The user searching for the 131 area code is looking for a geographic location, which is found outside of North America.
The 131 area code is the local telephone dialing code for Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom. It is a crucial part of the UK’s national numbering plan and is not an area code used in the United States, Canada, or any other country participating in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP).
This comprehensive guide clarifies the location and dialing rules for the 131 code and explains why this number sequence is invalid for a US or Canadian phone number.
Location of Area Code 131: Edinburgh, Scotland
The 131 code serves the Scottish capital and its densely populated surrounding regions.
| Detail | Information |
| Code Type: | UK Geographic Area Code (Subscriber Trunk Dialling Code) |
| Country: | United Kingdom (UK) |
| Region: | Edinburgh, Scotland |
| International Country Code: | +44 (The UK’s country code) |
| Time Zone: | GMT/UTC (Greenwich Mean Time) |
Major Areas Covered by 0131
The 0131 area code covers the city of Edinburgh and its suburban areas, including:
- Portobello
- Morningside
- Musselburgh
- Dalkeith
- South Queensferry
- Leith
The code sequence is often written with the national trunk prefix included: 0131.
How to Dial a 131 Area Code Number
Since the 131 code is outside of the NANP, international dialing protocols must be used when calling from the US or Canada.
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions (From the US/Canada):
- Dial the International Exit Code: Use 011 (for the US/Canada) or the plus sign (+) on a mobile phone.
- Dial the Country Code: Enter 44 (the country code for the UK).
- Dial the Area Code (Without the Leading Zero): Enter 131. (The domestic trunk code ‘0’ is dropped when dialing internationally.)
- Dial the Local Number: Enter the remaining 7 digits of the landline number.
011+44+131+XXX XXXX
Local Dialing within the UK
- From a UK Mobile or Outside Edinburgh: Dial the full number: 0131 XXX XXXX.
- From an Edinburgh Landline: You may be able to dial just the 7-digit local number (XXX XXXX).
Why 131 is Not a US/Canadian Area Code
Area codes in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) are governed by strict rules. One fundamental rule is that a geographic area code cannot begin with the digit 0 or 1 (except in the case of 1 being used as the long-distance prefix).
The lowest valid geographic area code in the NANP is 201 (New Jersey). Since 131 violates this rule, it is not and cannot be a geographic area code in the United States or Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the time difference when calling Edinburgh?
Edinburgh observes Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
- During US Eastern Standard Time (EST), Edinburgh is 5 hours ahead.
- During US Daylight Saving Time (EDT), Edinburgh is 4 hours ahead (as the UK also observes DST).
What if I get a call from (131) XXX-XXXX?
If an incoming call displays (131) XXX-XXXX on your North American phone, the number is likely spoofed. Since 131 is not a valid NANP area code, the call is almost certainly originating from a telemarketer or scammer using an improperly configured or fraudulent service. You should not answer or call back this number.
What is the dialing code for Glasgow?
Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland, uses a different area code: 0141. You would dial it internationally as +44 141.
Conclusion
The 131 area code is the established dialing code for Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. To call the Scottish capital, you must use the +44 131 international dialing format. Due to NANP restrictions, the 131 code is invalid in the US and Canada, and any call displaying it should be viewed as a potential scam or technical irregularity.
