The 014 Area Code: Complete Guide to Locations, History, and Usage

Education / December 9, 2025 / Melly Brown

Have you ever received a call from a number starting with 014 and wondered where it’s from? The 014 area code is used in several countries around the world, each with its own geographic or functional significance. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down what the 014 area code means, where it’s located, its history, and tips for dialing or identifying calls. Whether you’re researching for business, travel, or curiosity, this post covers everything you need to know about the 014 phone code to help you stay informed.

What Is an Area Code?

Before diving in, let’s quickly recap: Area codes are numerical prefixes used in telephone numbers to indicate a specific geographic region or type of service. They help route calls efficiently and can vary by country. The 014 area code, in particular, appears in multiple international contexts, which can sometimes cause confusion. We’ll explore the main uses below.

014 Area Code in Belgium

In Belgium, the 014 area code is a geographic prefix assigned to parts of the Antwerp province in the Flanders region. This code covers several towns and municipalities known for their mix of urban and rural landscapes, including industrial and agricultural activities.

Locations Covered

The 014 area code primarily serves the Kempen (or Campine) region, including:

Turnhout: The largest city in the area, known as the “Capital of the Kempen,” with a population of around 45,000. It’s a hub for culture, shopping, and events.
Geel: Famous for its historical psychiatric care system and annual festivals.
Herentals: A smaller town with medieval architecture and outdoor recreation.
Mol: Noted for its lakes, forests, and nuclear research center.
Hoogstraten: Known for strawberry production and historic castles.
Lille, Meerhout, and Retie: Smaller municipalities focused on local communities and nature reserves.

This region is characterized by its flat landscapes, cycling paths, and proximity to the Netherlands border.

History of the 014 Area Code in Belgium

Belgium’s telephone system was modernized in the 1960s, with the 014 code introduced as part of the national zoning plan in 1964. This plan divided the country into zones to streamline communications during the post-war economic boom. Over the decades, the area has transitioned from analog phones to digital and VoIP technologies, maintaining the code while adapting to mobile and internet-based calling. Today, it’s a symbol of local identity, helping businesses build trust with regional customers.

Dialing Instructions for Belgium’s 014

From within Belgium: Dial 014 followed by the local number (e.g., 014 XXXXXX).
Internationally: Use +32 (Belgium’s country code) + 014 + local number.
Note: Belgian numbers are typically 9 digits total, including the area code.

014 Area Code in South Africa

In South Africa, the 014 area code is assigned to regions in the North West and Limpopo provinces, focusing on mining, agriculture, and tourism. This code supports communities in a mineral-rich area known for platinum production.

Locations Covered

Key areas include:

Rustenburg: The primary city, with a population exceeding 600,000, famous for platinum mines and proximity to Sun City resort.
Modimolle (formerly Nylstroom): A town in Limpopo known for game farms and hot springs.
Magaliesburg: Scenic area with mountains, ideal for hiking and eco-tourism.
Swartruggens: Smaller town focused on farming and mining.
Other nearby spots: Parts of Mankwe and surrounding rural districts.

The region is part of the Bushveld Complex, one of the world’s richest mineral deposits.

History of the 014 Area Code in South Africa

South Africa’s numbering system was updated in the 1990s and 2000s to accommodate growth, with 014 established for the northern North West and southwestern Limpopo areas. Recent changes include 10-digit dialing mandates, but the code remains stable. The area’s economic boom from mining has increased phone usage, evolving with mobile networks.

Dialing Instructions for South Africa’s 014

From within South Africa: Dial 014 + local number (e.g., 014 XXX XXXX).
Internationally: Use +27 (South Africa’s country code) + 014 + local number.
South African numbers are 10 digits total.

014 Area Code in Australia

Unlike the geographic uses above, in Australia, 014 is reserved for satellite phone services. These are non-geographic numbers used for remote communications, similar to toll-free prefixes but for satellite networks.

Key Details

Purpose: Supports users in remote areas without traditional coverage, like outback explorers or maritime operations.
No Specific Location: It’s Australia-wide, not tied to a city or region.
Dialing: From Australia, dial 014 + subscriber number; internationally, +61 14 + number.

Common Confusions: 014 as a Prefix in Other Countries

The 014 sequence often appears as part of longer area codes in places like the UK and India, leading to mix-ups.

United Kingdom: No standalone 014 code exists; instead, codes like 0141 (Glasgow), 01452 (Gloucester), or 01423 (Harrogate) use 014 as a starting point. These cover various towns across England, Scotland, and Wales.
India: Similar to the UK, 014 is a prefix for codes like 0141 (Jaipur in Rajasthan). It’s not a full area code on its own.

If your query involves these, search for the full code (e.g., “0141 area code”) for accurate results.

Potential Scams and Safety Tips for 014 Calls

While the 014 area code itself isn’t inherently suspicious, international calls can sometimes involve scams. In Belgium and South Africa, watch for unsolicited calls claiming urgent payments or prizes. Always verify callers through official channels. Use apps like Truecaller to identify numbers, and report suspicious activity to local authorities.

FAQs About the 014 Area Code

Where is the 014 area code located?

It depends on the country: Belgium (Antwerp province), South Africa (North West/Limpopo), or Australia (satellite services).

How do I call a 014 number?

Use the country code (+32 for Belgium, +27 for South Africa, +61 for Australia) followed by 014 and the local digits.

Is 014 a toll-free code?

No, it’s a standard geographic or service code; charges apply based on your plan.

Has the 014 area code changed recently?

In South Africa, there were updates for 10-digit dialing, but the code remains the same.

Conclusion

The 014 area code connects diverse regions from Belgium’s cultural hubs to South Africa’s mining towns and Australia’s remote services. Understanding its origins and uses can help you navigate calls more effectively. If you’re setting up a business or traveling, consider a local number for better connectivity. For more details, check official telecom sites in each country. If this guide helped, share it or leave a comment below!