Phone Numbers in El Salvador

Quick Reference Guide

  • Country: El Salvador
  • Country Code: +503
  • International Prefix: 00
  • National Prefix: None
  • Number Length: 8 digits

Understanding El Salvador's Phone Number System

This comprehensive guide provides insights into El Salvador's telephone numbering plan, including formats, dialing procedures, and technical considerations. Designed for telecom professionals, developers, and system administrators, this resource ensures you have the most accurate and current information on El Salvador's phone number structure and regulations.

Number Formats in El Salvador

El Salvador employs a closed numbering plan with an 8-digit format for all phone numbers, including landline, mobile, toll-free, and premium rate services. The country code is +503, with no national prefix required.

General Number Structure

  • Country Code: +503
  • Subscriber Number: 8 digits (no area or city codes)

Number Types and Formats

TypeFormatExample
Landline2XXXXXXX22001234
Mobile[6-7]XXXXXXX71234567
Toll-Free800XXXXXXX8001234567
Premium Rate900XXXXXXX9001234567
Special Services80[1-2]XXXXXXX8011234567

Regular Expressions for Number Validation

Use these regex patterns to validate El Salvador phone numbers:

  • Landline: ^2\d{7}$
  • Mobile: ^[67]\d{7}$
  • Toll-Free: ^800\d{7}$
  • Premium Rate: ^900\d{7}$
  • Special Services: ^80[1-2]\d{7}$

Dialing Procedures

Domestic Calls

  • Landline to Landline: Dial the 8-digit number directly (e.g., 22001234).
  • Landline to Mobile: Dial the 8-digit mobile number directly (e.g., 71234567).
  • Mobile to Mobile: Dial the 8-digit mobile number directly (e.g., 71234567).

International Calls

  • Outgoing: Dial 00 + 503 + 8-digit number.
    • Example: To call a mobile in El Salvador from the US, dial 00 + 503 + 71234567.
  • Incoming: Callers from abroad dial their international access code, 503, and the 8-digit number.
    • Example: A UK caller would dial 00 + 503 + 71234567.

Mobile Number Portability

El Salvador supports mobile number portability (MNP), allowing users to keep their numbers when switching operators. This is regulated by the Superintendencia General de Electricidad y Telecomunicaciones (SIGET).

Major Telecom Operators

  • Tigo El Salvador: Prefixes 6X, 7X
  • Claro El Salvador: Prefixes 6X, 7X
  • Movistar El Salvador: Prefixes 6X, 7X

ITU-T Recommendations

El Salvador's numbering system complies with ITU-T Recommendation E.164, which outlines the international telecommunication numbering plan, including country code structure and number length.

Number Allocation and Management

The Superintendencia General de Electricidad y Telecomunicaciones (SIGET) manages number allocation, ensuring proper prefix assignment to telecom operators.

Technical Considerations

  • Validation: Implement regex for number validation.
  • Portability: Ensure systems support number portability.
  • Internationalization: Store numbers with the +503 country code for global compatibility.

For the latest telecom regulations in El Salvador, visit the official SIGET website.