Italy Phone Number Format: How to Dial Correctly

Senior Writer: Priya Naha

Published : May 9, 2025

Have you placed a call in Italy that didn’t connect, and you are still figuring out why? The Italy phone number format can be confusing if you don’t have a clear understanding of it. I have personally seen businesses lose leads, customer calls go unanswered, and WhatsApp verification fail, all for a minor formatting change.

Italy has a way of structuring numbers. Do you see a zero at the start? It is not optional. For area codes? There are more than 160! If you’re dealing with the confusion of Italy phone numbers, this guide will help you understand everything.

Structure Of An Italy Phone Number

Let’s begin with the basic information in Italian phone number format.

An Italy number has a structure to assist with both local and international communications. Here’s what a standard Italy phone number format looks like:

[Country Code] + [Area Code] + [Subscriber Number]

Now let’s break it down:

1. Country Code

Italy uses the +39 country code for all international calls. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the Italian dial code +39 is part of a standardized international dialing framework used globally to ensure consistency and call routing accuracy across borders.

When dialing from outside Italy, you must never skip the Italian country code. It is very important to indicate the Italy code number so that your call lands in the correct country and connects you accurately.

2. Area Code

Italy has approximately 160 area codes, each of which is specific to its city or region. Area codes always begin with a 0. Area codes are anywhere from 2 to 4 digits in length.

Landline numbers, including the area code, usually have 10 or 11 digits in total. For domestic calls, the area code is always required. In terms of dialing from an international call from outside of Italy, first dial the international access code; then +39; then the full area code, including the first 0.

Following this structure always helps to ensure that your call directs you to the correct destination. Here are some Italy phone numbers examples of area codes:

3. Subscriber Number

This is the personal or business number that comes after the area code. The subscriber number typically has 6-8 numbers, but the total length of the full number (area code + subscriber number) is 9-11 numbers, depending on the area.

4. Open Numbering Plan

Italy does not bind every phone number to a standard length. Italy has an open numbering plan, meaning the numbers vary in length depending on where and what kind of service you are calling.

Here is a basic way to think of it:

Types of Italy Phone Numbers (With Examples)

Now that you understand how the numbering structure works, let’s get into the types of phone numbers you may come across and how to be quick at recognizing them.

1. Landline Numbers

These numbers are tied to a geographic place and begin with an area code that has a 0 primarily. They are most commonly found in homes, offices, or local businesses.

Ensure you dial the area code and leading 0 in your format. Do not remove the 0 when calling from abroad.

You will have to include the area code even if you’re calling from a few blocks down.

2. Mobile Numbers

Mobile phone numbers in Italy begin with the number 3 (like 320, 328, 347, etc.). Every major Italian mobile phone carrier uses these, as they aren’t tied to a specific physical location.

Mobile numbers beginning with 3, the number always include the mobile carrier code and a six-digit subscriber number. Keep the full number as the zero might be included.

These are compatible with services such as WhatsApp, SMS, and most international VoIP tools.

3. Toll-Free Numbers

Toll-free numbers are useful for businesses because the caller does not incur charges. Toll-free numbers typically begin with 800.

May incur charges when called from outside Italy.

If you are attempting to set up customer service lines in Italy, you will likely be involved in this kind of format.

4. Emergency Numbers

Short, memorable, and always free. There are three digits to reach help from anywhere for urgent requests, and there is no country code when calling from Italy. They are short and toll-free.

• Police: 112
• Ambulance: 118
• Fire: 115

You never need a credit or SIM card to make these calls.

5. Virtual Phone Numbers

Many businesses utilize virtual phone numbers from Italy or any location to have a local presence while still operating out of their own country. These numbers can look like standard landline or mobile formats, but VoIP platforms like CallHippo often connect the actual calls. Businesses prefer them for flexibility and local presentation.

They look and act like real numbers. It is specifically beneficial for a global company that is trying to establish trust with a local customer.

How to Dial Italy Phone Numbers?

Let’s review two key dialing scenarios so that you are fully prepared to dial an Italian phone number.

For Domestic Calls (Inside Italy)

Whether you’re calling someone in Italy from within the country, it’s always best for your call to follow the proper format.

To successfully call from one landline or mobile phone to another in Italy, it will take two basic steps:

Step 1: Dial the Area Code

Always dial the area code, which will always start with a 0. The area code in Italy is critical to dialing successfully, even when making local calls within the same city.

Examples:

• Rome: 06
• Milan: 02
• Venice: 041

Step 2: Enter the Subscriber Number

Once you have included the area code, you can then enter the 6 or 8-digit subscriber number.

 Domestic Format Summary:
Area Code + Subscriber Number
No need for the country code (+39) if you’re calling from within Italy.

For International Calls (From Abroad)

If you’re calling someone in Italy from outside Italy, you should follow some additional steps to make sure your call goes through properly with international phone numbers:

Step 1: Dial Your Country’s International Access Code

This is called an exit code and differs from country to country.

Examples:

• From the USA: 011
• From the UK: 00
• From many mobile phones: just dial +

Step 2: Dial Italy’s Country Code

Italy’s country code is 39. This informs the global phone system to direct your call to Italy.

Step 3: Enter the Italian Area Code 

Next, you dial the area code, and here’s the important part: you must include the leading 0 when dialing from abroad.

Examples:

• Rome: 06
• Milan: 02

Step 4: Input the Subscriber Number

Finally, finish off the number by dialing the subscriber number (it is typically 6 to 8 digits).

