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Morocco ☎️ Landline / Geographic

Area Code 51 – Rabat/Tanger/Fès/Meknès

The phone area code for Rabat/Tanger/Fès/Meknès is 51 (international format +21251). Browse local exchange codes (NXX) and carrier assignments below.

Current Local Time
05:37:30
UTC • UTC +00:00
Full Dialing Format
+21251
Population 835,695
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Admin Region Fes-Meknes
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Elevation 318m
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GPS Coordinates 33.9776, -5.5250
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📍 Geographic Location of Rabat/Tanger/Fès/Meknès

Geographic Scope and Administration

The Moroccan national numbering plan, administered by the Agence Nationale de Réglementation des Télécommunications (ANRT), allocates the prefix +212 51 to geographic fixed-line services. This prefix serves a cluster of major urban centers in northern and central Morocco, including the administrative capital Rabat, the economic hub Tangier, and the historic imperial cities Fès and Meknès. The area code is part of the country's transition to an eight-digit national significant number (NSN) format, which was implemented to accommodate growing demand for telecommunication services.

Dialing Formats and Usage

When calling a fixed-line number in this region from abroad, the international format is +212 5 1 XX XX XX (or +21251XXXXXX when dialed as a continuous string). Domestically, callers must dial 051 XX XX XX (including the trunk prefix '0'). The prefix is geographic, meaning the tariff is typically lower for local calls compared to mobile or international calls. However, with the rise of VoIP and mobile substitution, many businesses and households now rely on alternative services, yet the fixed-line infrastructure remains critical for official and corporate communications.

Overlay and Numbering Evolution

Morocco has implemented an overlay plan for certain regions, allowing multiple area codes to serve the same geographic area. For Rabat, Tangier, Fès, and Meknès, the prefix 51 coexists with other codes such as 53 and 54 (for mobile services) and other fixed codes like 52 and 53 in some zones. This overlay requires callers to always dial the full area code, even for local calls, to ensure correct routing. The ANRT has also introduced number portability, enabling users to retain their numbers when switching operators, though the geographic prefix generally remains tied to the original location.

Practical Guidance for Callers

  • From within Morocco: Dial 051 followed by the seven-digit subscriber number (e.g., 051 XX XX XX).
  • From abroad: Dial your country's exit code (e.g., 00 from most countries), then 212 (Morocco's country code), then 51 and the seven-digit number (e.g., +212 51 XX XX XX).
  • For international callers: Be mindful of time zone differences (Morocco is UTC+1, with adjustments during Ramadan).

Understanding the correct dialing format ensures efficient connectivity with businesses and residents in these key Moroccan cities.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Which cities are covered by the +212 51 area code?
The +212 51 prefix serves fixed-line telephones in Rabat, Tangier, Fès, and Meknès, along with their surrounding regions in Morocco.
How do I call a +212 51 number from the United States?
From the US, dial 011 (international exit code), then 212 (Morocco country code), then 51 and the 7-digit subscriber number. For example, 011 212 51 XX XX XX.
Is +212 51 a mobile or fixed-line prefix?
It is a geographic fixed-line prefix. Mobile numbers in Morocco typically start with 6 or 7 (e.g., +212 6 or +212 7).
Do I need to dial the area code when calling locally within Rabat?
Yes, due to the overlay plan, you must always dial the full area code (051) even for local calls within the same city.
Can I port a +212 51 number to a mobile operator?
Yes, number portability is available in Morocco. You can port a fixed-line number to a mobile operator, but the prefix will remain the same, and calls will be routed to your mobile.