Area Code 28 – Port Vila, Shefa

Geographic Overview

The area code 28 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the capital city of Vanuatu, Port Vila, located on the island of Efate in Shefa Province. This code is used for fixed-line telephone services within the urban and peri-urban areas of Port Vila, including administrative, commercial, and residential districts. As the economic and political hub of the archipelago, Port Vila hosts government offices, international businesses, and the country's main seaport and international airport (Bauerfield International Airport).

Dialing Formats

When calling a fixed-line number in Port Vila from within Vanuatu, subscribers must dial the trunk prefix 0 followed by the area code 28 and the subscriber's 5-digit local number. The national significant number (NSN) for Vanuatu is 7 digits, so the complete national format is 0 28 XX XXX (where X represents the local digits).

For international callers, the Vanuatu country code +678 is used, followed directly by the area code and local number, omitting the trunk prefix. The international format is +678 28 XX XXX.

Calling Instructions

• Local callers (within Vanuatu): Dial 0 28 XX XXX. If you are calling from a mobile phone, you may need to include the trunk prefix '0' depending on your operator's dialing plan.
• International callers: Dial your country's international access code (e.g., 00, 011), then Vanuatu's country code 678, then the area code 28 and the local number: +678 28 XX XXX.

Regulatory and Technical Notes

The numbering plan for Vanuatu is administered by the Telecommunications Radiocommunications and Broadcasting Regulator (TRBR). The prefix 28 is part of the geographic numbering range allocated for fixed-line services in the Shefa region. As of the latest regulatory updates, there are no overlay codes for Port Vila; the 28 code remains the sole geographic code for the capital's fixed-line network. However, with the ongoing migration toward VoIP and NGN (Next Generation Networks), some numbers under this prefix may be routed over IP backbones, but their geographic significance remains unchanged for billing and emergency services.

When dialing from abroad, ensure you have the correct international exit code. For example, from the United States or Canada, dial 011 678 28 XX XXX; from the United Kingdom, dial 00 678 28 XX XXX.

It is important to note that Vanuatu's fixed-line network is limited, and many residents rely on mobile services. However, businesses and government institutions in Port Vila commonly use numbers under the 28 prefix for official communications.