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French Polynesia ☎️ Landline / Geographic

Area Code 496 – Polynesia

The phone area code for Polynesia is 496 (international format +689496). Browse local exchange codes (NXX) and carrier assignments below.

Current Local Time
03:37:29
UTC • UTC +00:00
Full Dialing Format
+689496
Population N/A
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Admin Region French Polynesia
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Elevation N/A
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GPS Coordinates -16.5297, -151.7679
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📍 Geographic Location of Polynesia

Geographic Context and Coverage

The prefix 496 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) within the French Polynesian numbering plan, assigned to the island of Moorea (also known as Moorea-Maiao). This island is part of the Society Islands archipelago and lies approximately 17 kilometers northwest of Tahiti. The code serves the island's fixed-line PSTN subscribers, including residential, business, and administrative lines. Moorea is known for its tourism infrastructure, so many hotels, guesthouses, and local enterprises operate under this prefix.

Dialing Formats and Instructions

French Polynesia uses a closed numbering plan with 8-digit subscriber numbers. The national significant number (NSN) always begins with the digit '4' for geographic fixed-line services, followed by a two-digit area code and a five-digit local number. For the 496 area code, the complete national format is:

  • National dialing (within French Polynesia): 496 XX XX XX (e.g., 496 12 34 56).
  • International dialing (from abroad): +689 496 XX XX XX (e.g., +689 496 12 34 56).

When calling from overseas, you must replace the international prefix of your country (e.g., 00, 011) with the '+' sign or the specific exit code, followed by the country code 689 and the full NSN. No trunk prefix '0' is used in French Polynesia; the number is dialed exactly as it appears after the country code.

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

Currently, there is no overlay code for Moorea; the 496 prefix is unique to the island. However, as part of the French Polynesian numbering plan, number portability is available for fixed-line services, meaning a subscriber may retain their 496 number even if they relocate to another geographic area within the territory. This can occasionally lead to a number being associated with a different physical location, but for most practical purposes, 496 numbers remain tied to Moorea.

Caller Guidance

For local callers on Moorea or elsewhere in French Polynesia, simply dial the 8-digit number (e.g., 496 12 34 56). For international callers, ensure you have the correct country code (+689) and omit any leading '0' that might be part of your national dialing plan. Calls to Moorea from mobile phones or VoIP services are routed as standard international calls if placed from outside the territory.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Which island does the +689 496 prefix belong to?
The +689 496 prefix is assigned to the island of Moorea in French Polynesia. It is used for fixed-line telephone services on the island.
How do I call a +689 496 number from the United States?
Dial the US exit code 011, then 689 (French Polynesia country code), followed by the 8-digit subscriber number starting with 496. For example, 011 689 496 12 34 56.
Are +689 496 numbers mobile or landline?
They are landline (fixed-line) numbers. In French Polynesia, mobile numbers typically start with 87, 88, or 89, while geographic fixed-line numbers start with 40 through 49.
Can I call a +689 496 number using VoIP services like Skype?
Yes, you can call +689 496 numbers using VoIP services, but charges may apply depending on your provider. Ensure you dial the full international format: +689 496 XX XX XX.
Is number portability available for +689 496 numbers?
Yes, fixed-line number portability is available in French Polynesia. A subscriber may keep their 496 number even if they move to a different geographic area, though the number remains associated with Moorea.