The +269 country code is for the Comoros, a small island nation in the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and the coast of Mozambique. The country consists of three islands: Grande Comore (Ngazidja), Anjouan (Ndzuani), and Mohéli (Mwali).
A fourth island, Mayotte, is geographically part of the Comoros archipelago but politically a French overseas territory. Mayotte uses the French country code +262, not +269. This catches people off guard -- if your contact is on Mayotte, you need a different code entirely.
Quick answer: Dial +269 followed by the 7-digit local number. There is no trunk prefix. Mobile numbers start with 3. Landlines start with 77 (Grande Comore), 72 (Anjouan), or 71 (Mohéli).
How to call Comoros: quick reference
The international exit code varies by country. From any mobile phone, the + prefix handles this automatically.
| Calling from | Dialing format |
|---|---|
| US/Canada mobile | +269 [local number] |
| US/Canada landline | 011-269-[local number] |
| UK | 00-269-[local number] |
| Australia | 0011-269-[local number] |
| Germany | 00-269-[local number] |
| France | 00-269-[local number] |
Understanding Comoros phone numbers
Comoros phone numbers are 7 digits after the +269 country code. No trunk prefix -- dial all 7 digits directly.
Mobile numbers
Mobile numbers start with 3 and follow the format 3XX XX XX. The second digit indicates the carrier:
| Prefix | Carrier |
|---|---|
| 32, 33 | Comores Telecom |
| 34 | Telma Comores |
Landline numbers
Landlines use a 2-digit prefix that identifies the island:
| Prefix | Island |
|---|---|
| 77 | Grande Comore (Ngazidja) -- includes Moroni |
| 72 | Anjouan (Ndzuani) |
| 71 | Mohéli (Mwali) |
Landline format: 7X X XX XX. Fixed lines are uncommon -- most people use mobiles.
Mobile carriers in Comoros
Comores Telecom
The state-owned operator and long-time monopoly. Comores Telecom runs both the mobile network and the limited fixed-line infrastructure. Prefixes: 32, 33. Coverage is decent on the main islands, though rural areas and Mohéli have weaker signal.
Telma Comores
A newer entrant, part of the Telma group from Madagascar. Telma brought competition to the market and has been building out its network. Prefix: 34. Coverage is growing but still less extensive than Comores Telecom.
Both carriers sell prepaid SIM cards. Top-up is done at small shops and street vendors. Internet access is mostly through mobile data -- fixed broadband is rare.
Don't confuse +269 with nearby codes
The biggest point of confusion isn't a nearby code -- it's Mayotte:
| Code | Country/Territory |
|---|---|
| +261 | Madagascar |
| +262 | Réunion and Mayotte (France) |
| +269 | Comoros |
| +268 | Eswatini |
Mayotte is the one that trips people up. It's part of the same archipelago as the Comoros but uses +262 (shared with Réunion) because it's a French territory. If you dial +269 for someone on Mayotte, the call won't reach them.
Time zone considerations
Comoros uses East Africa Time (EAT), UTC+3 year-round. No daylight saving time.
| Your location | Time difference | Best calling window |
|---|---|---|
| US East Coast (EST) | Comoros is 8 hours ahead | 7 AM - 11 AM your time |
| US West Coast (PST) | Comoros is 11 hours ahead | 6 AM - 9 AM your time |
| UK (GMT) | Comoros is 3 hours ahead | 8 AM - 6 PM your time |
| France (CET) | Comoros is 2 hours ahead | 8 AM - 7 PM your time |
| Australia (AEST) | Comoros is 7 hours behind | 4 PM - 9 PM your time |
Communication in Comoros
Business hours
Businesses in Moroni generally operate Sunday to Thursday, 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Comoros is a Muslim-majority country, so Friday is the main day off. Saturday is mixed -- some shops open, most offices don't. During Ramadan, hours shift and many businesses close earlier.
Language on the phone
Comorian (Shikomori) is the everyday language, with local dialects varying between islands. French is used in business and government. Arabic is taught in religious schools and appears in formal contexts. When calling a business, French is your safest bet.
Network quality
Mobile coverage on Grande Comore and Anjouan is reasonable in towns. Mohéli, the smallest island, has patchier service. International call quality varies -- dropped calls and delays happen, especially during peak hours. Inter-island calls within Comoros can also be unreliable.
The Comoros diaspora
Where Comorians abroad live
France is home to the largest Comorian diaspora by far. Estimates range from 200,000 to 300,000 people, concentrated in Marseille (the single largest community), Paris, and Lyon. Marseille's Comorian population is so large that it's sometimes called the "largest Comorian city" -- more Comorians may live there than in Moroni. Smaller communities exist on Réunion, in Madagascar, and in the Gulf states.
Why they call home
Remittances from France are a major part of the Comorian economy. Diaspora members call frequently to coordinate money transfers, check on family, and plan visits for weddings and holidays. The Grand Mariage tradition (a large, expensive wedding ceremony that marks social status on Grande Comore) drives a lot of transatlantic phone traffic as families coordinate logistics and finances over months.
Dialing examples
Calling a mobile in Moroni (Comores Telecom)
Local number: 321 23 45
From a US mobile: +269 321 23 45
From a US landline: 011 269 321 23 45
Calling a landline on Grande Comore
Local number: 773 12 34
From France: 00 269 773 12 34
From a mobile anywhere: +269 773 12 34
Calling a Telma mobile on Anjouan
Local number: 342 56 78
From the UK: 00 269 342 56 78
From Australia: 0011 269 342 56 78
Common mistakes to avoid
Calling Mayotte with +269
Mayotte is geographically part of the Comoros archipelago but uses +262 (the French overseas code shared with Réunion). If your contact is on Mayotte, dial +262, not +269.
Dialing 8 digits instead of 7
Comoros numbers are 7 digits, not 8. If you're used to calling other African countries with 8-digit numbers, you might add an extra digit by habit. The format is +269 followed by exactly 7 digits.
Calling on Friday
Friday is the main day of rest in Comoros. Businesses and government offices are closed. If you're calling for anything official, try Sunday through Thursday.
Assuming one island code works for another
Landline prefixes are island-specific: 77 for Grande Comore, 72 for Anjouan, 71 for Mohéli. Mobile numbers (starting with 3) work across all islands.
Prefer calling over WiFi? See our guide to the best apps for WiFi calling.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What country uses the +269 code?
+269 is the Comoros (Union of the Comoros). Any call starting with +269 originates from Grande Comore, Anjouan, or Mohéli.
How many digits are in a Comoros phone number?
7 digits after the +269 country code. A full international number looks like +269 XXX XX XX (10 digits total).
Is Mayotte included in +269?
No. Mayotte is a French territory and uses +262 (shared with Réunion). Even though Mayotte is geographically part of the Comoros archipelago, it has a separate country code.
What language will I hear when calling Comoros?
Comorian (Shikomori) in everyday conversation. French in business and government. Arabic in religious contexts. Carrier automated messages are usually in French.
Why is my call to Comoros not connecting?
Check that you're dialing exactly 7 digits after +269. Also confirm your contact is on the Comoros and not on Mayotte (which needs +262). Network issues can also cause failed calls, especially on Mohéli.
For more Comoros calling info, see our Comoros calling rates page or browse the full country codes directory.