Have you ever received a call from a number starting with the +965 country code and wondered, “965 is which country code?” Or perhaps you’ve tried to figure out the area code 965 location, thinking it might be in the USA. The simple answer is this: the 965 country code belongs exclusively to the State of Kuwait. This is the international dialing code you need to connect with anyone in that nation.
This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about the 965 phone code. We will cover how to correctly dial a Kuwait phone number, break down the structure of local mobile and landline numbers, and provide crucial advice on how to identify and avoid common phone scams associated with this code.
The Core Explanation: What is the 965 International Code?
The country code 965 (also seen as +965, 00965, or 0965) is the official telephone prefix for Kuwait. Just as +1 is for the United States and +44 is for the United Kingdom, the 965 prefix signals to global telephone networks that the call is destined for Kuwait. Whether you’re making a call, sending a text, or adding a contact on WhatsApp, using this code is the first and most critical step.
To better understand the context of the 965 calling code, here are a few key facts about the country itself:
- Location: Kuwait is a sovereign country located in the Middle East, situated at the northern edge of the Arabian Gulf. It shares borders with Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
- Capital City: The nation’s capital and economic hub is Kuwait City.
- Official Language: The official language is Arabic, but English is widely spoken, especially in business and commerce.
- Time Zone: Kuwait operates on Arabia Standard Time (AST), which is GMT+3. This is an important detail to remember when scheduling calls to avoid waking someone up in the middle of the night.
Clearing Up Confusion: Is 965 an Area Code in the USA?
A very common point of confusion, especially for people in North America, is the search for the “965 area code USA.” Let’s be perfectly clear: 965 is not a US area code.
The United States uses the North American Numbering Plan, where the country code is always +1, followed by a three-digit area code that specifies a geographic region (like 212 for New York City). Because international country codes can also be three digits, it’s easy to mistake one for the other. So, if you’re asking, “what area code is 965?” or “where is area code 965?” the answer is that it’s not an area code at all—it’s a country code for an entire nation.
Does Kuwait Have Area Codes?
No, Kuwait does not use area codes. The country operates on a “closed numbering plan,” which means the entire nation is covered by a single, unified system. The telephone code 965 applies to every city and region within its borders. You may see some online sources incorrectly refer to the first few digits of a landline number as the “area code of Kuwait,” but this is inaccurate. Those digits are simply part of the subscriber’s 8-digit number and indicate a local exchange, not a separate area code in Kuwait.

How to Call Kuwait: A Step-by-Step Dialing Guide
Dialing a 965 phone number is straightforward once you know the correct format. Here’s how to do it from anywhere in the world.
The Universal Method for Mobile Phones
The easiest and most reliable way to call Kuwait from any mobile phone is to use the international format. This method works globally.
- Start by dialing the plus sign (+).
- Enter the Kuwait dialing code, which is 965.
- Dial the complete 8-digit Kuwaiti phone number.
Example: To call the number 50123456, you would dial: +96550123456
How to Call Kuwait from the USA or Canada
When calling from a landline in the US or Canada, you need to use the international exit code.
- Dial 011 (the US/Canada exit code).
- Dial 965 (the country code for Kuwait).
- Dial the 8-digit local number.
Example: 011 965 50123456
How to Call Kuwait from the UK or Europe
Most countries in Europe, including the UK, use a different exit code.
- Dial 00 (the standard European exit code).
- Dial 965 (the Kuwait phone code).
- Dial the 8-digit local number.
Example: 00 965 98765432
Using the 965 Country Code for WhatsApp
To add a Kuwaiti contact to WhatsApp, Telegram, or similar apps, you must save the number in your phone’s contacts using the full international format. Make sure the number is stored as +965 followed by the 8-digit number (e.g., +965XXXXXXXX). If you save it with a local exit code like “011,” the app will not recognize the contact.
Understanding Kuwaiti Phone Numbers
All standard phone numbers in Kuwait consist of 8 digits, which you dial after the +965 code. The first few digits of this number can tell you whether it’s a mobile phone or a landline, and even which mobile carrier it belongs to.
Kuwait Mobile Code Prefixes
The Kuwait mobile code is indicated by the first digit of the 8-digit number. This helps identify the service provider.
Starting Digit(s) | Mobile Operator |
9 | Zain |
6 | Ooredoo |
5 | STC |
41 | Virgin Mobile |
Kuwait Landline Prefixes
All landline or fixed-line numbers in Kuwait begin with the digit 2. The digits that follow often correspond to a specific district or exchange, providing a clue to the 965 area code location for that landline.
Prefix Starts With | Associated Area / Locality |
224x, 225x | Kuwait City, Safat |
2261 – 2266 | Hawalli |
256x, 257x | Salmiyah |
2391, 2392 | Fahaheel |
2471 – 2476 | Farwaniyah |
Staying Safe: How to Avoid +965 Phone Scams
Unfortunately, like any international code, the 965 number code can be used by scammers. The most common scam is the “one-ring” or “Wangiri” scam.
Here’s how it works: Scammers call your phone from an international number (like one with the +965 area code) and hang up after a single ring. They hope your curiosity will lead you to call back. If you do, you are connected to a premium-rate number that racks up expensive charges on your phone bill, with a portion of the money going to the scammer.
The best defense is simple: If you receive a missed call from a +965 number or any other international code you don’t recognize, do not call it back. A legitimate caller will leave a message or try to contact you another way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are quick answers to the most common questions about the 965 telephone code.
Q1: 965 which country?
A: The 965 country is Kuwait. The phone code 965 is the official international dialing prefix for Kuwait.
Q2: What country code is 965?
A: Country code 965 is assigned to Kuwait.
Q3: Where is 965 area code located?
A: This is a common misconception. Area code 965 is not a location-based area code but the country code for all of Kuwait.
Q4: How do I call a Kuwait number?
A: From a mobile, dial +965 followed by the 8-digit number. From the USA, dial 011 965 and then the 8-digit number.
Q5: Which country code is 00965?
A: The country code 00965 is another way of writing the code for Kuwait. The “00” is a common international exit prefix.
Q6: What do Kuwaiti mobile numbers start with?
A: They typically start with 9 (Zain), 6 (Ooredoo), or 5 (STC).
Conclusion
Understanding the +965 country code is simple once you know the key facts. It is the exclusive kuwait calling code, not a US area code, and is your gateway for contacting anyone in the State of Kuwait. By following the correct dialing format and staying vigilant against potential scams, you can connect confidently and securely.
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