Updated : September 14, 2026International phone number format matters when you do business across borders.
A phone number written correctly connects calls globally. A phone number written incorrectly leads to failed connections and missed opportunities.
This guide explains how international phone numbers work, the standards that govern them, and how to format phone numbers correctly for different countries.
What is the International Phone Number Format?
International phone number format is a standardized way to write phone numbers so they can be dialed from any country.
The format includes specific components that tell the phone network which country to route the call to and which specific phone number within that country to connect.
How International Formats Differ From Local Dialing
Local dialing uses a simplified format because the phone network already knows you are calling within the same country. You might dial just 7 digits for a local call or 10 digits for a national call.
International dialing requires more information because the phone network needs to know which country you are calling.
International format always starts with a plus sign (+) followed by the country code, then the area code (if applicable), and finally the subscriber number. Local format might omit the country code and sometimes the area code.
- Country Code + Area Code + Subscriber Number
- Example, for the USA: +1 212 555 1234
- Area Code + Subscriber Number OR Domestic Prefix + Area Code + Number
- Example, for the USA: 212 555 1234
What is the E.164 International Standard for Phone Number Format?
E.164 is the international standard for phone number format defined by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
The standard specifies how international phone numbers should be formatted to ensure they can be dialed correctly from anywhere in the world.
The E.164 format consists of up to 15 digits and includes:
- Plus sign (+): A universal prefix for your local international exit code
- Country code: 1-3 digits that identify the country
- National Destination Code: 1-3 digits that identify the specific area you call to
- Subscriber number: The remaining digits that identify the specific phone line
- “+” indicates a universal prefix
- “1” is the country code for the United States
- “415” is the area code of California
- “555 1234” is the subscriber number
US phone number in E.164 format would be +1 415 555 1234.
How Can You Get an International Phone Number With CallHippo?
Getting an international phone number for your business is straightforward with CallHippo.
It provides virtual phone numbers from over 150 countries, allowing you to establish a local presence anywhere in the world without physical offices. The process takes three simple steps:
Step 1: Sign up with CallHippo
Create your CallHippo account by filling in your company details. Once logged in, you will be redirected to the dashboard where you can manage all your international numbers.
Step 2: Choose the number type
Search for the country you want to connect to, then pick the number style (local, mobile, toll-free, or geographic). CallHippo offers numbers from over 150 countries, so you can appear local in multiple markets.
Step 3: Configuration
Choose the plan that fits your team, then configure routing rules. Add teammates, assign extensions, and set business hours and time zone settings. Hit activate, and your number goes live.
Get international phone numbers for your business instantly with CallHippo. Setup requires only 3 minutes.
Take a 10-Day Free Trial No credit card required!How is a Phone Number Written in International Format for Different Countries?
International phone number format follows the same E.164 standard globally, but the structure of the national number varies by country.
Here is how international phone format works for major countries.
1. United States (US) Phone Numbers in International Format
United States phone numbers follow the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). The international format for US numbers is +1 followed by a 3-digit area code and a 7-digit subscriber number.
- Universal prefix: +
- Country code: 1
- Area code: 415 (for California)
- Subscriber number: 555-1234
US phone numbers are always 10 digits (including area code) for landlines and mobile phones. The country code for the United States is the same as Canada and several Caribbean countries.
2. United Kingdom (UK) Phone Numbers in International Format
UK phone numbers in international format start with +44 followed by the national number. The national number varies in length depending on the type of number and geographic area.
- Universal prefix: +
- Country code: 44
- Area code: 20 (for London)
- Subscriber number: 7946-0958
UK mobile phone numbers typically start with +44-7. Landline numbers vary by area code. When converting UK numbers to international format, you remove the leading ‘0’ from the national number.
3. Germany Phone Numbers in International Format
German phone numbers in international format use +49 as the country code. The structure includes area codes that vary in length from 2 to 5 digits, followed by subscriber numbers.
- Universal prefix: +
- Country code: 49
- Area code: 30 (for Berlin)
- Subscriber number: 1234567
German mobile phone numbers typically start with +49-15, +49-16, or +49-17. The area code is dropped when dialing within Germany, but included in international format.
4. Australia Phone Numbers in International Format
Australian phone numbers in international format use +61 as the country code. The format includes a single-digit area code followed by an 8-digit subscriber number.
- Universal prefix: +
- Country code: 61
- Area code: 2 (for New South Wales)
- Subscriber number: 9374-4000
Australian mobile phone numbers start with +61-4. When converting Australian numbers to international format, you remove the leading ‘0’ from the area code.
5. UAE Phone Numbers in International Format
United Arab Emirates phone numbers in international format use +971 as the country code. The format includes a 2-digit area code (for landlines) or mobile code, followed by a 7-digit subscriber number.
- Universal prefix: +
- Country code: 971
- Area code: 4 (for Dubai)
- Subscriber number: 123-4567
UAE mobile phone numbers start with +971-50, +971-55, +971-56, or +971-58. The numbering plan is consistent across the Emirates.
6. Japan Phone Numbers in International Format
Japanese phone numbers in international format use +81 as the country code. The format varies between landlines and mobile phones.
- Universal prefix: +
- Country code: 81
- Area code: 3 (for Tokyo)
- Subscriber number: 1234-5678
Japanese mobile phone numbers start with +81-70, +81-80, or +81-90. When converting Japanese numbers to international format, you remove the leading ‘0’ from the national number.
Conclusion
International phone number format follows the E.164 standard to ensure phone numbers work globally. The format includes a plus sign, country code, area code, and national number. While the standard is consistent, the structure of national numbers varies by country.
Enter new markets with local numbers that build trust and improve call connect rates.
FAQs
1. What is the international format for an Indian phone number?
Indian phone numbers use +91 as the country code followed by a 10-digit national number. Example: +91-98765-43210. Remove the leading ‘0’ when converting from local format.
2. Is there a maximum length for an international phone number?
Yes. The E.164 standard limits international phone numbers to 15 digits maximum, excluding the plus sign. This includes the country code and national number combined.
3. Does the country code count as part of my phone number?
Yes, the country code is part of your complete international phone number. You only omit it when dialing locally within your own country.
4. Why should I use the international format on websites, forms, or business cards?
The international format ensures your number works for anyone, anywhere. Visitors from other countries can dial your number without knowing your country code or dialing conventions.
5. Can I still receive calls or texts if my number isn’t saved in international format?
Yes. People can still call or text you if they dial the correct number for your area. However, international format makes it easier for others to reach you from anywhere.
International Phone Number Format
Published : September 11, 2026
Harsh Bairagi is a B2B SaaS content writer with over 4 years of experience in the tech industry. Harsh believes in creating good copies to bridge the gap between tech and emotion. When not chasing clean copy or clever metaphors, he is busy catching up on his favorite sports.
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