Published : April 24, 2024The communication landscape has changed a lot over time, going from telegrams and landline phones to the smartphones we use today. It’s now much easier and cheaper to stay in touch with people worldwide- be it for personal or professional reasons.
In fact, according to Rebtel, an estimated 6.2 billion international calls are made every year– Only in the USA! But even with all this progress, understanding the international phone number formats is still important.
In this guide, we will explore the different facets of foreign phone number formats, covering topics such as how to write a phone number with a country code, how to convert a phone number to an international format, and more.
When saving international contacts on your phone, include the country code to ensure seamless communication. This eliminates the need to manually add the country code each time you make an international call, saving time and preventing potential dialing errors.
What Is the International Phone Number Format?
The international phone format is a standardized way of writing phone numbers when calling from one country to another. It typically starts with the destination country code, followed by the area code (if applicable), and then the local phone number.
International Phone Number Formats Around the World
1. United States (US)
Format: +1 AAA NXX-XXXX | Example: +1 123 456-7890
2. United Kingdom (UK)
Format: +44 AAA NXX XXXX | Example: +44 20 1234 5678
3. Australia
Format: +61 AA NNNN NNNN | Example: +61 2 1234 5678
4. Canada
Format: +1 AAA NXX-XXXX | Example: +1 416 123-4567
5. Italy
Format: +39 AA NNNN NNNN | Example: +39 02 1234 5678
6. India
Format: +91 AAA NNNN NNNN | Example: +91 12345 67890
7. Germany
Format: +49 AAA NNNNNNNN | Example: +49 30 12345678
(A: Area Code, N: Local Number)
For example, if you’re dialing a foreign phone number from the United States, you would start with the plus sign (+) or double zero (00), then the country code, area code (if needed), and finally, the local number.
Let’s say you’re calling a friend in Australia whose number is 04XX XXX XXX. To dial it from the US, you would enter +61 4XX XXX XXX or 011 61 4XX XXX XXX, where +61 or 011 61 is the country code for Australia.
Simply put, using the international telephone number format makes sure your calls get to the right place, no matter where you’re calling from or where the person you’re calling is.
The E.164 International Standard for Phone Number Format
The E.164 International Standard is like a rulebook for phone numbers worldwide. It ensures that no matter where you are, phone numbers look similar. This makes it easier to call someone in another country without getting confused.
Let’s understand this with an example. If you want to send a letter to someone in a different country, you need to follow certain rules, like adding the country code before their address. The E.164 Standard does the same thing for phone numbers.
Additionally, every country gets a unique country code. For example, the country code for the United States is +1. Then, each phone number within that country follows a specific format, usually starting with an international call prefix like 0 or 1.
When you put it all together, you get a foreign phone number format that looks like this: + Country Code (National Dialing Prefix) Phone Number. So, for example, a phone number in the United States might look like this: +1 555-123-4567.
By following this standard, everyone around the world can understand phone numbers, no matter where they’re from. It’s like having a universal language for phone calls!
Understanding international phone number formats is vital for global communication, ensuring calls reach their destination accurately across borders.
International phone numbers typically consist of a country code, area code (if applicable), and local number, maintaining consistency across various countries.
Removing leading zeros from area codes and formatting numbers with the correct country code facilitates seamless international dialing.
For example, the international phone number format for India is: +91 AAA NNNN NNNN where A represents the Area Code and N represents the Local Number.
How to Write Different Countries’ Phone Numbers in International Format?
When it comes to dialing phone numbers across borders, understanding international phone number formats is essential. Each country has its own unique format for phone numbers, which includes the country code, area code (if applicable), and local number.
Let’s understand how to write phone numbers in international format for the six most popular countries:
1. United States (US) Phone Numbers In International Format
In the United States, phone numbers consist of a three-digit area code followed by a seven-digit local number. To write a US phone number in international format, follow these steps:
- Add the country code “1” before the area code and local number.
- Remove any leading “0” from the area code or local number.
The international format for US phone numbers consist of 10 digits, starting with a three-digit area code followed by a seven-digit local number.
Example: (123) 456-7890 becomes +1 123 456 7890
For instance, if you have a US phone number like (123) 456-7890, in international format, it becomes +1 123 456 7890. The country code “1” represents the United States, and the area code and local number stay unchanged.
It’s worth mentioning that some US territories, like Puerto Rico and Guam, also use the same country code, “1” for their phone numbers. When calling internationally, include the right area code and local number after the country code to make sure your call goes to the correct place within the US or its territories.
: US Phone Number Format Examples with Country Code2. United Kingdom (UK) Phone Numbers In International Format
Phone numbers in the United Kingdom typically start with a “0” followed by an area code and local number. To write a UK phone number in international format:
- Remove the leading “0” from the area code.
- Add the country code “44” before the area code and local number.
UK phone numbers typically have 11 digits, starting with a “0” followed by an area code and local number.
