Area Code 11 – Damascus and rural areas

Overview of Syria's Area Code 11

Area code 11 is the geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to Damascus, the capital of the Syrian Arab Republic, and its surrounding rural governorate. This code is part of Syria's national numbering plan, which adheres to ITU-T E.164 recommendations. The geographic area covered by code 11 includes the city of Damascus proper, as well as the adjacent towns and villages that form the Damascus Governorate (Rif Dimashq). This region is the political, economic, and cultural heart of Syria, hosting numerous government institutions, corporate headquarters, and international organizations.

Dialing Formats

Understanding the correct dialing sequence is essential for both domestic and international callers. The Syrian national significant number (NSN) for fixed-line subscribers in the Damascus area is 9 digits long, comprising the area code (2 digits) followed by a 7-digit subscriber number.

• Domestic calls (within Syria): Dial 0 followed by the area code and subscriber number. For example, to call a fixed line in Damascus with the subscriber number 1234567, you would dial: 011 1234567.
• International calls (from outside Syria): Dial your country's international access prefix (e.g., 00 or +), then Syria's country code 963, followed by the area code without the leading zero, and the subscriber number. For the same example, you would dial: +963 11 1234567.

This format is consistent with the global dialing standard, ensuring seamless connectivity for both local and international callers.

Geographic Coverage and Administration

The Damascus Governorate is subdivided into several districts, including the city center, Barzeh, Qaboun, and the Ghouta agricultural belt. The area code 11 is administered by the Syrian Telecommunications Establishment (STE), the state-owned operator responsible for fixed-line services. While the code is primarily associated with landlines, some VoIP and wireless local loop services may also use this code, but it remains fundamentally a geographic indicator.

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

As of the latest available data, Syria has not implemented overlay codes for Damascus. The 11 code remains the sole geographic identifier for the region. However, due to the ongoing conflict and infrastructure changes, some areas may experience routing variations. For international callers, it is crucial to verify the current status of the Syrian telecom network, as service availability can be intermittent.

For businesses and individuals, having a Damascus number (11) enhances local presence and facilitates communication with clients and partners in the capital. When dialing from abroad, always ensure you use the full international format to avoid misrouting.