What prefixes are used for landline phones in El Salvador?
Posted: Sun May 25, 2025 7:01 am
El Salvador's phone numbering system is relatively straightforward. While it doesn't use traditional "area codes" in the same way many other countries do (where you dial a separate 2-3 digit code before the local number), the first digit or two of an 8-digit landline number effectively indicates the geographic region.
The Country Code and General Structure
First and foremost, when calling El Salvador from outside the country, you must always use the country code, which is +503. This is followed by an 8-digit local number.
For landlines, the 8-digit number always begins with the digit 2. This is a key identifier for fixed-line numbers in El Salvador. So, the general format el-salvador phone number list for calling an El Salvador landline from abroad is:
represents the remaining seven digits of the local number.
Regional Identifiers within Landline Numbers
While there aren't distinct "area codes" to dial, the second digit of the 8-digit landline number (following the initial '2') helps to denote the general geographic region within El Salvador. Here's a breakdown of how the regions are generally represented:
Metropolitan Area (San Salvador and surrounding areas): Numbers typically start with 20, 21, 22, or 25. For example, a landline in San Salvador might be +503 22XX XXXX.
Central Area: Numbers often begin with 23 or 29.
Western Area: Landlines in this region frequently start with 24 or 28.
Eastern Area: Numbers here commonly start with 27.
It's important to remember that these are internal classifications within the 8-digit number itself, not separate prefixes you dial. When making a call, you dial the full +503 and then the complete 8-digit number, starting with the '2'.
Mobile vs. Landline Prefixes
It's also worth noting the distinction between landline and mobile numbers in El Salvador. While landlines universally begin with '2', mobile numbers typically start with 6 or 7. This helps differentiate the type of service.
In summary, when dialing an El Salvador landline, you will always use the country code +503, followed by an 8-digit number that starts with '2'. The subsequent digits within that 8-digit sequence indicate the general geographic area.
The Country Code and General Structure
First and foremost, when calling El Salvador from outside the country, you must always use the country code, which is +503. This is followed by an 8-digit local number.
For landlines, the 8-digit number always begins with the digit 2. This is a key identifier for fixed-line numbers in El Salvador. So, the general format el-salvador phone number list for calling an El Salvador landline from abroad is:
represents the remaining seven digits of the local number.
Regional Identifiers within Landline Numbers
While there aren't distinct "area codes" to dial, the second digit of the 8-digit landline number (following the initial '2') helps to denote the general geographic region within El Salvador. Here's a breakdown of how the regions are generally represented:
Metropolitan Area (San Salvador and surrounding areas): Numbers typically start with 20, 21, 22, or 25. For example, a landline in San Salvador might be +503 22XX XXXX.
Central Area: Numbers often begin with 23 or 29.
Western Area: Landlines in this region frequently start with 24 or 28.
Eastern Area: Numbers here commonly start with 27.
It's important to remember that these are internal classifications within the 8-digit number itself, not separate prefixes you dial. When making a call, you dial the full +503 and then the complete 8-digit number, starting with the '2'.
Mobile vs. Landline Prefixes
It's also worth noting the distinction between landline and mobile numbers in El Salvador. While landlines universally begin with '2', mobile numbers typically start with 6 or 7. This helps differentiate the type of service.
In summary, when dialing an El Salvador landline, you will always use the country code +503, followed by an 8-digit number that starts with '2'. The subsequent digits within that 8-digit sequence indicate the general geographic area.