Area Code 267 – Zulia

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

The +58 267 country and area code combination corresponds to a geographic numbering plan area within the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Specifically, the 267 National Destination Code (NDC) serves the western region of Zulia State, encompassing the city of Cabimas and its surrounding metropolitan and rural areas. This includes communities along the eastern shore of Lake Maracaibo, such as Ciudad Ojeda, Lagunillas, and Santa Rita. The administrative jurisdiction falls under the Zulia State government, with local telephony services regulated by the Comisión Nacional de Telecomunicaciones (CONATEL).

Dialing Formats and Caller Instructions

For callers within Venezuela, dialing a fixed-line number in the 267 area requires the format: 0267 XXX XXXX. The leading '0' is the national trunk prefix, used only for domestic calls. For international callers, the correct format is +58 267 XXX XXXX (or 0058 267 XXX XXXX from countries using international prefix 00). Note that the trunk prefix '0' is omitted when dialing from abroad. Local calls within the same area code do not require the area code; however, due to the implementation of overlay plans in some Venezuelan regions, 10-digit dialing may be mandatory. Always confirm with your local service provider.

Numbering Structure and Technical Details

Venezuelan fixed-line numbers consist of a three-digit area code followed by a seven-digit subscriber number. The 267 code is classified as a geographic NDC under the ITU-T E.164 international numbering plan. Subscriber numbers are allocated to the dominant incumbent operator, CANTV, as well as private operators such as Movilnet, Digitel, and Intercable, which provide fixed wireless access (FWA) services in the region. Number portability is available, allowing users to retain their numbers when switching operators, though the geographic tie remains.

Primary Cities and Economic Significance

The 267 area is strategically important due to its proximity to the Maracaibo Basin, Venezuela's primary oil-producing region. Cabimas serves as a major hub for the petroleum industry, with numerous related services and logistics companies operating in the area. Other significant towns include Tía Juana, Punta Gorda, and Bachaquero. This economic activity drives demand for reliable telecommunications infrastructure, supporting both residential and enterprise customers.

Overlay Considerations and Future Outlook

As of the latest CONATEL updates, no overlay code has been introduced for the 267 area. However, given the growth of fixed-line subscriptions and the migration to VoIP, the regulatory body may consider numbering adjustments in the future. For now, the standard dialing procedures remain in effect. Users are advised to check for any local dialing changes, especially when using VoIP services that may require alternative access numbers.