Area Code 256 – Riscani

Geographic Overview

The area code 256 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the Rîșcani district in the Republic of Moldova. Rîșcani is located in the northern part of the country, bordering the districts of Drochia, Dondușeni, Edineț, Glodeni, and Bălți municipality. The administrative center is the city of Rîșcani, which, along with nearby towns and rural localities, is served by this code. The district is known for its agricultural production and light industry.

Dialing Formats

To call a fixed-line subscriber in the Rîșcani area, you must use the appropriate national or international dialing format.

• National calls (within Moldova): Dial 0 256 XXX XX. The leading 0 is the trunk prefix used for all domestic calls to geographic numbers. The 256 is the area code, followed by the subscriber's 5- or 6-digit local number (depending on the specific exchange).
• International calls (from abroad): Dial your country's exit code (e.g., 00 from most European countries, 011 from the US/Canada), then Moldova's country code 373, then the area code 256 without the leading 0, followed by the local number: +373 256 XXX XX.

For example, a local number in Rîșcani might be 0 256 2 34 56 for domestic calls, while international callers would dial +373 256 2 34 56.

Caller Instructions

• Local callers: When calling within the same area code, you may need to dial the full national format (including the trunk prefix and area code) depending on the current numbering plan. In Moldova, all geographic numbers are dialed with the trunk prefix and area code even for local calls.
• International callers: Always omit the trunk prefix 0 when dialing from abroad. Ensure you have the correct exit code for your country.

Regulatory and Technical Notes

The Moldovan numbering plan is administered by the National Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Postal Services (ANRCETI). Geographic area codes are assigned to fixed-line operators, primarily Moldtelecom, the incumbent. The Rîșcani area code is part of the national numbering plan and is subject to number portability regulations, though fixed-line portability is less common than mobile. As of the latest updates, there is no overlay code for Rîșcani; the 256 code serves the entire district. Callers should be aware that rates for international calls to Moldova may vary by provider.