Venezuela – Landlines and Mobile Phones

What are the international dialling codes for Venezuela, and what are the area codes for the most popular expat destinations?

Venezuela’s assigned country code is +58, which you enter after the international access prefix of your home country. From a mobile phone, simply type the + sign, then 58, followed by the rest of the number. When using a fixed international line, precede +58 with your country’s international exit code — most commonly 00 or 011.

If a Venezuelan number you have written down begins with a zero, omit that zero when dialling from outside the country. After entering +58, type the area code without the leading zero, then the subscriber number. As a practical example, a Caracas landline displayed locally as 0212-XXX-XXXX should be dialled internationally as +58 212 XXX XXXX.

Landline area codes in Venezuela consist of three digits. The table below covers the codes for the cities most frequented by expats and international residents:

Venezuelan mobile numbers carry three-digit prefixes — 414, 424, 412, and 416 — which vary by network operator. To reach a Venezuelan mobile from abroad, dial the country code followed by the full mobile prefix and number: for example, +58 414 XXX XXXX. Mobile numbers do not require a city area code — the prefix alone identifies which network is being called.

Venezuela observes Venezuela Time (VET), which is UTC-4 throughout the year with no daylight saving adjustments. Keep this time difference in mind when scheduling international calls.

Who are the major landline providers in Venezuela, and how can you contact them?

CANTV (Compañía Anónima Nacional de Teléfonos de Venezuela) is the state-run enterprise responsible for fixed-line telephone and internet provision across the country. Established in 1930 as one of Venezuela’s earliest telephone companies, CANTV was returned to state ownership through nationalisation in 2007 and continues to hold an overwhelming share of the fixed-line market.

Headquartered in Caracas, CANTV delivers fixed telephony, mobile services, and internet access to millions of residential subscribers. For most expats seeking a landline, CANTV will be the only realistic option — a situation quite different from countries such as France or Germany, where multiple private companies compete for fixed-line customers. In Venezuela, a single state operator effectively controls this segment of the market.

You can reach CANTV through the following channels:

• Official website: www.cantv.com.ve
• Telephone support (fixed-line and internet): 0800-CANTV00 (0-800-2268800); television satellite support: 0-800-CANTVTV (0-800-2268888)
• In-person: CANTV operates service offices (Centros de Servicio CANTV) in all major cities and many smaller towns. For new connection requests, visiting a branch in person tends to be the most reliable approach.

Venezuela’s fixed-line penetration rate was among the stronger ones in the region until growth stalled around 2015. Since then, the number of active lines has declined sharply, a trend closely tied to the country’s prolonged economic hardship, which has led many households to discontinue their fixed-line subscriptions. The physical condition of the network in some parts of the country may therefore fall short of what new arrivals are accustomed to elsewhere.

The infrastructure challenges facing CANTV are compounded by the difficulty telecoms companies face in procuring and paying for equipment from overseas suppliers, leading to degraded service quality in a number of areas. Always verify current tariffs and plan availability for your specific location directly through CANTV’s official website, as pricing and service offerings are subject to frequent change.

For regulatory grievances or consumer protection enquiries concerning fixed-line services, the relevant authority is CONATEL (Comisión Nacional de Telecomunicaciones), the body responsible for overseeing all telecommunications activity in Venezuela, including telephone, internet, and satellite communications. CONATEL’s official website can be found at www.conatel.gob.ve.

Who are the major mobile phone providers in Venezuela, and how can you contact them?

Venezuela’s mobile market is divided among three main operators: Movilnet, the mobile arm of state-owned CANTV; Movistar, the local branch of Spain’s Telefónica Group; and Digitel, an independently owned private company with Venezuelan roots. The sector features a blend of public and private ownership that distinguishes it from more liberalised telecoms markets.

Movilnet, operating as a subsidiary of CANTV, commands close to 40% of Venezuela’s mobile subscriber base. It offers both prepaid and postpaid options and is frequently the most viable choice in rural and inland areas thanks to its extensive legacy infrastructure. You can reach Movilnet by visiting www.movilnet.com.ve or by dialling 82 from a Movilnet device.

Movistar (Telefónica Venezuela) is another leading carrier, providing prepaid and postpaid plans as well as mobile data services. To contact Movistar customer support, dial *611 from your Movistar handset or visit the company’s website at www.movistar.com.ve.

