The +357 country code is for Cyprus. If you see an incoming call starting with +357 or need to dial a Cypriot number from abroad, this guide covers the format, carriers, and the important distinction between the Republic of Cyprus and Northern Cyprus.
Cyprus is an island nation in the Eastern Mediterranean, divided since 1974. The Republic of Cyprus (southern two-thirds, EU member) uses +357. Northern Cyprus uses Turkey's +90 country code with the 392 area code. This guide covers +357 only.
Quick answer: Dial +357 followed by the 8-digit local number. No trunk prefix to drop. Mobile numbers start with 9 (like 99, 96, 97). Landlines start with 2. Cyprus uses EET/EEST time (UTC+2/+3).
How to call Cyprus: quick reference
The UK has the largest Cypriot diaspora, followed by Australia and Greece. All local numbers in Cyprus are 8 digits.
| Calling from | Dialing format |
|---|---|
| UK | 00-357-[8-digit number] |
| Greece | 00-357-[8-digit number] |
| Australia | 0011-357-[8-digit number] |
| US/Canada mobile | +357 [8-digit number] |
| US/Canada landline | 011-357-[8-digit number] |
| South Africa | 00-357-[8-digit number] |
Understanding Cyprus phone numbers
Cypriot phone numbers are 8 digits with no trunk prefix. The first digit tells you whether it's mobile or landline.
Mobile numbers
Mobile numbers start with 9:
- Format: 9X XXX XXX (8 digits)
- International: +357 9X XXX XXX
Common mobile prefixes: 99, 96, 97, 94, 95.
Landline numbers
Landlines start with 2, followed by the area code:
| City | Area code | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Nicosia | 22 | +357 22 XXX XXX |
| Limassol | 25 | +357 25 XXX XXX |
| Larnaca | 24 | +357 24 XXX XXX |
| Paphos | 26 | +357 26 XXX XXX |
| Famagusta region | 23 | +357 23 XXX XXX |
No trunk prefix
Cyprus does not use a trunk prefix. The number you dial domestically is the same number you dial internationally (just add +357). A Nicosia number like 22 123 456 becomes +357 22 123 456.
Mobile carriers in Cyprus
Three operators serve the Republic of Cyprus. All provide 4G/5G coverage in urban areas.
Cyta
The state-owned telecommunications company and largest operator. Operating since 1960, Cyta covers both urban and rural areas.
Epic
Formerly MTN Cyprus, rebranded to Epic in 2020. Second largest carrier with competitive pricing and good urban coverage.
Primetel
The third operator, focused on value plans. Smaller network but adequate coverage in populated areas.
Coverage is good across the Republic of Cyprus. The British Sovereign Base Areas (Akrotiri and Dhekelia) also use Cypriot networks.
Don't confuse +357 with nearby codes
The biggest source of confusion is the island's division:
| Code | Country/Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| +357 | Republic of Cyprus | This article (southern Cyprus, EU member) |
| +90 392 | Northern Cyprus | Uses Turkey's country code with 392 area code |
| +30 | Greece | Greek-speaking but different country code |
| +90 | Turkey | Only for Northern Cyprus numbers starting 392 |
| +961 | Lebanon | Eastern Mediterranean neighbor |
| +972 | Israel | Eastern Mediterranean neighbor |
Northern Cyprus numbers
If someone gives you a number for Kyrenia, Famagusta (the Turkish-controlled part), or anywhere in Northern Cyprus, it will start with +90 392, not +357. You cannot reach Northern Cyprus numbers by dialing +357.
Time zone considerations
Cyprus uses Eastern European Time, the same as Greece and Finland:
| Season | Cyprus time | vs London | vs New York | vs Sydney |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (Nov-Mar) | UTC+2 | +2 hours | +7 hours | -9 hours |
| Summer (Mar-Oct) | UTC+3 | +2 hours | +7 hours | -7 hours |
Best times to call
From the UK, Cyprus is 2 hours ahead year-round. A 6 PM call from London reaches Cyprus at 8 PM.
From Australia (Sydney), morning calls (8-10 AM) reach Cyprus in late evening. Afternoon calls (3-5 PM Sydney) reach Cyprus around breakfast time.
Communication in Cyprus
Business hours
Standard business hours are 8 AM to 1 PM, then 4 PM to 7 PM (with a siesta break). Government offices typically work 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Many businesses close Wednesday afternoons. August is holiday season and many businesses operate with reduced hours.
Languages
Greek is the main language in the Republic of Cyprus. English is widely spoken due to British colonial history and tourism. Most Cypriots over 30 speak English well. Business can usually be conducted in English.
Network quality
Mobile and landline networks are reliable. 4G covers most populated areas, with 5G rolling out in cities. The island's small size means coverage is consistent except in remote mountain areas.
The Cypriot diaspora
Where Cypriots live abroad
The UK has the largest Cypriot community outside Cyprus, with approximately 270,000 people of Cypriot descent (both Greek and Turkish Cypriots). North London, particularly areas like Haringey and Enfield, has significant Cypriot populations. Australia has around 80,000 Cypriots, mainly in Melbourne and Sydney. Smaller communities exist in South Africa, the US, and Greece.
Why they call home
Many Cypriots emigrated to the UK in the 1950s-70s for economic opportunities. The 1974 division displaced thousands, with many refugees eventually settling in the UK and Australia. Second and third generation Cypriots maintain ties through family visits, especially during Easter and summer holidays when many return to family villages.
Dialing examples
Calling a Nicosia landline
Local number: 22 123 456
From abroad: +357 22 123 456
Calling a Cypriot mobile
Local number: 99 123 456
From abroad: +357 99 123 456
Calling a Limassol business
Local number: 25 456 789
From abroad: +357 25 456 789
From a UK landline
Dial the international access code 00, then the country code:
00 357 99 123 456
Common mistakes to avoid
Using +357 for Northern Cyprus
Numbers in the Turkish-controlled north use +90 392, not +357. If you're trying to reach Kyrenia, Famagusta (Gazimağusa), or anywhere north of the UN buffer zone, use Turkey's country code.
Adding a trunk prefix
Cyprus has no trunk prefix. Don't add a 0 before the number. If a Cypriot gives you 22 123 456, dial exactly +357 22 123 456.
Confusing with Greece
Cyprus uses +357, Greece uses +30. Despite the shared language and cultural ties, they have different country codes and phone systems.
Wrong number of digits
All Cypriot numbers are exactly 8 digits. If you have more or fewer, something is wrong. Mobile: 9X XXX XXX. Landline: 2X XXX XXX.
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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What country uses +357?
The Republic of Cyprus (southern Cyprus). Northern Cyprus uses +90 392 instead.
How many digits are in a Cyprus phone number?
8 digits. Mobile numbers start with 9, landlines start with 2.
Does Cyprus have a trunk prefix?
No. Dial the same 8-digit number domestically and internationally. Just add +357 for international calls.
What time zone is Cyprus in?
EET (UTC+2) in winter, EEST (UTC+3) in summer. Same as Greece and Finland.
Can I call Northern Cyprus with +357?
No. Northern Cyprus numbers use +90 392 (Turkey's country code with a special area code). +357 only works for the Republic of Cyprus.
Do Cypriots speak English?
Yes. English is widely spoken due to British colonial history. Most Cypriots can conduct business in English.
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