Area Code 1164 – Addis Ababa

Geographic Scope and Administrative Coverage

The +251 1164 prefix is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the central administrative zone of Addis Ababa, the capital and largest city of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. This code falls within the broader 116 block, which serves the city's core districts, including Arada, Lideta, Kirkos, and surrounding neighborhoods. As a fixed-line code, it is managed by Ethio Telecom, the incumbent operator, and is used for PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) services. The coverage area is characterized by high-density government, commercial, and residential zones, making it a critical code for businesses and institutions operating within the capital.

Dialing Formats and Number Structure

For international callers, the full number is composed of the country code +251, the NDC 1164, and a subscriber number of typically 6 to 7 digits, resulting in a total length of 12 to 13 digits in international format (e.g., +251 116 4XX XXX). When dialing from within Ethiopia, callers must use the trunk prefix '0' before the NDC, resulting in the national format: 0 116 4XX XXX. For example, a local call to a number in this area would be dialed as 011 64X XXXX. It is important to note that the Ethiopian numbering plan has undergone changes; however, the 1164 code remains a distinct geographic identifier for Addis Ababa's central exchange areas.

Caller Instructions

• Local callers (within Ethiopia): Dial 0 116 4XX XXX. The leading '0' is the national trunk prefix, and the NDC is '1164'.
• International callers: Dial your country's international access code (e.g., 00 or +), then 251 (Ethiopia's country code), followed by 1164 and the subscriber number. For example, from the US/Canada, dial 011 251 116 4XX XXX.

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

Currently, there is no overlay code for Addis Ababa; the 1164 code is exclusive to the central zone. However, due to increasing demand for fixed-line services, Ethio Telecom has implemented number expansion measures, and some numbers may have been migrated to other 116 sub-ranges. Callers should verify the exact number with the recipient to avoid misdialing. As with all geographic codes, the tariff for calling +251 1164 numbers is typically higher than local calls but lower than mobile rates, depending on the caller's international carrier.

Usage and Reliability

This code is predominantly used by government offices, embassies, financial institutions, and established businesses that require a stable, fixed-line presence in the capital. While VoIP services are growing, the PSTN infrastructure remains robust, offering high call quality and reliability. For enterprises, having a 1164 number signals a permanent, verifiable presence in Addis Ababa's central business district.