Area Code 23 – Bobonaro

Overview of Area Code 23 (Bobonaro, Timor-Leste)

Area code 23 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the municipality of Bobonaro in the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste (East Timor). It forms part of the country's public switched telephone network (PSTN) under the national numbering plan administered by the Autoridade Nacional de Comunicações (ANC). The code is used for fixed-line services within the Bobonaro administrative district, which includes the capital Maliana and surrounding sucos (villages).

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

Bobonaro is located in the western part of Timor-Leste, bordering Indonesia. The area code 23 covers all fixed-line subscribers within the municipality, including the towns of Maliana, Batugade, and Lolotoe. As a geographic code, it identifies the physical location of the subscriber's line, enabling call routing based on the destination exchange.

Dialing Formats

When dialing a fixed-line number in Bobonaro, the format depends on the caller's origin:

• Domestic calls (within Timor-Leste): Dial the full national number, which includes the area code and the subscriber number. For example, to reach a fixed line in Bobonaro, you would dial 23XXXXX (where XXXXX is the 5-digit subscriber number). Note that Timor-Leste uses an open dialing plan; the trunk prefix '0' is not used domestically.
• International calls (from outside Timor-Leste): Dial the international access prefix (e.g., 00 or +), followed by the country code +670, then the area code without any leading zero, and the subscriber number. For instance, calling a Bobonaro fixed line from abroad would be +670 23XXXXX.

It is important to note that Timor-Leste's numbering plan does not use a trunk prefix '0' for domestic calls. Therefore, the national significant number (NSN) is typically 8 digits for fixed lines, comprising the 2-digit area code and a 6-digit subscriber number. However, some sources indicate that subscriber numbers in Timor-Leste may be 5 or 6 digits; always verify the exact number length with your service provider.

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

As of the latest updates, there are no overlay codes for the Bobonaro area. The geographic code 23 is unique to this municipality. However, with the ongoing development of Timor-Leste's telecommunications infrastructure, the ANC may introduce number changes or additional codes in the future. Subscribers and callers should consult the official numbering plan for any updates.

Caller Instructions

For local callers within Timor-Leste: Simply dial the 8-digit number starting with 23. For example, if the subscriber number is 123456, dial 23123456.

For international callers: Dial your country's exit code (e.g., 011 from the US, 00 from most European countries), then 670, then the 8-digit number. For example, from the US, you would dial 011 670 23123456.

Always ensure you have the correct number of digits. If you are unsure, contact the local operator or your telecommunications provider for assistance.