The +238 country code is for Cape Verde (also known as Cabo Verde), an archipelago of 10 volcanic islands about 570 km off the west coast of Africa. If you're trying to reach someone on Santiago, Sal, or any other island, you'll dial +238 before the local number. The country officially changed its name to Cabo Verde in 2013, but +238 works regardless of which name you use.
Quick answer: Dial +238 followed by the 7-digit local number. Cape Verde has no trunk prefix. Mobile numbers start with 5 or 9. Landline numbers start with 2. All numbers are 7 digits after the country code.
How to call Cape Verde: quick reference
Cape Verde uses a 7-digit numbering plan with no trunk prefix. Add your country's exit code before +238 and the 7-digit local number.
| Calling from | Dialing format |
|---|---|
| US/Canada mobile | +238 [local number] |
| US/Canada landline | 011-238-[local number] |
| UK | 00-238-[local number] |
| Australia | 0011-238-[local number] |
| Germany | 00-238-[local number] |
| France | 00-238-[local number] |
Understanding Cape Verde phone numbers
Mobile numbers
Mobile numbers are 7 digits and start with 5 or 9:
| Prefix | Carrier | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 91-99 | CV Móvel (formerly CVTelecom) | +238 991 23 45 |
| 51-59 | Unitel T+ | +238 551 23 45 |
Landline numbers
Landlines are 7 digits and start with 2. Each island has its own area code embedded in the number:
| Island | Prefix |
|---|---|
| Santiago (Praia) | 261, 262 |
| São Vicente (Mindelo) | 231, 232 |
| Sal | 241, 242 |
| Santo Antão | 221, 222 |
| Fogo | 281, 282 |
| Boa Vista | 251 |
No trunk prefix
Cape Verde does not use a trunk prefix. Dial the 7-digit number directly after +238, whether calling a mobile or landline.
Mobile carriers in Cape Verde
CV Móvel
CV Móvel is the mobile subsidiary of Cabo Verde Telecom, the former state monopoly. It has the larger subscriber base and broader coverage across all inhabited islands, including 4G on the main islands. Prefixes: 91-99. Economy calling rate: $0.76/min.
Unitel T+
Unitel T+ launched in 2007 as the second mobile operator, breaking CV Móvel's monopoly. It has competitive coverage on Santiago and São Vicente but thinner coverage on smaller islands. Prefixes: 51-59. Economy calling rate: $0.76/min.
Don't confuse +238 with nearby codes
| Code | Country | Easy to confuse? |
|---|---|---|
| +238 | Cape Verde | -- |
| +237 | Cameroon | Yes, off by one digit |
| +239 | São Tomé and Príncipe | Yes, off by one digit, also island nation |
| +228 | Togo | Similar prefix |
The most likely mix-up is with +237 (Cameroon) or +239 (São Tomé and Príncipe), both off by a single digit. São Tomé is another small island nation off the African coast, which adds to the confusion. Check the last digit: 8 for Cape Verde, 7 for Cameroon, 9 for São Tomé.
Time zone considerations
Cape Verde runs on Cape Verde Time (CVT), UTC-1 year-round. No daylight saving time.
| Your location | Time difference | Best calling window |
|---|---|---|
| US East Coast (EST) | Cape Verde is 4 hours ahead | 8:00 AM-12:00 PM EST (12:00-4:00 PM CVT) |
| US West Coast (PST) | Cape Verde is 7 hours ahead | 7:00-9:00 AM PST (2:00-4:00 PM CVT) |
| UK (GMT) | Cape Verde is 1 hour behind | 9:00 AM-7:00 PM GMT |
| Central Europe (CET) | Cape Verde is 2 hours behind | 10:00 AM-7:00 PM CET |
| Portugal (WET) | Cape Verde is 1 hour behind | 9:00 AM-7:00 PM WET |
Communication in Cape Verde
Business hours and etiquette
Business hours are typically 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. There is a long afternoon break. Government offices often close by 3:00 PM. Portuguese is the official language and the language of business. Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu) is what everyone speaks day to day, with regional variations between islands.
Network quality
Mobile coverage on the main islands (Santiago, São Vicente, Sal, Boa Vista) is solid, with 4G from CV Móvel. Smaller islands like Brava and Santo Antão have patchier service, especially in mountainous interior areas. Undersea fiber cables connect Cape Verde to Europe and the Americas, so international call quality is generally good.
Messaging and alternatives
WhatsApp is widely used in Cape Verde. The diaspora uses it for both messaging and voice calls. Facebook Messenger is also common. If you're calling someone on a smaller island where mobile signal dips, WhatsApp over WiFi may connect more reliably than a regular call.
The Cape Verde diaspora
Where Cape Verdeans live abroad
More Cape Verdeans live abroad than in Cape Verde itself. The largest communities are in the United States (especially the Boston and Providence areas in New England), Portugal, France, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. There are also communities in Senegal, Angola, and Brazil.
Why they call home
Cape Verdean diaspora ties to the islands are strong. Remittances account for a large portion of the country's GDP. Calls spike around Carnival (February/March), Christmas, and during the summer festival season when many diaspora members visit. Family events like baptisms and funerals also drive call traffic, since not everyone can fly back on short notice.
Dialing examples
Calling a CV Móvel mobile from the US
To call a CV Móvel number 991 23 45:
From a US mobile: +238 991 23 45
From a US landline: 011-238-991-23-45
Calling a Praia landline from Portugal
To call a Praia landline 261 12 34:
From a Portuguese phone: 00-238-261-12-34
Calling a Unitel mobile from the UK
To call a Unitel T+ number 551 23 45:
From a UK phone: 00-238-551-23-45
Calling between islands within Cape Verde
Dial the 7-digit number directly. No country code, no trunk prefix. Inter-island calls are treated as domestic. Example: 991 23 45.
Common mistakes to avoid
Adding a trunk prefix
Cape Verde has no trunk prefix. Do not add a leading zero. Dial +238 followed by the 7-digit number directly.
Confusing +238 with +237 or +239
+237 is Cameroon, +239 is São Tomé and Príncipe. If you reach someone speaking French or an unfamiliar language, check the country code digit.
Using the wrong number of digits
All Cape Verde numbers are 7 digits after +238. If you have a number with 6 or 8 digits, it's either outdated or includes the country code by mistake.
Forgetting the island time difference
Cape Verde is UTC-1, which puts it behind most of Europe and Africa. If you're calling from Lisbon, Cape Verde is 1 hour behind you, not ahead.
Prefer calling over WiFi? See our guide to the best apps for WiFi calling.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What country uses the +238 code?
Cape Verde (Cabo Verde), an island archipelago off the west coast of Africa. The +238 code is not shared with any other country.
How many digits are in a Cape Verde phone number?
Seven digits after the +238 country code. This applies to both mobile and landline numbers.
Does Cape Verde have a trunk prefix?
No. Dial the 7-digit local number directly after +238. Do not add a leading zero.
What time zone is Cape Verde in?
Cape Verde Time (CVT), UTC-1. Cape Verde does not observe daylight saving time.
How much does it cost to call Cape Verde?
With CallSky, premium landline rates start from $0.46/min and premium mobile from $0.66/min. Economy rates are $0.49/min for landline and $0.76/min for mobile.
What language is spoken in Cape Verde?
Portuguese is the official language used in business, education, and media. Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu) is the everyday spoken language, with slight variations from island to island.
Need to call other countries in the region? Check our guides for Cameroon (+237), Senegal (+221), and Portugal (+351).