Area Code 27 – South Lebanon

Overview of Lebanon's +961 27 Geographic Code

Lebanon's country calling code +961 is followed by a National Destination Code (NDC) that routes calls to specific geographic regions or service types. The prefix 27 is a geographic area code assigned to South Lebanon, a region that includes the administrative governorates of Nabatieh and the southern part of the South Governorate. This area is known for its coastal cities, such as Sidon (Saida) and Tyre (Sour), as well as inland towns like Nabatieh and Jezzine. The code is used for fixed-line PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) services, and numbers under this prefix are typically 7 digits long after the country code and area code, following the format +961 27 X XXXX.

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

The +961 27 code covers a large portion of the southern region of Lebanon, extending from the Mediterranean coast to the inland mountainous areas. Key cities and towns served include:

• Sidon (Saida) – the largest city in the south, an economic hub.
• Tyre (Sour) – a historic coastal city and UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Nabatieh – the capital of the Nabatieh Governorate.
• Jezzine – a mountain town known for its tourism and pine forests.
• Other localities such as Bint Jbeil, Marjayoun, and Hasbaya.

Administratively, the code is allocated to the Ministry of Telecommunications (Ogero) and is used for fixed-line services provided by Ogero, the state-owned operator, as well as by private operators authorized to offer fixed services in the region.

Dialing Formats and Instructions

To call a fixed-line number in South Lebanon, the dialing format depends on the caller's location:

• International call from abroad: Dial the international access prefix (e.g., 00 or +), then Lebanon's country code +961, followed by the area code 27 without the leading '0' (Lebanon uses a closed numbering plan with no trunk prefix), and then the subscriber number. For example, to call a number in Sidon: +961 27 123 456.
• Domestic call from within Lebanon (outside the 27 area): Dial the area code 27 followed by the subscriber number, e.g., 27 123 456.
• Local call within the same area code: In Lebanon, local calls may require dialing only the subscriber number (7 digits) depending on the operator's network configuration. However, for clarity and to avoid misrouting, it is common to dial the full 7-digit number after the area code.

Note that Lebanon does not use a trunk prefix '0' when dialing domestically; the area code is dialed directly. For example, from Beirut, you would dial 27 123 456 to reach a number in South Lebanon.

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

As of the latest ITU-T E.164 national numbering plan, there is no overlay code for the 27 area. The numbering capacity is sufficient for the region's demand, but the rapid growth of fixed-line services and the introduction of fiber-optic networks may lead to future changes. The Ministry of Telecommunications periodically reviews the numbering plan to ensure efficient utilization. For callers, it is essential to always use the full international format when dialing from abroad, as omitting the area code will result in a failed call.

In summary, +961 27 is a geographic code that connects callers to the southern part of Lebanon, a region of significant economic and cultural importance. Understanding the correct dialing procedure ensures seamless communication with businesses, government offices, and residents in this area.