Area Code 153 – Khartoum
The phone area code for Khartoum is 153 (international format +249153). Browse local exchange codes (NXX) and carrier assignments below.
📍 Geographic Location of Khartoum
Overview of Sudan Area Code 153
Area code 153 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the capital city of Khartoum within the Republic of the Sudan. Under the ITU-T E.164 international numbering plan, the full country calling code for Sudan is +249, and when dialing a fixed-line number in Khartoum from abroad, the complete international format is +249 153 XXX XXX (or +249153XXXXXXX). This code is used exclusively for fixed-line (PSTN) services in the Khartoum metropolitan area, which encompasses the cities of Khartoum, Omdurman, and Khartoum North (Bahri), forming the country's political, economic, and administrative hub.
Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction
The 153 code covers the entire Khartoum State, including the three conjoined cities that make up the national capital region. As the seat of the national government, foreign embassies, and major financial institutions, this area code is critical for business and governmental communications. The code is allocated to fixed-line operators such as Sudatel and Zain Sudan, which provide PSTN services in the region. It is important to note that 153 is not used for mobile services; mobile numbers in Sudan begin with other prefixes (e.g., 91, 92, 96, 99) and are non-geographic.
Dialing Formats and Caller Instructions
For callers within Sudan, the national trunk prefix is 0. To call a Khartoum fixed-line number from another Sudanese city, you must dial 0 153 XXX XXX. For example, if the local number is 123 4567, you would dial 01531234567 from within Sudan. For international callers, you must use the country code and drop the leading trunk zero, resulting in +249 153 123 4567. When dialing from a mobile phone, the same international format applies. It is essential to include the area code even when calling from a mobile phone within Sudan, as the national numbering plan requires full 10-digit dialing (including the trunk prefix) for all fixed-line calls.
Overlay and Numbering Considerations
As of the latest ITU-T recommendations, there is no overlay code for Khartoum; the 153 code remains the sole geographic code for the capital region. However, due to increasing demand for fixed-line services, the National Telecommunications Corporation (NTC) may introduce additional codes in the future. For now, all fixed-line numbers in Khartoum are 7 digits long after the area code, making the total national significant number (NSN) 9 digits (excluding the trunk prefix). This structure aligns with the E.164 format, ensuring interoperability with international networks.
Practical Tips for Callers
- From abroad: Dial +249 153 followed by the 7-digit local number. Do not include the leading '0' of the trunk prefix.
- From within Sudan: Dial 0 153 followed by the 7-digit local number.
- For emergency services: Always use the national emergency numbers (e.g., 999 for police) rather than geographic codes.
- For VoIP or internet calls: Ensure your service provider supports international dialing to Sudan and that you have the correct country and area codes.
Understanding the correct dialing format for Khartoum's area code 153 is essential for seamless communication with businesses, government offices, and residents in Sudan's capital. Whether you are placing a call from a landline, mobile, or VoIP service, following the E.164 standard ensures your call connects without errors.