Area Code 273 – Iballë/Fierzë/Blerim/Qafë-Mali, Pukë

Overview of Area Code 273 (Albania)

Area code 273 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the Pukë District in northern Albania, specifically covering the municipalities and administrative units of Iballë, Fierzë, Blerim, and Qafë-Mali. This region falls within the Shkodër County and is characterized by mountainous terrain and a dispersed population. The code is used for fixed-line (PSTN) services, and numbers under this code are allocated to residential and business subscribers within the designated geographic area.

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

The 273 area code serves the following key localities:

• Iballë – a village and former municipality in the Pukë District.
• Fierzë – a village and former municipality, not to be confused with the Fierzë in Kukës.
• Blerim – a village and former municipality.
• Qafë-Mali – a village and former municipality.

These areas are part of the larger Pukë administrative region, which is known for its historical significance and natural landscapes. The code is managed by the Electronic and Postal Communications Authority (AKEP) of Albania, which oversees numbering resources in accordance with the national numbering plan.

Dialing Formats

To call a fixed-line number in the 273 area code, the following formats apply:

• National dialing (within Albania): Dial 0 273 XXX XXX (where X represents the subscriber number). The leading '0' is the trunk prefix used for domestic calls.
• International dialing (from abroad): Dial +355 273 XXX XXX (omit the leading '0' of the area code). The country code for Albania is +355.

For example, a local number might be 0 273 4 12345 when dialed nationally, and +355 273 4 12345 when dialed from outside Albania. Subscriber numbers in this area typically consist of 5 to 7 digits after the area code, depending on the specific allocation.

Caller Instructions

For local callers: If you are within the 273 area code region, you may be able to dial the subscriber number directly without the area code, but it is recommended to use the full national format (including the trunk prefix) to ensure connectivity, especially with the increasing use of VoIP and mobile networks.

For callers from other parts of Albania: Always dial the trunk prefix '0' followed by the area code and subscriber number.

For international callers: Dial your country's international access code (e.g., 00 from most European countries, 011 from the US/Canada), then Albania's country code +355, followed by the area code without the leading '0', and the subscriber number.

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

As of the current numbering plan, there is no overlay code for the 273 area. The geographic boundaries are strictly maintained, and number portability is available for fixed-line services, allowing subscribers to retain their numbers when changing providers within the same geographic area. However, numbers cannot be ported to other geographic regions.

For businesses and residents in Iballë, Fierzë, Blerim, and Qafë-Mali, having a local 273 number establishes a local presence and can reduce call costs for customers within the region. When contacting these areas from abroad, using the +355 273 format ensures proper routing through the international PSTN.