Guatemala Phone Numbers: Format, Area Code & Validation Guide

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Guatemala's phone number system, including number formats, validation, portability, and regulatory considerations essential for developers building telecommunications solutions.

Quick Reference

• Country: Guatemala
• Country Code: +502
• International Prefix: 00
• National Prefix: None
• Emergency Numbers: 110 (Police), 122 (Ambulance), 123 (Fire), 128 (IGSS Social Security Ambulance)

Understanding Guatemala's Phone Number System

Guatemala uses an eight-digit closed numbering plan, meaning all numbers within the country have a fixed length. The first digit signifies the number type, which helps distinguish between geographic locations, mobile carriers, and special services. This structure is regulated by the Superintendencia de Telecomunicaciones (SIT), Guatemala's telecommunications regulatory body.

Number Structure and Formats

The following diagram illustrates the basic structure of a Guatemalan phone number:

graph TD
    A[Guatemala Phone Number] --> B[Country Code +502]
    B --> C[Number Type Prefix]
    C --> D[Subscriber Number (7 digits)]
    C -- 2: Guatemala City --> D
    C -- 3-5: Mobile --> D
    C -- 6: Guatemala Department --> D
    C -- 7: Rural/Rest of Country --> D

Geographic Numbers (Landlines)

Geographic numbers are tied to specific regions within Guatemala. They are less common now with the rise of mobile phones, but still relevant for businesses and some residential users.

• Guatemala City Metropolitan Area:
  • Prefix: 2
  • Format: 2XXXXXXX
  • Example: 22345678
• Guatemala Department:
  • Prefix: 6
  • Format: 6XXXXXXX
  • Example: 67654321
• Other Departments/Rural Areas:
  • Prefix: 7
  • Format: 7XXXXXXX
  • Example: 73456789

Mobile Numbers

Mobile numbers are the most prevalent in Guatemala. The leading carriers are Claro, Tigo, and Movistar. While number ranges are allocated to carriers, portability allows numbers to be transferred, so relying solely on prefixes for carrier identification is not reliable.

• Claro Guatemala: Primarily uses prefixes 3 and 5.
• Tigo Guatemala: Primarily uses prefix 4.
• Movistar Guatemala: Primarily uses prefix 5 (shared range with Tigo).
• Format: [3-5]XXXXXXX
• Examples: 31234567 (Claro), 42345678 (Tigo), 53456789 (Movistar/Tigo)

Special Service Numbers

• Emergency Services: These are short, three-digit numbers for critical situations.
  • 110: Police (also 120, though less common)
  • 122: Ambulance
  • 123: Fire Department
  • 128: IGSS (Guatemalan Social Security Institute Ambulance)
• Toll-Free: 1800XXXXXX (10 digits, including the 1800 prefix). These are typically used for calls to businesses outside Guatemala.
• Local Toll-Free: 1801XXXXXX (10 digits). These are for toll-free calls within Guatemala.
• Premium Rate: 19XXXXXX (8 digits, including the 19 prefix). These numbers are often used for information services or specialized services with higher call charges.
• Short Codes (4-digit): Used for various services, including public information and private company lines (e.g., banks, delivery services). These are billed at varying rates.
• Carrier Services (6-digit): Used for operator assistance, collect calls, and other carrier-specific services. These are also billed at varying rates.

Technical Implementation Guide

Number Validation

Use regular expressions for accurate validation. Remember to handle the potential presence of the international prefix (+502).

function validateGuatemalaNumber(number) {
  // Remove international prefix and leading zeros
  const cleanNumber = number.replace(/^\+502|^[0]+/, '');

  const patterns = {
    geographic: /^[267]\d{7}$/,
    mobile: /^[3-5]\d{7}$/,
    tollFree: /^180[01]\d{6}$/,
    premium: /^19\d{6}$/,
    emergency: /^(110|120|122|123|128)$/,
    shortCode: /^\d{4}$/, // Basic 4-digit validation
    carrierService: /^\d{6}$/ // Basic 6-digit validation
  };

  return Object.entries(patterns).find(([type, pattern]) => pattern.test(cleanNumber));
}

// Example usage:
console.log(validateGuatemalaNumber('+50222345678')); // Returns ["geographic", /^[267]\d{7}$/]
console.log(validateGuatemalaNumber('41234567')); // Returns ["mobile", /^[3-5]\d{7}$/]
console.log(validateGuatemalaNumber('1800123456')); // Returns ["tollFree", /^180[01]\d{6}$/]
console.log(validateGuatemalaNumber('110')); // Returns ["emergency", /^(110|120|122|123|128)$/]
console.log(validateGuatemalaNumber('1234')); // Returns ["shortCode", /^\d{4}$/]
console.log(validateGuatemalaNumber('123456')); // Returns ["carrierService", /^\d{6}$/]
console.log(validateGuatemalaNumber('invalid')); // Returns undefined

Number Portability

Number portability allows users to switch carriers while keeping their existing number. This requires careful implementation:

1. Database Integration: Integrate with a central database providing real-time portability information. The SIT mandates a maximum 24-hour porting window. Implement automated validation checks to ensure data accuracy.

2. Routing Protocol: Your system should query the portability database before routing calls. This ensures calls are directed to the correct carrier.

   Check Number -> Query Portability Database -> Route to Current Carrier
   

3. Error Handling: Implement robust error handling for invalid number formats, portability query failures, and fallback routing mechanisms.

Regulatory Compliance (SIT)

The SIT regulates all telecommunications activities in Guatemala. Key aspects of compliance include:

• Number Allocation: Formal application, technical documentation, and adherence to national standards are required to obtain number allocations from the SIT.

• Network Operation: Operators must configure their infrastructure, implement monitoring systems, and establish reporting mechanisms according to SIT regulations.

• Ongoing Reporting: Monthly usage reports, quality of service metrics, and consumer protection measures are required.

• Penalties: Non-compliance can lead to penalties or license suspension. Always refer to the official SIT website (https://www.sit.gob.gt) for the latest regulations.

Best Practices for Developers

• Number Storage: Store numbers in E.164 format (+502XXXXXXXX). This international standard ensures consistent formatting and simplifies international calling. Include carrier metadata if needed, but remember that portability can make this information unreliable over time.

• Integration Testing: Thoroughly test your implementation, including input validation, number type checking, carrier identification (where applicable), and portability scenarios.

• Error Handling: Implement graceful fallbacks for various error conditions, log validation failures for analysis, and monitor portability status updates.

Network Infrastructure Overview

Guatemala's network infrastructure is primarily GSM/UMTS based, with expanding 4G LTE coverage and initial 5G rollout. Opensignal reports download speeds of 25-45 Mbps in urban areas and 10-20 Mbps in rural areas, with latency ranging from 20-35ms (urban) to 35-50ms (rural). These metrics are subject to change as network infrastructure evolves.