438 Area Code Local Phone Numbers for Local Businesses & Trust
February 24, 2026

438 Area Code: Get a Local Phone Number for Quebec, Canada

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The 438 area code covers the highly dense, vital region of the Island of Montreal and surrounding metropolitan areas, making it an essential choice for businesses seeking a credible local presence in the region’s key artificial intelligence, aerospace, video game development, and international trade centers.

Getting a 438 number helps companies build trust, improve call response rates, and connect more effectively with customers across Montreal, Laval, and the broader South Shore and North Shore communities. The 438 area code is a high-demand code for its region and serves as a primary identifier for Canada’s cultural capital and its thriving technological ecosystem.

What is 438 Area Code?

The 438 area code is a telephone area code in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) serving the Island of Montreal and surrounding suburbs in Quebec. It primarily covers a world-class metropolitan hub, encompassing a diverse mix of historic European charm, major global aviation headquarters, and renowned academic institutions.

It covers the core of the Montreal metropolitan area, including cities like Montreal, Westmount, and Dollard-des-Ormeaux. The 438 area code was created in 2006 as an overlay to the original 514 area code, which was one of the original area codes established in 1947.

  • State: Quebec, Canada
  • Major Cities/Areas: Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, Brossard, Terrebonne, Repentigny, Saint-Jérôme
  • Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone (ET)
  • Established: 2006
  • Overlay Area Code: 514, 263
  • Primary Uses: Residential lines, neighborhood businesses, major academic institutions, healthcare facilities, and local mobile numbers.

Regions Covered by 438 Area Code

The 438 area code encompasses the Island of Montreal and the surrounding Greater Montreal Area, serving as a primary and economically vital area code for the province. This area includes Canada's largest inland port and the second-most populous city in the country.

Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the major cities and areas covered by the 438 area code:

Montreal
  • Montreal (Downtown, Plateau, Old Montreal)
  • Westmount
  • Mount Royal
  • Côte-Saint-Luc
  • Hampstead
  • Dollard-des-Ormeaux
  • Pointe-Claire
  • Beaconsfield
  • Dorval
  • Lachine
  • Saint-Léonard
  • Anjou
  • Kirkland
  • Rivière-des-Prairies
Laval and North Shore
  • Laval
  • Terrebonne
  • Repentigny
  • Blainville
  • Saint-Eustache
  • Boisbriand
  • Sainte-Thérèse
  • Mirabel
South Shore (Montérégie)
  • Longueuil
  • Brossard
  • Saint-Hubert
  • Boucherville
  • Saint-Lambert
  • Châteauguay
  • La Prairie
  • Candiac
  • Varennes

Population & Demographics of 438 Area Code

The 438 area code serves the Montreal Metropolitan Area, which is a unique and high-value numbering plan area. As one of the most bilingual and culturally vibrant regions in North America, the local economy is characterized by a "Dual-Core" of creative industries and heavy industrial engineering.

Based on recent census data, the Greater Montreal area has a population of approximately 4.3 million. The median household income is approximately $72,500 CAD, with an average per capita income of $39,800 CAD. The region's poverty rate stands at roughly 13.2%.

Demographically, the population is distinctly diverse and international. In the city center, the racial and ethnic composition consists of White residents at 63.4%, Black residents at 10.3%, and Arab residents at 7.3%. Additionally, Latin American residents make up 4.7%, South Asian residents account for 4.4%, and Chinese residents represent 4.0%. Montreal is famously multilingual, with a significant majority of the population being fluent in both French and English.

438 Area Code Time Zone

The 438 area code, which serves the core of the Montreal metropolitan region, is located entirely within the Eastern Time Zone (ET). This means that during standard time, the time zone is Eastern Standard Time (EST), which is UTC-5. During daylight saving time, the time zone is Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), which is UTC-4.

This time zone serves all the major hubs of the region, including Montreal, Laval, and Longueuil. Maintaining Eastern Time ensures that local businesses remain synchronized with the provincial government in Quebec City, the federal government in Ottawa, and the financial markets of Toronto and New York.

Business Importance of 438 Area Code

The 438 area code adds local trust and credibility, making it valuable for local businesses. Here’s how a business number with the 438 area code is important for your business:

Why Local Numbers Build Trust

When customers see a local 438 area code number, they immediately recognize it as part of their community. This familiarity creates trust and reduces hesitation to answer calls. Research shows that consumers are more likely to pick up calls from numbers with local area codes compared to unfamiliar or out-of-state numbers.

For small businesses, using a local area code 438 number shows commitment to serving the community. For larger enterprises, it signals accessibility and helps build stronger relationships with regional customers.

