Somalia Phone Numbers: Format, Area Code & Validation Guide - phone-number-standards -

Frequently Asked Questions

The Somalia country code is +252. This code is essential for making international calls to Somalia and is used to identify Somalia in the global telecommunications network, ensuring your call is routed correctly.
Store Somali phone numbers in international format (+252XXXXXXXXXX) in your database. This practice ensures consistency and easier integration with international systems. A VARCHAR field with sufficient length is generally recommended.
Somalia adheres to ITU-T E.164 for global interoperability and simplified integration with international systems. This standard defines a maximum length of fifteen digits, including the country code, and is crucial for modern telecommunications.
Use the regular expression /^0[6-79][0-9]{7}$/ to validate Somali mobile numbers. Remember to normalize the number by removing spaces, hyphens, and the leading plus sign before validation for accuracy, but also consider variations in lengths and multiple operators.
Landline numbers in Somalia follow the format 0X XX XXX or 0X XXX XXX, where X represents a digit. When storing these numbers, always strip the leading zero and prepend +252 for international format.
The national prefix '0' is used for domestic calls within Somalia. You should remove the '0' and replace it with '+252' when making international calls and when storing the number in international format.
While regular expressions can validate format, consider a dedicated service for comprehensive validation, especially to check number allocation status and disconnections, which regex can't detect, improving data accuracy and preventing errors.
The NCA regulates the telecommunications industry in Somalia and is working to standardize numbering practices. Consult their publications and regulations for the most current information, especially on special service numbers.
Caching, such as using Redis, can significantly improve phone number validation performance, especially with frequent lookups. Set suitable cache expiration times to ensure data stays up-to-date.
Format numbers for better readability. For example, if the number starts with +252, format it like this: +252 XX XXX XXXX. Be mindful of cultural preferences when formatting for display.
Regular expressions are a good starting point, but they may not be sufficient for comprehensive validation. Consider incorporating additional steps, like checking against invalid number ranges or number portability status, to enhance accuracy and prevent fraud.
Robust error handling is crucial to manage invalid input or unexpected situations gracefully. Clear error messages can aid in debugging and ensure a positive user experience.
Format numbers with spaces for readability. For example, +252611234567 could be displayed as +252 61 123 4567. Ensure consistency in how you present numbers within your application.
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