Understanding Guatemala's Area Codes and Dialing Formats
Posted: Sun May 25, 2025 8:21 am
Guatemala, located in Central America, utilizes a structured telephone numbering system governed by the Superintendencia de Telecomunicaciones (SIT). The country code for Guatemala is +502, and unlike many countries, Guatemala does not use regional area codes in the traditional sense. Instead, the entire country operates under a uniform national numbering plan. All phone numbers in Guatemala are eight digits long, regardless of the city or region.
Local Dialing in Guatemala
Since Guatemala lacks distinct geographic area codes, local guatemala phone number list dialing within the country is straightforward. To make a domestic call, users dial the eight-digit phone number directly. These numbers begin with specific digits that help identify the type of service. For example, mobile numbers typically begin with 3, 4, 5, or 6, while landline numbers generally start with 2. This system allows easy differentiation between service types without requiring separate area codes.
International Dialing to Guatemala
When dialing Guatemala from another country, callers must first use their own country’s international access code, followed by Guatemala’s country code (+502), and then the eight-digit local number. For example, to call a mobile phone in Guatemala from the United States, one would dial: 011 + 502 + xxxx xxxx. Here, "011" is the international exit code for the U.S., "502" is Guatemala’s country code, and the "xxxx xxxx" is the local mobile or landline number.
Mobile and Landline Distinction
As mentioned, the first digit of a Guatemalan phone number identifies the type of service. Landline numbers almost always begin with the digit 2, which was historically assigned to fixed-line telephones. In contrast, mobile phone numbers can begin with 3, 4, 5, or 6, depending on the provider and the region. For example, numbers beginning with 5 are often linked with Tigo, one of Guatemala’s leading telecom providers, while 3 or 4 may be associated with Claro or other companies.
Dialing Formats in Practice
Here are a few practical examples of dialing formats in Guatemala:
Calling a landline within Guatemala: 2xxx xxxx
Calling a mobile phone within Guatemala: 5xxx xxxx
Calling a Guatemalan number from abroad: +502 5xxx xxxx
It’s important to note that there is no leading ‘0’ or trunk prefix used when dialing within Guatemala or when calling from abroad. The eight-digit number structure remains consistent in all cases.
Emergency and Short Numbers
Guatemala also utilizes special short numbers for emergency services and government functions. For example:
110: National Police
122: Fire Department
128: Ambulance Services
These short codes are not part of the standard numbering format and are only accessible within Guatemala.
Conclusion
Understanding Guatemala’s area codes and dialing formats is quite simple due to the country’s use of a unified numbering system. With no traditional area codes, the emphasis is on the first digit of the eight-digit number to determine service type. Whether dialing locally or from abroad, recognizing the format ensures efficient communication with individuals or businesses in Guatemala.
Local Dialing in Guatemala
Since Guatemala lacks distinct geographic area codes, local guatemala phone number list dialing within the country is straightforward. To make a domestic call, users dial the eight-digit phone number directly. These numbers begin with specific digits that help identify the type of service. For example, mobile numbers typically begin with 3, 4, 5, or 6, while landline numbers generally start with 2. This system allows easy differentiation between service types without requiring separate area codes.
International Dialing to Guatemala
When dialing Guatemala from another country, callers must first use their own country’s international access code, followed by Guatemala’s country code (+502), and then the eight-digit local number. For example, to call a mobile phone in Guatemala from the United States, one would dial: 011 + 502 + xxxx xxxx. Here, "011" is the international exit code for the U.S., "502" is Guatemala’s country code, and the "xxxx xxxx" is the local mobile or landline number.
Mobile and Landline Distinction
As mentioned, the first digit of a Guatemalan phone number identifies the type of service. Landline numbers almost always begin with the digit 2, which was historically assigned to fixed-line telephones. In contrast, mobile phone numbers can begin with 3, 4, 5, or 6, depending on the provider and the region. For example, numbers beginning with 5 are often linked with Tigo, one of Guatemala’s leading telecom providers, while 3 or 4 may be associated with Claro or other companies.
Dialing Formats in Practice
Here are a few practical examples of dialing formats in Guatemala:
Calling a landline within Guatemala: 2xxx xxxx
Calling a mobile phone within Guatemala: 5xxx xxxx
Calling a Guatemalan number from abroad: +502 5xxx xxxx
It’s important to note that there is no leading ‘0’ or trunk prefix used when dialing within Guatemala or when calling from abroad. The eight-digit number structure remains consistent in all cases.
Emergency and Short Numbers
Guatemala also utilizes special short numbers for emergency services and government functions. For example:
110: National Police
122: Fire Department
128: Ambulance Services
These short codes are not part of the standard numbering format and are only accessible within Guatemala.
Conclusion
Understanding Guatemala’s area codes and dialing formats is quite simple due to the country’s use of a unified numbering system. With no traditional area codes, the emphasis is on the first digit of the eight-digit number to determine service type. Whether dialing locally or from abroad, recognizing the format ensures efficient communication with individuals or businesses in Guatemala.