Phone Numbers in Nicaragua

Understanding Phone Numbers in Nicaragua

Overview of Nicaraguan Phone Number System

Nicaragua's telephone numbering plan adheres to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) E.164 standard. The country code is +505, with no national prefix required for domestic calls. The numbering plan is regulated by the Instituto Nicaragüense de Telecomunicaciones y Correos (TELCOR), the national authority overseeing telecommunications.

Phone Number Structure

General Format

Nicaraguan phone numbers consist of 8 digits, with prefixes indicating the service type, such as landline, mobile, or toll-free.

  • Country Code: +505
  • Subscriber Number: 8 digits

Landline Numbers

  • Prefix: 2
  • Format: 2XXXXXXX
  • Example: 22123456

Mobile Numbers

  • Prefixes: 5, 7, 8
  • Format: [5|7|8]XXXXXXX
  • Example: 81234567

Toll-Free Numbers

  • Prefix: 1800
  • Format: 1800XXXX
  • Example: 18001234

Premium Rate Numbers

  • Prefix: 900
  • Format: 900XXXX
  • Example: 9001234

Validating Phone Numbers

To validate Nicaraguan phone numbers, use these regular expressions:

  • Landline:
    ^2\d{7}$
    
  • Mobile:
    ^[578]\d{7}$
    
  • Toll-Free:
    ^1800\d{4}$
    

Dialing Procedures

Domestic Calls

  • Landline to Landline: Dial the 8-digit number.
  • Landline to Mobile: Dial the 8-digit mobile number.
  • Mobile to Mobile: Dial the 8-digit mobile number.

International Calls

  • Outgoing: Dial 00 followed by the country code and the subscriber number. For example, to call the US, dial 00 1 XXX XXX XXXX.
  • Incoming: Dial the international access code, then +505 and the local number.

Telecom Operators

Major Providers

  • Claro Nicaragua: Offers mobile and landline services, with mobile numbers starting with 8 or 7.
  • Tigo Nicaragua: Provides services with mobile numbers beginning with 5 or 7.

Regulatory Authority

The Instituto Nicaragüense de Telecomunicaciones y Correos (TELCOR) manages Nicaragua's telecommunications, ensuring compliance with international standards and overseeing number allocation.

Special Number Formats

  • Emergency Services: Dial 118 for emergencies.
  • Premium Rate Services: Begin with 900 for services like hotlines.

Technical Tips for Developers

When handling Nicaraguan phone numbers in systems:

  1. Normalization: Convert numbers to E.164 format (+505XXXXXXXX).
  2. Validation: Use the provided regex patterns.
  3. Formatting: Apply local formatting for user display.
  4. Error Handling: Provide clear messages for invalid entries.
  5. Internationalization: Ensure systems support both domestic and international contexts.

For the latest updates on telecommunications regulations in Nicaragua, visit the official TELCOR website.