Area Code 24 – North Region

Geographic Overview and Coverage

The area code 24 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the North Region of Mauritius, an island nation in the Indian Ocean. This region encompasses the northern districts of the island, including the popular tourist destination of Grand Baie, the village of Cap Malheureux, and the surrounding coastal and inland areas. The code serves fixed-line (PSTN) subscribers within this administrative zone, which is part of the national numbering plan under the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (ICTA) of Mauritius.

Dialing Formats and Instructions

When dialing a number with the 24 prefix, the format depends on the caller's location:

• Local calls (within Mauritius): Dial the full 7-digit subscriber number, which includes the NDC. For example, if the local number is 24X XXXX, you would dial 24X XXXX directly (without any trunk prefix, as Mauritius uses a closed numbering plan).
• International calls (from outside Mauritius): Dial the international access prefix (e.g., 00 or +), followed by the country code +230, then the 7-digit number. For instance, to reach a number in the North Region, you would dial +230 24X XXXX.

It is important to note that Mauritius does not use trunk prefixes like '0' for domestic calls; the NDC is always included in the local dialing format. The numbering plan is closed, meaning the total length of a national significant number (NSN) is 7 digits for geographic numbers.

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

Currently, there is no overlay code for the 24 area; it remains a distinct geographic code. However, as part of the national numbering plan, the ICTA may introduce number portability, allowing subscribers to retain their numbers when changing service providers. For fixed-line services, the geographic code is generally tied to the physical location of the exchange, but with the advent of VoIP and NGN (Next Generation Networks), some flexibility may exist.

Caller Instructions

For callers within Mauritius, simply dial the 7-digit number. For international callers, ensure you have the correct country code (+230) and drop any leading '0' if present (though not used in Mauritius). Always verify the number length; a typical geographic number in Mauritius is 7 digits, starting with the area code 24 followed by a 5-digit subscriber number.

When calling from a mobile phone, the same international format applies. It is advisable to store numbers in international format (+230 24X XXXX) to avoid confusion when traveling.