Understanding the 016 Area Code: Complete Guide to Locations, History, and Dialing Tips

Education / December 11, 2025 / Melly Brown

In today’s connected world, phone numbers are more than just digits—they’re gateways to communities, businesses, and cultures. If you’ve ever received a call from a number starting with 016 or wondered what region it connects to, you’re not alone. The “016 area code” is a common search term, often sparking curiosity about its origins and uses. While it doesn’t refer to a single, standalone code in most countries, it prefixes several important dialing areas globally.

This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about the 016 area code. We’ll explore its primary locations in the UK, South Africa, Sweden, and beyond, dive into its history, and share practical tips for calling, avoiding scams, and even getting your own 016 number. Whether you’re a traveler, business owner, or just phone-curious, read on to become an expert.

What Is the 016 Area Code? A Quick Overview

At its core, the 016 area code is part of national telephone numbering plans where “0” serves as a trunk prefix for domestic calls, followed by a regional code starting with “16.” This setup is common in countries like the UK, South Africa, and Sweden, where area codes help route calls geographically.

Unlike North American area codes (which never start with 0 or 1 under the North American Numbering Plan), international systems allow this flexibility. Fun fact: If you see +1 016 in a caller ID, it’s likely spoofed spam, as no legitimate NANP code exists for it. Globally, 016 connects bustling urban hubs, from industrial powerhouses to historic towns.

Why Search for “016 Area Code”?

People Google this for reasons like:

Identifying unknown callers.
Setting up local business lines.
Planning international calls.
Curiosity about phone history.

By the end of this post, you’ll have all the answers—and tips to rank your own site higher with related keywords!

016 Area Code in the United Kingdom: Covering Iconic Regions

The UK has the most diverse use of 016 prefixes, as “016” isn’t a full code but the start of several 4- or 5-digit dialing codes. Managed by Ofcom, these codes follow the UK’s geographic numbering plan, introduced in the 1990s to standardize calls after Subscriber Trunk Dialing (STD) in the 1960s. Here’s a breakdown of key 016 codes:

Area Code	Location	Coverage Area	Population (Approx.)	Key Facts
0161	Manchester	Greater Manchester (including Salford, Stockport, Trafford)	2.8 million	UK’s second-largest city; home to the world’s first programmable computer. Covers 67+ exchanges.
01600	Monmouth	Monmouthshire (Wales/England border)	95,000	Picturesque market town; known for its medieval bridge and annual food festival.
01603	Norwich	Norfolk (East Anglia)	213,000	Historic cathedral city; birthplace of Julian of Norwich, England’s first female author.
01604	Northampton	Northamptonshire	225,000	Shoe-making heritage; site of the Battle of Northampton (1460).
01608	Chipping Norton	Oxfordshire (Cotswolds)	6,000	Quintessential English village; frequented by celebrities like David Cameron.
016977	Brampton	Cumbria (near Scottish border)	4,700	Hadrian’s Wall gateway; features a 19th-century clock tower.

Pro Tip: In the UK, dial the full code (e.g., 0161 XXX XXXX) from anywhere. From abroad, drop the leading 0 and add +44 (e.g., +44 161 XXX XXXX). Local calls within the same code often omit the prefix.

Manchester’s 0161, in particular, is a powerhouse for businesses—over 55,000 commercial properties use it. If you’re expanding in the North West, snag a 0161 number for instant local credibility.

016 Area Code in South Africa: The Vaal Triangle Hub

South Africa’s 016 code serves the Vaal Triangle, an industrial heartland in Gauteng province. Assigned to Vereeniging, Vanderbijlpark, and Sasolburg, it’s a remnant of the pre-2007 open numbering plan, now part of a closed 9-digit system (e.g., 016 XXX XXXX).

Key Locations and Highlights

Vereeniging (Main Hub): Population ~800,000 metro. Known as the “City of Gold” for its role in the 1886 gold rush. Home to the Vaal River Barrage, a vital water source.
Vanderbijlpark: Steel industry giant; ArcelorMittal’s HQ. Features the Emerald Resort Casino.
Sasolburg: Anomaly in the code—it’s in Free State province but shares 016 due to historical ties. Petrochemical center with Sasol’s massive refineries.

