Area Code 22 – Dar-Es-Salaam

Overview of Area Code +255 22

Area code 22 is the National Destination Code (NDC) for the Dar es Salaam region in the United Republic of Tanzania. It is a geographic code assigned under the country's national numbering plan, which follows ITU-T E.164 recommendations. The code covers the commercial capital and its surrounding administrative areas, including the city of Dar es Salaam and its metropolitan districts: Ilala, Kinondoni, Ubungo, Kigamboni, and Temeke. As a geographic prefix, it is used for fixed-line (PSTN) and fixed-wireless services, and it is not intended for mobile cellular numbers, which are assigned separate non-geographic prefixes (e.g., +255 7xx, +255 6xx).

Dialing Format and Usage

To call a fixed line in Dar es Salaam from within Tanzania, you must include the trunk prefix 0 before the area code, followed by the subscriber number. For example, a local number might be dialed as 022 123 4567. When calling from abroad, you replace the leading zero with the country code +255, resulting in +255 22 123 4567. The subscriber number length is typically seven digits, making the total national significant number (NSN) nine digits (excluding the leading trunk zero).

Local callers within the Dar es Salaam area may sometimes omit the area code when dialing another fixed line in the same exchange, but it is always safe to include the full national number. International callers must always use the full international format: +255 22 followed by the subscriber number.

Geographic Coverage and Administration

The 22 code is administered by the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA). It is allocated to fixed-line operators such as TTCL (Tanzania Telecommunications Corporation) and other licensed fixed network providers. The code is not portable to mobile networks; number portability exists but is limited within the same service category. As of recent years, no overlay code has been introduced for Dar es Salaam, meaning the 22 code remains the sole geographic NDC for the region. However, due to growing demand, some fixed-wireless services may use other codes, but 22 remains the primary fixed-line identifier for the city.

Caller Instructions

• Local callers (within Tanzania): Dial 022 + subscriber number (e.g., 022 123 4567).
• International callers: Dial your country's exit code, then 255 22 + subscriber number (e.g., +255 22 123 4567).
• Mobile callers within Tanzania: Dial 022 + subscriber number as if calling any other fixed line.

For businesses and residents, it is essential to note that calls to 22 numbers are charged according to fixed-line tariffs, which are typically lower than mobile rates. When dialing from overseas, be aware of time zone differences (EAT, UTC+3) and potential international call surcharges.