The sequence “+58 area code” is most accurately defined as the international country calling code for the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, a country located on the northern coast of South America. If you see an incoming call or message starting with +58, it originates from Venezuela.
The +58 prefix is necessary for all international calls to Venezuela and is always followed by a three-digit local area code (for landlines) or a three-digit mobile prefix. This guide provides a complete breakdown of the Venezuelan numbering plan, detailing the major city codes and the correct dialing procedure from abroad.
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The +58 Country Code: Venezuela
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) officially assigns +58 as the unique Country Calling Code for Venezuela.
| Feature | Detail |
| Location | Venezuela (South America) |
| Capital City | Caracas |
| Time Zone | Venezuelan Standard Time (VET): UTC-4 |
| Number Format | 10 digits total (3-digit Area Code + 7-digit Local Number) |
Time Zone Note: Venezuelan Standard Time (VET)
Venezuela operates in a single time zone, VET (UTC-4), year-round, as it does not observe Daylight Saving Time.
- Calling from the U.S. East Coast (EST/EDT): VET is one hour ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time (EST) in the winter. During U.S. Daylight Saving Time (EDT), VET is the same Always confirm the current time in Venezuela before placing a call.
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Venezuelan Area Codes and Mobile Prefixes
Venezuelan phone numbers use a standard 10-digit format: three digits for the area code followed by seven digits for the subscriber number (NNN-NNN-NNNN).
Geographic Area Codes (Landlines)
The three-digit area code directs the call to a specific region or state. The most prominent area code is for the capital city.
| Major City/Region | Area Code | Example International Format |
| Caracas (Distrito Capital) | 212 | +58 212 XXX XXXX |
| Maracaibo (Zulia State) | 261 | +58 261 XXX XXXX |
| Valencia (Carabobo State) | 241 | +58 241 XXX XXXX |
| Barquisimeto (Lara State) | 251 | +58 251 XXX XXXX |
| Ciudad Guayana (Bolívar State) | 285 | +58 285 XXX XXXX |
Mobile Phone Prefixes
Mobile numbers in Venezuela are also 10 digits long (3-digit prefix + 7-digit number). The first three digits after the +58 country code identify the mobile operator.
| Mobile Operator | Common Prefixes | Example International Format |
| Movistar | 414, 424 | +58 414 XXX XXXX |
| Movilnet | 416, 426 | +58 416 XXX XXXX |
| Digitel | 412, 422 | +58 412 XXX XXXX |
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How to Call Venezuela from the U.S. or Canada
To connect a call to a Venezuelan number, you must follow the correct international dialing sequence:
- Dial the International Exit Code (011): This code is needed to leave the North American network. (Mobile phone users can generally substitute the + symbol for 011.)
- Dial the Country Code (58).
- Dial the full 10-digit Venezuelan phone number (including the 3-digit area code or mobile prefix).
Full Dialing Format Example (U.S. to Venezuela):
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Cost and Scam Warning
International calls to Venezuela can be significantly expensive due to local carrier rates.
- High Cost Warning: Without a specialized international calling plan, direct calls to Venezuela can cost more than one dollar per minute.
- Cost-Saving Alternatives: It is highly recommended to use Voice over IP (VoIP) services or messaging apps (such as WhatsApp, Skype, or Viber) that offer free or low-cost calls over a Wi-Fi or data connection.
Scam Alert
If you receive a suspicious missed call from an unknown +58 number, do not call back. This may be a tactic used in “Wangiri” scams, where the scammer hangs up after one ring, hoping curiosity prompts you to return the call to a premium-rate international number, incurring high charges on your phone bill.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is 58 a U.S. area code?
No. The code 58 is not a valid area code within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). It is exclusively the international country calling code for Venezuela.
How many digits are in a Venezuelan phone number?
A full Venezuelan phone number, when dialed internationally, consists of 10 digits following the +58 country code. This includes the 3-digit area code (or mobile prefix) and the 7-digit local number.
What is the emergency number in Venezuela?
If you are in Venezuela and require emergency assistance, the unified national emergency number is 112.
