How to Call Venezuela
Complete guide to dialing Venezuela (country code +58)
Planning to connect with friends, family, or business contacts in South America? Learning how to call Venezuela doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're making your first international call or need a quick refresher, this comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about calling Venezuela from anywhere in the world. We'll cover the essential dialing instructions, including country codes and area codes, to ensure your call goes through successfully. You'll also discover the most common mistakes people make when dialing Venezuela and how to avoid them, plus important tips on Venezuelan phone etiquette to make a great impression. We've also included a helpful list of emergency and useful numbers you might need while communicating with Venezuela.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
International Dialing Format Structure
To call Venezuela from abroad, follow this structure: Exit Code + 58 + Area Code + Local Number. Venezuela's country code is +58, and local numbers vary in length depending on whether you're calling a landline or mobile phone.
Dialing from Different Countries
From the USA or Canada:
Use exit code 011
- Format: 011-58-XXX-XXXXXXX
From the UK or most European countries:
Use exit code 00
- Format: 00-58-XXX-XXXXXXX
From other countries:
Check your country's international exit code and replace it accordingly. The plus sign (+) can substitute any exit code on mobile phones.
Specific Dialing Examples
Example 1 - Caracas Landline (Area Code 212):
- From USA: 011-58-212-XXX-XXXX
- From UK: 00-58-212-XXX-XXXX
- From mobile anywhere: +58-212-XXX-XXXX
Example 2 - Mobile Phone (Area Code 414):
- From USA: 011-58-414-XXX-XXXX
- From UK: 00-58-414-XXX-XXXX
- From mobile anywhere: +58-414-XXX-XXXX
Example 3 - Maracaibo Landline (Area Code 261):
- From USA: 011-58-261-XXX-XXXX
- From UK: 00-58-261-XXX-XXXX
- From mobile anywhere: +58-261-XXX-XXXX
Important Notes About Venezuelan Numbers
Venezuelan phone numbers do not use leading zeros before area codes when dialing internationally. If someone gives you a local number starting with 0 (like 0212-XXX-XXXX), drop the zero when calling from abroad and dial: +58-212-XXX-XXXX.
Mobile numbers in Venezuela typically use area codes like 412, 414, 416, 424, and 426. Landline area codes include 212 (Caracas), 261 (Maracaibo), and 241 (Valencia). Always verify the complete number has 10-11 digits total (including area code) for successful connection.
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Common Mistakes
When calling Venezuela, avoid these common mistakes that can prevent your call from connecting:
1. Forgetting to drop the leading zero from the local number
Venezuelan phone numbers often display with a leading zero (e.g., 0414-XXX-XXXX), but you must remove this zero when dialing internationally. Dial +58 414-XXX-XXXX instead.
2. Using the wrong exit code
Different countries use different exit codes (011 for US/Canada, 00 for most of Europe). Always verify your country's international dialing prefix, or simply use the + symbol which works universally from mobile phones.
3. Confusing the country code with area codes
Venezuela's country code is +58, not to be confused with local area codes like 212 (Caracas) or 414 (mobile). The complete format is: +58 + area code + local number.
4. Incorrectly formatting mobile numbers
Venezuelan mobile numbers use three-digit prefixes (414, 424, 412, 416). Ensure you're including the full mobile prefix after the country code: +58-414-XXX-XXXX.
5. Adding unnecessary spaces or characters
While spaces improve readability, adding hyphens or parentheses incorrectly can cause dialing errors on some systems. Keep formatting consistent.
Cultural Etiquette
When making phone calls in Venezuela, understanding local customs will help you communicate effectively and build better relationships.
Greetings matter greatly. Always start with a warm "Buenos dĂas" (good morning), "Buenas tardes" (good afternoon), or "Buenas noches" (good evening) before stating your purpose. Venezuelans appreciate friendly conversation, so expect some small talk even during business calls.
Business calls require initial formality. Use "usted" (formal you) and titles like "Señor" or "Señora" until the other person suggests otherwise. However, Venezuelans generally transition to a warmer, more personal tone quickly, even in professional settings.
Timing is important. Avoid calling during lunch hours (12:00-2:00 PM) or after 9:00 PM unless it's urgent or you have a close relationship. For business calls, mid-morning (10:00-11:30 AM) or mid-afternoon (3:00-5:00 PM) work best.
