Area Code 21 – Algiers

Overview of Algeria's +213 21 Geographic Prefix

The international dialing prefix +213 21 is the geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the Algiers Governorate, the capital and largest metropolitan area of Algeria. In the Algerian national numbering plan, which follows ITU-T E.164 recommendations, the full national significant number (NSN) for landline subscribers in Algiers is 10 digits, beginning with the trunk prefix 0 when dialed domestically. Thus, a local Algiers number is written as 021 XX XX XX within Algeria, while international callers must drop the leading 0 and dial +213 21 XX XX XX (or 00213 21 XX XX XX from countries using the international access code 00).

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

The 21 prefix covers the entire Algiers Governorate, including the city center (Alger Centre), Bab El Oued, Kouba, El Harrach, and the surrounding urban agglomerations. It is a geographic code, meaning that the number is physically associated with the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) infrastructure of Algiers. The code is administered by the Poste et Télécommunications d'Algérie (Algérie Télécom), the incumbent fixed-line operator, under the regulatory oversight of the Autorité de Régulation des Postes et des Communications Électroniques (ARPCE).

Dialing Formats and Caller Instructions

For callers within Algeria, dialing a fixed line in Algiers requires the trunk prefix 0 followed by the NDC and subscriber number: 021 XX XX XX. For example, to call a number in Algiers with the local number 21 23 45 67, you would dial 021 23 45 67 from any other region in Algeria. International callers, however, must replace the leading 0 with the country code +213, resulting in +213 21 23 45 67. It is important to note that the subscriber number is always 8 digits long, making the total NSN (including the NDC) 10 digits.

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

Algiers does not currently have an overlay code; the 21 prefix remains the sole geographic identifier for fixed-line services in the capital. However, due to the high demand for telecommunication services, some businesses and residents may have migrated to VoIP or mobile solutions, but the +213 21 prefix remains strictly associated with the fixed PSTN network. When dialing from a mobile phone in Algeria, it is common to use the same domestic format (021 XX XX XX), but international callers should always use the +213 format to avoid routing errors.

Practical Examples

• Local call (within Algiers): 021 23 45 67
• National call (from Oran to Algiers): 021 23 45 67
• International call (from France): 00 213 21 23 45 67
• International call (from the USA): 011 213 21 23 45 67

When saving an Algerian fixed-line number in your contacts, always store it in international format (+213 21 23 45 67) to ensure it works from any device or country.