Example: 01234 567890 becomes +44 1234 567890
For example, if you have a UK phone number like 01234 567890, in international format, it would be +44 1234 567890. The country code “44” represents the United Kingdom, while the area code and local number stay the same.
When dialing a UK number from abroad, always include the country code “44” followed by the area code and local number to ensure the call is correctly routed to the UK.
: How to Write UK Phone Number : The A to Z of UK Phone Number Format3. Australia Phone Numbers In International Format
Australian phone numbers typically consist of a two-digit area code followed by an eight-digit local number. To write an Australian phone number in international format:
- Add the country code “61” before the area code and local number.
Australian phone numbers contain 10 digits, starting with a two-digit area code followed by an eight-digit local number.
Example: (02) 1234 5678 becomes +61 2 1234 5678
For instance, if you have an Australian phone number like (02) 1234 5678, in international format, it would be +61 2 1234 5678. The country code “61” represents Australia, and the area code and local number stay the same.
To sum up, when calling an Australian number from abroad, be sure to include the country code “61” followed by the area code and local number. This ensures your call connects successfully.
: Australian Phone Number Example [With Country Code]4. Canada Phone Numbers In International Format
Canadian phone numbers share a similar format with the United States, consisting of a three-digit area code followed by a seven-digit local number. To write a Canadian phone number in international format:
- Add the country code “1” before the area code and local number.
Canadian phone numbers consist of 10 digits, starting with a three-digit area code followed by a seven-digit local number.
Example: (123) 456-7890 becomes +1 123 456 7890
For instance, if you have a Canadian phone number like (123) 456-7890, in international format, it becomes +1 123 456 7890. The country code “1” stands for Canada, while the area code and local number stay the same.
When calling a Canadian number from another country, add the country code “1” first, followed by the area code and local number. This ensures your call reaches the right place in Canada.
: Canada Phone Number Format Examples with Country Code5. Italy Phone Numbers In International Format
In Italy, phone numbers typically feature a two-digit area code followed by an eight-digit local number. To write an Italian phone number in international format:
- Add the country code “39” before the area code and local number.
Italian phone numbers comprise 10 digits, starting with a two-digit area code followed by an eight-digit local number.
Example: 02 1234 5678 becomes +39 02 1234 5678
For example, if you have an Italian phone number like 02 1234 5678, in international format, it would be +39 02 1234 5678. The country code “39” represents Italy, and the area code and local number stay the same.
When calling an Italian number from abroad, make sure to dial the country code “39” followed by the area code and local number. This ensures your call connects to the right place within Italy.
6. India Phone Numbers In International Format
Indian phone numbers vary in format but typically consist of a three-digit area code followed by a seven-digit local number. To write an Indian phone number in international format:
- Add the country code “91” before the area code and local number.
Indian phone numbers consist of 10 digits, starting with a three-digit area code followed by a seven-digit local number.
Example: (0123) 456789 becomes +91 123 456 7890
For instance, if you have an Indian phone number like (0123) 456789, in international format, it would be +91 123 456 7890. The country code “91” represents India, while the area code and local number stay the same.
When calling an Indian number from abroad, remember to add the country code “91” followed by the area code and local number. This ensures your call reaches the right place within India.
Following these steps helps ensure your phone numbers are formatted correctly for international and domestic calls, no matter the country you’re dialing.
: The A to Z of Indian Phone Number FormatDoes the International Phone Number Format Remain the Same for Mobile Phone Numbers?
Yes, the international phone number format stays the same for both mobile and landline numbers. It includes the country code, area code (if needed), and the local number. For instance, a mobile phone number in India with the country code “+91” follows the same format as a landline number. Mobile numbers might not always have separate area codes like landlines, but using the country code ensures calls go to the right place, whether it’s a mobile or landline number.
Conclusion
Understanding international phone number formats is essential for global communication. Correct international phone number formats with the right country codes and local area codes not only help you reach the right audience but also eliminate the possibility of delays and errors. Moreover, you can also use online tools that help you convert the phone number to an international format online.
FAQs
1. How do I write my phone number in an international format?
To write your phone number in international format– include the country code before your local number. For example, +1 for the US, +44 for the UK.
2. Are international phone numbers 10 digits?
International telephone numbers can vary in length. Some may have 10 digits, while others may have more or fewer digits.
3. How do I get an international phone number?
You can get an international phone number through various providers, like CallHippo, which offers virtual phone services. Research and choose a provider that suits your needs.
4. How do I write a phone number with a country code?
To write a phone number with a country code, start with the plus sign (+), followed by the country code, area code (if applicable), and local number. For example, +1 123 456 7890 for a US number.
Updated : July 16, 2024
Paras Kela brings a wealth of IT knowledge to his writing, with a strong focus on technical content. In recent years, he has specialized in virtual telephony solutions, creating clear and insightful content. His passion for technology, experience in the IT field, and dedication to learning new trends make complex topics easy to understand.
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