Area Code 46 – Pardubice Region

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

The +420 46 country and area code combination is assigned to the Pardubice Region (Pardubický kraj) in the eastern part of the Czech Republic. This geographic numbering area encompasses the regional capital, Pardubice, as well as the surrounding districts of Chrudim, Svitavy, and Ústí nad Orlicí. The code serves both the urban centers and the rural communities within these administrative boundaries, providing PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) fixed-line services.

Primary Cities and Local Dialing

Key cities and towns within this numbering area include Pardubice, Chrudim, Svitavy, Česká Třebová, Ústí nad Orlicí, and Vysoké Mýto. Within the Czech Republic, calls to numbers in the 46 area code are dialed using the national format: 46 XXX XXXX (or 9 digits in total, including the leading trunk prefix '0' when dialing from a legacy PSTN line: 046 XXX XXXX). However, since 2002, the Czech numbering plan has mandated that all national calls must include the area code, even for local calls. Therefore, from any Czech fixed or mobile line, you must dial 46 XXX XXXX (without the leading '0') to reach a subscriber in the Pardubice region.

International Dialing Format

Callers from outside the Czech Republic must use the international format: +420 46 XXX XXXX. The plus sign represents the international access prefix, and the leading '0' is not used. For example, to call a Pardubice landline number 123 456 789, you would dial +420 46 123 4567 from any foreign country.

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

Currently, there is no overlay code for the 46 area; it remains a single, geographically specific NDC (National Destination Code). The number length is fixed at 9 digits (including the NDC) for all Czech geographic numbers. The Czech Telecommunication Office (ČTÚ) administers the numbering plan, and number portability is available, meaning a subscriber may retain their 46 number even if they move to a different geographic area, though this is less common for fixed lines.

Caller Instructions

• Local callers (within the 46 area): Dial the full national number: 46 XXX XXXX.
• National callers (outside the 46 area): Dial the same national format: 46 XXX XXXX.
• International callers: Dial your country's exit code (e.g., 011 from the US, 00 from most European countries), then 420 (Czech Republic country code), then 46 (Pardubice area code), followed by the subscriber's 7-digit number.

This structure ensures reliable routing for both voice and fax services, and is also used for VoIP fixed-line subscriptions that are geographically tied to the region.