Country code São Tomé and Príncipe, +239 or 00239?
There are two spellings for the São Tomé and Príncipe area code, namely +239 and 00239. Which area code do you have to use? What is the difference between the two country codes for São Tomé and Príncipe and what are the different versions for?
The country code of São Tomé and Príncipe that starts with a “+” (i.e. +239) is the so-called international code (international spelling). It is primarily used in the mobile communications sector. Most cell phones can make an international call to São Tomé and Príncipe using the +239 area code. This applies to almost every country in the world.
Unfortunately, there are phones (especially older models) that do not support the international spelling. The São Tomé and Príncipe area code with leading zeros (00239) is then used on these phones. The leading zeros are also referred to as the so-called traffic elimination number. When you call, they indicate that it is an international call.
Problem: Access code and area code 00239
In fact, variant 00239 applies to calls to São Tomé and Príncipe, especially in Europe. In other countries of the world, the international code 00239 will not work. Example: In the USA, international calls to São Tomé and Príncipe begin with 011. An international call here begins with the area code 011239.
Conclusion
For calls from UK to São Tomé and Príncipe you can always use the country code 00239. In other countries, the two leading zeros must be replaced by a different access code. The international dialing code (+239) for São Tomé and Príncipe works in all countries in the world. However, it is not supported in all networks and by all telephone devices.
Example of phone calls to São Tomé and Príncipe
To illustrate the use of the international dialing codes São Tomé and Príncipe (+239 or 00239) here is another example:
You want to call 456789 with the area code 0123 in São Tomé and Príncipe. In this case you can use the following numbers (from UK/Europe):
00239 123 456789
If you use a mobile phone, the following notation also applies worldwide:
+239 123 456789