Frequently Asked Questions
Dialing within El Salvador is simple, requiring only the 8-digit subscriber number. No area codes or carrier selection codes are needed, regardless of location, thanks to the unified numbering plan.
El Salvador uses an 8-digit closed numbering plan for all local calls. This means no area codes are used within the country, simplifying dialing and system integration.
The 8-digit system streamlines dialing and software implementation by eliminating the need for area codes, creating a consistent experience nationwide.
Always consider MNP. Users can keep their numbers when switching carriers, so relying on prefixes to identify carriers is unreliable. Use additional data sources for carrier identification.
No, using prefixes to identify carriers is not reliable in El Salvador due to mobile number portability (MNP), where users can keep numbers when changing providers.
The international dialing code for El Salvador is +503. When calling El Salvador, prefix this code with your country's exit code. For example from the US use 011 + 503 + local number.
To call El Salvador from the U.S., dial 011 (the U.S. exit code), followed by 503 (El Salvador's country code), and then the 8-digit local number.
El Salvador's main mobile carriers are Tigo, Claro, and Movistar. Consider compatibility testing with these major players when developing applications for the country.
SIGET (Superintendencia General de Electricidad y Telecomunicaciones) regulates El Salvador's telecom sector, overseeing aspects like number portability, device type approval, and frequency allocation.
The provided JavaScript example uses a regex to validate 8-digit numbers. However, it doesn't cover special service or international formats. Adapt your logic for those cases.
Toll-free numbers in El Salvador begin with the prefix 800, followed by seven additional digits, making the full number 10-digits long.
Special service numbers, like toll-free (800), premium-rate (900), and others (801/802) use specific prefixes. Ensure your system correctly identifies and processes these formats.
Calling locally within El Salvador requires only dialing the 8-digit subscriber number directly. No area codes are required due to the country’s closed numbering plan.
Best practices include real-time number validation, maintaining updated carrier routing tables, monitoring SIGET regulations, and documenting your implementation.
El Salvador Phone Numbers: +503 Format, Validation & Integration Guide
Integrate El Salvador phone numbers (country code +503) into your applications with this comprehensive developer guide. Master the 8-digit closed numbering plan, validate landline (prefix 2) and mobile (prefix 6, 7) numbers, comply with SIGET regulations, and implement carrier-specific features for Tigo, Claro, and Movistar. This guide covers E.164 phone number format validation, international dialing with country code +503, special service numbers, and regulatory requirements for seamless telecommunications integration.
El Salvador uses a streamlined 8-digit format for all standard phone numbers – no area codes required. You'll implement number validation, handle geographic identifiers in landline prefixes, integrate with El Salvador's three major carriers, and ensure compliance with SIGET (Superintendencia General de Electricidad y Telecomunicaciones) regulatory requirements.
El Salvador Phone Number Format: 8-Digit System Explained
El Salvador uses a streamlined 8-digit closed numbering plan established by SIGET on November 23, 2011. This system eliminates traditional area codes for domestic calls, creating consistent behavior across your applications.
Key Format Rules:
2= Landline6or7= MobileOfficial Source: ITU Communication of 24.XI.2011; SIGET National Numbering Plan.
Verification Date: January 2025.
Domestic Dialing in El Salvador: 8-Digit Format
Dial any El Salvador number using the straightforward 8-digit format. The system works identically whether you're calling from San Salvador, Santa Ana, or any other location.
Domestic Dialing:
Example:
Validate user input to ensure exactly 8 digits. This prevents invalid call attempts and improves system reliability.
El Salvador Mobile Number Portability (MNP) Status
Mobile Number Portability (MNP) allows users to keep their phone number when switching carriers. El Salvador's MNP implementation remains uncertain. Understand this history before building carrier detection logic.
Current Status (Verified January 2025):
Historical Timeline:
Developer Impact:
Source: Telecommunications industry reports (October 2013); SIGET regulatory framework.
El Salvador Mobile Carriers: Tigo, Claro, Movistar & Network Coverage
El Salvador's telecommunications market includes three major carriers (Tigo, Claro, Movistar) plus smaller operator Digicel. Test with Tigo and Claro for maximum market coverage.
Network Technology:
Performance Metrics (2023–2024):
Testing Strategy: Prioritize Tigo and Claro SIM cards for testing – they represent 80% combined user preference and offer the best network performance. For SMS integration testing, review carrier-specific requirements and 10DLC registration if sending to US numbers. Contact carrier business departments directly or visit local retail stores to obtain test SIM cards.
Sources: Statista 2024 survey; Opensignal network performance reports 2023.
Verification Date: January 2025.
International Dialing: How to Call El Salvador (+503)
Implement international calling features using these dialing formats for inbound and outbound calls.
From El Salvador to Other Countries:
To El Salvador From Other Countries:
Key Specifications:
Plus Sign (+) Notation: The
+symbol indicates where you insert your country's exit code. Replace+with your exit code (e.g.,011for US,00for most of Europe).Source: ITU-T Recommendation E.164; SIGET official documentation.
El Salvador Special Service Numbers: Toll-Free & Premium Codes
Handle special service numbers separately from standard 8-digit validation. These numbers use different length formats.