Enterprise Businesses That Benefit From a Local 438 Number

Some well-known enterprises that would benefit from a local 438 number include:

Finance & Banking 

The 438 area code provides a local caller ID that increases customer trust, making it easier for institutions to manage bilingual communications with retail and corporate clients.

  • National Bank of Canada: Headquartered in Montreal, it is one of the largest commercial banks in the country.
  • BMO (Bank of Montreal): Maintains its legal headquarters and massive operational hubs in the 438 area.
  • Desjardins Group: The largest federation of credit unions in North America, with a dominant presence in the Montreal market.

Aerospace & Engineering 

The 438 code helps Montreal’s world-leading aerospace cluster coordinate global logistics and maintain local supplier relationships.

  • Bombardier: Headquartered in Dorval, a global leader in business aviation.
  • CAE Inc.: A global leader in flight simulation and pilot training based in the Montreal area.
  • Air Canada: The country's flag carrier is headquartered on the Island of Montreal.

Technology & Video Games 

The 438 code enables tech giants and indie studios to offer localized support and talent recruitment hotlines in the "Gaming Capital of the North."

  • Ubisoft Montreal: One of the largest video game development studios in the world.
  • Google Canada: Operates a significant AI and engineering hub in downtown Montreal.
  • CGI Inc.: One of the largest IT and business consulting firms in the world, headquartered in Montreal.

Healthcare & Science 

The 438 area code helps Montreal’s leading research hospitals provide local, trusted lines for patient support and global clinical trials.

  • McGill University Health Centre (MUHC): One of the most innovative academic health centers in North America.
  • CHUM (Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal): A massive, state-of-the-art research hospital in the heart of the city.

How to Get a 438 Area Code Number?

Setting up your 438 area code number with Goodcall is quick and straightforward. Here’s how it works:

  1. Sign Up: Create your account with Goodcall using basic business details.
  2. Select Your Plan: Choose the pricing plan that best matches your company’s needs.
  3. Complete KYC: Verify your identity and business information for compliance.
  4. Pick a Number: Browse the available 438 numbers and select the one you want.
  5. Customize Agent: Set up your AI-powered answering agent with greetings, call routing, and voicemail preferences.
  6. Go Live: Activate your number and start receiving calls immediately.

Benefits of Using Goodcall for 438 Area Code

Choosing Goodcall means more than just getting a local number; it means equipping your business with tools to handle calls efficiently.

  • 24/7 Availability: Ensure no customer call is missed.
  • AI Answering Services: Professional, automated responses for smoother communication.
  • Cost-Effective: Flexible pricing designed for small to enterprise-level businesses.
  • Scalable Solutions: Upgrade features as your business grows.
  • Local Credibility: Build customer trust with a recognizable area code.

With these advantages, Goodcall makes it easier for you to manage calls and focus on growing your business.

Pricing Plans for Local Numbers

Our local 438 area code numbers come with affordable pricing plans designed to fit every business size. We offer flexible pricing options that scale with your needs, whether you’re a startup or an established enterprise. Additionally, you can save 30% on annual subscriptions, giving your business more value at a lower cost.

Nearby Area Codes to 438

Areas Area Code
Montreal, Anjou, Côte Saint-Luc, Dollard-des-Ormeaux 514
Urban and rural communities surrounding Montreal, Quebec 450
Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, Quebec City 579

FAQs

What is the 438 area code, and where is it located?

The 438 area code serves the Island of Montreal and its immediate suburbs. It is the original area code for the region and is now overlaid by the 514 and 263 area codes to provide additional capacity for the growing population.

What cities does the 438 area code cover?

The 438 area code covers the same territory as 514, including the City of Montreal, Westmount, Pointe-Claire, and Montreal East.

What time zone is area code 438 in?

The 438 area code, serving Montreal and its suburbs, is in the Eastern Time Zone (ET).

Does the 438 area code get spam calls?

Like any area code, spam and robocalls do occur, but using a trusted business provider like Goodcall helps filter unwanted calls.

Which types of businesses benefit most from a local 438 number?

Local service providers, tech companies, restaurants, real estate agents, and startups benefit from a 438 number, as it boosts local trust and visibility.

How can I get a local 438 area code number for my business?

You can get a 438 number easily by signing up with Goodcall, choosing your plan, and selecting your preferred local number.

Can I forward calls from my 438 number elsewhere?

Yes. With Goodcall, you can forward calls to any phone, ensuring you never miss a customer inquiry.

How much does it cost to get a 438 area code number?

Goodcall plans are affordable and flexible, at $66 per month per agent annually.

Is the 438 area code toll-free?

No, 438 is not a toll-free area code. It’s a geographic code for Montreal, designed to give businesses a trusted local identity. Toll-free numbers in the US typically begin with prefixes such as 800, 888, 877, or 855.

Last updated:
February 24, 2026

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