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South Africa ☎️ Landline / Geographic

Area Code 49 – Graaff-Reinet/Western part of Eastern Cape

The phone area code for Graaff-Reinet/Western part of Eastern Cape is 49 (international format +2749). Browse local exchange codes (NXX) and carrier assignments below.

Current Local Time
03:37:22
UTC • UTC +00:00
Full Dialing Format
+2749
Population 62,896
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Admin Region Eastern Cape
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Elevation 756m
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GPS Coordinates -32.2522, 24.5308
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📍 Geographic Location of Graaff-Reinet/Western part of Eastern Cape

Overview of Area Code +27 49

The +27 49 area code is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the western part of the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. This region is characterized by its semi-arid Karoo landscapes, historic towns, and agricultural economy. The principal city served by this code is Graaff-Reinet, often referred to as the 'Gem of the Karoo', along with other significant towns such as Aberdeen, Nieu-Bethesda, and Pearston. The area code covers a large but sparsely populated region, with telecommunications services delivered over both copper and fibre infrastructure, as well as wireless local loop technologies.

Geographic Coverage and Administration

The 49 code falls under the jurisdiction of the Eastern Cape province, specifically the western districts. It encompasses the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality, which includes Graaff-Reinet, and extends to neighbouring areas. The region is known for its tourism, agriculture (particularly merino sheep farming), and the Camdeboo National Park. The area code is administered by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), which oversees the national numbering plan.

Dialing Formats

For local callers within South Africa, the number is dialed as 049 XXX XXXX (including the trunk prefix '0'). For international callers, the format is +27 49 XXX XXXX (omitting the leading '0'). The subscriber number is seven digits long, making the total length of a national significant number (NSN) nine digits (including the leading '0').

Example: A landline in Graaff-Reinet might be 049 123 4567. From abroad, you would dial +27 49 123 4567.

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

Currently, there is no overlay code for the 49 area. However, due to the increasing demand for telecommunication services, ICASA has implemented number portability, allowing subscribers to retain their numbers when changing service providers. This means that a number with the 49 prefix may not necessarily be geographically located in the area if it has been ported, but for landline services, the prefix generally indicates the geographic location.

Caller Instructions

For local callers within the same area code, it is often possible to dial only the seven-digit subscriber number, omitting the area code, depending on the operator's dialing plan. However, for calls from other areas in South Africa, the full national format 049 XXX XXXX is required. International callers should always use the international format +27 49 XXX XXXX.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Which towns are covered by the South African area code 049?
The 049 area code covers the western part of the Eastern Cape, including Graaff-Reinet, Aberdeen, Nieu-Bethesda, and Pearston.
How do I dial a number in the 049 area code from overseas?
Dial your country's international access code (e.g., 00 or +), then South Africa's country code 27, followed by the area code 49 (without the leading 0) and the subscriber's seven-digit number. For example: +27 49 123 4567.
Is 049 a mobile or landline prefix?
049 is a geographic area code used for landline (fixed-line) telephone services. Mobile numbers in South Africa have prefixes starting with 06, 07, or 08.
Do I need to dial the area code when making a local call within Graaff-Reinet?
In many cases, local calls within the same area code can be made using only the seven-digit subscriber number. However, for calls from other area codes, you must dial 049 followed by the subscriber number.
Can I keep my 049 landline number if I move to another city?
Geographic numbers are tied to a specific area. If you move outside the 049 area, you will typically need to obtain a new number with the local area code. Number portability applies mainly when changing service providers within the same geographic area.