Area Code 46 – Marsa Matruh
The phone area code for Marsa Matruh is 46 (international format +2046). Browse local exchange codes (NXX) and carrier assignments below.
📍 Geographic Location of Marsa Matruh
Geographic Overview and Administrative Jurisdiction
The Egyptian national dialing prefix 046 is a Geographic Area Code allocated under the ITU-T E.164 numbering plan for the Marsa Matruh Governorate, located in northwestern Egypt along the Mediterranean coast. This numbering area encompasses the city of Marsa Matruh (the administrative capital) and its surrounding districts, including El Alamein, Sidi Abd El-Rahman, and the coastal tourist developments. As a geographic code, 046 is assigned to fixed-line PSTN services within this specific governorate, distinguishing it from non-geographic mobile prefixes (e.g., 010, 011, 012, 015) that serve the entire country.
Dialing Formats and Caller Instructions
For international callers, the full E.164 format is +20 46 XXXX XXX (or +2046XXXXXXX when dialed without spaces). The country code for Egypt is +20, followed by the area code 46 (without the leading 0), and the local subscriber number, which typically consists of 7 digits. Thus, a complete international number comprises 11 digits after the plus sign. Local callers within Marsa Matruh must dial the trunk prefix 0 before the area code, resulting in the national format 046 XXXX XXX. For example, to call a fixed line in Marsa Matruh from abroad, you would dial +20 46 123 4567; from within Egypt but outside the area, dial 046 123 4567.
Overlay Considerations and Numbering Changes
As of 2025, no overlay area code has been introduced for Marsa Matruh; the 046 code remains exclusive to this governorate. However, the Egyptian Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) periodically reviews numbering resources to accommodate growth. Subscribers in the region may have 7-digit local numbers, and no changes to the dialing plan have been announced. It is always advisable to verify the current number length with your service provider, as migration to 8-digit local numbers has occurred in other governorates.
Practical Guidance for Callers
When calling a Marsa Matruh fixed line from a mobile phone within Egypt, you must still include the area code (046) after the trunk prefix, even if you are physically located in the same governorate. For international callers, omit the leading zero of the area code and use Egypt's country code +20. For example, a caller from the United Kingdom would dial 00 20 46 123 4567 (international prefix varies by country). If you are using VoIP services or internet-based calling, ensure you enter the number in international format to avoid routing errors.