Area Code 39 – South Bohemian Region

Overview of Area Code 39 (Czechia)

Area code 39 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the South Bohemian Region (Jihočeský kraj) in the Czech Republic. This region is located in the southern part of the country, bordering Austria and Germany. The code serves the administrative capital České Budějovice, along with other significant towns such as Český Krumlov, Jindřichův Hradec, Písek, Prachatice, Strakonice, and Tábor. The geographic coverage follows the historical boundaries of the region, and the code is used for fixed-line PSTN and VoIP services that are registered to physical addresses within this area.

Dialing Formats

When dialing a number within the Czech Republic, the trunk prefix 0 is used before the area code. For example, to call a fixed line in České Budějovice, you would dial: 0 39 123 4567. Internationally, callers must use the Czech country code +420 and omit the leading trunk prefix. Thus, the same number would be dialed as +420 39 123 4567. It is important to note that the Czech numbering plan uses closed dialing, meaning that the full national number (including the area code) must always be dialed, even for local calls. There is no local dialing without the area code.

Number Structure and Length

Geographic numbers under the 39 code have a total length of 9 digits after the country code, including the area code. The format is typically +420 39 XXX XXXX, where the first digit after the area code is often 2 or 3, but can vary. The subscriber number length may vary, but the total length remains constant. This structure is part of the ITU-T E.164 recommendation, ensuring global interoperability.

Overlays and Number Portability

Currently, there is no overlay code for the South Bohemian Region; the 39 code is the sole geographic code for the area. However, the Czech Telecommunication Office (ČTÚ) has implemented full number portability, allowing subscribers to retain their numbers when changing operators, including fixed-line services. This means that a number with the 39 prefix might be serviced by any operator, but the geographic association remains tied to the original location.

Caller Instructions

• Local callers within the Czech Republic must always dial the full national number: 0 39 XXX XXXX.
• International callers should dial +420 39 XXX XXXX from any country.
• When calling from a mobile phone, the same international format applies, but the leading + is required.

Understanding these dialing procedures ensures seamless connectivity to businesses and residents in the South Bohemian Region.