Réunion Phone Numbers: Format, Area Code & Validation Guide

This guide provides the essential knowledge and practical tools to handle Réunion phone numbers correctly within your applications. You'll learn validation patterns, E.164 formatting standards, and best practices to ensure your integrations are seamless and compliant with ARCEP regulations.

Why Réunion Phone Number Validation Matters

Phone numbers are key identifiers in user accounts, transaction systems, and applications. Invalid or incorrectly formatted Réunion phone numbers cause failed transactions, communication breakdowns, and security vulnerabilities. Robust validation and formatting ensures data integrity, improves user experience, and enhances system reliability across international numbering standards.

How to Validate Réunion Phone Numbers: Implementation Guide

Validate Réunion phone numbers accurately and efficiently with these regex patterns and validation guidelines.

E.164 Standards Compliance for +262 Country Code

Réunion phone numbers adhere to ITU-T E.164 international standards, which define the global framework for public telecommunication numbering and ensure consistency across platforms.

As an overseas department of France (Département d'Outre-Mer), Réunion follows the telecommunications regulatory framework established by ARCEP (Autorité de régulation des communications électroniques, des postes et de la distribution de la presse). ARCEP establishes numbering plans, pricing structures, and service standards across all French territories. Align all validation implementations with ARCEP's technical specifications to ensure regulatory compliance.

E.164 Format Breakdown for Réunion

Pattern Design Principles

Validation patterns follow these principles to ensure accuracy and prevent errors:

1. Exact Matching: Use start (^) and end ($) anchors in regular expressions to enforce complete number validation. This prevents partial matches and ensures only correctly formatted numbers are accepted. The pattern ^0262\d{6}$ requires the entire input string to match.

2. Format-Specific Validation: Each number type has a dedicated validation pattern for precise validation:

   • Landline: ^0262\d{6}$
   • Mobile: ^0692\d{6}$, ^0693\d{6}$, ^0694\d{6}$
   • Shared Cost: ^081[0-9]\d{6}$
   • Toll-Free: ^0800\d{6}$
   • Premium: ^0892\d{6}$

Implementation Guidelines

Implement validation for both domestic and international formats:

// Domestic format validation
const domesticPattern = /^0262\d{6}$/;
const domesticNumber = "0262123456";

if (domesticPattern.test(domesticNumber)) {
  console.log("Valid domestic landline");
}

// International format validation
const intlPattern = /^\+262262\d{6}$/;
const intlNumber = "+262262123456";

if (intlPattern.test(intlNumber)) {
  console.log("Valid international landline");
}

// Sanitize input before validation
const sanitizeNumber = (number) => {
  return number.replace(/[\s\-\(\)\.]/g, '');
};

// Detect format and validate
const validateReunionNumber = (rawNumber) => {
  const number = sanitizeNumber(rawNumber);

  const patterns = {
    landline: /^0262\d{6}$/,
    mobile: /^069[234]\d{6}$/,
    sharedCost: /^081[0-9]\d{6}$/,
    tollFree: /^0800\d{6}$/,
    premium: /^0892\d{6}$/,
    intlLandline: /^\+262262\d{6}$/,
    intlMobile: /^\+26269[234]\d{6}$/
  };

  for (const [type, pattern] of Object.entries(patterns)) {
    if (pattern.test(number)) {
      return { valid: true, type, number };
    }
  }

  return { valid: false, type: null, number };
};

Special Considerations

Shared Cost Numbers

Shared cost numbers (081) are classified as "azur" surcharged numbers under ARCEP regulations. According to ARCEP Decision of December 21, 2009, these numbers carry surcharges above standard call rates and cannot be used for customer service calls related to contract monitoring or complaints.

Regulatory Framework: ARCEP explicitly classifies 081 numbers as surcharged (not toll-free). The French Chatel Act (Law No. 2008-3, January 3, 2008) and Law on Modernising the Economy (Law No. 2008-776, August 4, 2008) prohibit using surcharged numbers for consumer service contract monitoring or complaints.

Pricing Structure for 081 Numbers

// Shared cost validation with regulatory compliance
const validateSharedCost = (number) => {
  const pattern = /^081[0-9]\d{6}$/;
  return {
    isValid: pattern.test(number),
    type: "surcharged",
    regulatory: "azur-081",
    compliant: false, // For customer service use
    note: "Cannot be used for customer service/complaints per ARCEP regulations"
  };
};

> Important: Since January 1, 2010, ARCEP requires mobile operators to include the "call" portion of 081 numbers in mobile flat rates. The "azur" surcharge is billed separately. Consult ARCEP's value-added services guidelines for current pricing.

