Area Code 24 – Metn

Geographic Overview

The +961 24 prefix is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the Metn region of Lebanon, a mountainous area northeast of Beirut. Metn is part of the Mount Lebanon Governorate and encompasses a mix of urban, suburban, and rural communities. The code serves the administrative district of Metn, which includes the coastal city of Jounieh (though Jounieh itself often uses +961 9) and inland towns such as Bikfaya, Broummana, and Beit Mery. These localities are known for their cooler climate, pine forests, and as popular summer resorts. The area is densely populated and economically active, with a blend of residential neighborhoods, commercial centers, and tourist destinations.

Dialing Formats

For callers within Lebanon, the national dialing format requires the trunk prefix '0' followed by the area code and the subscriber number. For example, to call a landline in Metn with the local number 123456, you would dial: 0 24 123456. For international callers, the Lebanese country code (+961) replaces the trunk prefix, so the same number is dialed as +961 24 123456. It is important to note that the leading '0' is only used for domestic calls and must be omitted when dialing from abroad.

Numbering Structure

Lebanese fixed-line numbers are typically seven digits long, including the area code. In the case of +961 24, the subscriber number usually consists of six digits, making the total length of the national significant number (NSN) seven digits. However, some older numbers may have fewer digits, and the exact length can vary. The +961 24 prefix is allocated to the incumbent operator, Ogero, which provides PSTN services in the region. As with other geographic codes in Lebanon, number portability is not widely implemented, so the prefix generally indicates the physical location of the line.

Caller Instructions

For local callers within the Metn area, it is often possible to dial the subscriber number directly without the area code, depending on the local exchange configuration. However, for consistency and to avoid misdialing, it is recommended to always use the full national format. For international callers, ensure you have the correct country code and area code, and be mindful of time zone differences (Lebanon is UTC+2, with daylight saving time).

When calling from a mobile phone in Lebanon, the same national dialing rules apply. If you are using VoIP services, you may need to include the '+' sign and the country code, as per international standards.