What is a country calling code?

A country calling code is a numeric prefix assigned to a country or territory. The code routes your call across international networks to the correct destination country. Some examples include: <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-font="Symbol" data-leveltext="" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-listid="38" role="listitem"> United States and Canada: +1 <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-font="Symbol" data-leveltext="" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-listid="38" role="listitem"> United Kingdom: +44 <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-font="Symbol" data-leveltext="" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-listid="38" role="listitem"> Japan: +81 You dial the country code after your local exit code and before the local area code and subscriber number.

What’s the difference between a country code and an area code?

A country code identifies the country. An area code (also called a city code or regional code) identifies an area within that country. When you dial internationally, you use both in sequence: [exit code] + [country code] + [area code] + [local subscriber number]. Some countries don’t use area codes; others require you to drop a leading digit from the area code when calling from abroad.

What is an international exit code?

An exit code (also called an international access code) is the prefix you dial to signal that your call is leaving your domestic phone network. Common exit codes include 011 in the United States and Canada, 00 across most of Europe, and 0011 in Australia. If you use + before the country code, most networks will apply your local exit code.

What sequence do I use to call an international number?

The standard sequence is: Dial your local international exit code (example: 011 from the U.S., 00 from the U.K.). Dial the destination country code (e.g., 33 for France, 49 for Germany). Dial the area or city code, dropping any leading 0 if the destination country requires it. Example from the U.S. to a London number (UK +44): 011 + 44 + 20 + 7946 095

Do I need to drop the leading 0 from an international number?

In most countries, yes. Local numbers are often written with a leading 0 for domestic dialing (for example, 020 for a London number), but that 0 is dropped when you dial internationally because the country code replaces it. Individual countries on this page note any exceptions. Australia, for instance, doesn’t require dropping the leading 0 in all cases.

Can I use + instead of my local exit code?

Yes. On most modern mobile phones, if you enter + before the country code it should work regardless of which country you’re calling from. This is the recommended format for saving contacts. Note: To enter +, press and hold the 0 key or use your keyboard's dedicated + character.

Are country codes the same for mobile and landline numbers?

Yes. The country code applies to both landline and mobile numbers. Some countries use distinct number ranges for mobile lines, but the international dialing structure is identical: exit code + country code + subscriber number, dropping any leading 0 as required.

International Dialing Codes & Country Calling Codes | AT&T

Country calling codes

The AT&T guide to international dialing

Look up country codes and step-by-step dialing instructions for calling destinations around the world from the U.S. Find rates for AT&T International Calling and Pay-Per-Use.

Rates shown are per minute and subject to change. Taxes and fees may apply. Unlimited calling requires eligible AT&T postpaid plan.

Each country or territory has a numeric prefix assigned for direct international dialing. You enter the prefix after the exit code for the area you’re located. When you make an international call, enter the exit code first, then the country code for the destination you’re dialing, and then local number. Use this guide to find country codes, see how to dial from the U.S., and check AT&T international calling rates.

Select a world region

Choose a region to see the country codes, per-minute rates, and how to call from the U.S. Prices with AT&T International Calling and international calling pay-per-use (PPU) are noted. If you're on a different international long-distance plan, your rates may be different than what is noted here.

Central America & Mexico

East & Southern Africa

East Asia & North Pacific

Eastern Europe / Central Asia

North Africa & Middle East

North America

Northern & Western Europe

Oceania & South Pacific

South America

South & Southeast Asia

Southern Europe & Mediterranean

Special services

West & Central Africa

Frequently asked questions

A country calling code is a numeric prefix assigned to a country or territory. The code routes your call across international networks to the correct destination country. Some examples include:

United States and Canada: +1

United Kingdom: +44

Japan: +81

You dial the country code after your local exit code and before the local area code and subscriber number.

The + sign is a substitute for your country's international exit code. It’s also called the International Direct Dialing (IDD) prefix. When you see a number written as +44 20 7946 0958, the + means: dial your local exit code first, then 44, then the rest of the number. On most smartphones, you can enter + by holding the 0 key. Using + makes a number dialable from any country without knowing the local exit code.