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Djibouti Phone Numbers: Format, Area Code & Validation Guide

Understand Djibouti's (+253) phone number system: 8-digit formats for fixed (21X{6}) and mobile (77X{6}) lines. Includes number portability, dialing codes, and validation regex like ^\+25377\d{6}$. Conforms to ITU-T E.164.

Phone number standards2 min read

Overview

Djibouti's phone numbering system is essential for anyone involved in telecommunications, development, or systems administration. This guide covers the structure of phone numbers, dialing procedures, and regulatory frameworks, ensuring you can effectively manage and interact with Djibouti's telecommunication systems.

Quick Reference

  • Country: Djibouti
  • Country Code: +253
  • International Prefix: 00
  • National Prefix: None
  • Number Length: 8 digits (fixed and mobile)

Number Formats

Djibouti uses a closed numbering plan with an 8-digit format for both fixed-line and mobile numbers. Here's how they are structured:

General Structure

  • Country Code: +253
  • Total Number Length: 8 digits

Fixed-Line (Geographic) Numbers

  • Prefix: 21
  • Format: 21X{6}
  • Example: +253 21 123456

Mobile Numbers

  • Prefix: 77
  • Format: 77X{6}
  • Example: +253 77 123456

Regular Expressions for Validation

To validate Djibouti phone numbers, use these regular expressions:

  • Fixed-Line Numbers:
    Regex
    ^\+25321\d{6}$
  • Mobile Numbers:
    Regex
    ^\+25377\d{6}$

Summary Table of Number Formats

Service TypePrefixNumber LengthExample NumberRegular Expression
Fixed-Line218 digits+253 21 123456^\+25321\d{6}$
Mobile778 digits+253 77 123456^\+25377\d{6}$

Dialing Procedures

Domestic Calls

  • Landline to Landline: Dial the full 8-digit number directly.
  • Landline to Mobile: Dial the full 8-digit number directly.
  • Mobile to Mobile: Dial the full 8-digit number directly.

International Calls

  • Outgoing: Dial 00 followed by the country code and the local number. For example, to call the United States, dial 00 1 XXX XXXX.
  • Incoming: International callers should dial +253 followed by the 8-digit Djibouti number.

Number Portability

Djibouti supports number portability for both fixed-line and mobile services, allowing users to retain their phone numbers when switching providers. This enhances competition and consumer choice.

Major Telecom Operators and Number Ranges

The primary telecom operator in Djibouti is Djibouti Telecom, managing both fixed-line and mobile services. Number ranges include:

  • Fixed-Line Numbers: Prefix 21
  • Mobile Numbers: Prefix 77

Regulatory Body

The Djibouti Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ATR) oversees the telecommunications sector, including number allocation and adherence to international standards like ITU-T Recommendation E.164.

Recent or Upcoming Changes

As of March 1, 2012, Djibouti transitioned from a 6-digit to an 8-digit numbering plan, aligning with ITU-T standards to accommodate growing demand.

Number Allocation and Management

Numbers are allocated by the ATR, ensuring compliance with international standards and meeting local market needs. The ATR assigns number ranges to operators and updates the national numbering plan as necessary.

Technical Considerations for Developers

For developers handling Djibouti's phone numbers, consider the following:

  • Validation: Use the provided regular expressions.
  • Number Formatting: Store and present numbers in the E.164 format (+253XXXXXXXX).
  • Portability: Account for number portability in user accounts or telecom services.

This guide provides all the technical details necessary for effective interaction with Djibouti's telecommunication system, ensuring compliance with local and international standards.

Frequently asked questions

The country code for Djibouti is +253. This code is required when dialing a Djibouti number from another country. Remember to include the plus sign (+) before the country code.

To call a Djibouti mobile phone from abroad, dial +253 followed by the 8-digit mobile number. The mobile number always begins with 77. For example, +253 77 123456.

All Djibouti phone numbers, both fixed-line and mobile, have 8 digits. This standardized format was implemented as of March 1, 2012, to meet the growing demand for phone numbers.

Djibouti phone numbers should be stored in the international E.164 format, which is +253 followed by the 8-digit number. This format ensures consistency and compatibility with international telecommunication systems.

Fixed-line numbers in Djibouti use the prefix 21. Therefore, a complete fixed-line number will look like +253 21 XXXXXX, where X represents any digit from 0 to 9.

The regular expression ^+25377\d{6}$ can be used to validate a Djibouti mobile number. This expression checks for the +253 country code, the 77 mobile prefix, and six following digits.

Djibouti transitioned to an 8-digit numbering plan on March 1, 2012. This change, in line with ITU-T standards, helped accommodate the increasing demand for both fixed-line and mobile services.

For calls within Djibouti, dial the full 8-digit number directly, whether calling from landline to landline, landline to mobile, or mobile to mobile. No additional prefixes are required for domestic calls.

The Djibouti Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ATR) regulates the telecom sector, managing number allocation and ensuring compliance with international standards, like ITU-T Recommendation E.164.

Number portability should be considered when developing any user accounts or telecom services involving Djibouti phone numbers. It allows users to switch providers while keeping their number, increasing competition and consumer choice.

The international dialing prefix from Djibouti is 00. This prefix is dialed before the country code and the local number when making international calls.

Djibouti Telecom is the primary telecom operator in Djibouti, responsible for managing both fixed-line and mobile services. They control number ranges with prefixes 21 for fixed-line and 77 for mobile.

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