Validation Best Practices

1. Input Sanitization: Remove spaces, hyphens, parentheses, and dots before validation:

   javascript

   const sanitizeNumber = (number) => {
     return number.replace(/[\s\-\(\)\.]/g, '');
   };
   

2. Format Detection: Detect format before applying validation:

   javascript

   const detectFormat = (number) => {
     const sanitized = sanitizeNumber(number);
     if (sanitized.startsWith('+262')) return 'international';
     if (sanitized.startsWith('00262')) return 'international';
     if (sanitized.startsWith('0')) return 'domestic';
     return 'unknown';
   };
   

3. Error Handling: Provide clear error messages:

   javascript

   const validateWithErrors = (number) => {
     const format = detectFormat(number);
   
     if (format === 'unknown') {
       return { valid: false, error: "Number must start with 0, +262, or 00262" };
     }
   
     const result = validateReunionNumber(number);
   
     if (!result.valid) {
       return { valid: false, error: "Invalid Réunion phone number format" };
     }
   
     return result;
   };
   

> Info: For the latest validation requirements and pricing, refer to ARCEP's VAS pricing guidelines.

Common Validation Scenarios

1. Complete Validation Function

const validateReunionNumber = (number) => {
  const patterns = {
    landline: /^0262\d{6}$/,
    mobile: /^069[234]\d{6}$/,
    sharedCost: /^081[0-9]\d{6}$/,
    tollFree: /^0800\d{6}$/,
    premium: /^0892\d{6}$/
  };

  return Object.entries(patterns).find(([type, pattern]) =>
    pattern.test(number)
  )?.[0] || false;
};

// Example usage
console.log(validateReunionNumber("0262123456")); // "landline"
console.log(validateReunionNumber("0692987654")); // "mobile"
console.log(validateReunionNumber("0811543210")); // "sharedCost"
console.log(validateReunionNumber("0800123456")); // "tollFree"
console.log(validateReunionNumber("1234567890")); // false

2. Format Conversion

const convertToInternational = (number) => {
  // Validate before conversion
  const sanitized = sanitizeNumber(number);

  if (!sanitized.startsWith('0') || sanitized.length !== 10) {
    throw new Error("Invalid domestic format");
  }

  return sanitized.replace(/^0/, '+262');
};

const convertToDomestic = (number) => {
  const sanitized = sanitizeNumber(number);

  if (!sanitized.startsWith('+262') || sanitized.length !== 13) {
    throw new Error("Invalid international format");
  }

  return sanitized.replace(/^\+262/, '0');
};

Réunion Phone Number Formats and Mobile Operators

Understand Réunion's number formats, mobile prefixes (0692, 0693, 0694), and operators for accurate parsing and routing.

Orange Réunion, SFR, and Free: Mobile Operator Prefixes

All operators provide 3G/4G coverage. 5G deployment began in 2023 in major urban areas. Coverage quality varies in remote mountainous regions.

> Tip: All mobile numbers follow the format 069X XXX XXX, where X represents the operator-specific digit.

Number Portability: Users can retain their number when switching operators (MNP – Mobile Number Portability). Prefixes indicate the original operator but may not reflect the current provider. Use phone lookup APIs to identify the current operator and line type.

Emergency Numbers in Réunion (15, 17, 18, 112)

Réunion maintains European-standard emergency services. Handle these numbers correctly to ensure users can access emergency help:

> Important: All emergency numbers are toll-free, accessible from any network (including while roaming), and operational 24/7. Your applications should recognize and never block these numbers.

Service Number Categories

Validation patterns for service numbers:

const servicePatterns = {
  tollFree: /^0800\d{6}$/,
  sharedCost: /^0810\d{6}$/,
  azur: /^081[0-9]\d{6}$/,
  premium: /^0892\d{6}$/
};

Quick Reference

Complete Number Format Table

Frequently Asked Questions About Réunion Phone Numbers

What is the country code for Réunion?

Réunion uses country code +262 for all international calls. When dialing from outside Réunion, dial +262 followed by the local 10-digit number (including the leading 0). Réunion is a French overseas department (Département d'Outre-Mer) and follows France's telecommunications framework under ARCEP regulations.

How do I validate a Réunion phone number?

