Area Code 21 – Manufahi

Overview of Timor-Leste Area Code 21

Area code 21 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the municipality of Manufahi in Timor-Leste. Manufahi is located in the southern-central part of the country, with its capital at Same. The code is used for fixed-line (PSTN) services within this administrative region.

Geographic Coverage and Administration

Manufahi is one of the 13 municipalities of Timor-Leste. The area code 21 covers the entire municipality, including the administrative posts of Alas, Fatuberlio, Same, and Turiscai. The primary city served is Same, which acts as the municipal capital and main commercial hub. Other significant towns include Fatuberlio and Alas, which are smaller but still rely on the same area code for their fixed-line connectivity.

Dialing Formats

When calling a fixed-line number in Manufahi from within Timor-Leste, you must dial the trunk prefix 0 followed by the area code and the subscriber number. The national significant number (NSN) for fixed lines in Timor-Leste is 8 digits, consisting of the area code (2 digits) and a 6-digit subscriber number. Therefore, a typical national dialing format is:

• 0 21 XXX XXX (within Timor-Leste)

For international callers, the country calling code for Timor-Leste is +670. When dialing from abroad, you do not use the trunk prefix 0. The international format is:

• +670 21 XXX XXX (from any other country)

For example, to call a fixed line in Same, Manufahi, you would dial +670 21 123 456 from overseas, or 021 123 456 if you are already in Timor-Leste.

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

Timor-Leste has a closed numbering plan, meaning the NSN length is fixed at 8 digits for all geographic numbers. There are no overlay codes in Timor-Leste; each geographic area has a unique area code. As of 2024, there are no plans to introduce overlays for Manufahi. The number range is managed by the National Communications Authority (Arcom Timor-Leste), which allocates blocks to local fixed-line operators, primarily Timor Telecom.

Caller Instructions

• Local callers (within Timor-Leste): Always dial the trunk prefix 0 before the area code, even when calling from a mobile phone.
• International callers: Dial your country's international access code (e.g., 00 from many countries, 011 from the US/Canada), then 670, then the area code 21 and the subscriber number. Do not include the leading 0.

For travelers or businesses establishing contact with Manufahi, it is essential to use the correct international format to avoid call failures. Fixed-line numbers in this region are primarily used for government offices, businesses, and residential services, as mobile penetration is high.