The user searching for the “477 area code” is attempting to identify a phone number’s origin, a common query when dealing with unfamiliar calls.
The 477 area code is not a recognized geographic area code within the United States or the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). Instead, 477 is the area code for the city of León, Mexico, which is the largest city in the state of Guanajuato and is known globally as the “Shoe Capital of the World.”
If you received a call from a number displaying 477, it originated from Mexico, or it may be a case of international number spoofing. This guide provides the essential details for identifying and calling this Mexican area code.
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Location and Time Zone
The 477 area code serves a key economic hub in Central Mexico.
Primary Location
- Country: Mexico (Country Code: +52)
- City/Region: León, Guanajuato
- Time Zone: Central Time Zone (CT).
Note: Mexico observes Central Standard Time (CST) and Central Daylight Time (CDT), which aligns with the US Central Time Zone. When calling from the US, the time difference to León is typically zero, or at most one hour, depending on the exact date and location.
Dialing Context: Not a US Code
It is important to remember that all US and Canadian area codes, which follow the NANP, do not use 477. This means any caller showing a 477 number without the international prefix is originating the call from a country outside of the North American Numbering Plan.
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How to Call a Number with the 477 Area Code
The dialing rules for Mexico changed recently, making the process of calling a 477 number simpler.
International Dialing to León, Mexico
To successfully call a 477 number from the US or Canada, use the following 10-digit format:
| Step | Digits | Example |
| 1. International Exit Code | 011 (or + symbol on mobile) | 011 |
| 2. Mexico Country Code | 52 | 011 52 |
| 3. Area Code | 477 | 011 52 477 |
| 4. Local Number | 7 digits | 011 52 477 555 1234 |
Crucial Note on Mobile Calls: Since 2020, you no longer need to dial the digit ‘1’ after the country code (+52) when calling a Mexican mobile phone. The +52 + Area Code + Local Number format works for both landlines and mobile phones in Mexico.
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Potential Scam Risk (International Callers)
While the 477 area code itself is legitimate and identifies León, Mexico, any unexpected international call should be treated with caution.
Be Aware of Caller ID Spoofing
Scammers worldwide use technology to disguise or “spoof” their real phone number, often making an expensive international call appear to originate from a recognizable code. If you receive a call from an unfamiliar 477 number, be aware of the following:
- The “One-Ring” Scam: If the number calls and hangs up after just one ring, do NOT call it back. The goal is to prompt you to return the call, which may connect you to an expensive premium international service, resulting in high charges on your phone bill.
- Unsolicited Contact: If you are not expecting a call from Mexico, be wary of callers asking for personal, financial, or sensitive information.
Actionable Advice: The safest course of action for any unknown number—especially one with an international code—is to let the call go to voicemail. If it is a legitimate contact, they will leave a message and you can safely verify the number before returning the call.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is 477 a valid US area code?
No. The 477 area code is not a valid area code in the United States, Canada, or any territory within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP).
What major city does 477 cover?
The 477 area code primarily covers León, Guanajuato, which is one of Mexico’s most important commercial and industrial centers.
What is the time difference when calling 477?
The 477 area code is in the Central Time Zone. You can generally call numbers in León without a major time difference if you are also in the Central Time Zone (CST/CDT). If you are on the East Coast (EST/EDT), you may be one hour ahead of León, so check the current time before calling.
