Nova Scotia Phone Area Codes: 902, 782, 431
NOVA SCOTIA AREA CODES:
• 902: Original area code (1947-present)
• 782: Overlay area code (2014-present)
• 431: Third overlay code (2023-present)
• Coverage: All of Nova Scotia + Prince Edward Island
• 10-Digit Dialing: Required for all local calls
Area Code Coverage
902 AREA CODE (Original):
• Introduced: 1947
• Covers: All of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island
• Major Cities: Halifax, Sydney, Dartmouth, Yarmouth
• Status: Still being assigned to new numbers
• Type: Geographic area code
782 AREA CODE (Overlay):
• Introduced: September 2014
• Covers: Same area as 902 (overlay system)
• Reason: 902 number exhaustion
• Assignment: New phone numbers only
• Requirement: 10-digit dialing mandatory
431 AREA CODE (Second Overlay):
• Introduced: May 2023
• Covers: Same area as 902/782
• Purpose: Additional number supply
• Usage: New phone numbers and services
• Future Planning: Expected to serve until 2040+
Dialing Instructions
LOCAL CALLS (within Nova Scotia/PEI):
• Format: Area code + 7-digit number
• Example: 902-555-1234
• Required: Always dial all 10 digits
• No "1" prefix needed for local calls
LONG DISTANCE CALLS:
• Format: 1 + Area code + 7-digit number
• Example: 1-416-555-1234 (to Toronto)
• International: 011 + country code + number
• Emergency: 911 (no area code needed)
Regional Coverage Areas
NOVA SCOTIA REGIONS:
• Halifax Regional Municipality: All three codes
• Cape Breton Island: All three codes
• South Shore: All three codes
• Annapolis Valley: All three codes
• Eastern Shore: All three codes
• Yarmouth Area: All three codes
Business and Service Numbers
GOVERNMENT SERVICES:
• Nova Scotia 511: Traffic/road information
• Service Nova Scotia: 902-424-5200
• Halifax Regional Municipality: 311
• Cape Breton Regional Municipality: 311
• Emergency Services: 911
MAJOR SERVICES:
• Halifax Regional Hospital: 902-473-2700
• Halifax Stanfield Airport: 902-873-4422
• VIA Rail: 1-888-842-7245
• Marine Atlantic Ferries: 1-800-341-7981
Phone Number Format
STANDARD FORMAT:
• Written: (902) 555-1234
• Alternative: 902-555-1234
• International: +1 902 555 1234
• Dialed Locally: 902-555-1234
• Dialed Long Distance: 1-902-555-1234
Cell Phone Considerations
MOBILE PROVIDERS:
• Bell Canada: All three area codes
• Rogers Wireless: All three area codes
• Telus Mobility: All three area codes
• Eastlink Wireless: Regional provider, all codes
ROAMING INFORMATION:
• Atlantic Canada: Usually included in plans
• Canada-wide: Check plan details
• US Roaming: Additional charges may apply
• International: Verify rates before travel
Historical Context
AREA CODE TIMELINE:
• 1947: 902 introduced for Maritime provinces
• 1969: New Brunswick gets separate 506 code
• 2014: 782 overlay implemented
• 2023: 431 overlay added
• Future: Additional overlays as needed
Tourist Information
FOR VISITORS:
• All Nova Scotia numbers use these three codes
• Always dial 10 digits for local calls
• Hotel room phones may require "9" for outside line
• Pay phones still exist but are rare
• Free WiFi available in most public areas