The number sequence “491 area code” is unique because it does not belong to the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), which governs US and Canadian area codes. Instead, 491 is a regional area code (Vorwahl) used for local telephone numbers in parts of Germany and Sweden, which are both part of the broader European dialing system.
If you have encountered a phone number using 491, it is an international number. This guide clarifies the correct location and explains the necessary steps for dialing these regions successfully.
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Location of the 491 Area Code
The 491 area code is a legitimate geographical code found in two separate countries:
Location 1: Germany (Country Code +49)
In Germany, 491 serves a region primarily in the northwest.
- Country Code: +49 (Germany)
- Major Cities: Leer, Emden, and Edewecht.
- Dialing Note: When calling Germany internationally, you must drop the leading zero from the domestic area code (e.g., dial +49 491 XXX XXXX).
Location 2: Sweden (Country Code +46)
In Sweden, 491 is used to designate a specific eastern region along the coast.
- Country Code: +46 (Sweden)
- Major Cities: Oskarshamn, Hogsby.
- Dialing Note: When calling Sweden internationally, you must drop the leading zero from the domestic area code (e.g., dial +46 491 XXX XXXX).
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Dialing Instructions for the 491 Area Code (Germany and Sweden)
Calling the 491 area code requires using the correct country code and observing the crucial rule of dropping the domestic trunk prefix.
Correct International Format (U.S. to Germany/Sweden)
| Destination | Full International Dialing Sequence | Example Format (10 digits) |
| Germany (Leer) | Exit Code + 49 + 491 + Local Number | 011 49 491 XXX XXXX |
| Sweden (Oskarshamn) | Exit Code + 46 + 491 + Local Number | 011 46 491 XXX XXXX |
Crucial Rule: Drop the Zero
In both Germany and Sweden, a phone number dialed domestically usually includes a leading zero (e.g., 0491). When calling from the U.S. or any international location, this leading ‘0’ MUST be dropped after the country code.
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Time Zone Information
When making a call to a 491 area code number, be mindful of the time difference, as both regions are significantly ahead of North American time zones.
- Germany (Central European Time): Typically 6 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time (EST).
- Sweden (Central European Time): Typically 6 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time (EST).
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Scam Risk and Safety
The 491 area code is a legitimate geographic area code in Europe and is not inherently prone to scams any more than other international codes. However, any unexpected international call requires caution.
- Unassigned NANP Code: In the NANP (U.S./Canada), 491 is listed as unassigned. Therefore, if you receive a call from (491) XXX-XXXX without an international indicator, it is a spoofed number and should be ignored.
- International Call Charges: Remember that calling any number beginning with +49 or +46 will incur international rates, which can be very expensive without an international calling plan. Never return a missed call from an unknown international number.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is 491 a U.S. area code?
No. Area code 491 is officially unassigned in the United States and Canada. It is used as a local geographic code in Germany and Sweden.
Why do some German mobile numbers start with +491?
German mobile phone numbers follow the country code +49, and often begin with a non-geographic code, such as 015, 016, or 017 domestically. When dialing internationally, the leading ‘0’ is dropped, so a mobile number beginning with 017 is dialed as +49 17. The digit 1 here signifies a non-geographic service rather than a city code.
How long is a phone number in Germany (with 491)?
A full phone number in Germany using the 491 prefix (after the country code) is typically 10 digits long (e.g., +49 491 XXX XXXX), not including the exit code.
