Area Code 664 – Kaafu
The phone area code for Kaafu is 664 (international format +960664). Browse local exchange codes (NXX) and carrier assignments below.
📍 Geographic Location of Kaafu
Overview of Area Code 664 (Kaafu Atoll)
Area code 664 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the Kaafu Atoll in the Republic of Maldives. This atoll, also known as Malé Atoll, encompasses the administrative region surrounding the capital city of Malé, including numerous resort islands and local inhabited islands. The code is used for fixed-line (PSTN) services within this region, providing a distinct numbering identity separate from the capital's own code and from mobile services.
Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction
The Kaafu Atoll is divided into two distinct administrative districts: North Malé Atoll (Kaafu North) and South Malé Atoll (Kaafu South). The area code 664 serves both these districts, covering a wide range of islands, including popular tourist resorts such as those on Hulhulé Island (site of Velana International Airport) and numerous other inhabited islands like Thulusdhoo, Huraa, and Gulhi. This code is essential for businesses, government offices, and residents on these islands who require a fixed-line connection.
Dialing Formats and Caller Instructions
For callers within the Maldives, dialing a number in the Kaafu Atoll requires the format: 664 XXXX. For example, a local call to a fixed line in the atoll would be placed by dialing 664 1234. However, for international callers, the full international format must be used: +960 664 XXXX. Thus, a caller from abroad would dial +960 664 1234. It is crucial to omit the leading '0' when dialing from outside the Maldives, as the country code +960 replaces it.
Overlay Considerations and Numbering Plan
The Maldivian numbering plan does not currently employ overlay codes for geographic areas. Each atoll or island group has been assigned a unique NDC, and the number length for fixed lines is typically 7 digits (including the NDC). The 664 code is exclusively used for fixed-line services; mobile numbers in the Maldives are prefixed with 7, 8, or 9 and are non-geographic. This clear separation ensures that callers can easily distinguish between fixed and mobile numbers.
Practical Usage and Importance
Understanding the correct dialing format for area code 664 is vital for both local and international callers. For tourists and business partners, using the correct international format ensures seamless connectivity to resorts and local enterprises in the Kaafu Atoll. For residents, knowing the local dialing rules helps avoid call failures. As the Maldives continues to develop its telecommunications infrastructure, the 664 code remains a stable and essential component of the national numbering plan, facilitating reliable communication within this economically significant region.