Area Code 23 – Chiredzi

Geographic Overview

The +263 23 area code is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the Chiredzi region in Zimbabwe. Chiredzi is a town in Masvingo Province, located in the southeastern part of the country, near the border with Mozambique. The area is known for its agricultural activities, particularly sugarcane production, and serves as a gateway to the Gonarezhou National Park. The code covers the town of Chiredzi and its surrounding rural areas, including the Chiredzi District.

Dialing Formats

When calling a landline in Chiredzi from within Zimbabwe, subscribers must dial the trunk prefix '0' followed by the area code '23' and the subscriber's 6-digit local number. The national format is: 0 23 XXX XXX.

For international callers, the country code +263 is used, followed by the area code without the leading '0', and then the local number. The international format is: +263 23 XXX XXX. For example, a local number 456789 would be dialed as 023 456789 from within Zimbabwe and as +263 23 456789 from abroad.

Caller Instructions

Local callers within Zimbabwe must always include the trunk prefix '0' when dialing a Chiredzi number, even if they are calling from within the same area code. This is standard practice across Zimbabwe's PSTN.

International callers should replace the leading '0' with the +263 country code. Ensure you have the correct international exit code for your country (e.g., 00 from most European countries, 011 from the US/Canada) before dialing +263.

Administrative and Regulatory Notes

The numbering plan for Zimbabwe is administered by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ). Geographic area codes are allocated to fixed-line services, and the 23 code is specifically assigned to the Chiredzi exchange area. As of the latest updates, there are no overlay codes for this region, meaning the 23 code is unique to Chiredzi. However, subscribers should be aware that number portability may allow a number to retain its prefix even if the service is moved to another operator, but the geographic significance remains tied to the original allocation.

For businesses or individuals planning to establish a presence in Chiredzi, obtaining a local number with the 23 code can enhance local trust and accessibility. It is also important to note that calls to this code are charged at standard national rates when dialed from other parts of Zimbabwe.