Complete Example

If I would like to call from the USA to Rome

• Dial: 011 39 06 76210406

If I would like to call from the USA to Milan

• Dial: 011 39 02 40193066

International Format Summary:

International Access Code + 39 + Area Code (with 0) + Subscriber number.

Important Reminders:

Why the +39 Country Code Matters?

The +39 country code is essential in order to connect calls to Italy, whether for business, personal, or emergency reasons. Here’s why:

• It ensures international connectivity: The +39 code is the necessary routing code to get a call to Italy internationally. If you don’t dial it, your call will not get to Italy.
• It reduces errors: When calling Italy by dialing +39, you eliminate any potential confusion on the correct routing of your call.
•  It complies with global standards: +39 country codes have been assigned to each relevant country and are governed by a series of international telecom regulations, as outlined by the ITU.
• It supports global business: For global companies that do business with Italian partners, the +39 code enhances good, fulfilling communication. Similarly, Italian phone numbers you acquire virtually will also leverage the +39 code to create a valid Italian phone number, thus creating a sense of local presence in Italy.
• It keeps personal connections strong: If you’re looking to keep in touch with family or friends, +39 is the key to reaching them in Italy.
• It’s essential for emergencies: If you need to contact emergency services in Italy, you will still need to use +39 to access Italy’s toll-free numbers (e.g., 112 for all emergency services).
• It identifies phone types: Using +39 when phoning gives your call the direction it needs. Landline telephones need a different direction compared to mobile phones or toll-free numbers, or emergency services.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Dialing Italy

Even smart people make mistakes with Italian phone numbers. Here are the biggest blunders I see and how to avoid them.

1. Dropping the Leading Zero

Italy doesn’t toss out the zero when calling from abroad, like some countries do. In Italy, the zero is part of the phone number. Always include the zero, or your call won’t complete.

2. Misusing the Country Code

People will include +39 and then also assume that they don’t need to include the zero before the rest of the number. This is wrong. You need both the +39 and the number beginning with zero.

3. Confusing Landline and Mobile Number Formats

Landline and mobile numbers can look similar at a glance, but the first digit is critical. Mobiles all begin with 3. Landlines all begin with 0. If you don’t get this right, then you might mess up WhatsApp and CRM tagging.

4. Misunderstanding When to Use +39

Often, callers forget to add +39 when calling from abroad, or they add it incorrectly by leaving off mandatory digits (i.e., the leading 0). Always check the complete number format, and don’t guess based on habits from other countries.

Challenges and Considerations in International Dialing

• Call Connectivity Issues: Some international calls may fail due to either carrier or bad signals.
• International Calling Costs: Calling Italy using landlines is generally more costly – consider using internet-based services if costs are a concern.
• Time Zones: Italy is in CET (UTC+1) – consider scheduling calls for business purposes accordingly.
• Carrier Permissions: verify your phone has permission / plan to call internationally (e.g., roaming plans).
• Correct Format: Double-checking this call structure: +39 + area/mobile code + subscriber number.

Legal and Regulatory Aspects of Italy’s Phone Communication

Italy’s phone communications, especially the utilization of the country code of +39, have to operate within legal and regulatory frameworks that maintain global connectivity.

1. Global Telecom Compliance: Italy’s method of dialing phones has to abide by global regulations; the correct application of the +39 country code is a critical part of worldwide telecom compliance and globalization.
2. ITU Oversight: The +39 country code is assigned by the ITU, whose primary purpose is to eliminate possible conflicts about the country code and standardize its use.
3. Number Portability: Regulation offers the user the ability to retain their phone numbers when switching providers to maintain continuity of their mobile communications.
4. Data Protection: Compliance with data protection law to protect the integrity of the user’s privacy and call information.
5. Carrier Licensing: The telecommunication carriers must be licensed to provide service, and obtain the relevant telecommunications regulatory instruments to demonstrate adherence to both the national and supra-national standards.
6. Dispute Resolution: Legal frameworks facilitating both sides of the phone service’s legal and procedural execution around dialing and telecommunication services.
7. Impact of Global Policies: The effect of global communication policies and practices creates the state of readiness to implement the +39 country code in the international context, such as where calls may or may not be routed, on compliance with international agreements, etc.

Recommended Read : Philippines Phone Number Format

Conclusion

If you’re dealing with Italy in any context, be it business, travel, customer service, or remote work, it is vital to understand the Italy phone number format properly.

You don’t need to memorize 160 area codes. You just need to understand how the system works: the country code, area code, the significance of the leading zero, and the distinction between landline and mobile numbers.

And with the right VoIP phone system like CallHippo, calls will connect properly, messages will go to the right place, and your systems will perform as expected. It’s a platform that can make a huge difference. Why not give it a try?

FAQs

1. Do Italian phone numbers include a leading zero?

Yes, there are always leading zeros. The zero is indeed part of the number when calling Italy.

2. Can I use Italian numbers for WhatsApp or VoIP services?

Absolutely. Mobile phone numbers beginning with a 3 will be popular on WhatsApp, but many VoIP providers even allow virtual landline forms.

Updated : May 9, 2025

Priya Naha

Priya Naha is an experienced technical content writer who focuses on VoIP and telephony technologies.  Her expertise in telecommunication and content marketing allows her to simplify complex topics with real-world knowledge, making her writing relatable, informative, and easy-to-read.  Her direct involvement with VoIP products and solutions makes her a reliable voice in the field.

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