Area Code 261 – Zulia

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

Country code +58, area code 261, is the geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the western region of Venezuela, specifically the state of Zulia. The code primarily serves the state capital, Maracaibo, along with surrounding municipalities such as San Francisco, Mara, Almirante Padilla, and La Cañada de Urdaneta. It also covers the eastern shore of Lake Maracaibo, including areas like Cabimas and Ciudad Ojeda, although some of these localities may fall under neighboring codes. The 261 code is allocated for fixed-line PSTN services, operating under the regulatory oversight of the Comisión Nacional de Telecomunicaciones (CONATEL).

Dialing Formats and Caller Instructions

For local callers within the 261 area, the national trunk prefix '0' is used, followed by the area code and the seven-digit subscriber number. The complete national dialing format is: 0-261-XXX-XXXX. For example, to call a fixed line in Maracaibo from another Venezuelan state, you would dial 0261-XXX-XXXX.

For international callers, the Venezuelan country code (+58) replaces the trunk prefix. The international dialing format is: +58-261-XXX-XXXX. For instance, a caller from the United States or Europe would dial +58 261 XXX XXXX to reach a number in Maracaibo. It is essential to omit the leading '0' of the national trunk prefix when dialing from abroad.

Numbering Structure and Overlay Considerations

Venezuelan fixed-line numbers consist of a three-digit area code followed by a seven-digit subscriber number, totaling ten digits when the national trunk prefix is included. As of the latest numbering plan updates, the 261 area code has not been subject to an overlay, meaning it remains the sole geographic code for its designated region. However, due to increasing demand, some new fixed-line services in the area may be assigned numbers under alternative codes, so users should verify the correct code when placing calls.

Practical Usage and Economic Impact

The 261 region is a major economic hub, driven by the oil industry around Lake Maracaibo and commercial activities in Maracaibo. Businesses and residents rely on this code for local communications, and it is also used for fax and dial-up internet services, though these are increasingly rare. For enterprises, having a local 261 number establishes a physical presence in the region, which is crucial for customer trust and local marketing. When calling from mobile phones within Venezuela, the same national format (0261) applies, but call charges may vary depending on the caller's mobile plan.