History Tidbit: The code traces to apartheid-era zoning, grouping these towns for economic reasons. Post-1994, it symbolized industrial revival. Today, the region produces 30% of South Africa’s steel.

Dialing: Domestic: 016 XXX XXXX. International: +27 16 XXX XXXX. Note: Sasolburg’s inclusion is a quirky exception to provincial boundaries.

016 Area Code in Sweden: Eskilstuna-Torshälla Connection

In Sweden, 016 is the straightforward code for Eskilstuna-Torshälla, a twin-city area 100km west of Stockholm. Part of Södermanland county, it serves ~100,000 residents.

What to Know

Eskilstuna: “Sweden’s Sheffield” for its metalworking history; Rademacherbetet park hosts summer concerts.
Torshälla: Medieval charm with a 13th-century church; famous for “Torshälla cheese.”

Fun Fact: The code dates to Sweden’s 1960s numbering reform, aligning with geographic clusters. Numbers are 016-XXX XXXX domestically; +46 16 XXX XXXX internationally.

This area code embodies Sweden’s blend of industry and nature—perfect for calls to knife-makers or nature trails.

Other Global Mentions: Brazil, Israel, and More

Brazil: Area code 16 covers São Paulo’s Ribeirão Preto region (e.g., +55 16 XXXX-XXXX). Known for coffee production; dial via carrier prefixes like 015 for Vivo.
Israel: 016 is a carrier selection prefix for Golan Telecom, not geographic.
No Matches Elsewhere: In the US/Canada (+1), 016 is invalid. Brazil’s 16 (without leading 0) is separate.

The History of the 016 Area Code: From STD to Modern Dialing

Area codes like 016 evolved from early 20th-century manual switchboards. In the UK, STD launched in 1958, assigning 2-letter codes (e.g., MAN for Manchester → 061, later 0161 in 1995’s “PhONEday” reform). South Africa’s system, influenced by British colonial ties, standardized in 2007. Sweden’s 016 joined a 1950s grid.

Globally, ITU standards ensure no overlaps, but digit exhaustion led to expansions (e.g., UK’s variable-length codes).

How to Dial 016 Numbers: Step-by-Step Guide

UK Example (0161 Manchester): From UK: 0161 123 4567. From US: 011 44 161 123 4567.
South Africa (016 Vereeniging): From SA: 016 123 4567. From UK: 00 27 16 123 4567.
Sweden (016 Eskilstuna): From Sweden: 016-123 456. From abroad: +46 16 123 456.
General Rule: Use +[country code] [area code without 0] [number]. Apps like WhatsApp auto-format.

Cost Tip: UK landlines charge standard rates; mobiles add premiums. Use VoIP for cheap international calls.

Is 016 a Scam? Spotting and Avoiding Fraud

Spoofed +1 016 calls are common scams—illegitimate since NANP bans 0-leading codes. In the UK/SA, watch for:

Unsolicited investment pitches.
“Your area’s code” phishing.

Protection:

Use apps like Truecaller.
Never share info from unknown 016 numbers.
Report to Ofcom (UK) or ICASA (SA).

Getting Your Own 016 Number: For Businesses and Locals

Want local presence? Providers like Dialpad offer 0161 for Manchester ops (£12/month). In SA, Telkom handles assignments. Benefits: Higher trust, better SEO for local searches.

Fun Facts About the 016 Area Code

UK’s Longest Code: 016977 (Brampton)—7 digits total!
Industrial Legacy: SA’s 016 powers Sasol, a $10B+ energy firm.
Cultural Nod: Manchester’s 0161 inspired Oasis’s “0161 Oasis” fan club.
Zero Trivia: The leading 0? A holdover from operator “0” in the 1920s.

Conclusion: Unlock Connections with 016

The 016 area code isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s a portal to Manchester’s vibe, Vaal’s industry, or Eskilstuna’s calm. Whether verifying a call or building your network, understanding these codes keeps you connected safely.