code (e.g., 00 or +).
- Enter the country code: +260.
- Add the area or mobile code.
- Dial the local number (drop any leading 0).
FAQs about calling Zambia
How do I call a landline or mobile in Zambia from abroad?
Dial your international exit code, then +260, then the area code or mobile prefix without the leading 0, plus the local number. Use HelloAirDial to avoid high carrier surcharges.
What is the best time of day to call Zambia?
Most offices answer between 08:00 and 17:00 Africa/Lusaka time. For personal calls, early evening local time works well and avoids late night disturbances.
How much do calls to Zambia cost with HelloAirDial?
Rates vary by landline or mobile, but HelloAirDial shows transparent per minute pricing before you place the call, so you always know the cost in advance.
Will my caller ID show when I call Zambia with HelloAirDial?
Yes, HelloAirDial supports caller ID on most Zambian networks, so your contacts can recognize you. In some cases a verified virtual number may be used.
Why are my calls to Zambia not connecting or dropping?
Issues can come from weak local networks or incorrect digit length. Check you removed the trunk 0, confirm the number, and try HelloAirDial for more stable routing.