Phone Numbers in Tunisia: A Comprehensive Guide

Quick Reference

• Country: Tunisia
• Country Code: +216
• International Prefix: 00
• National Prefix: None

Overview

Discover the intricacies of Tunisia's telephone numbering system. This guide offers a detailed look at phone number structures, dialing procedures, and regulatory information, making it an essential resource for telecom professionals and developers.

Number Formats

General Number Structure

Tunisia's phone numbers follow a fixed-length format:

• Country Code: +216
• National Significant Number (NSN): 8 digits

The NSN is categorized by service type:

• Geographic Numbers: 7-digit subscriber number
• Mobile Numbers: 8-digit subscriber number
• Special Service Numbers: Varies by service

Geographic Numbers (Landline)

• Format: XX XXX XXX
• Example: 71 234 567

Regex Pattern:

^(3[0-2]|7[0-9])\d{6}$

Mobile Numbers

• Format: XX XXX XXX
• Example: 20 123 456

Regex Pattern:

^(2[0-9]|5[0-9]|9[0-9])\d{6}$

Toll-Free Numbers

• Format: 80 XX XXX
• Example: 80 100 123

Regex Pattern:

^80\d{6}$

Premium Rate Numbers

• Format: 88 XXX XXX
• Example: 88 123 456

Regex Pattern:

^88\d{6}$

Shared Cost Numbers

• Format: 81 XX XXX
• Example: 81 234 567

Regex Pattern:

^81\d{6}$

Dialing Procedures

Domestic Calls

• Landline to Landline: Dial the 8-digit number directly (e.g., 71 234 567).
• Landline to Mobile: Dial the 8-digit mobile number directly (e.g., 20 123 456).
• Mobile to Mobile: Dial the 8-digit mobile number directly (e.g., 50 987 654).

International Calls

• Outgoing International Calls: Dial 00, then the country code, area code (if applicable), and local number.
• Incoming International Calls: Dial +216 followed by the 8-digit Tunisian number (e.g., +216 71 234 567).

Recent or Upcoming Changes

Currently, there are no recent changes to Tunisia's numbering plan. The Instance Nationale des Télécommunications (INT) monitors the plan to ensure efficient allocation and usage.

Number Portability

Tunisia supports mobile number portability (MNP), allowing users to retain their numbers when switching providers, enhancing competition and consumer flexibility.

Major Telecom Operators

• Tunisie Telecom: Offers a range of geographic and mobile numbers.
• Ooredoo Tunisia: Focuses on mobile numbers.
• Orange Tunisia: Key player in mobile telecommunications.

Regulatory Body

The Instance Nationale des Télécommunications (INT) oversees telecommunications in Tunisia. For more information, visit their official website.

Number Allocation and Management

The INT manages number allocation, ensuring fair distribution among operators and efficient use of the numbering plan.

Technical Considerations

For developers handling Tunisian phone numbers:

• Validation: Use regex patterns for validation.
• Formatting: Ensure correct formatting for both domestic and international contexts.
• Portability: Consider number portability in routing and billing systems.