Area Code 238 – Santiago Miahuatlan/Tehuacan, PUE
The phone area code for Santiago Miahuatlan/Tehuacan, PUE is 238 (international format +52238). Browse local exchange codes (NXX) and carrier assignments below.
📞 Exchange Codes (NXX) for Area Code 238
Select a central office code to view local carrier data and detailed information
📍 Geographic Location of Santiago Miahuatlan/Tehuacan, PUE
Overview of Area Code 238 (Mexico)
Area code 238 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the southeastern region of the state of Puebla, Mexico. It serves the city of Tehuacán and surrounding municipalities, including Santiago Miahuatlán, which is part of the Tehuacán metropolitan area. This code is used for fixed-line (PSTN) services and is administered under Mexico's national numbering plan, which follows ITU-T E.164 recommendations.
Geographic Coverage and Jurisdiction
The 238 area code covers the Tehuacán Valley and its adjacent communities, an important agricultural and commercial hub in the Sierra Negra region. Key localities include Tehuacán (the largest city), Santiago Miahuatlán, San Gabriel Chilac, and Zapotitlán Salinas. The region is known for its mineral water bottling industry and as a transit point between Puebla City and Oaxaca.
Dialing Formats and Procedures
For local calls within the 238 area code, callers must dial the 3-digit area code followed by the 7-digit local number, even for calls within the same city. This is a mandatory requirement in Mexico's dialing plan. The complete national format is: 238 XXX XXXX.
For international calls from outside Mexico, callers should dial the Mexican country code (+52), then the area code (without the leading '0' or '1' that is sometimes used for domestic long-distance), followed by the local number. The international format is: +52 238 XXX XXXX.
For example, to call a fixed line in Tehuacán from the United States, you would dial: 011 52 238 123 4567. From a mobile phone in the US, you would dial: +52 238 123 4567.
Overlay and Numbering Considerations
As of the latest ITU-T and Mexican Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT) updates, there is no overlay code for the 238 area. However, due to the growing demand for telecommunication services in the region, ten-digit dialing is mandatory for all calls, including local ones. This is part of Mexico's transition to a unified dialing scheme to accommodate future numbering expansions.
Caller Instructions
- Local callers: Always dial the area code (238) even when calling a number in the same city. Example: 238 123 4567.
- National callers from other area codes: Dial the long-distance prefix '01' followed by the area code and number: 01 238 123 4567.
- International callers: Dial your country's exit code (e.g., 011 from the US/Canada), then Mexico's country code 52, then the area code and number without the '01' prefix: 011 52 238 123 4567.
Understanding the correct dialing format is essential for ensuring successful connections to businesses and residents in the Tehuacán region. Always verify the local number length, as some legacy numbers may have fewer digits, but the standard is 7 digits after the area code.