Tunisia Country Code (+216): Area Codes, Carriers & 8-Digit Format (2026)
Complete guide to Tunisia country code +216. 10 area codes, mobile carrier prefixes (Ooredoo, Tunisie Telecom, Orange), 8-digit numbering, and cheapest calling methods.
Tunisia Country Code (+216): Complete Guide
Quick Answer
The Tunisia country code is +216. Whether you're calling from the United States, Europe, Asia, or anywhere else in the world, you'll need to dial +216 before the Tunisia phone number to connect.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about calling Tunisia: how to dial correctly, understanding area codes and the unique 8-digit numbering system, mobile carrier prefixes, troubleshooting tips, and the cheapest ways to make international calls to Tunisia.
How to Dial Tunisia from Abroad
International Dialing Format
[Exit Code] + 216 + 8-digit local numberStep 1: Dial Your Country's Exit Code
- Most countries: 00
- From USA/Canada: 011
- From mobile phones: + (plus sign) - works worldwide
Step 2: Dial "216" (Tunisia Country Code)
After your exit code, always dial 216 for Tunisia
Step 3: Dial the Full 8-Digit Number
Important: Tunisia does NOT use a trunk prefix (no leading "0" to drop). Simply dial the 8-digit number directly after +216. This is different from most North African and Middle Eastern countries.
📞 Example: Calling Tunis
🇺🇸 From USA:
011 + 216 + 71 + XXX XXXUS exit code (011) + Tunisia code (216) + 8-digit number
📱 From Any Mobile:
+216 + 71 + XXX XXXUse + instead of exit code (works everywhere)
Major Tunisia Area Codes
Tunisian landline numbers start with a 2-digit area code (7X) that is part of the 8-digit number. There is no separate trunk prefix to drop. Here are the major area codes:
| Area Code | Location | Region |
|---|---|---|
| 71 | Tunis | Capital / Greater Tunis |
| 74 | Sfax | Central-east coast |
| 73 | Sousse / Monastir | Sahel region |
| 77 | Kairouan | Central interior |
| 72 | Bizerte / Nabeul | Northern coast |
| 75 | Gabes / Medenine | Southeast |
| 70 | Ariana | Greater Tunis suburb |
| 76 | Gafsa / Tozeur | Southwest interior |
| 78 | Kasserine | West-central |
| 79 | Le Kef / Jendouba | Northwest |
Mobile Numbers in Tunisia
📱 Tunisia Mobile Number Format
Tunisian mobile numbers are 8 digits, starting with 2X, 5X, or 9X. There is no trunk prefix (no "0" to drop). The full number is dialed directly after +216.
+216 XX XXX XXX (8 digits total)Mobile Carriers in Tunisia
Tunisia has three mobile operators. Mobile numbers are 8 digits and the first two digits indicate the carrier:
| Carrier | Mobile Prefixes | Market Share | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ooredoo Tunisia | 22, 23, 55 | ~40% | Largest subscriber base, formerly Tunisiana |
| Tunisie Telecom | 20, 21, 50, 52, 53 | ~35% | State-owned incumbent, best landline + mobile bundle |
| Orange Tunisia | 25, 26, 54, 56 | ~25% | Newest operator, strong 4G coverage in urban areas |
Tip: Numbers starting with 9X are also mobile numbers (across all three carriers). Numbers starting with 3X are fixed-mobile convergence numbers. The prefix system is not always a clean carrier split because of number portability.
Special Numbers in Tunisia
| Number | Service |
|---|---|
| 197 | Police |
| 198 | Civil Protection / Fire Brigade |
| 190 | National Guard |
| 1200 | SAMU / Emergency Medical Services |
| 80 10 XX XX | Toll-free numbers (domestic only) |
| 88 XX XX XX | Premium-rate / value-added services |
Note: Emergency numbers (197, 198, 190, 1200) can only be dialed from within Tunisia. You cannot reach them via international calling.
Best Times to Call Tunisia
Tunisia is in the CET time zone (UTC+1). Tunisia does not consistently observe daylight saving time (it has been abolished and reinstated multiple times).
🇺🇸 From USA (Eastern Time)
Tunisia is 6 hours ahead of ET. Call between 8 AM - 12 PM ET to reach Tunisia during afternoon business hours (2 PM - 6 PM).