Digitel earned the Ookla Speedtest Award 2023, cementing its reputation as Venezuela’s fastest mobile network. Originally focused on the country’s central region, Digitel expanded its footprint through a series of mergers and network investment programmes. In 2013, it became the first Venezuelan operator to launch 4G/LTE service in major cities. Both prepaid and postpaid plans are available. Contact Digitel at www.digitel.com.ve or by dialling 121 from a Digitel handset.

The table below provides a summary comparison of the three operators:

Theft of network equipment and persistent power supply disruptions are the main factors undermining service consistency, particularly beyond the major cities. In metropolitan areas such as Caracas, Maracaibo, and Valencia, 4G coverage from all three operators is generally accessible. In more remote states and rural communities, however, service may be limited or unreliable. Always consult each operator’s coverage map before selecting a plan. As of 2024, pricing is typically denominated in US dollars following the country’s dollarisation — verify current tariffs on each provider’s official website, as these are subject to regular revision.

Digitel announced that on 7 June 2024 it conducted Venezuela’s first 5G technology trials in the 3.5 GHz band, specifically a Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) service, in the states of Nueva Esparta and Barinas. Movilnet has similarly commenced 5G pilot tests in the Capital District and La Guaira. Nationwide consumer 5G rollout remains in its earliest phases.

How do I get a landline connected in Venezuela?

Setting up a new landline in Venezuela means dealing almost exclusively with CANTV, the dominant fixed-line operator. The process requires attending a local office in person and submitting the relevant paperwork. Processing times vary — once your application has been accepted, CANTV will dispatch a technician to your property to install the line and any associated equipment. This can take several days from the point of approval, though delays are possible in areas with ageing infrastructure, so it is wise to allow extra time in your planning.

1. Locate your nearest CANTV service centre. Use the CANTV website (www.cantv.com.ve) to find the closest Centro de Servicio. Arriving with all your documents already prepared will help you avoid unnecessary return visits.
2. Gather your identity documentation. You will be required to present proof of identity and a document confirming your address, such as a utility invoice or rental agreement. Foreign nationals should carry their passport along with any residency permit (carnet de residencia or equivalent) they hold.
3. Provide evidence of your address and occupancy status. Renters should supply a copy of their lease agreement, while property owners will need a document confirming legal ownership, such as a title deed. Your tenancy status generally does not bar you from applying, though the specific paperwork required may differ slightly.
4. Lodge your application at the CANTV office. The documentation requirements listed by CANTV apply to customers establishing a new service relationship. Submit your documents at any CANTV branch and pay the applicable installation fee. Always request a receipt that includes your application reference number.
5. Await your installation appointment. CANTV will arrange a visit by a technician. Depending on infrastructure conditions and local demand, this could take anywhere from several business days to a few weeks.
6. Verify the line is working before the technician departs. Test the connection while the technician is still present. Confirm your account number and the date from which billing will commence.

Always confirm the current fees, deposit requirements, and documentation needed either directly with CANTV or through CONATEL (www.conatel.gob.ve), as these details may change. CONATEL serves as the single regulatory body for consumer telecoms complaints across Venezuela, covering both fixed-line and mobile services.

How do I get a mobile phone SIM card or contract in Venezuela?

Acquiring a prepaid SIM card in Venezuela is a relatively simple process and remains by far the most common approach for newcomers and short-stay residents. Postpaid contract plans do exist but are harder to access for those who lack established residency credentials. This mirrors patterns seen across much of Latin America, where prepaid services dominate the consumer mobile segment.

Prepaid SIM card

Prepaid SIMs are on sale at the official retail outlets of all three operators (Movilnet, Movistar, Digitel), as well as at supermarkets, pharmacies, and authorised third-party resellers throughout the country. To buy a prepaid SIM, you will typically need to provide:

• A valid passport or national identity document
• Your local address (a temporary address may be acceptable)
• Payment for the SIM card itself and an initial credit top-up

Unlike some European markets where SIMs can be purchased with minimal formality, Venezuelan operators require each SIM to be registered to the purchaser’s identity as part of regulatory obligations. CONATEL enforces a range of telecommunications requirements in Venezuela — covering technical standards, spectrum allocation, and data privacy — and SIM registration falls within this framework.

