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Vanuatu ☎️ Landline / Geographic

Area Code 88 – Tafea

The phone area code for Tafea is 88 (international format +67888). Browse local exchange codes (NXX) and carrier assignments below.

Current Local Time
03:34:21
UTC • UTC +00:00
Full Dialing Format
+67888
Population 37,050
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Admin Region Tafea
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Elevation 455m
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GPS Coordinates -19.5095, 169.3485
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📍 Geographic Location of Tafea

Geographic Overview

The area code 88 is assigned to the Tafea Province of Vanuatu, which is the southernmost group of islands in the archipelago. The province's name is an acronym derived from its main islands: Tanna, Aniwa, Futuna, Erromango, and Aneityum. The administrative center is Isangel, located on Tanna Island, which is also the most populous island in the province and home to the famous Mount Yasur volcano. Other significant settlements include Lenakel (also on Tanna) and the smaller island communities.

Dialing Formats

When calling a fixed-line number in Tafea from within Vanuatu, subscribers dial the 7-digit national significant number (NSN) in the format 88X XXXX. The prefix '88' serves as the National Destination Code (NDC) for geographic routing within the country. For international callers, the full international format is +678 88X XXXX, where +678 is Vanuatu's country calling code. For example, a local number in Isangel might be 88 12345, which would be dialed as +678 88 12345 from abroad.

Caller Instructions

  • Local callers within Vanuatu: Dial the 7-digit number directly (e.g., 88 12345). No trunk prefix is used in Vanuatu's national dialing plan.
  • International callers: Dial your country's international access code (e.g., 011 from the US, 00 from most European countries), followed by Vanuatu's country code 678, then the 7-digit subscriber number (e.g., 011 678 88 12345).

Network and Regulatory Notes

Vanuatu's telecommunications market is liberalized, with multiple operators providing fixed-line services. The '88' prefix is allocated to geographic fixed-line services, but as with many small island nations, some operators may use VoIP backhaul for remote areas. Number portability is available for fixed lines, so a number starting with 88 may not always physically reside in Tafea if the subscriber has ported to a different provider. However, the geographic tariff structure remains based on the original allocation.

For businesses or individuals planning to establish a presence in Tafea, securing a local number with the 88 prefix can enhance local trust and accessibility. The Vanuatu Telecommunications and Radiocommunications Regulator (TRR) oversees numbering assignments and ensures compliance with ITU-T E.164 recommendations.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Which islands are covered by the 88 area code in Vanuatu?
The 88 area code covers the Tafea Province, which includes the islands of Tanna, Aniwa, Futuna, Erromango, and Aneityum. The main administrative center is Isangel on Tanna Island.
How do I call a fixed-line number in Tafea from overseas?
Dial your country's international access code, then Vanuatu's country code 678, followed by the 7-digit local number starting with 88. For example, to call 88 12345, you would dial +678 88 12345.
Is the 88 prefix used for mobile phones in Vanuatu?
No, the 88 prefix is designated for geographic fixed-line services in the Tafea Province. Mobile numbers in Vanuatu typically start with 5, 7, or 8 but are non-geographic and not tied to a specific region.
Can I keep my 88 number if I move to another island in Vanuatu?
Yes, Vanuatu supports fixed-line number portability. You can retain your 88 number when switching providers, but if you relocate outside the Tafea area, the number may still be associated with the original geographic tariff zone.
Are there any special charges for calling an 88 number from a mobile phone in Vanuatu?
Calls from mobile phones to geographic numbers like 88 are typically billed at standard national rates. However, specific tariffs depend on your mobile operator's plan, so it's advisable to check with your provider for exact charges.