Personal calls are relationship-focused. Venezuelans value personal connections, so don't rush conversations. Being too direct or hurried may seem cold or disrespectful.
Voice messages should be brief but warm. Leave your name, a friendly greeting, and a clear reason for calling. Many Venezuelans prefer direct conversation over messages when possible.
Unique considerations: Building rapport comes first in Venezuelan culture. Don't be surprised if conversations take longer than expected—this relationship-building is essential and shows respect for the person, not just the transaction.
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Emergency Numbers
Emergency Services in Venezuela:
- 911 - Universal emergency number (police, ambulance, fire)
- 171 - National Police (CICPC)
- *28 - Fire Department (Bomberos)
- 0800-26623371 - Civil Protection
Important Information:
All emergency numbers are available 24/7 and free to call from both landlines and mobile phones. However, service reliability can vary significantly by location, with better response times in major cities like Caracas, Maracaibo, and Valencia.
Critical Notes:
English-speaking operators are rarely available; Spanish proficiency is essential. Emergency response times may be slower than in other countries due to infrastructure challenges. Consider having backup contacts for private emergency services, medical clinics, and your embassy. Keep physical addresses written in Spanish, as many areas lack clear street marking systems.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 113: National directory assistance for local phone numbers and business listings
International Operator
- 122: International operator assistance for placing calls abroad and collect calls
Tourist Information
- Inatur (National Institute of Tourism): +58-212-208-4511 for tourist information, travel guidance, and assistance
Embassy Contacts
- US Embassy Caracas: +58-212-975-6411
- Canadian Embassy: +58-212-600-3000
- UK Embassy: +58-212-319-5600
- Contact your home country's embassy for citizen services and consular assistance
Other Helpful Services
- 171: Time and weather information
- *611: Customer service for most mobile phone carriers
- CANTV Customer Service: 0-800-2288-000 (landline provider)
- CORPOELEC: 0-500-5020000 (electricity company)
Banking & Financial
Most major banks offer 24-hour helplines; check your bank card for specific numbers.
Tips for Calling Venezuela
When calling Venezuela, remember the country operates on Venezuela Time (VET), UTC-4, with no daylight saving time changes. For personal calls, early mornings (7-9 AM VET) or evenings (6-9 PM VET) typically work best when people are home and available.
Business calls should target standard working hours: Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM VET. Schedule important business calls in advance via email, as drop-in calls may go unanswered during busy periods. Avoid calling during lunch hours (12-2 PM), when many businesses close.
Be mindful of Venezuelan holidays including New Year's Day, Carnival (February/March), Easter week, Independence Day (July 5), and Christmas. These dates often see extended closures.
For clearer communication, speak slowly and articulate clearly, as connection quality can vary. If conducting business in English, confirm language preferences beforehand—many Venezuelan professionals speak English, but Spanish remains dominant. Have key points written down, and consider follow-up emails to confirm details discussed.
Finally, account for potential power outages or connectivity issues by building flexibility into your schedule and remaining patient with technical difficulties.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Venezuela is +58. You need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Venezuela from anywhere in the world.
To call Venezuela from your cell phone, dial + (or 011 from the US/Canada), then 58 (Venezuela's country code), followed by the area code and local number. For example: +58-212-XXX-XXXX for Caracas.
Yes, if the Venezuelan phone number starts with a zero, you should drop it when dialing internationally. After dialing +58, enter the area code without the leading zero, then the local number.
The cheapest way to call Venezuela is using ZippCall, which offers affordable pay-as-you-go international calling rates. With ZippCall, you can call from your web browser, iPhone, or Android device with no contracts, no subscriptions, and no hidden fees—just transparent, low-cost rates for calling Venezuela.
In Venezuela, the main emergency numbers are: 911 (general emergency), 171 (police), 171 (fire department), and 171 (ambulance). Keep these numbers handy when traveling or residing in Venezuela for quick access to emergency services.
Yes, you can call Venezuela directly from your web browser using ZippCall. Simply visit the ZippCall website, enter the Venezuelan phone number, and make your call without needing to download any software or apps.
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