Area Code 246 – Tlaxcala
The phone area code for Tlaxcala is 246 (international format +52246). Browse local exchange codes (NXX) and carrier assignments below.
📞 Exchange Codes (NXX) for Area Code 246
Select a central office code to view local carrier data and detailed information
📍 Geographic Location of Tlaxcala
Overview of Area Code 246 (Tlaxcala, Mexico)
Area code 246 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the state of Tlaxcala in central Mexico. It serves the capital city of Tlaxcala de Xicohténcatl, as well as surrounding municipalities including Apizaco, Chiautempan, and Huamantla. This code is part of the Mexican numbering plan, which follows the ITU-T E.164 standard. The country calling code for Mexico is +52, and when dialing from abroad, you must use the international prefix of your country, followed by 52, then the area code and the local number.
Dialing Formats and Number Length
Local numbers within area code 246 consist of 7 digits. When dialing domestically within Mexico, you need to include the long-distance prefix 01 before the area code and local number. For example, to call a landline in Tlaxcala from elsewhere in Mexico, you would dial 01 246 XXX XXXX. From a mobile phone within Mexico, you can often dial 246 XXX XXXX directly, but it is safer to use the full national format. For international callers, the format is +52 246 XXX XXXX (or +52 1 246 XXX XXXX if calling a mobile number, though area code 246 is primarily for fixed lines).
Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction
The 246 area code covers the entire state of Tlaxcala, which is one of the smallest states in Mexico. Key cities served include:
- Tlaxcala de Xicohténcatl – the state capital and main urban center.
- Apizaco – an important railway and commercial hub.
- Chiautempan – known for its textile industry.
- Huamantla – famous for its cultural festivals and bullfighting.
The region is landlocked and bordered by Puebla, México, and Hidalgo. The area code is managed by the Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT) and is allocated to fixed-line operators such as Telmex, as well as cable and VoIP providers.
Caller Instructions and Overlay Considerations
Currently, there is no overlay code for Tlaxcala; 246 is the sole area code for the state. However, due to number exhaustion, future overlays may be introduced. For local callers within the same area code, it is possible to dial only the 7-digit number, but it is recommended to use the full national format to avoid issues with mobile networks. For foreign callers, always drop the leading '0' or '01' when dialing from abroad. For example, to call a business in Apizaco, you would dial +52 246 123 4567 (replace with actual number).
Practical Examples
- Local call (within Tlaxcala): 246 123 4567
- National long-distance call (from Mexico City): 01 246 123 4567
- International call (from the US): +52 246 123 4567
Understanding the correct dialing format ensures successful connectivity for both business and personal communications in this historic region.