Postpaid contract

Postpaid plans involve a more thorough documentation process, typically requiring proof of residency and, in most cases, a Venezuelan national identity document (cédula de identidad) or a valid foreign residency permit. Tourists and newly arrived expats who do not yet hold permanent or long-term residency are usually limited to prepaid options. If you possess a residency permit (carnet de extranjería or equivalent), you may be able to apply for a postpaid contract at a major operator service centre. Operators are generally receptive to discussing postpaid arrangements once applicants can demonstrate the requisite documentation, as providers actively seek to migrate prepaid customers to postpaid plans and grow their mobile data revenues.

As of 2025, mobile plan pricing is predominantly quoted in US dollars. Review the current tariffs on each operator’s website — movilnet.com.ve, movistar.com.ve, and digitel.com.ve — before visiting a store, as plan structures and promotional offerings change on a regular basis.

How do I pay my telephone bill in Venezuela?

Both landline and mobile phone bills in Venezuela are typically issued on a monthly basis. Venezuela’s main telephone providers offer several ways to settle accounts: online via the provider’s website using a credit or debit card; through a bank branch or internet banking portal using the provider’s designated account details; or at self-service payment kiosks located around the country, which accept both cash and debit cards.

Additional payment channels include visits to operator customer service centres and automatic direct debit arrangements. Automatic payment through bank debit is available to customers holding Venezuelan bank accounts and offers a convenient way to avoid missed billing cycles. Arranging this facility typically requires visiting the provider’s office or calling customer service directly.

Venezuela’s banking sector operates a digital payment platform known as the Sistema de Pago Electrónico (SPEI/Pago Móvil), an instant inter-bank transfer system accessible from a mobile phone. This tool is in widespread everyday use for settling utility and telecoms bills, and the majority of account holders in Venezuela rely on it as their go-to payment method. Once you have opened a local bank account, Pago Móvil will allow you to pay your phone bills promptly from your handset without needing to visit a branch.

As a consequence of dollarisation, many mobile plans and some fixed-line invoices are now priced in US dollars, with payments accepted in both dollars and bolívares at the prevailing exchange rate. This has brought greater pricing stability and revenue predictability for operators. Confirm which currencies your provider currently accepts and what exchange rate applies at the time of payment.

Failure to pay on time may result in service suspension. Each provider’s disconnection policy differs, but it is common for lines to be cut within a matter of weeks following a missed payment. Unlike certain Western European regulatory frameworks that mandate formal grace periods and written notification before disconnection, Venezuelan practice may see services suspended more quickly — making automatic payment or scheduled reminders especially worthwhile.

Are there any practical tips for using phones in Venezuela as a newcomer?

International roaming
All three major operators support inbound international roaming for visitors from the majority of countries, but roaming charges can be substantial depending on the agreements your home provider has in place. If you are relocating rather than passing through, buying a local SIM card on arrival will almost certainly be far more economical than relying on a roaming connection. Check with your home carrier before you travel to confirm compatibility with Venezuelan networks.

eSIMs
eSIM technology simplifies mobile data access by eliminating the need to swap out a physical card. In Venezuela, international eSIM providers work with the main mobile operators — Movistar, Movilnet, and Digitel — to supply travellers with 4G/LTE connectivity, and occasionally 5G access where available. However, eSIM plans sold directly by Venezuelan operators to individual consumers are not yet widely offered in the domestic market. If you wish to use an eSIM, purchase one from an international eSIM provider before your arrival in Venezuela and confirm that it covers the specific areas you intend to visit.

Network quality and reliability
The theft of telecoms infrastructure and recurring electricity outages are the principal factors behind unreliable phone service in Venezuela. In Caracas and other large urban centres, at least one operator will usually provide workable 4G connectivity, but outages do occur. Coverage deteriorates considerably in rural regions. A common strategy among expats is to carry two SIMs from different operators — for example, a Digitel SIM for the fastest urban data speeds and a Movilnet SIM for broader reach when travelling through the interior.

Number porting
Porting a mobile number between Venezuelan operators — that is, taking your existing number with you when you switch networks — is regulated by CONATEL and is technically permitted. In practice, however, the process is considerably slower than in countries where porting is completed within a single working day. Expect the transfer to take several business days and to involve visits to both your current and new operator’s service centres. Contact the operator you wish to move to for up-to-date instructions before beginning the process.

