Area Code 23 – Coast/Morogoro/Lindi/Mtwara

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

The +255 23 area code is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the eastern coastal and southern highland regions of Tanzania. Specifically, it serves the regions of Coast (Pwani), Morogoro, Lindi, and Mtwara. This includes major cities and towns such as Morogoro (the regional capital of Morogoro Region), Kibaha (the capital of Coast Region), Lindi (the capital of Lindi Region), and Mtwara (the capital of Mtwara Region). The code covers a large, predominantly rural area with significant agricultural and port activities, including the Mtwara Corridor.

Dialing Formats and Instructions

Within Tanzania, calls to landlines in this area require dialing the trunk prefix '0' followed by the area code and the subscriber number. For example, to call a landline in Morogoro, you would dial: 023 2XX XXXX (where '2XX XXXX' is the local subscriber number). Internationally, callers must use the country code +255, drop the leading '0', and dial: +255 23 2XX XXXX. For instance, from abroad, a call to a Morogoro number would be dialed as +255 232XX XXXX.

Number Structure and Overlay Considerations

Geographic numbers under the +255 23 code are typically seven digits long after the area code, making the total international number length 12 digits (including the country code). As of the latest numbering plan, there is no overlay code for this area; the 023 code is the sole geographic code for the regions it serves. However, due to the growth of mobile telephony, fixed-line penetration is limited, and many residents rely on mobile services, which use separate non-geographic prefixes (e.g., +255 7XX or +255 6XX).

Caller Instructions

For local callers within Tanzania: always dial the trunk prefix '0' before the area code when calling from a different region or from a mobile phone. For example, from Dar es Salaam, you would dial 023 followed by the subscriber number. For international callers: replace the '0' with +255, so the number becomes +255 23 followed by the subscriber number. Ensure you have the correct international exit code (e.g., 00 from most countries) before dialing +255.

Important Notes for Businesses and Travelers

Businesses operating in these regions should prominently display both local (023) and international (+255 23) formats on their websites and marketing materials to facilitate communication for both domestic and international clients. Travelers should note that while mobile coverage is widespread, fixed-line services are less common; if you need to reach a landline, ensure you have the correct area code and number format. For any changes to the numbering plan, always consult the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) for the most current information.