Area Code 242 – Santa Maria, Sal
The phone area code for Santa Maria, Sal is 242 (international format +238242). Browse local exchange codes (NXX) and carrier assignments below.
📍 Geographic Location of Santa Maria, Sal
Overview of Area Code +238 242
The telephone country code +238 is assigned to the Republic of Cabo Verde (Cape Verde), an island nation located in the central Atlantic Ocean. Within the national numbering plan, which follows ITU-T E.164 recommendations, geographic area codes are used to route calls to specific islands and municipalities. The prefix 242 is designated as a geographic area code serving the town of Santa Maria, located on the southern coast of the island of Sal.
Geographic Coverage and Administrative Details
Santa Maria is one of the principal urban centers on Sal Island, known for its tourism industry and international airport (Amílcar Cabral International Airport, IATA: SID). The area code 242 covers the entire Santa Maria municipality, including the town center, surrounding residential areas, and commercial zones. It does not cover other parts of Sal Island, such as the capital Espargos, which uses a different area code (e.g., 241).
Dialing Formats
When dialing a number in Santa Maria from within Cape Verde, you must use the national significant number (NSN) which consists of the area code followed by the subscriber number. For example, a local number might be 242 XX XX. To call from abroad, you dial the international prefix (00 or +), then the country code 238, followed by the area code and subscriber number: +238 242 XX XX. Note that the leading '0' is not used in international dialing.
Caller Instructions
- Local callers (within Cape Verde): Dial the full NSN: 242 XX XX. No trunk prefix is required.
- International callers: Dial your country's exit code (e.g., 011 from North America, 00 from most European countries), then 238, then 242, and the subscriber number. Example: +238 242 XX XX.
Numbering Plan Considerations
Cape Verde's numbering plan uses closed dialing within the country, meaning the full NSN must always be dialed, even for local calls. There are no overlay codes or area code splits currently in effect for Sal Island. The geographic nature of the code means that calls are routed via the PSTN to the specific exchange serving Santa Maria.