🇬🇧 From UK (GMT/BST)
Tunisia is 1 hour ahead of GMT (same time during BST). Normal UK business hours overlap well with Tunisian office hours.
Ramadan note: Tunisia is a predominantly Muslim country and Ramadan significantly affects business hours. Many offices operate reduced schedules (typically 8 AM - 2 PM). Restaurants and shops may close during the day and open late at night. For personal calls, evenings after iftar are ideal.
Country Information
Troubleshooting: Common Issues Calling Tunisia
1. Tunisia does NOT use a trunk prefix -- do not add or remove a "0"
Unlike Algeria, Morocco, and most other countries, Tunisia has no trunk prefix. The number you dial locally is exactly the same number you dial after +216. If someone gives you the number 71 123 456, you dial +216 71 123 456. Do not add a 0 before 71, and do not try to strip a 0 -- there is none to strip.
2. Tunisian numbers are exactly 8 digits -- no more, no less
All Tunisian phone numbers (landline and mobile) are 8 digits. If the number you have is longer or shorter than 8 digits (after removing the +216 country code), it is likely incorrect. There is no separate "area code + local number" split for mobiles -- the entire 8 digits are the number.
3. Ramadan and summer holidays heavily affect reachability
During Ramadan, business hours are significantly shortened across Tunisia. Government offices and banks may only operate from 8 AM to 2 PM. In July and August, many Tunisians take extended summer holidays, especially in tourist areas. If you cannot reach someone during these periods, try again in the evening (after 8 PM local time) or early morning.
4. VoIP restrictions have occurred in the past
Tunisia has experienced periodic VoIP restrictions, particularly on services like Skype and WhatsApp voice calls. While the situation has generally improved since 2011, disruptions can still occur. For reliable calling, BubblyPhone routes through the regular phone network and is not affected by internet-based restrictions.
Cheapest Ways to Call Tunisia
1. BubblyPhone
Rate: $0.05/min to Tunisia
Best For: Calling any Tunisia number (business, landline, mobile)
- ✓No subscription - pay only for minutes used
- ✓Works from browser on any device (no app needed)
- ✓Crystal-clear HD call quality
- ✓Routes through phone network -- unaffected by VoIP blocks
2. WhatsApp, Viber, Messenger
Rate: FREE
Best For: Calling friends and family who have the app
- ✓Free voice and video calls
- ✗Both parties need the app installed
- ✗Cannot call landlines or businesses
- ✗Quality depends on Tunisian internet connection
⚠️ Warning: Using your regular phone carrier to call Tunisia can cost $1-5 per minute! Save up to 99% by using BubblyPhone instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Tunisia country code?
The Tunisia country code is +216. You must dial this code before any Tunisia phone number when calling from abroad.
How do I call Tunisia from my mobile phone?
From any mobile phone worldwide, dial: +216 (8-digit number). The + symbol replaces your country's exit code. Do not add or remove any leading digits -- Tunisia has no trunk prefix.
What's the cheapest way to call Tunisia?
For calling any Tunisia number, BubblyPhone at $0.05/min is the cheapest option. For free calls, use WhatsApp, Viber, Messenger if both parties have the app installed.
What time zone is Tunisia in?
Tunisia uses Central European Time (CET, UTC+1). This puts it 6 hours ahead of US Eastern Time and 1 hour ahead of UK GMT. Tunisia does not consistently observe daylight saving time.
Does Tunisia use area codes for mobile numbers?
No. Tunisian mobile numbers are a flat 8-digit format with no separate area code. The first two digits (like 20, 22, 50, 55, 90, etc.) indicate the carrier, not a geographic area. You simply dial +216 followed by all 8 digits.
Can I call Tunisia with WhatsApp?
Yes, WhatsApp is very popular in Tunisia and voice/video calls generally work. However, Tunisia has experienced occasional VoIP restrictions in the past. If WhatsApp calls are not connecting, the person on the other end may need to switch to Wi-Fi, or you can use BubblyPhone which routes through the regular phone network.
What is the emergency number in Tunisia?
Tunisia's main emergency numbers are 197 (police), 198 (fire/civil protection), 190 (National Guard), and 1200 (SAMU/medical emergencies). These numbers only work when dialed from within Tunisia.
Ready to Call Tunisia?
Make crystal-clear calls to any Tunisia number at just $0.05/min with BubblyPhone
No credit card required to sign up