One island, two area codes. Why does +357 become +90?

Telephone numbers in the Republic of Cyprus begin with the international dialing code +357On the northern side of the Green Line, the Turkish numbering system is used, so local numbers are written with the area code. +90.

You might notice the difference when booking a hotel, restaurant, taxi, or service operating in the north of the island. A number listed as Cypriot may begin with +90 because the call is routed through the Turkish telecommunications system.

The official country code for Cyprus is +357

The International Telecommunication Union assigns a dialing code to the Republic of Cyprus +357It applies to networks operating in areas controlled by the Republic, including Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos, Nicosia, Ayia Napa and Protaras.

There are eight digits after the area code. Cypriot mobile numbers most often begin with the digit 9, while landline numbers most often begin with the digit 2.

An example entry looks like this:

• mobile number: +357 9X XXX XXX,
• landline number: +357 2X XXX XXX.

When saving a number in your phone, it's best to use the full international format with a plus sign and the +357 code. This should ensure your contact remains active even after you leave Cyprus.

The official numbering plan of the Republic of Cyprus with the code +357 is published by the International Telecommunication Union.

Why does +90 appear in the north?

In areas over which the Republic of Cyprus does not exercise effective control, a separate telecommunications infrastructure operates using the Turkish numbering plan.

Directional +90 is officially assigned to Turkey. Calls from abroad to numbers used in northern Cyprus are routed through this system.

In the case of landline phones, there is a code 392. The full landline number can therefore begin with: +90 392

Mobile numbers use Turkish ranges starting with, among others:

• +90 533,
• +90 542,
• +90 548.

The prefix alone does not always allow for accurate identification of the operator, as users can port numbers between networks.

How do I save the number provided in local format?

A company operating in the north might provide a number starting with a zero, for example:

0533 XXX XXXX

When calling from a Polish number or saving a contact in the international format, the leading zero should be removed and replaced with the area code +90:

+90 533 XXX XXXX

The situation is similar with landline numbers. Instead of the local notation starting with 0392, use:

+90 392 XXX XXXX

In the Republic of Cyprus, the number is written without an additional zero between +357 and the remaining digits.

Is calling a +90 number more expensive?

A number starting with +90 is not treated by the operator as a number with the area code +357. For a Polish or Cypriot card user, this may mean an international call to the Turkish numbering range.

The price depends on:

• operator,
• your tariff,
• international call package,
• the place from which the call is made,
• network to which the phone is connected.

EU roaming doesn't automatically mean free calls to all international numbers. Using a Polish card while in the Republic of Cyprus is one thing, and making a call to a number starting with +90 is quite another.

Before a long call, it's worth checking your carrier's pricing. In many cases, it's cheaper to contact them via WhatsApp, Messenger, or another internet-based app.

The same problem applies to the internet

The different numbering systems are another visible consequence of the fragmented telecommunications infrastructure on the island. A phone crossing the Green Line can also connect to a network that is not covered by the EU's "Roam Like at Home" rule.

If you plan to use the internet on both sides of the island, don't assume that one package will work everywhere. Separate eSIM packages are available for the Republic of Cyprus and Northern Cyprus.

Save important numbers in full format

It's best to save the numbers for your hotel, rental company, guide, and other services, along with the correct area code. This will help avoid problems when changing networks or returning to Poland.

It is also worth writing down in advance the numbers of the emergency services, the Cypriot police and the emergency telephone number of the Polish consul.

The +357 and +90 area codes show that even something as common as making a phone call in Cyprus looks different on either side of the Green Line. Before pressing the call button, it's worth checking not only the number itself, but also the national prefix it begins with.

Sources: International Telecommunication Union, Office of the Commissioner for Electronic Communications and Post, European Commission