International Calling Codes by Country: Complete Global List

What Are International Calling Codes?

Let’s first begin with what the country or international calling codes are. Well, these are numerical prefixes that we add before a telephone number in order to make international calls. These are usually three digits long and are managed and assigned by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

These country calling codes route your calls to a specific country, much like a passport number, which tells the global network which nation you are trying to call. Moreover, if you are making a phone call through your mobile, then you will be required to enter the country dialing codes with a + sign, for example, +91 for India or +44 for the UK. And as for landline, you will need to use 00 or 011 as an exit code and then enter the country code.

Major Calling Zones

The ITU has organised these international calling codes into nine main global zones. These are mainly based on the first digit:

• Zone 1: North America (US, Canada, Caribbean).
• Zone 2: Mostly Africa (e.g., Egypt +20, South Africa +27).
• Zones 3 & 4: Europe (e.g., Greece +30, UK +44).
• Zone 5: South/Central America (e.g., Brazil +55, Mexico +52).
• Zone 6: SE Asia & Oceania (e.g., Australia +61, Singapore +65).
• Zone 7: Former Soviet Union (Russia, Kazakhstan).
• Zone 8: East Asia & Special Services (e.g., China +86).
• Zone 9: Middle East & Parts of South Asia (e.g., India +91, Turkey +90).

Understanding the Components of an International Phone Number

When you study in a new country, it is important to know how different international phone numbers work. As it can save you from confusion and, most importantly, high phone charges. Moving on, every international phone number has three main components: exit codes, country calling codes, and area/local numbers. Let us understand each one of the international calling codes by country in detail below:

Exit Codes (International Access Codes)

The first component of an international phone number is an exit code. These are the numbers that you enter to exit from your current country and make an international call. This will tell the phone system that you are calling a different country instead of calling locally. Some of the most common examples of calling international codes for exit are:

• 00 – This is used in most of the European and Asian countries
• 011 – Most common in the United States, Canada, and other North American countries
• + – It is a universal symbol for international calling and is recognised by almost all mobile phones

If you are wondering why the “+” symbol is often the easiest option for students, then this is because using + instead of remembering your country’s specific exit code can simplify calling. Many of the new smartphones convert the + to the correct exit code for wherever you are. This makes it ideal for students who are travelling between countries or using local SIM cards.

Country Calling Codes

The next component is country calling codes, which are used to understand which country you are calling. These are generally unique to each country and are one to three digits long. One thing you should keep in mind is that when you use international calling codes, you will have to place them after the exit code and before the local number. Below are the calling codes of popular study abroad countries:

• USA: +1
• UK: +44
• Australia: +61
• Germany: +49
• India: +91

Area Codes and Local Numbers

And lastly, you have area codes and local numbers. In a country, large regions, cities, or mobile networks have their own area codes. Using the area code will make sure that your call will reach the correct location, especially if you are calling from a landline. Let us understand the difference between landline and mobile numbers abroad:

• Landline numbers usually include an area code, which helps in identifying a city or region.
• Mobile numbers might have different prefixes, which will indicate the carrier or type of service.

Note, in some countries, mobile numbers can be dialled without an area code, while landlines always require it.

How to Dial International Numbers Step by Step (With Examples)

Making an international call using country dialing codes might feel a little tricky at first, but once you understand the steps, it can become pretty simple. For this, you can follow the steps mentioned below:

Calling Home from Your Study-Abroad Country

To make a phone call to your home country from your study abroad destination, you can follow the steps below:

1. First, start with either the exit code or the + sign.
2. Next, add your home country’s code.
3. Now add the area code, but if you are making a phone call from a mobile, then you will not need it.
4. Lastly, enter the rest of the phone number exactly as it would be dialled locally.

For example, to call someone in the USA from Germany, you will have to dial +1 212 555 1234, where:

• + = international exit
• 1 = USA country code
• 212 = New York area code
• 5551234 = local number

Calling Your Host Country from Home Before Departure

If you want to call your host country, then you can follow the steps below:

1. Begin by entering your host country’s exit code. For example, 011 (USA).
2. Now add the country code of your host country. Let’s say, Germany, whose code is +49.
3. Now include the area code if it is necessary.
4. Lastly, enter the local number.

For example, to call your university in Berlin from the USA, you will have to dial 011 49 30 12345678, where:

• 011 = US exit code
• 49 = Germany country code
• 30 = Berlin area code
• 12345678 = local number

International Calling Codes Students Should Know

Now let’s talk about the main part, International Calling Codes. Here is the calling code of every major study abroad country:

Conclusion

Summing up, staying in touch when studying abroad does not have to be confusing. By knowing the right International Calling Codes and saving numbers in the correct format, you can easily call your family, friends, or university anytime. To know more about such important things about studying abroad, you can connect with our study abroad consultants at Gradding. They can help in simplifying the whole journey for you!

FAQs:

1. Do I Need to Add an Exit Code Before the Country Code?

If you are using a landline when making an international call, then you will most probably need to use an exit code before entering the country code. For example, if you are calling from a US landline to the UK (country code 44), you will need to dial 011 44 and then enter the phone number. However, if you are calling from a mobile, then you can just insert + with the country code and skip the exit code.

2. Can Two Countries Have the Same Calling Code?

In most cases, every country has their own calling code. But there are some countries as well as territories which share a similar calling code because of the regional arrangements. For example, Canada, the United States, and some Caribbean nations have a similar calling code, which is +1. When calling abroad, always include the full number with the area or city code to ensure your call reaches the right destination. Using the “+” format helps avoid mistakes.

3. Are International Calls Charged Differently for Each Country?

Yes, most of the international calls are charged differently for each country. Moreover, these rates of the calls are not fixed on a global level and can change based on technical and economic factors.

4. What Should I Do If I Dial the Wrong International Calling Code?

If you dial the wrong international calling code, you should simply hang up and redial the number correctly. You can also double-check the country code, area code, and local number before calling again. And to avoid this mistake in the future, you can save important contacts in your phone using the international “+” format. This works across countries and networks.

5. Are International Calling Codes Changing Over Time?

International calling codes rarely change, as they are assigned and managed globally by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). While changes are uncommon, new codes may be introduced for newly recognised countries or territories. For students studying abroad, it’s a good idea to verify calling codes from a reliable source before saving or using important international contact numbers.