Prefixyr.com
South Africa ☎️ Landline / Geographic

Area Code 23 – Beaufort West/Karoo/Robertson/Worcester

The phone area code for Beaufort West/Karoo/Robertson/Worcester is 23 (international format +2723). Browse local exchange codes (NXX) and carrier assignments below.

Current Local Time
03:37:23
UTC • UTC +00:00
Full Dialing Format
+2723
Population 127,597
👥
Admin Region Western Cape
🗺️
Elevation 234m
🏔️
GPS Coordinates -33.6465, 19.4485
📍

📍 Geographic Location of Beaufort West/Karoo/Robertson/Worcester

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

The +27 23 country code prefix is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to a large, predominantly rural region in South Africa's Western Cape Province. It serves the expansive Karoo interior and the Breede River Valley, encompassing key towns such as Beaufort West, Robertson, Worcester, Montagu, and Touws River. This area is characterized by its agricultural economy, with Worcester serving as the administrative and commercial hub of the Breede Valley Local Municipality, while Beaufort West acts as a central service point for the Central Karoo District Municipality.

Dialing Formats and Caller Instructions

For international callers, the complete number format is +27 23 XXX XXXX (or +2723XXXXXXX when written without spaces). Local callers within South Africa must dial 023 XXX XXXX from any other region, omitting the international access code and country code. When dialing from a landline within the same NDC, the full 10-digit national number (including the trunk prefix '0') is still required, as per the South African Numbering Plan.

Overlay and Numbering Plan Considerations

As of the latest ITU-T E.164 allocations, the 23 NDC does not have an overlay code; it is the sole geographic code for this region. However, subscribers may have migrated to Voice over IP (VoIP) services, which can route calls via the Internet, but the dialing format remains unchanged. The prefix is strictly geographic, meaning that the number is tied to a physical exchange area, although number portability allows users to retain their numbers if they move to a different service provider within the same rate centre.

Practical Usage and Examples

  • Calling a business in Worcester from abroad: Dial +27 23 342 1000.
  • Calling a resident in Beaufort West from Johannesburg: Dial 023 414 2000.
  • Local call within Robertson: Dial 023 626 3000.

This code is essential for businesses and individuals needing to reach customers, suppliers, or government offices in this agricultural and tourism-focused region. Understanding the correct dialing format ensures seamless connectivity for both domestic and international callers.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Which towns are covered by the +27 23 area code?
The +27 23 area code covers a large region in the Western Cape, including Beaufort West, Robertson, Worcester, Montagu, and Touws River.
How do I call a number in the 23 area code from overseas?
Dial your country's international access code (e.g., 011 from the US), then 27 (South Africa's country code), then 23, followed by the local 7-digit number. For example, +27 23 XXX XXXX.
Is the 23 area code a mobile or landline prefix?
It is a geographic landline prefix assigned to fixed-line services in that region. Mobile numbers in South Africa use different prefixes like 060, 071, 082, etc.
Do I need to dial the area code when calling within the same town?
Yes, in South Africa, you must always dial the full national number including the trunk prefix '0' and the area code, even for local calls. For example, from a landline in Worcester, you would dial 023 XXX XXXX.
Can I keep my 23 area code number if I move to another city?
Yes, number portability allows you to keep your geographic number, but it will still be associated with the original exchange. However, if you move outside the area, you may need to change your number unless you use VoIP services.