Area Code 157 – Omdurman

Overview of Sudan Area Code 157

Area code 157 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to Omdurman, the largest city in Sudan and the national capital of Khartoum State. Omdurman forms part of the greater Khartoum metropolitan area, which also includes Khartoum and Khartoum North (Bahri). The code is used for fixed-line (PSTN) services within this administrative region.

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

The 157 code covers Omdurman city and its surrounding suburbs, which fall under the jurisdiction of Khartoum State. Omdurman is a major cultural and commercial hub, home to the Omdurman Islamic University and the historic Souq Omdurman. The code is distinct from the neighboring Khartoum code (187) and Khartoum North code (185), reflecting the historical separation of these municipalities.

Dialing Formats

For callers within Sudan, the national dialing format requires the trunk prefix 0 followed by the area code and the subscriber number. For example, a local call to a landline in Omdurman would be dialed as:

• 0 157 XXX XXX (national format)

For international callers, the country code +249 replaces the trunk prefix, and the area code is used without the leading zero. The international format is:

• +249 157 XXX XXX

Subscriber numbers in Omdurman typically consist of 7 digits after the area code, making the total number length 10 digits when including the trunk prefix (0) and 9 digits when using the international format.

Overlay and Numbering Plan Considerations

As of the latest ITU-T E.164 national numbering plan for Sudan, there is no overlay code for Omdurman. The 157 code is exclusively used for fixed-line services in the area. However, with the ongoing expansion of telecommunications infrastructure, some VoIP and fixed wireless services may also be assigned numbers under this code, but they remain geographically tied to the Omdurman exchange area.

Caller Instructions

Local callers within Sudan must always include the trunk prefix 0 when dialing any number outside their local exchange area, even if calling from a mobile phone. For example, to call an Omdurman landline from Khartoum, dial 0 157 XXX XXX.

International callers should use the full international format: +249 157 XXX XXX. When calling from a country with a different exit code, replace the plus sign with the appropriate international access code (e.g., 00 from most European countries, 011 from the US/Canada).

It is important to note that Sudan has experienced significant changes in its numbering plan due to the introduction of new mobile codes and the expansion of fixed services. Always verify the current number length and dialing procedures with your telecom provider if you encounter issues.