Area Code 31 – North Tarawa

Overview of Kiribati Area Code 31

Area code 31 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the North Tarawa region of Kiribati, part of the Gilbert Islands group. This code is used for fixed-line (PSTN) services within the administrative district that encompasses the northern chain of islets of Tarawa Atoll, including communities such as Buota, Abatao, and the causeway-linked settlements extending towards the northern tip. The area is distinct from South Tarawa, which uses area code 32, and the rest of the country's island groups, which have their own codes.

Dialing Formats

To call a fixed-line number in North Tarawa from abroad, you must dial the international prefix (e.g., 00 or +), followed by the Kiribati country code +686, then the area code 31, and finally the local subscriber number. For example, a typical number might be formatted as +686 31 23456. When dialing from within Kiribati but outside the North Tarawa area, you would dial 31 23456 (omitting the country code). Local calls within the same exchange area may require only the six-digit subscriber number, but this depends on the local carrier's dialing plan.

Numbering Structure

Kiribati's national numbering plan follows ITU-T E.164 recommendations. Fixed-line numbers in the 31 area code consist of the NDC (31) plus a five-digit subscriber number, resulting in a total national significant number length of seven digits (excluding the country code). The subscriber numbers are allocated by the national regulator and the incumbent operator, Telecom Services Kiribati Limited (TSKL), which is the primary provider of fixed-line services in the region.

Geographic Coverage and Administration

The North Tarawa area code covers the northern part of Tarawa Atoll, which is administratively divided into several island councils. This region is predominantly rural, with a mix of traditional villages and modern infrastructure. The area code is geographically significant for routing calls and for regulatory purposes, such as emergency services and number portability. However, as with many Pacific island nations, fixed-line penetration is limited, and mobile and VoIP services are increasingly used for communication.

Caller Instructions

For international callers, it is essential to replace the leading zero (if any) with the country code and area code. For example, if a local number is listed as 31 23456, dial +686 31 23456 from overseas. For callers within Kiribati, simply dial the area code and subscriber number. Always confirm the exact number with the recipient, as the national numbering plan may be subject to change.