Area Code 266 – Tarrafal, Santiago
The phone area code for Tarrafal, Santiago is 266 (international format +238266). Browse local exchange codes (NXX) and carrier assignments below.
📍 Geographic Location of Tarrafal, Santiago
Geographic Overview
The +238 266 prefix is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the Tarrafal region on the northern coast of Santiago Island, Cape Verde. Santiago is the largest and most populous island of the archipelago, hosting the capital, Praia, in the south. Tarrafal is a coastal municipality known for its beaches, fishing communities, and historical significance. The area code covers the town of Tarrafal and its surrounding administrative subdivisions, including the famous Tarrafal camp (now a museum) and nearby villages.
Dialing Formats
When calling a fixed-line number in Tarrafal from abroad, you must use the international format: +238 266 XXX XXX (or +238266XXXXXX without spaces). The total number length after the country code is 7 digits, with the NDC '266' followed by a 4-digit subscriber number. For example, a local number might appear as 266 1234. From within Cape Verde, callers simply dial 266 1234 without the country code or trunk prefix (Cape Verde uses no trunk '0').
Caller Instructions
- International callers: Dial the international access prefix (e.g., 00 from most countries), then 238 (Cape Verde country code), then 266 and the subscriber number. Example: 00 238 266 1234.
- Local callers (within Cape Verde): Dial the 7-digit national number directly: 266 1234.
- Mobile callers: When calling from a Cape Verdean mobile, the same national format applies; no additional prefix is required.
Numbering and Overlays
Cape Verde's numbering plan follows ITU-T E.164 recommendations. Geographic codes are assigned by the Agência Nacional de Comunicações (ANAC), the national regulatory authority. Currently, there are no overlay codes in Tarrafal; the 266 prefix is unique to this region. However, number portability is not widely implemented for fixed lines, so the geographic association remains strong.
Services and Usage
Fixed-line services in Tarrafal are provided primarily by Cabo Verde Telecom (CVMóvel), the incumbent operator. These lines support traditional PSTN telephony, ADSL internet, and some VoIP services. Businesses in tourism, local administration, and fishing industries rely on these numbers. While mobile penetration is high, fixed lines remain important for official and commercial communication.
For accurate billing and routing, always verify the subscriber number length, as some older lines may have fewer digits. When in doubt, consult ANAC's official numbering resources.