Area Code 236 – Pombal
The phone area code for Pombal is 236 (international format +351236). Browse local exchange codes (NXX) and carrier assignments below.
📞 Exchange Codes (NXX) for Area Code 236
Select a central office code to view local carrier data and detailed information
📍 Geographic Location of Pombal
Geographic Scope and Administrative Context
The +351 236 area code is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the central-western region of Portugal, specifically the municipality of Pombal and its surrounding areas. Pombal is located in the Leiria District, within the historical province of Beira Litoral. The code covers the urban center of Pombal, as well as numerous civil parishes (freguesias) such as Abiul, Almagreira, Carnide, Carriço, Guia, Ilha, Louriçal, Mata, Pelariga, Redinha, Santiago de Litém, São Simão de Litém, Vermoil, and Vila Cã. This region is known for its agricultural activity, the Pombal Castle, and its strategic position along the main road and rail links between Lisbon and Porto.
Dialing Formats and Usage
When calling a landline within the Pombal area, the national format requires dialing the trunk prefix '0' followed by the area code and the subscriber number. For example, a local number might be dialed as 236 123 456. However, within Portugal, the full national dialing format is 0236 123 456. For international callers, the number must be dialed as +351 236 123 456 (or 00351 236 123 456 from many countries). The subscriber number length is typically 6 or 7 digits, but the total number of digits after the country code (including the area code) is 9. It is important to note that Portugal implemented the closed dialing plan in the late 1990s, so the leading '0' is always used for national calls, even for local calls, unless you are using a mobile phone where the network may allow direct dialing without the '0' in some cases, but the standard is to include it.
Overlay and Numbering Considerations
As of the latest ITU-T E.164 national numbering plan updates, the 236 area code does not have an overlay code. The geographic area is served exclusively by this code, and no changes are anticipated in the near future. However, number portability is available in Portugal, meaning that a subscriber may retain their 236 number even if they move to a different geographic area, but this is rare for fixed lines. For VoIP services, the 236 code may be used by providers to offer virtual numbers that route to anywhere, but the number remains associated with the geographic region for regulatory and emergency services purposes.
Caller Instructions
For local callers within the 236 area, dialing the number without the area code may work in some legacy exchanges, but the recommended practice is to always dial the full national number: 0236 123 456. For callers from other regions in Portugal, dial the same national format. For international callers, replace the leading '0' with the country code +351, so +351 236 123 456. Remember that when calling from a mobile phone, you may need to use the international format if you are roaming, but within Portugal, the national format is sufficient.