International Telephone Codes

How to Use International Telephone Codes Correctly

Using the “+” Symbol

The “+” symbol is a universal placeholder for the international access code, which varies by country. For example:

• In the U.S. and Canada, the international access code is 011.
• In the U.K., it is 00.
• In Australia, it is 0011.

When you see a phone number written with a “+” (e.g., +44 20 7946 0958), it means you should replace the “+” with your country’s international access code if you’re dialing from a landline. However, if you’re using a mobile phone, you can simply dial the “+” directly, as most modern phones recognize it.

Formatting International Phone Numbers

When dialing an international number, the format is as follows:

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+[Country Code][Area Code][Local Phone Number]

For example:

• To call a number in London, U.K., you would dial: +44 20 7946 0958.
• To call a number in New York, U.S., you would dial: +1 212 555 1234.

Understanding 2-Digit vs. 3-Digit Country Codes

Country codes can be 1, 2, or 3 digits long. For example:

• 1-digit codes: The U.S. and Canada share the code +1.
• 2-digit codes: The U.K. uses +44, and France uses +33.
• 3-digit codes: Smaller countries or territories may have 3-digit codes, such as +354 for Iceland or +672 for Norfolk Island.

The length of the code depends on the country’s population, telecommunications infrastructure, and historical factors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Omitting the Country Code: Always include the country code when dialing internationally. Without it, your call will not be routed correctly.
• Incorrect Use of the “+” Symbol: Remember that the “+” is not dialed on landlines; it must be replaced with your country’s international access code.
• Ignoring Local Dialing Conventions: Some countries require you to omit the leading “0” in the area code when dialing internationally. For example, in the U.K., the area code for London is “020,” but you dial “20” after the country code.

Complete List of International Telephone Codes by Country

Below is a comprehensive list of international telephone codes for all countries and territories. Note that this list is accurate as of October 2023, but codes may change over time.

Conclusion

International telephone codes are essential for making calls across borders. By understanding how to use the “+” symbol, formatting numbers correctly, and knowing the differences between 1-, 2-, and 3-digit codes, you can ensure your calls connect seamlessly. Whether you’re calling a friend in France or a business partner in Brazil, this guide and the comprehensive list of country codes will help you stay connected globally.

Another important fact: When saving phone numbers, always include the “+” symbol followed by the international dialing code. This ensures that when you travel abroad, incoming calls will display the saved contact name instead of an unrecognized number. Additionally, when making calls, the foreign telecom system will correctly process the number, preventing potential connection issues. Omitting the international code may cause difficulties in identifying or reaching contacts while roaming, as local networks might not recognize numbers stored without proper formatting, and calls cannot be proceeding.