Area Code 218 – Hoa Binh province

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

The area code 218 is the National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the province of Hoa Binh in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Under the national numbering plan administered by the Vietnam Telecommunications Authority (VNTA), this code is reserved exclusively for fixed-line (PSTN) services within the province. Hoa Binh is a mountainous province in the northwest region of Vietnam, bordering the capital city of Hanoi to the northeast. The province is divided into several administrative units, including the provincial capital Hoa Binh City, and districts such as Cao Phong, Da Bac, Kim Boi, Lac Son, Lac Thuy, Luong Son, Mai Chau, Tan Lac, and Yen Thuy.

Subscribers within these areas are allocated numbers with the format 0218 XXX XXXX (when dialed domestically) or +84 218 XXX XXXX (when dialed from abroad). The total length of the national significant number (NSN) is 10 digits, including the leading '0' of the trunk prefix.

Dialing Formats and Caller Instructions

For local callers within Vietnam, the complete national dialing sequence is 0218 followed by the subscriber number. For example, a fixed-line number in Hoa Binh City might be 0218 350 1234. When calling from a mobile phone or from another province, the same format applies, as the trunk prefix '0' is always required for domestic calls.

International callers must replace the leading '0' with the country code +84 and drop the trunk prefix. Thus, the same number would be dialed as +84 218 350 1234. It is important to note that the area code 218 is not to be confused with the mobile prefixes used in Vietnam, which are non-geographic and typically begin with 3, 5, 7, 8, or 9 after the country code.

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

As of the latest update to Vietnam's numbering plan, no overlay code has been introduced for Hoa Binh. The province retains its exclusive use of the 218 area code for fixed-line services. However, with the ongoing migration of subscribers to VoIP and mobile networks, the volume of fixed-line numbers in service may fluctuate. The VNTA periodically reviews numbering resources to ensure efficient utilization.

For businesses and individuals seeking to establish a presence in Hoa Binh, acquiring a local fixed-line number with the 218 code can enhance local credibility and accessibility. When dialing from overseas, it is advisable to check with your service provider for any international dialing restrictions or additional charges that may apply.