Area Code 274 – Arcturus

Overview of Zimbabwe Area Code 274

Area code 274 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the Arcturus region in Zimbabwe. Arcturus is a small mining and farming settlement located approximately 30 kilometers east of Harare, within the Mashonaland East Province. The code serves the town itself and the surrounding rural areas, including nearby communities such as Jumbo Mine and the agricultural lands along the Harare-Mutare road.

Dialing Formats

To call a fixed-line number in Arcturus from within Zimbabwe, subscribers must dial the trunk prefix 0, followed by the area code 274, and then the subscriber's 5- or 6-digit local number. The complete national format is: 0 274 XXX XXX.

For international callers, the Zimbabwe country code +263 is used, replacing the leading zero. The international dialing format is: +263 274 XXX XXX. For example, a local number such as 274 123 456 would be dialed as +263 274 123 456 from abroad.

Geographic Coverage and Administration

The 274 area code is allocated under the administrative jurisdiction of the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ). It covers the Arcturus exchange area, which is part of the greater Harare metropolitan region's outer zone. Although Arcturus is not a major city, its proximity to Harare has led to increasing residential and commercial development, making the area code relevant for businesses and farms operating in the region.

Caller Instructions

Local callers within Zimbabwe must always include the trunk prefix and area code when dialing any fixed-line number, even for calls within the same area. This is standard practice across Zimbabwe's PSTN network.

Foreign callers should note that Zimbabwe uses a closed dialing plan for international calls: the country code +263 is followed directly by the area code (without the leading 0) and the subscriber number. No additional access codes are required when calling from most countries, though some international carriers may require an exit code (e.g., 00 or 011) before the country code.

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

As of the latest POTRAZ numbering plan, there is no overlay code for the Arcturus area. The 274 code is exclusively used for fixed-line services in this geographic region. Mobile numbers in Zimbabwe are non-geographic and begin with 71, 73, 77, or 78, so they are not affected by this area code.

For businesses or residents in Arcturus, it is essential to ensure that all printed materials and online listings include the full international format to facilitate calls from abroad. When porting a fixed-line number within Zimbabwe, the geographic area code is typically preserved, but subscribers should confirm with their service provider.