Area Code 22 – Luanda

Geographic Overview

The prefix +244 22 is the geographic area code assigned to Luanda, the capital and largest city of Angola. As a National Destination Code (NDC) under the ITU-T E.164 numbering plan, it identifies fixed-line telephone numbers within the Luanda Province, which includes the city of Luanda and its surrounding municipalities such as Belas, Cacuaco, Cazenga, Icolo e Bengo, and Viana. This code is used exclusively for PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) services, distinguishing them from Angola's non-geographic mobile prefixes (e.g., 91, 92, 93) and other special services.

Dialing Formats

When calling a Luanda fixed-line number, the format varies depending on the caller's location:

• International call from outside Angola: Dial the international access prefix (e.g., 00 or +), followed by Angola's country code 244, then the area code 22 (without the leading trunk prefix '0'), and the subscriber number. For example, a typical number might be dialed as +244 22 345 678.
• Domestic call from within Angola (outside Luanda): Dial the trunk prefix 0, then the area code 22, followed by the subscriber number: 0 22 345 678.
• Local call within Luanda: In most cases, only the subscriber number is required, e.g., 345 678. However, due to the implementation of overlay or expanded local dialing in some areas, it is advisable to check with your service provider whether the area code is required for local calls.

Subscriber numbers under the 22 prefix typically consist of seven digits, making the total length of a national significant number (NSN) nine digits (including the area code).

Administrative and Regulatory Notes

The Angolan regulator, the Instituto Angolano das Comunicações (INACOM), administers the numbering plan. The 22 code is a legacy geographic code that has been in use since the early days of Angola's fixed telephony network. With the growth of VoIP and mobile services, the distinction between geographic and non-geographic numbers remains important for routing and tariff purposes. Calls to +244 22 numbers are typically charged at standard fixed-line rates, which are lower than mobile rates.

Caller Instructions

• For international callers: Always use the full international format: +244 22 XXX XXXX. Do not include the trunk prefix '0'.
• For domestic callers outside Luanda: Use the national format: 0 22 XXX XXXX.
• For local callers: If you are within Luanda, you may be able to dial just the seven-digit subscriber number, but be prepared to dial the full national format if your call does not connect.