Area Code 884 – Dropull i Poshtëm/Dropull i Sipërm, Gjirokastër

Overview of Area Code 884 (Albania)

Area code 884 is a geographic destination code within the Albanian national numbering plan, assigned to the municipalities of Dropull i Poshtëm and Dropull i Sipërm, located in the Gjirokastër County of southern Albania. These areas are part of the historical and ethnographic region of Dropull, which is predominantly inhabited by the Greek minority. The code is used for fixed-line (PSTN) services and is administered by the Electronic and Postal Communications Authority (AKEP) in accordance with ITU-T E.164 recommendations.

Geographic Coverage and Jurisdiction

The 884 area code covers the administrative units of Dropull i Poshtëm (Lower Dropull) and Dropull i Sipërm (Upper Dropull), which include several villages such as Sofratikë, Glinë, Haskovë, and Vrisera. These areas are situated near the Greek border, and the local economy is largely agricultural. The code is part of the Gjirokastër regional numbering area, which also includes other codes like 84 (Gjirokastër city) and 85 (Përmet).

Dialing Formats

When calling a fixed-line number in the Dropull area, the national dialing format is 0 884 XXX XXX (where X represents the subscriber number). Internationally, callers must dial +355 884 XXX XXX, omitting the leading zero. For example, a local number might be 0 884 123 456; from abroad, it would be dialed as +355 884 123 456.

Caller Instructions

• Local callers (within Albania): Dial the full national number including the trunk prefix '0' (e.g., 0 884 123 456).
• International callers: Dial the international access code (e.g., 00 from most countries), followed by Albania's country code 355, then the area code without the leading zero, and the subscriber number (e.g., +355 884 123 456).
• Mobile to fixed: When calling from an Albanian mobile phone, the same national format applies (0 884 XXX XXX).

Technical Considerations

As a geographic code, numbers under 884 are tied to physical locations and are typically used for fixed-line services. However, with the advent of number portability, subscribers may retain their numbers even if they move to a different operator, but the geographic significance remains for routing purposes. Calls to 884 numbers are charged according to the caller's tariff plan, with rates typically lower for local calls. There are no overlay codes in this area, so the 884 code is unique to the Dropull region.