Area Code 256 – Calheta, Maio

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

The +238 256 prefix is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the island of Maio, specifically serving the municipality of Calheta (also known as Vila do Maio) and its surrounding settlements. Maio is one of the Sotavento (leeward) islands of Cape Verde, located east of Santiago. The prefix is administered under the national numbering plan of Cape Verde, which follows ITU-T E.164 recommendations. Calls to this prefix terminate on the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) and are routed via fixed-line infrastructure operated by the incumbent carrier, Cabo Verde Telecom (CvT).

Primary Cities and Local Dialing

The principal locality served by 256 is Calheta, the main town and administrative center of Maio. Other villages such as Cidade do Maio, Morro, and Pedro Vaz may also be covered under this exchange, depending on the local network architecture. For local callers within Cape Verde, the national significant number (NSN) is eight digits long, starting with the NDC '2' followed by the subscriber number. To call a fixed line in Calheta from another part of Cape Verde, you must dial the full NSN: 256 XXX XX (where X represents the local subscriber digits). The trunk prefix '0' is not used in Cape Verde; the international prefix is '00'.

International Dialing Format

For callers from abroad, the international format requires the country code +238 followed by the NSN, omitting any leading zero (none exists). Thus, a typical number in Calheta would be dialed as +238 256 XXX XX. For example, if a subscriber number is 256 12 34, the international dialing format is +238 256 12 34. This format is essential for tourists, expatriates, or businesses contacting residents or enterprises on Maio.

Overlay Considerations and Numbering Plan

Cape Verde does not currently employ area code overlays; each island or region has a distinct NDC. The 256 prefix is exclusively for fixed-line services on Maio. Mobile numbers in Cape Verde begin with '9' (e.g., +238 9XX XXXX) and are non-geographic. Therefore, callers should be aware that dialing a 256 number will always reach a fixed line, not a mobile phone. The numbering plan is closed, meaning the NSN length is fixed at eight digits for all geographic numbers.

Caller Instructions

• Local callers (within Cape Verde): Dial the eight-digit NSN directly: 256 XXX XX.
• International callers: Dial your country's exit code (e.g., 00 from most countries, 011 from North America), then 238, followed by the NSN: +238 256 XXX XX.
• Callers from mobile phones: Use the same international format, ensuring the plus sign is included when using a mobile device.

This prefix is vital for connectivity to the island's administrative services, local businesses, and residential users. Understanding the correct dialing procedure ensures seamless communication with Calheta, Maio.