Area Code 231 – Mindelo, São Vicente

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

The area code 231 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the city of Mindelo, located on the island of São Vicente in Cape Verde. This code is part of the country's closed numbering plan, where the full national significant number (NSN) consists of seven digits, beginning with the NDC '231' followed by a four-digit subscriber number. Mindelo serves as the cultural and economic hub of São Vicente, and the code covers the entire municipality, including the city center, the port area, and surrounding neighborhoods such as Monte Sossego and Fonte Cónego.

Dialing Formats and Caller Instructions

For local callers within Cape Verde, dialing a Mindelo number requires only the seven-digit NSN: 231 XXXX. For international callers, the Cape Verde country code (+238) must be added, resulting in the format +238 231 XXXX. When calling from abroad, the leading '0' (if present in local notation) is omitted; however, Cape Verde uses a closed plan, so no trunk prefix is used. For example, to call a Mindelo landline from the United States, one would dial 011 238 231 XXXX, while from most European countries, the international access code (00) is used: 00 238 231 XXXX.

Numbering and Overlay Considerations

As of the latest ITU-T E.164 allocation, the 231 prefix is exclusively used for fixed-line services within the Mindelo exchange. No overlay codes are currently active in São Vicente, meaning that the 231 prefix uniquely identifies geographic numbers in this region. Subscriber numbers under 231 are allocated by the national regulator, Agência Nacional de Comunicações (ANAC), to the incumbent operator (Cabo Verde Telecom) and other licensed fixed-line providers. Number portability is available in Cape Verde, allowing subscribers to retain their 231 numbers when switching operators, provided the service remains fixed-line and within the same geographic area.

Practical Usage and Examples

Businesses and residents in Mindelo typically use these numbers for PSTN and VoIP-based fixed lines. When listing a Mindelo contact internationally, it is standard to write the number as +238 231 XXXX. For instance, a hotel in Mindelo might have the number +238 231 1234. Callers should be aware that calls to 231 numbers are tariffed as fixed-line calls, and international rates vary by carrier. It is advisable to check with your service provider for specific charges. For emergency services or directory assistance, separate short codes apply and are not part of the 231 prefix.