Area Code 23 – Zadar
The phone area code for Zadar is 23 (international format +38523). Browse local exchange codes (NXX) and carrier assignments below.
📞 Exchange Codes (NXX) for Area Code 23
Select a central office code to view local carrier data and detailed information
📍 Geographic Location of Zadar
Geographic Overview
The Croatian country code +385, prefix 23 is the National Destination Code (NDC) for the Zadar County area, located on the Adriatic coast. This geographic area code covers the city of Zadar and its surrounding municipalities, including Bibinje, Sukošan, Poličnik, and the islands of Ugljan and Pašman. As a geographic allocation, the prefix is tied to the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) infrastructure of the region, and calls to numbers with this prefix are routed based on their physical location.
Dialing Formats
When calling a Zadar landline from within Croatia, subscribers must dial the national trunk prefix 0 followed by the area code and the subscriber number. For example, a local number in Zadar might be formatted as 023 123 456 when dialed domestically. Internationally, callers should omit the leading 0 and dial +385 23 123 456 or +38523123456 in E.164 format. The subscriber number length typically ranges from 6 to 7 digits, making the total national significant number (NSN) 8 or 9 digits, excluding the trunk prefix.
Administrative and Regulatory Context
The Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries (HAKOM) administers numbering resources. The 23 area code is classified as a geographic number, and its use is generally restricted to fixed-line services. However, number portability allows subscribers to retain their 023 numbers when switching operators, even if they move to a VoIP or mobile service, though the geographic association remains for routing and emergency services purposes.
Caller Instructions
For local callers within the Zadar area, dialing the subscriber number directly without the area code may be possible if the call is within the same local exchange area. However, for clarity and to avoid misdialing, it is recommended to always use the full national format. For international callers, the process is straightforward: dial the international access prefix (00 or +), then 385, then 23, followed by the subscriber number. Ensure you have the correct number of digits, as Croatian numbers are fixed-length.
Overlays and Future Considerations
Currently, there is no overlay code for the Zadar area, meaning 023 is the sole geographic code for this region. As Croatia continues to migrate towards all-IP networks, the distinction between geographic and non-geographic numbers may blur, but for now, 023 remains a reliable indicator of a fixed-line service in the Zadar area. Businesses and residents should ensure their contact details are updated with the correct international format to facilitate global communication.