This generation’s communication differs from when we only used telegrams or landline phones; now, we use smartphones. Communication has also been made much more straightforward and cost-effective, whether personal or business, irrespective of the interaction needed.
However, Rebtel data show that about 6.2 billion Global calls are made annually—all in the USA alone! Even with all this development, Google Phone Number explaining the formats of international phone numbers is still necessary.
This guide will cover the different elements of formatting foreign phone numbers, including how to write a complete phone number with the country code and its proper formatting for international use form.Google
What Is the International Phone Number Format?

The international phone format is the means of writing phone numbers when dialing a number in a different country. It usually consists of the destination country code, area code, if any and the local telephone number.
Telephone Number Formats of Different Countries in the Globe
1. United States (US)
Format: +1 AAA NXX-XXXX For instance + 1 123 456-7890
2. United Kingdom (UK)
Format: For example, +44 AAA NXX XXXX such as +44 20 1234 5678
3. Australia
Format: 1 International codes; AA NNNN NNNN | Example: + 61 2 1234 5678
4. Canada
Format: +1AAA NXX-XXXX | For instance: +1 416 123-4567
5. Italy
Format: +39 AA NNNN NNNN | Example: +39 02 12345678
6. India
Format: +(91) AAA NNNN NNNN | Example: +(919) 1234 567890
7. Germany
Format: +49 909 NNNNNNNN | Example: +49 30 12345678
(A: Area Code, N: Local Number)
For example, when calling someone in Germany from the US, start with the international calling code +, then add the country code (49 for Germany), followed by the area code (if applicable), and finally, the local phone number.
Suppose that you’re dialing a friend in Australia, and his/ her phone number is 04XX XXX XXX. If you are in the US, you’d call it by either +61 4XX XXX XXX or 011 61 4XX XXX XXX, where + 61 or 011 61 is Australia’s country code.
In short, it can be said that always employing the format of the international telephone number guarantees that a call will be connected to the correct destination whether the caller is using the device in his or her home country or the call is going to receive a call from another world’s part.
E.164 is the International Standard for Phone Number Format
The E.164 International Standard serves as the global reference for telephone numbers. It ensures that phone numbers look the same no matter where you are, making it easier to maneuver the system and Call Outgoing in another country without feeling confused.
Let us explain this concept with an example. Imagine you have a friend and would like to write to them, but your friend resides in another country. This situation requires strict adherence to rules, such as putting a country code before their address. The E.164 Standard performs the same function for phone numbers.
However, it always assigns country codes for each country. The country code for the United States is +1. Next, any given phone number in that country has a unique format, prefaced with an international calling prefix, commonly 0 or 1.
When you combine the information, you get a foreign phone number format that looks like this: CC (National Access Code) Telephone number. For example, a phone number in the United States may be presented as +1 555-123-4567.
Following this standard, people from all over the world can understand phone numbers successfully. It is like having a global language for mobile phone communications!
How to Format Phone Numbers for Different Countries Internationally?
The format used to express phone numbers also differs according to the country of destination and is essential when dialling international telephone numbers. Phone numbers have their format in every country, for which general format includes country code, area code (ifit exists) and local numbers.
Let’s learn how to format phone numbers internationally for the six most popular countries:
1. Phone Numbers in the United States (US) in international Format
In the U.S. telecommunication system, phone numbers consist of an area code, a three-digit code, followed by a seven-digit local number. To format a US phone number for international use, follow these steps:
- Always precede the number by the country code “1” and then the area code followed by the local number.
- Strip off the first “0” out of the area and neighbourhood codes, if any.
The most commonly used global format for numbers from the US is that of an area code of three digits followed by seven digits.
Example: It seems telephone number 1234567890 converts into +1 123 456 7890
For instance, if you have a US telephone number in the format (123) 456-7890, it becomes + 1 123 456 7890 in international format. The first digit, representing the international code, is 1, which denotes the United States. The second and third digits, the area codes, remain the same, followed by the local number.
For instance, Puerto Rico and Guam are US territories using the same country code, “1.” When dialing an overseas call, use the actual area code and the local number after the country code to ensure the call connects to the right place within the USA or its territories.
2. UK Phone Numbers In International Format
British phone numbers are 0(area code)(local number). To write a UK phone number in international format:
- In this case, you must remove the leading “0” from the area code.
- Put a “44” before the area code and the local number.
British phone numbers are generally twelve digits long, but those of the United Kingdom are eleven digits long and start with “0,” an area code and the remaining digits.
Example: mobile no of UK is 01234 567890, will be displayed as +44 1234 567890
For instance, if you have a UK number of 01234 567890, its international form will be +44 1234 567890. The country code for the United Kingdom is “44.” The area code does not change, but the remaining local number remains unchanged.
