Area Code 23 – Brunei Muara

Overview of Brunei Area Code 23

Area code 23 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the Brunei Muara District, the smallest but most populous district in Brunei Darussalam. This district hosts the national capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, along with key administrative, commercial, and residential areas. The code is used for fixed-line (PSTN) services within this district, connecting subscribers to the public switched telephone network.

Geographic Coverage and Major Localities

The 23 prefix covers the Brunei Muara District, which includes the capital city and its surrounding suburbs. Key areas served include:

• Bandar Seri Begawan – the capital and economic hub.
• Kianggeh and Berakas – central residential and commercial zones.
• Gadong – a major shopping and business district.
• Jerudong – known for the Jerudong Park and upscale residential areas.
• Mukims such as Sengkurong, Kilanas, and Lumapas.

All fixed-line numbers within this district begin with the NDC 23 followed by a 5-digit subscriber number, resulting in a total national significant number (NSN) length of 7 digits (excluding the country code).

Dialing Formats

Understanding the correct dialing procedure is essential for both local and international callers.

• National (domestic) calls: Dial the full NSN: 23XXXXX. For example, to call a fixed line in Bandar Seri Begawan with subscriber number 45678, dial 2345678.
• International calls from abroad: Dial the international access prefix (00 or +), then Brunei’s country code 673, followed by the NSN. For the same number, dial +673 2345678 or 00 673 2345678.

Note that Brunei uses a closed dialing plan; there is no trunk prefix (like '0') used within the country. The NDC is always included in national dialing.

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

Brunei’s numbering plan is administered by the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry (AITI). The 23 area code is not subject to overlays; it is exclusively assigned to Brunei Muara District. Subscriber numbers are allocated in blocks to different operators, but all fixed-line services in this district share the same geographic code. When calling from mobile phones within Brunei, the same national format applies.

Caller Instructions

For local callers: Simply dial the 7-digit number (e.g., 2345678). No area code is needed beyond the NDC, as it is part of the number itself.

For international callers: Always include the country code +673 and drop any leading '0' (none exists). Ensure you use the correct international exit code from your country (e.g., 011 from the US, 00 from most European countries).

This geographic code is vital for businesses and residents in Brunei Muara, ensuring reliable fixed-line connectivity in the nation’s political and economic center.