Area Code 265 – Vig-Mnelë/Hajmel, Shkodër

Overview of Area Code 265 (Albania)

Area code 265 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the region encompassing the administrative units of Vig-Mnelë and Hajmel, located in the Shkodër County of northwestern Albania. This code is part of the Albanian national numbering plan, which adheres to ITU-T E.164 recommendations. The area is served by fixed-line PSTN and VoIP services, with numbers typically having a total length of 8 digits when dialed domestically (excluding the trunk prefix '0') or 12 digits internationally (including the country code +355).

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Context

The 265 area code covers a rural and semi-urban zone near the Montenegrin border, within the historical and geographical region of Shkodër. Key settlements include the villages of Vig-Mnelë and Hajmel, which are part of the wider Shkodër District. The code is allocated to the Albanian fixed network operator (formerly Albtelecom, now One Albania) and is used for landline services in this area. The region is characterized by agricultural activity and proximity to Lake Shkodër, the largest lake in Southern Europe.

Dialing Formats and Caller Instructions

• Domestic calls (within Albania): Dial the trunk prefix 0 followed by the area code and the subscriber number. For example, to reach a local number 12345, dial: 0 265 12345.
• International calls (from abroad): Dial the international access prefix (e.g., 00 or +), then the Albanian country code 355, followed by the area code without the leading '0', and the subscriber number. For the same number, dial: +355 265 12345.
• Local calls within the same area code: In some cases, local calls may be dialed without the area code, but it is recommended to always use the full national format to avoid misrouting, especially with number portability.

Numbering and Overlay Considerations

Albania does not currently have overlay codes for geographic areas; each geographic region has a unique NDC. The subscriber number length within the 265 area can vary, but the total length of the national significant number (NSN) is 8 digits (including the area code). The Albanian Regulatory Authority of Electronic and Postal Communications (AKEP) manages the numbering plan, ensuring that geographic codes are used exclusively for fixed-line services. As of recent years, there have been no plans to introduce overlays or change the structure of this area code.

Practical Usage for Businesses and Residents

Businesses and residents in the Vig-Mnelë/Hajmel area rely on this code for local connectivity. For international callers, it is essential to use the correct international format to avoid call failures. For VoIP users, ensure that the service provider supports Albanian geographic numbers and that the call is routed via the PSTN when necessary. When dialing from a mobile phone within Albania, the same domestic format applies. Always verify the subscriber number length with the local provider, as some numbers may have 5 to 7 digits after the area code.