Area Code 538 – Zarqa

Overview of Area Code 538 (Zarqa, Jordan)

Area code 538 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the city of Zarqa, the second-largest urban center in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Zarqa is the capital of the Zarqa Governorate and lies approximately 25 kilometers northeast of Amman. The code covers the city proper and its surrounding suburban areas, including industrial zones and residential districts. As part of Jordan's national numbering plan, the code is used for fixed-line (PSTN) services, including traditional copper lines and fiber-optic connections.

Dialing Formats

To call a fixed-line number in Zarqa from within Jordan, subscribers must dial the trunk prefix 0, followed by the area code 538 and the subscriber's 7-digit local number. For example, a local number such as 1234567 would be dialed as 0538 123 4567 from any other part of Jordan. When calling from abroad, the international access code (typically 00 or +) is used, followed by Jordan's country code +962, then the area code without the leading zero, and the 7-digit subscriber number. Thus, the same number would be dialed as +962 538 123 4567 from outside Jordan.

Geographic Coverage and Administration

The 538 area code is administered by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) of Jordan. It serves the Zarqa Governorate, which includes the city of Zarqa, the Russeifa district, and several smaller towns and villages. The code is distinct from the neighboring Amman area codes (6) and the Irbid code (2), ensuring clear geographic routing for both domestic and international calls.

Calling Instructions

• Local callers within Zarqa: If you are calling a number in the same area code, you may need to dial the full number including the area code, depending on your service provider. In Jordan, 8-digit dialing (area code + subscriber number) is generally required for all fixed-line calls.
• Domestic callers from other Jordanian cities: Dial 0 followed by 538 and the subscriber number.
• International callers: Dial your country's exit code (e.g., 011 from the US, 00 from most European countries), then 962, then 538, and the 7-digit number. Do not include the leading '0' of the area code.

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

Currently, there is no overlay code for the Zarqa area; the 538 code remains the sole geographic code for the region. However, due to increasing demand for fixed-line services, the TRC may introduce additional codes in the future. Subscribers should always verify the correct dialing format with their service provider, especially when using VoIP or mobile services that may require alternative dialing procedures.