If you are looking up the 58 area code, it is essential to clarify its status: 58 is not a North American Area Code in the United States or Canada; it is the international country calling code for the nation of Venezuela.
When a number begins with +58, it signifies a call originating from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, a country located on the northern coast of South America. This guide provides all the necessary information for calling Venezuela, including its key city codes and time zone details.
The +58 Country Code: Venezuela
The +58 prefix is the mandatory International Direct Dialing (IDD) code used to route calls into Venezuela from anywhere else in the world.
Key Facts About +58
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Venezuela (Entire Country) |
| Continent | South America |
| Time Zone | Venezuelan Standard Time (VET) – UTC-4:00 |
| Dialing Format | The full number consists of the Country Code + 3-digit Area Code + 7-digit Local Number (Total 12 digits). |
Major Cities and Area Codes
Venezuela uses a closed telephone numbering plan with specific three-digit area codes for different geographical regions (mostly for landlines). Mobile phone numbers also use specific three-digit prefixes depending on the carrier (e.g., Movistar, Digitel, Movilnet).
| City/Region | Geographic Area Code | Mobile Prefix Examples |
| Caracas (Capital) | 212 | 412, 414, 416, 424, 426 |
| Maracaibo | 261 | |
| Valencia | 241 | |
| Barquisimeto | 251 | |
| Maracay | 243 |
How to Correctly Dial a Venezuelan Number
To call a landline or mobile number in Venezuela from the United States or Canada, follow these steps precisely:
- Dial the Exit Code: Dial 011 (the standard North American exit code). You can use the plus sign + on a mobile phone instead of 011.
- Dial the Country Code: Dial 58.
- Dial the Area Code: Dial the 3-digit area code (e.g., 212 for Caracas) or the 3-digit mobile prefix (e.g., 414).
- Dial the Local Number: Dial the final 7-digit subscriber number.
Full Example (Calling Caracas): 011 + 58 + 212 + XXX XXXX
Time Zone and International Call Considerations
Calling Time Zone
Venezuela observes Venezuelan Standard Time (VET), which is UTC-4:00. Notably, this means Venezuela currently observes the same time as the US Eastern Time Zone (like New York) when the US is observing Daylight Saving Time (EDT). When the US reverts to Standard Time (EST), Venezuela remains at UTC-4, meaning the time difference is zero.
Scam and Safety Risk
While the +58 country code is legitimate, unsolicited international calls carry an inherent risk of being scams, which may include:
- Toll Fraud: Calls that try to trick you into calling back a premium-rate line.
- Family Emergency Scams: Callers impersonating a relative claiming to be in trouble and needing emergency funds wired immediately.
Safety Tip: Never answer an unexpected call from a number you do not recognize, and never provide personal or financial information to an unsolicited international caller.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the time difference between Miami and Caracas?
Venezuela (VET, UTC-4) is in the same time zone as the US Eastern Time Zone (e.g., Miami, New York) when the US is observing Daylight Saving Time (EDT).
If I receive a call from +58, is it expensive to answer?
Answering an international call on a mobile phone is generally free for the recipient (the person answering). However, calling back an international number is where charges apply. Always check your wireless plan’s international calling rates before returning a call to +58.
What is the structure of a mobile number in Venezuela?
Venezuelan mobile numbers are 10 digits long (excluding the country code). They are formatted as 3-digit Mobile Prefix + 7-digit Subscriber Number. For example, a Movistar number might be 414-XXX-XXXX.
Conclusion
The 58 area code unequivocally belongs to the country of Venezuela as its international dialing code (+58). Understanding this code, along with the correct 12-digit dialing sequence (Exit Code + 58 + 3-digit Area Code + 7-digit Number), ensures you can communicate accurately with individuals and businesses in Caracas and throughout Venezuela.
