Country calling codes and how to dial abroad

How to dial another country

First dial 00 or the plus sign (+). Then come the country calling code and the phone number. On a mobile phone, you get the plus sign by pressing and holding the zero key. The plus sign works from any country, while 00 is the international prefix in most of Europe. Some countries use a different prefix, such as 011 in the United States and Canada.

In most countries, the first zero of the number (the trunk 0) is dropped. For example, to call a German number written as 030 1234567, dial +49 30 1234567. There are exceptions, so check the number format with the person you are calling if you are unsure.

How to call home from abroad

Dial + (or 00), then your home country's calling code, then the number without its leading zero. For example, a UK mobile number 07700 900123 is dialled as +44 7700 900123 from anywhere in the world.

If you always save your contacts in the full +country code format, they work both at home and abroad, so you do not have to change any numbers while travelling. The same goes for your own number when you give it to people: give it with the plus sign and country code.

Country calling codes in alphabetical order

Calling codes in numerical order

In numerical order the list starts with +1 (United States and Canada) and +7 (Russia). After that come the codes starting with 20, 30 and 40, which include Egypt (+20), Greece (+30), the Netherlands (+31), France (+33), Spain (+34), Italy (+39) and Romania (+40).

European codes mostly start with +3 or +4. For example, Switzerland is +41, the United Kingdom +44, Denmark +45, Sweden +46, Norway +47, Poland +48 and Germany +49. Asian codes often start with +6, +8 or +9.

Codes for popular travel destinations

These destinations are among the most popular with travellers.

• Spain's calling code is +34. Spanish numbers have no leading zero, so the number is dialled as it is after the country code.
• Italy's calling code is +39. Italian landline numbers keep their leading zero, so it stays in when you dial.
• Sweden's calling code is +46. Drop the zero from the start of a Swedish number: 070 123 45 67 becomes +46 70 123 45 67.
• Germany's calling code is +49. You can also dial 0049 from most European countries. Drop the zero from the start of a German number.
• France's calling code is +33. Drop the zero from the start of a French number: 06 12 34 56 78 becomes +33 6 12 34 56 78.

What calls abroad cost

Prices depend on your own carrier's plan and the destination country. Outside your home region, calls and messages can get expensive, and often incoming calls cost money too. Check the prices on your carrier's website before you travel.

A cheaper way is to call with apps that use data, such as WhatsApp or FaceTime. They work on a travel eSIM's data, and your own number stays active for calls and messages. Reissaa plans include data, not a phone number.

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Frequently asked questions