To call a UK number from outside the UK, the international dialing code for the UK is “44,” so you should dial this number before adding the number.
3. Australia Phone Numbers in Global Format
An Australian phone number format contains a two-digit opening number followed by eight digits of the exchanging number. To format an Australian phone number for international use:
- By dialing ‘61’ before the area code and local number will complete the dialing sequence.
- Australians use ten-digit phone numbers, which consist of two two-digit area codes connected to a ten-digit local number.
Example: Country code (02) 1234 5678 gets converted to +61 2 1234 5678
For instance, if the Australian phone number is (02) 1234 5678, it would change to +61 2 1234 5678. Australia’s country code is “61,” and the area code and local number remain the same.
When dialing an Australian number from outside Australia, you must use “61,” the country code, followed by the area code and the local number. This ensures that your call connects properly.
4. Canada Phone Numbers in international format
Canadian phone numbers are also close to the format of the United States, with a three-digit area code and a seven-digit local number. To format a Canadian phone number for international use format:
- In the home and business international calls, dial the country code 1 before the area code and the local number.
- The telephone numbers of Canada are of 10 digits, including the three-digit area codes and seven-digit local codes.
Example: The number 123 456 7890 is converted into +1 123 456 7890
For instance, if you have a contact of a Canadian telephone, say (123) 456-7890, it is converted into international format at +1 123 456 7890. Here the country code to dial is ‘1,’ and then the rest of the numeral strings will remain unchanged to the area code and local number.
To dial a Canadian number from another country/CLI, you use +1789 or 001787, followed by the Canadian phone number. This ensures that your call reaches the right station in Canada.
5. Italian Phone Numbers in International Format
In Italy, the numbers are written in the following format: two digits for the area code and eight for the local area code. To format an Italian phone number for international use format:
- The country code for Italy is 39, thus ensuring you dial 39 before the area code and the local number of the person you are dialing.
- An Italian phone number consists of 10 numbers, including a 2-number area code and 8 8-number local codes.
Example: 02 1234 5678 is converted to +39 02 1234 5678
For example, if you call from an Italian number, the format is 02 1234 5678, but when you call from an international number, it will be +39 02 1234 5678. The ITA country code is 39, and the area and local numbers remain unchanged.
Other possible troubles involve dialing an Italian number from another country. In that case, you should dial “39”—the Italian country code—followed by the Italian area code and the local number. This will connect your call to the correct department within Italy.
6. Indian Phone Number in International Format
Indian phone numbers differ in format, although the most common format is the combination of an area code, a three-digit number, and the local code, which is seven digits long. To write an Indian phone number in an international format:
- In front of the area code and the local number, include the country code, ‘ 91’.
- Indian phone numbers have 10 digits. The first three digits refer to the area code, and the subsequent digits connect to the local number.
Example: (0123) 456789 is converted into +91-123-456-7890
For instance, if you have an Indian phone number, 0123-456789-,0, the use of an international code would be +91-1234567890. The codes of area and local number remain intact, but the country code of India is 91.
If you call India from another country, remember to dial the country code ‘91’ before dialing the area and local numbers. This ensures that your connection will go directly to the correct section within India.
Does the International Phone Number Format Stay the Same Even for Mobile Numbers?
Yes, the format of an international phone number remains the same, regardless of whether it is mobile or landline. It consists of the country code, the area code in case of extension, and the local code. For instance, an Indian number consists of a country code ‘+91’, which is still the same as a telephone line connection. Mobile numbers may not always have different codes than fixed-line numbers, but using a country code makes the call go to either a mobile or fixed-line number.
Final Thoughts-Format An International Telephone Number
Correctly formatting international telephone numbers is key to efficient global communication. Adhering to the outlined steps ensures that your international calls are always correctly dialed, facilitating smoother and more reliable connections across borders. Proper telephone number formatting minimizes the risk of miscommunication and enhances the ease with which businesses and individuals can engage in global interactions. It’s a small but critical aspect of international relations that impacts everything from personal relationships to large-scale business operations. Understanding and applying these formatting rules is an essential skill in today’s interconnected world, where every successful call can mean a strengthened relationship, a closed deal, or a crucial piece of information relayed at the right time.
FAQ's
Q1. What does the plus (+) sign signify in international dialing?
It indicates to the network that the call requires international routing.
Q2. How do you dial an international number from a mobile phone?
Enter the plus sign, followed by the country code and national number.
Q3. What is the difference between dialing internationally from different countries?
The procedure is the same, though the country code will vary.
Q4. Can incorrect formatting lead to failed calls?
Yes, incorrect country codes or improperly formatted numbers often result in failed connections.
Q5. Are there online tools that help with international number formatting?
Numerous websites and apps provide this service, often free of charge.
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