Use regex patterns: landlines start with 0262 followed by 6 digits (^0262\d{6}$), mobile numbers start with 0692, 0693, or 0694 followed by 6 digits (^069[234]\d{6}$). All numbers must contain exactly 10 digits in domestic format or 13 digits in international format (+262 plus 10 digits) and comply with ITU-T E.164 standards.

What is the difference between 0262 and 0692 numbers in Réunion?

0262 prefixes indicate landline (fixed-line) numbers, while 0692, 0693, and 0694 prefixes indicate mobile numbers. Mobile prefixes are operator-specific: 0692/0693 typically belong to Orange Réunion or SFR Réunion, while 0694 belongs to Free Réunion. Number portability allows users to keep their number when switching operators.

Are 081 numbers in Réunion toll-free?

No. 081 numbers are surcharged numbers, classified as "azur" under ARCEP regulations (December 21, 2009). They carry surcharges above standard call rates and cannot legally be used for customer service calls related to contract monitoring or complaints per the French Chatel Act (Law No. 2008-3, January 3, 2008).

What are the emergency numbers in Réunion?

Réunion maintains European-standard emergency numbers: 15 (SAMU medical services), 17 (Police), 18 (Fire Brigade), 112 (European emergency number), 115 (Emergency Shelter), and 119 (Child Protection). All emergency numbers are toll-free, accessible from any network (including while roaming), and operational 24/7.

How do I convert a Réunion domestic number to international format?

Replace the leading 0 with +262. For example, 0262 123456 becomes +262 262 123456. For mobile numbers, 0692 987654 becomes +262 692 987654. Always use E.164 format (+262 followed by 9 digits) for international compatibility.

Which mobile operators serve Réunion?

Réunion has three major mobile operators: Orange Réunion (market leader with 0692/0693 prefixes and island-wide coverage), SFR Réunion (0692/0693 prefixes, known for high-speed data), and Free Réunion (0694 prefix, competitive pricing). All operators provide 3G/4G coverage across the island. Coverage quality varies in remote mountainous areas.

What is ARCEP and why does it matter for Réunion phone numbers?

ARCEP (Autorité de régulation des communications électroniques, des postes et de la distribution de la presse) is France's telecommunications regulatory authority. ARCEP establishes numbering plans, pricing structures, and service standards for all French territories, including Réunion. Compliance with ARCEP regulations ensures legal operation and proper billing structures.

Can Réunion phone numbers be ported between operators?

Yes. Number portability (MNP – Mobile Number Portability) exists in Réunion. Users can retain their phone number when switching operators, meaning the prefix may not always indicate the current service provider. The porting process typically takes 1-3 business days. Phone number validation APIs can identify the current operator and line type for accurate routing.

What format should I use to store Réunion phone numbers in a database?

Store phone numbers in E.164 international format (+262 followed by 9 digits, no spaces or special characters) for maximum compatibility. Example: +262262123456 for landlines or +262692987654 for mobile numbers. Use VARCHAR(13) for storage, add an index on the phone number column for faster lookups, and validate before insertion.

Related Resources: Réunion Telecommunications & Validation

Regulatory & Standards:

• ARCEP Official Website – French telecom regulatory authority
• ITU-T E.164 Standard – International numbering plan
• ARCEP Value-Added Services Guidelines – Pricing and compliance regulations

French Overseas Departments:

• Guadeloupe Phone Numbers (+590) – Caribbean region
• Martinique Phone Numbers (+596) – Caribbean region
• French Guiana Phone Numbers (+594) – South America

Phone Validation Tools:

• E.164 Phone Format Guide – International formatting standards
• Regex Phone Validation Patterns – Implementation examples
• Phone Number Validation APIs – Real-time verification services

Indian Ocean Region:

• Mauritius Phone Numbers (+230) – Neighboring country
• Mayotte Phone Numbers (+262 269) – French territory
• Seychelles Phone Numbers (+248) – Regional comparison

Implement robust Réunion phone number validation with E.164 formatting, ARCEP compliance, and proper operator identification to ensure data integrity and regulatory compliance in your telecommunications applications.

Primary Source Citations:

• ARCEP (Autorité de régulation des communications électroniques): https://en.arcep.fr/ (Accessed January 2025)
• ITU-T E.164 Recommendation: https://www.itu.int/rec/T-REC-E.164/en (International Standard)
• ARCEP Decision on Value-Added Services: December 21, 2009 (081 "azur" number clarification)
• French Chatel Act: Law No. 2008-3, January 3, 2008 (Consumer protection for telecom services)