Area Code 235 – Ribeira Brava, São Nicolau

Geographic Overview

The area code 235 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the municipality of Ribeira Brava on the island of São Nicolau, part of the Barlavento island group in Cape Verde. This code covers the island's administrative and commercial hub, including the town of Ribeira Brava and surrounding settlements such as Carvoeiros, Juncalinho, and Tarrafal de São Nicolau. As a geographic code, 235 is used exclusively for fixed-line (PSTN) services within this region, distinguishing it from mobile prefixes that are non-geographic and island-independent.

Dialing Formats

When calling a fixed-line number in Ribeira Brava from abroad, the international format is +238 235 XXX X (where X represents the subscriber digits). For example, a local number might be dialed as +238 235 12 34. From within Cape Verde, callers must use the national format: 235 XXX X (omitting the +238 country code). Note that Cape Verde uses a closed numbering plan; the trunk prefix '0' is not used. Therefore, local calls within the same NDC do not require an area code, but calls from other islands or regions must include the full NDC.

Regulatory and Technical Notes

The numbering plan for Cape Verde is administered by the National Communications Agency (ANAC) under ITU-T E.164 guidelines. Geographic codes like 235 are allocated based on administrative divisions, and number portability is not widely implemented for fixed lines, meaning the code generally reflects the physical location of the line. For VoIP services, the geographic code may still be used if the service is tied to a physical address, but many VoIP providers assign non-geographic numbers. Callers should be aware that while landline rates apply, international calls to +235 235... are subject to the destination country's tariff.

Practical Guidance for Callers

• International callers: Dial +235 235 XXX X (replace + with your country's exit code).
• Domestic callers outside São Nicolau: Dial 235 XXX X.
• Local callers within Ribeira Brava: Dial the subscriber number directly (XXX X).

Ensure you have the correct number of digits; fixed-line numbers in Cape Verde are 7 digits long after the country code, including the NDC. For example, +238 235 45 67 would be a complete number. If you experience issues, verify the number with the local directory or the service provider, as formatting may vary in older listings.