Keeping a foreign number
It is not possible to port an overseas number directly into the Venezuelan mobile network. If you need to remain reachable on your existing foreign number for international contacts, consider pairing a VoIP application such as WhatsApp — or a dedicated VoIP service — with your local Venezuelan SIM. WhatsApp enjoys exceptionally broad adoption in Venezuela and functions as the primary communication tool for both personal and professional purposes, often supplanting traditional voice calls and SMS.

Local calling customs
It is customary to open any call with a warm greeting — “Buenos días”, “Buenas tardes”, or “Buenas noches” depending on the time of day — before getting to the point of your call. Venezuelans value friendly interaction, so a little small talk at the start of a conversation is normal practice, including in business contexts. Assistance in English is rarely available from operator staff, making a working command of Spanish essential. If your Spanish is still limited, consider bringing a bilingual contact with you when visiting provider offices.

Emergency numbers
Venezuela’s principal emergency numbers are 911 (general emergencies), 171 (police), 171 (fire department), and 171 (ambulance services). Store these in your phone as soon as you arrive. All emergency lines operate around the clock and are free to call from both mobile phones and landlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my foreign number when I move to Venezuela?

It is not possible to port a foreign number directly into the Venezuelan mobile network. You can, however, continue using your overseas number through internet-based communication apps such as WhatsApp, which has widespread adoption across Venezuela. Most expats opt to use a local Venezuelan SIM for everyday calls while keeping their foreign number active for international contacts through a data connection.

Do I need a local address to get a SIM card in Venezuela?

Yes. Purchasing a SIM card in Venezuela — even a prepaid one — requires you to present identity documentation and a local address for registration. Operators generally accept a temporary address, such as a hotel or short-term rental, for prepaid SIM registration. Postpaid contracts, however, require more substantive proof of residency.

Which mobile network has the best coverage in Venezuela?

Digitel earned the Ookla Speedtest Award 2023 for operating Venezuela’s fastest mobile network, making it the preferred option for urban data users. Movilnet, as the mobile subsidiary of the state-owned operator, holds close to 40% of the subscriber market and typically provides broader reach in rural and interior areas. Many long-term residents carry two SIMs from different operators to ensure the best possible coverage wherever they travel.

Can tourists get a prepaid SIM in Venezuela?

Yes. Prepaid SIMs are available to tourists at operator stores and authorised resellers across Venezuela. You will need to present your passport for identity registration purposes. Postpaid contracts are generally inaccessible to short-term visitors who do not hold a Venezuelan residency document (cédula).

How reliable is the landline network in Venezuela?

The volume of active fixed lines has dropped considerably since 2015, a decline closely associated with Venezuela’s sustained economic difficulties. Infrastructure investment has been hampered by challenges in procuring equipment from foreign suppliers, leaving service quality degraded in many areas. Most expats and local residents rely on mobile phones as their primary means of communication rather than fixed-line connections.

Who regulates telephone services in Venezuela?

CONATEL (Comisión Nacional de Telecomunicaciones) is the government body responsible for overseeing all telecommunications activity in Venezuela, including telephony, internet, broadcast services, and satellite communications. If a dispute with a telephone provider cannot be resolved through the operator’s own complaint channels, you can escalate the matter to CONATEL at www.conatel.gob.ve.

Is 5G available in Venezuela?

Digitel conducted Venezuela’s inaugural 5G technology trials in June 2024, testing in the 3.5 GHz band with a Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) service in the states of Nueva Esparta and Barinas. Movilnet has also undertaken 5G pilot testing in the Capital District and La Guaira. As of 2024–2025, 5G remains in the experimental phase and has not yet been rolled out to the general public on a commercial basis.

How do I pay my phone bill if I don’t have a Venezuelan bank account?

Without a local bank account, you can settle your phone bill by visiting a CANTV or mobile operator service centre in person and paying in cash — bolívares or US dollars, subject to the provider’s current accepted currency policy — or by using a payment kiosk. Once you have established a Venezuelan bank account, Pago Móvil, the country’s widely used instant mobile payment system, becomes the most practical method for regular bill settlement. Confirm the current accepted payment options with your specific provider, as policies can change.