Area Code 746 – Puebla/Veracruz

Overview of Area Code 746

Area code 746 is a geographic dialing code within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) administered by Mexico's Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT). It serves a region spanning parts of the states of Puebla and Veracruz, covering municipalities along the Sierra Norte de Puebla and adjacent areas of Veracruz. Key localities include Cuetzalan del Progreso, Zacapoaxtla, Zacatlán, and Chignahuapan in Puebla, as well as communities such as Tlapacoyan and Martínez de la Torre in Veracruz. The code is assigned to fixed-line services (PSTN) and is used for both local and long-distance calls within Mexico.

Dialing Formats and Usage

When calling a number within area code 746 from another part of Mexico, the national long-distance format requires dialing the prefix 01 followed by the area code and the seven-digit local number. For example, to reach a fixed line in Cuetzalan, you would dial 01 746 123 4567 (where 123 4567 is the local subscriber number). For international callers, the format is the country code for Mexico (+52), followed by the area code and the local number, omitting the national trunk prefix: +52 746 123 4567. Within the same area code, local calls are made by dialing only the seven-digit number.

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Context

The region covered by 746 is characterized by mountainous terrain and a mix of urban and rural communities. The area is known for its coffee production, tourism (e.g., the Magic Towns of Cuetzalan and Zacatlán), and agricultural activities. The code is administered by the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation (SICT) and is part of the national numbering plan. It is important to note that area code 746 is not an overlay; it is the sole geographic code for this specific region, meaning that no other area codes share the same territory.

Caller Instructions

For local callers within the 746 region, simply dial the seven-digit number. For callers from other parts of Mexico, always include the national long-distance prefix 01 before the area code. For international callers, use the plus sign (+) or the international access prefix of your country, then Mexico's country code (52), followed by 746 and the local number. Be aware that mobile numbers in Mexico are not tied to geographic area codes; they use the non-geographic prefixes 044, 045, or 1, and are dialed differently. If you are unsure whether a number is fixed or mobile, verify with the recipient.

Regulatory and Technical Notes

Numbering resources in Mexico are allocated by the IFT, and area codes are subject to periodic reviews. As of the latest updates, there are no plans for an overlay in this region. Fixed-line numbers in Mexico are typically seven digits long, and the area code is always required for calls from outside the local area. For VoIP users, the same dialing rules apply when routing to the PSTN. Always check with your service provider for any specific dialing requirements, especially for international calls.