Area Code 78 – Beja/Jendouba/Kef/La Kef/Siliana/Tabarka

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

The Tunisian national destination code +216 78 is a geographic area code allocated to the northwestern region of the country. It serves the governorates of Béja, Jendouba, Le Kef (also spelled Kef or El Kef), Siliana, and the coastal town of Tabarka. This area is characterized by a mix of agricultural hubs, historical sites, and border commerce with Algeria. The code covers both fixed-line PSTN subscribers and, in some cases, fixed wireless terminals registered to these governorates.

Dialing Formats and Number Structure

Tunisian geographic numbers under +216 78 are eight digits long in their national significant number (NSN), including the trunk prefix '0' when dialed domestically. The international format is +216 78 XX XX XX (or +216 78 XXX XXX, depending on the exact subscriber number length). For local calls within the same area code, callers may dial the eight-digit number without the area code in some regions, but the recommended and most common practice is to dial the full national number: 0 78 XX XX XX.

Calling Instructions

• Domestic callers outside the 78 region must dial 0 78 XX XX XX (trunk prefix 0, then the area code, then the subscriber number).
• International callers must dial their international access code (e.g., 00 from most countries, or '+' from mobile phones), followed by 216 78 XX XX XX (no trunk prefix).
• Example: To call a fixed line in Béja from abroad, dial +216 78 123 456.

Overlay and Numbering Plan Considerations

Tunisia's numbering plan is regulated by the Instance Nationale des Télécommunications (INTT). Currently, there is no overlay code for the 78 region; the code is exclusively assigned to the northwest. However, number portability allows subscribers to retain their 78 numbers even if they relocate within Tunisia, which may occasionally result in a 78 number being answered outside the geographic region. This is a normal consequence of liberalized telecommunication markets.

Practical Information for Callers

When calling a Tunisian number with the +216 78 prefix, ensure you have the correct eight-digit subscriber number. Avoid omitting the area code when dialing from a mobile phone, as this may route to a different service. For businesses, having a 78 number signals a local presence in the northwest, which can be beneficial for customer trust and regional marketing. For travelers, note that fixed-line services in this region may have limited availability in rural areas, but major towns like Béja, Jendouba, and Le Kef have reliable PSTN coverage.