Area Code 33 – Hamah

Geographic Overview

The area code 33 is the National Destination Code (NDC) for the Hamah Governorate in the Syrian Arab Republic. This geographic code covers the city of Hamah (also spelled Hama) and its surrounding districts, including Salamiyah, Masyaf, and Mahardah. The region is located in central Syria, along the Orontes River, and is known for its historical waterwheels (norias) and agricultural production.

Dialing Formats

When calling a fixed-line number in Hamah from within Syria, the national dialing format is 0 33 X XX XX, where 0 is the trunk prefix, 33 is the area code, and the subscriber number typically consists of 6 to 7 digits. For example, a local Hamah number might be dialed as 033 123 4567 from elsewhere in Syria.

For international callers, the country code for Syria is +963. Therefore, you would dial +963 33 X XX XX, omitting the leading zero of the trunk prefix. For instance, to call the same number from abroad, you would dial +963 33 123 4567.

Administrative and Regulatory Context

The Syrian Telecommunications Establishment (STE) manages the national numbering plan, which follows ITU-T E.164 recommendations. Geographic area codes like 33 are allocated based on administrative governorates. The Hamah code is distinct from other Syrian area codes, such as Damascus (11), Aleppo (21), and Homs (31). There are currently no overlay codes in Syria; each geographic region has a single area code, and ten-digit dialing (including the trunk prefix) is required for all calls within Syria.

Caller Instructions

• Local callers (within Hamah): For calls within the same area code, you may dial only the local subscriber number (without the area code) in some cases, but it is safer to use the full national format 033 X XX XX to avoid errors.
• National callers (from other Syrian cities): Dial 0 followed by 33 and the subscriber number: 033 X XX XX.
• International callers: Dial your country's exit code (e.g., 00 or 011), then 963, then 33, and the subscriber number: +963 33 X XX XX.

Important Notes

Due to the ongoing conflict in Syria, some fixed-line services may be disrupted or rerouted. Additionally, mobile numbers in Syria begin with 09 (e.g., 093, 094, 095, 096, 098) and are non-geographic; they are not associated with this area code. When dialing from abroad, ensure you have the correct country and area codes to avoid misdialing. For the most current dialing procedures, consult your telecom provider or the Syrian Telecommunications Establishment.