Area Code 395 – Gaborone

Overview of Botswana Area Code 395

Area code 395 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the capital city of Botswana, Gaborone, and its immediate surrounding areas. It is part of the national numbering plan under the ITU-T E.164 standard, with Botswana's country calling code being +267. The prefix is used for fixed-line (PSTN) services, including traditional copper lines and, in some cases, fixed wireless or VoIP services that are allocated geographic numbers by the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA).

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

The 395 code serves the Gaborone metropolitan area, which is the administrative, commercial, and political hub of Botswana. This includes the city center, residential suburbs such as Broadhurst, Gaborone West, and Tlokweng, as well as parts of the greater Gaborone agglomeration. The code is also used in nearby villages and settlements that fall within the Gaborone exchange area, such as Mogoditshane and Gabane, which are part of the South-East District.

Dialing Formats and Caller Instructions

For callers within Botswana, the national dialing format is an 8-digit number that includes the area code and the subscriber number. To call a fixed line in Gaborone from another part of Botswana, you must dial 395 followed by the 5-digit local subscriber number. For example, if the local number is 12345, you would dial 39512345 from anywhere in Botswana.

For international callers, the format is +267 395 12345 (or 00267 395 12345 when using the international prefix from many countries). The leading zero is not used in international dialing; the +267 replaces the trunk prefix. For local calls within the Gaborone area, you may dial only the 5-digit subscriber number if your line is within the same exchange, but it is always safe to dial the full 8-digit number to avoid misrouting.

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

Botswana does not currently use overlay codes for fixed-line services; each geographic area has a distinct NDC. However, number portability is available for fixed lines, meaning a subscriber may retain their 395 number even if they move to a different service provider. The 395 code is strictly geographic, so it cannot be used for mobile services, which are allocated separate non-geographic prefixes such as 71, 72, 73, 74, and 75.

Practical Usage for Businesses and Residents

Businesses in Gaborone often display their numbers in international format to facilitate overseas clients. For example, a hotel in Gaborone might list its number as +267 395 12345. When calling from a mobile phone in Botswana, you must include the area code even if you are in the same city, as mobile networks require full national numbering. For VoIP users, it is essential to use the correct international format to ensure proper routing.