Area Code 38 – Annaba/Skikda

Overview of Area Code 38 in Algeria

Area code 38 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) within the Algerian public switched telephone network (PSTN), allocated under the international country calling code +213. It serves the northeastern coastal region of Algeria, primarily covering the wilayas (provinces) of Annaba and Skikda. These are important economic and industrial hubs, with Annaba being a major port city and home to the El Hadjar steel complex, and Skikda known for its petrochemical and liquefied natural gas facilities.

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

The code 38 is assigned to the following administrative areas:

• Annaba Province (Wilaya 23): Includes the city of Annaba (formerly Bône), the capital of the province, along with surrounding towns such as El Bouni, El Hadjar, and Sidi Amar.
• Skikda Province (Wilaya 21): Encompasses the city of Skikda (formerly Philippeville) and its neighboring municipalities, including Azzaba, El Harrouch, and Tamalous.

These provinces are part of the historical Constantine region, but they now have their own separate area codes. The code 38 is distinct from the code for Constantine city (31) and other Algerian cities.

Dialing Formats and Instructions

To call a fixed-line number in the Annaba/Skikda region, the following formats apply:

• Local calls (within the same area code): Dial only the 7-digit subscriber number. For example, if the subscriber number is 12 34 56 7, dial 12 34 56 7.
• National long-distance calls (from other Algerian cities): Dial 0 followed by the area code 38 and then the 7-digit subscriber number. For instance, to call a number in Annaba from Algiers, dial 0 38 12 34 56 7.
• International calls (from outside Algeria): Dial the international access prefix (e.g., 00 from most countries, or +), then Algeria's country code 213, then the area code 38 (without the leading 0), and finally the 7-digit subscriber number. For example, from the United States, dial 011 213 38 12 34 56 7 or +213 38 12 34 56 7.

It is important to note that the leading '0' used in national dialing is a trunk prefix and is not included when dialing from abroad.

Numbering Plan and Overlay Considerations

Algeria's numbering plan is closed, meaning that all fixed-line numbers are 10 digits long when dialed nationally, including the trunk prefix '0' and the area code. There are no overlay codes in Algeria; each geographic region has a unique area code. The subscriber numbers within area code 38 are 7 digits long, and the total length of an international number is 11 digits (including the country code 213).

As of the latest ITU-T E.164 data, no overlay or additional area codes have been introduced for the Annaba/Skikda region. The code 38 remains exclusive to this area.

Caller Instructions and Practical Tips

• For local callers: When dialing within the same area code, omitting the area code is permitted. However, if you are using a mobile phone, it is advisable to include the area code to avoid confusion, as mobile numbers are 10 digits and start with 05, 06, or 07.
• For international callers: Always drop the leading '0' of the area code. Ensure you have the correct country code +213 and the full 7-digit subscriber number. If you are unsure about the subscriber number length, note that Algerian fixed-line numbers are always 7 digits after the area code.
• Emergency and special numbers: These are not part of the geographic numbering plan and are accessed via short codes (e.g., 17 for police, 14 for gendarmerie).