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Cape Verde ☎️ Landline / Geographic

Area Code 263 – Praia, Santiago

The phone area code for Praia, Santiago is 263 (international format +238263). Browse local exchange codes (NXX) and carrier assignments below.

Current Local Time
16:00:45
UTC • UTC +00:00
Full Dialing Format
+238263
Population 137,868
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Admin Region Praia
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Elevation N/A
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GPS Coordinates 14.9315, -23.5125
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📍 Geographic Location of Praia, Santiago

Geographic Overview

The area code 263 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the capital city of Praia, located on the island of Santiago in Cape Verde. Praia serves as the political, economic, and cultural hub of the archipelago, hosting the country's main port and international airport (Nelson Mandela International Airport). This code is used for fixed-line (PSTN) services within the municipality of Praia and its immediate surroundings, including the suburbs of Achada Grande, Achada Santo António, and Palmarejo.

Dialing Formats

When calling a fixed-line number in Praia from abroad, you must use the international format: +238 263 XXX XXX (or +238263XXXXXX). The full national significant number (NSN) is 7 digits, starting with the NDC '263' followed by a 4-digit subscriber number. For domestic calls within Cape Verde, dial the 7-digit number directly (e.g., 263 XXXX). If you are calling from a mobile phone within Cape Verde, the same 7-digit format applies. Note that Cape Verde does not use trunk prefixes like '0'; the NDC is always dialed as part of the national number.

Regulatory and Technical Notes

As a geographic code, 263 is tied to the physical location of the line. However, number portability may allow subscribers to retain their numbers when moving within the country, though this is less common for fixed lines. The code is administered by the National Communications Agency (ANAC) under the ITU-T E.164 national numbering plan. Cape Verde's fixed-line market is primarily served by the incumbent operator, Cabo Verde Telecom (CVMóvel for mobile), but other licensed operators may offer fixed services in the region.

Caller Instructions

  • International callers: Dial your country's exit code (e.g., 00 or +), then 238 (Cape Verde country code), followed by 263 and the subscriber number. Example: +238 263 1234.
  • Local callers: Simply dial 263 1234 (7 digits). No area code is needed beyond the NDC.
  • Mobile to fixed: Same as local dialing; mobile users must include the NDC.

For businesses or individuals in Praia, using a 263 number signals a local presence in the capital, which can be advantageous for customer trust and regional marketing. When dialing from Cape Verde's other islands, the call is treated as a national call, and tariffs are regulated by ANAC.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Which city or region uses the area code 263 in Cape Verde?
The area code 263 is assigned to Praia, the capital city of Cape Verde, located on the island of Santiago. It covers fixed-line telephone services in the city and its surrounding areas.
How do I call a 263 number in Praia from another country?
To call a 263 number from abroad, dial your country's international exit code (e.g., 00 or +), then Cape Verde's country code 238, followed by the area code 263 and the subscriber's 4-digit number. For example: +238 263 1234.
Is 263 a mobile or fixed-line prefix in Cape Verde?
263 is a geographic fixed-line prefix. Mobile numbers in Cape Verde typically start with 9, 5, or 6. Fixed-line numbers in Praia use the 263 prefix.
Do I need to dial a trunk prefix (like 0) before 263 when calling within Cape Verde?
No. Cape Verde does not use a trunk prefix. When making a domestic call, you dial the full 7-digit national number, which starts with 263. For example, dial 263 1234.
Can I keep my 263 number if I move to another island in Cape Verde?
Number portability is available in Cape Verde, allowing you to retain your fixed-line number when moving within the country, subject to operator policies and technical feasibility. However, it is more common for mobile numbers.