Area Code 371 – Gaborone

Overview of Botswana's +267 371 Geographic Code

The +267 371 prefix is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the Gaborone metropolitan area, the capital and largest city of Botswana. As part of Botswana's national numbering plan, which adheres to ITU-T E.164 recommendations, the 371 code is used for fixed-line PSTN services within the designated geographic area. Gaborone is the administrative, economic, and political hub of Botswana, hosting government institutions, embassies, corporate headquarters, and the University of Botswana.

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

The 371 code specifically serves the central and southern parts of Gaborone, including key districts such as the Central Business District (CBD), Government Enclave, and residential areas like Maruapula and Extension 2. The code is administered by the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA), which oversees the national numbering plan. While Gaborone is the primary city, the 371 code may also cover some adjacent peri-urban areas within the greater Gaborone region, though other codes like 390 and 391 serve other parts of the city and its surroundings.

Dialing Formats and Procedures

For callers within Botswana, the national format requires dialing the trunk prefix '0' followed by the area code and the subscriber number. For example, to call a fixed line in Gaborone with the 371 code, local callers dial: 0 371 XXX XXX. The subscriber number is typically seven digits long, making the total national significant number (NSN) eight digits (including the leading '0').

For international callers, the format is: +267 371 XXX XXX, where +267 is Botswana's country calling code. The leading '0' is omitted when dialing from abroad. For instance, a caller from the United States would dial: 011 267 371 XXX XXX, while a caller from the United Kingdom would dial: 00 267 371 XXX XXX.

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

Currently, there is no overlay code for the 371 area. However, due to the growing demand for telecommunication services in Gaborone, BOCRA has implemented number expansion measures, including the introduction of additional geographic codes in the region. Subscribers within the 371 area may have the option to retain their numbers when switching between fixed-line operators, subject to number portability regulations. It is important for callers to note that while the 371 code is geographic, some VoIP providers may offer numbers with this prefix, but the routing is still tied to the Gaborone area for regulatory purposes.

Practical Tips for Callers

• When dialing from a mobile phone within Botswana, you must include the trunk prefix '0' before the area code, even if the mobile network operator does not require it for local calls.
• For international callers, always replace the '+' with your country's international access code (e.g., 011 in the US, 00 in most European countries).
• If you are unsure about the correct number length, note that Botswana's fixed-line numbers are typically seven digits after the area code. Always verify with the recipient if the call fails.