Area Code 262 – Zulia

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

The +58 262 country and area code combination corresponds to a geographic numbering plan area within the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Specifically, the 262 National Destination Code (NDC) serves the western portion of Zulia State, with its primary hub in the city of Maracaibo, the state capital and the second-largest city in Venezuela. The coverage area extends to the municipalities of San Francisco, Mara, and Almirante Padilla, encompassing both urban and peri-urban zones. This code is allocated for fixed-line PSTN services, although some operators may offer VoIP-based fixed telephony using the same geographic NDC.

Dialing Formats and Procedures

For callers within Venezuela, dialing a local number in the 262 area requires the national trunk prefix 0, followed by the area code and the subscriber number. The complete national format is 0-262-XXX-XXXX, where the subscriber number consists of seven digits. For example, to reach a fixed line in Maracaibo, one would dial 0262-123-4567 from any other part of the country.

International callers must use the country code +58, omit the trunk prefix, and dial +58 262 XXX XXXX. For instance, a call from the United States to the same number would be dialed as +58 262 123 4567. It is crucial to note that the leading '0' of the national trunk prefix is not included when dialing from abroad.

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

As of the latest ITU-T E.164 national numbering plan updates, the 262 area code does not have an overlay code; it remains the sole geographic code for this region. Subscriber numbers are seven digits long, and no additional digit is required for local calls within the same area code. However, due to the ongoing migration towards VoIP and the consolidation of fixed and mobile services, some users may experience number portability. This means that a number assigned to the 262 code could potentially be routed to a mobile network, but the geographic tariff structure typically remains based on the original NDC.

Practical Guidance for Callers

• Local callers within the 262 area can dial the seven-digit subscriber number directly without the area code, unless they are calling from a different exchange that requires the full national format.
• National callers from other Venezuelan states must dial 0262 followed by the subscriber number.
• International callers should always use +58 262 and remember to drop the leading '0' of the trunk prefix.
• When saving contacts in a mobile phone, it is advisable to store numbers in international format (+58 262 XXX XXXX) to ensure proper dialing both domestically and internationally.

Understanding the correct dialing procedures for the 262 area code ensures seamless connectivity to businesses, government offices, and residents in the Maracaibo metropolitan area, a vital economic and cultural center in western Venezuela.