Special Number Formats:
800 XXXXor800 XXXX XXXX900 XXXXor900 XXXX XXXX801or802+ digits116 111Special Service Details:
Build separate validation logic for toll-free and premium rate numbers – they use 7 OR 11 digits, not the standard 8-digit format.
Source: ITU Communication 24.XI.2011; SIGET National Numbering Plan.
Verification Date: January 2025.
Phone Number Validation for El Salvador (+503)
Implement robust validation to handle standard 8-digit numbers and special service formats.
Pre-Implementation Checklist
Complete these steps before development:
Source: SIGET regulatory announcements 2024; LARCG compliance documentation.
JavaScript Validation Code
Use this validation framework for comprehensive number checking:
Understanding Number Prefixes
Landline Numbers (Prefix 2):
2+ 7 digits21, 22, 25= Metropolitan area (San Salvador)23= Central area24= Western area26= Eastern area20, 27, 28, 29= Reserved for future useMobile Numbers (Prefix 6 or 7):
6or7+ 7 digitsCritical Correction: Mobile numbers start with
6or7ONLY. The digit9is NOT used for standard mobile numbers (reserved for premium rate services).Special Service Numbers:
International Format:
replace(/\D/g, ''))+503 2200 1234or(503) 2200-1234Source: ITU Communication 24.XI.2011; Wikipedia referencing ITU documentation.
Integration Best Practices
Follow these practices for production systems:
+50322001234) for consistency. Index on country code and NDC for efficient routing.Official Resources:
Verification Date: January 2025.
What Is El Salvador's Number Format Architecture?
El Salvador's unified, closed numbering plan uses consistent 8-digit formatting for standard telephony services.
Core Structure
The National Destination Code (NDC) is the first digit, identifying service type:
2XXXXXXX6XXXXXXX7XXXXXXX800XXXXor800XXXXXXXX900XXXXor900XXXXXXXXXXXGeographic Breakdown (Landline Prefix 2)
Architecture Advantages
Source: ITU Communication 24.XI.2011; SIGET National Numbering Plan documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is SIGET and what does it regulate?
SIGET (Superintendencia General de Electricidad y Telecomunicaciones) is El Salvador's telecommunications regulatory authority. Established in 1997, SIGET regulates electricity and telecommunications sectors, including phone numbering plans, spectrum allocation, equipment type approval, and carrier licensing. All telecommunications equipment using radio frequencies (RFID, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) requires SIGET type approval. Contact SIGET at https://www.siget.gob.sv or visit their offices in San Salvador for application guidance.
Do mobile numbers in El Salvador start with 9?
No. Mobile numbers start with 6 or 7 only. Prefix 6 was added November 23, 2011, to accommodate mobile service growth. Prefix 7 existed in the original plan. The digit 9 is reserved for premium rate services (900 XXXX format), not standard mobile numbers. This is a critical distinction for validation logic.
Can I use prefix-based carrier identification in El Salvador?
Yes, prefix-based carrier identification works reliably in El Salvador. SIGET postponed Mobile Number Portability (MNP) indefinitely in October 2013 due to funding disputes. Without operational MNP, users cannot transfer numbers between carriers, so prefixes still indicate the original carrier. Monitor SIGET announcements for MNP status changes.
What is the difference between 7-digit and 11-digit toll-free numbers?
Both formats are valid for toll-free (800) and premium rate (900) services in El Salvador. The 7-digit format (
800 XXXX) is shorter for easier memorization. The 11-digit format (800 XXXX XXXX) provides more number availability for high-demand services. Both are free for callers (toll-free) or premium-charged (900), but offer different number capacity.How do I call El Salvador from the United States?
Dial 011 503 followed by the 8-digit El Salvador number. Example:
011 503 2200 1234for landlines or011 503 7123 4567for mobile numbers. The US exit code is 011, El Salvador's country code is 503, and all standard numbers are 8 digits. No additional area codes required.Do I need SIGET approval for my telecommunications application?
If your application uses telecommunications equipment with radio frequencies (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RFID), you need SIGET type approval. Software-only applications (API integrations, web apps, SaaS platforms) don't require approval unless they control physical telecommunications devices. Consult SIGET directly for specific requirements: https://www.siget.gob.sv
What are the major carrier network frequencies in El Salvador?
El Salvador carriers use 850 MHz and 1900 MHz (bands 2 and 5) for 4G/LTE services. Launched in 2016 by Movistar and Tigo, followed by Claro. If developing hardware or network-dependent applications, ensure compatibility with these frequency bands. SIGET also opened the 6 GHz band for unlicensed use in 2024 (Wi-Fi 6E).
How often does El Salvador's numbering plan change?
El Salvador's 8-digit numbering plan has remained stable since November 23, 2011. SIGET added mobile prefix 6 at that time to accommodate growth. Reserved prefixes (20, 27, 28, 29 for landlines) allow future expansion without restructuring. Major numbering plan changes are rare but monitor SIGET announcements for updates.
Verification Date: All FAQ answers verified January 2025.
Summary
Master El Salvador's phone number system with these key points:
Number Format:
Regulatory:
Carriers:
Implementation:
Common Pitfalls:
Verification Date: All information verified January 2025 via ITU official documentation and SIGET regulatory announcements.