Area Code 265 – Zulia

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

The +58 265 country and area code combination corresponds to a geographic numbering plan area within the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Specifically, the 265 National Destination Code (NDC) is assigned to the western region of the country, primarily covering the state of Zulia. This area includes the city of Cabimas and its surrounding metropolitan and rural zones, which are part of the Maracaibo Basin, a significant oil-producing region. The administrative jurisdiction falls under the state government of Zulia, with local telecommunications services regulated by the Comisión Nacional de Telecomunicaciones (CONATEL).

Primary Cities and Local Dialing Format

The 265 code serves Cabimas, along with nearby towns such as Ciudad Ojeda, Lagunillas, and Santa Rita. These communities are interconnected through a local exchange network, and calls within the same NDC are dialed using the seven-digit subscriber number without the area code. For example, to call a fixed line in Cabimas from another fixed line in the same area, one would simply dial the seven-digit number (e.g., 264 1234). However, when calling from a different area code within Venezuela, the full national format must be used: 0 265 264 1234. The leading '0' is the national trunk prefix, and the '265' is the area code.

International Dialing Instructions

For international callers, the Venezuelan country code +58 must be dialed first, followed by the area code 265 and the seven-digit subscriber number, omitting the national trunk prefix '0'. Thus, a call from the United States or Europe to a fixed line in Cabimas would be dialed as +58 265 264 1234. It is important to note that the area code 265 is not an overlay; it is a distinct geographic code. No overlay codes have been introduced for this region, so the seven-digit numbering remains standard.

Caller Instructions and Considerations

Local callers within the 265 area should be aware that while mobile numbers in Venezuela also begin with 4xx or 2xx, the 265 code is exclusively for fixed-line services. When dialing from a mobile phone, the same national format applies: 0 265 followed by the subscriber number. For foreign callers, it is essential to verify the correct number length, as some older numbers may have fewer digits, but the current standard is seven digits after the area code. Additionally, due to the country's economic situation, some fixed lines may be inactive, but the numbering plan remains unchanged. Always confirm the number with the recipient to avoid misdialing.