Are you trying to call someone in Sweden but not sure where to start?

Whether you’re reaching out to family, contacting a business, or setting up a business phone system, dialing internationally can feel overwhelming.

From Sweden’s country code +46 to regional and mobile prefixes, it’s easy to get lost in the details.

But don’t worry about it! This guide walks you through Sweden’s Phone Number Format, whether you’re calling a luxurious restaurant in Gothenburg, calling a friend in Malmö, or setting up a virtual phone system for your business.

Say goodbye to all the confusion and hello to smooth connections. Let’s start dialing☎️

🔑Key Highlights
  • The Country code of Sweden is +46
  • Swedish phone number is made up of 8-10 digit format
  • Popular area codes include 08 (Stockholm), 031 (Gothenburg), 040 (Malmö), and 090 (Umeå)
  • To dial correctly, group digits, drop the leading zero for international calls, and check area codes and numbers carefully

Understanding Sweden Phone Number Format

Swedish phone numbers are like a perfectly assembled IKEA shelf: well-structured, logical, and slightly intimidating at first peek. Here’s the breakdown of the format:

Understanding Sweden Phone Number Format

  1. Country Code (+46)
    Sweden’s international calling card. Use this when dialing into Sweden from abroad.
  2. Area Code (2–4 digits)
    • Landlines: Geographic codes like 08 (Stockholm) or 040 (Malmö).
    • Mobiles: Always start with 07 (e.g., 070, 073).
  3. Subscription Number (7–8 digits)
    These unique digits are given to a phone line. You have to Combine these numbers with the area code, which makes up Sweden’s signature 8–10 digit format.

Example:
Swedish Phone Number Format: Country code (+46) + Stockholm area code (8) + local number = +46 8 123 45 67

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Types of Sweden Phone Number Formats

There are lots of ways to call Swedish numbers. Using this format, you can call Sweden from any part of the world:

Types of Sweden Phone Number Formats

1. Landline Numbers

These are traditional phone numbers assigned to specific geographical areas. They usually begin with an area code, such as 040 for Malmö or 08 for Stockholm. You take the leading zero out of the area code when making international calls.

  • Format: +46 [Area Code] [Subscription Number]
  • Example: +46 31 765 4321 (Gothenburg landline).
  • Pro Tip: Drop the leading 0 in the area code when dialing internationally (e.g., 031 becomes 31).

2. Mobile Numbers

Swedish mobile phone numbers always start with 07, followed by the operator code and the local number. The same format is used regardless of the mobile provider because there are no carrier-specific prefixes.

  • Format: +46 7X [XXX XX XX]
  • Example: +46 73 987 65 43 ( Swedish mobile number).
  • Unlike France phone numbers, Sweden doesn’t use carrier-specific prefixes; just use 07!

3. Toll-Free Numbers

Toll-free numbers are free to the caller and are typically used by businesses or government services for customer inquiries. The number begins with +46 20 and then the subscription number when calling from overseas.

  • Prefix: +46 20 [XXX XX XX]
  • International Format: +46 20 123 456 (free for callers!).

4. Virtual Phone Numbers

Businesses use virtual phone numbers to forward calls or offer auto-attendant services. Since these numbers are not geographically bound, they enable global calling.

  • Format: +46 [Area Code] [Local Number]
  • Example: A Sweden virtual phone number like +46 77 123 45 67 lets you manage incoming calls globally.
  • Perfect for businesses needing call recording or auto-attendant features.

Area codes help us make phone calls efficiently by identifying specific regions. In Sweden, it’s important to know these codes so you can dial the right number for different areas.

Understanding Sweden’s area code will help you make calls easily and avoid dialing the wrong number.

City/Region Area Code Example Format
Stockholm 08 +46 8 123 45 67
Gothenburg 031 +46 31 765 43 21
Malmö 040 +46 40 987 65 43
Uppsala 018 +46 18 654 32 10
Tranas 0140 +46 140 123 45 67
Halmstad 035 +46 35 765 43 21
Boras 033 +46 33 987 65 43

How to Call Sweden from Abroad?

To dial a Swedish local phone number from abroad, first, you need to dial your Country’s Exit Code. Here are the Exit codes you need to dial if you’re from this area:

  • North America: 011
  • UK/EU: 00
  • Australia: 0011

Then, Add Sweden’s Country Code: +46

Swedish phone numbers generally follow a specific format. Landline numbers consist of an area code followed by the local number, such as 08 123 4567 for Stockholm.

Mobile numbers, on the other hand, use an operator code followed by the local number, for example, 070 123 4567.

When dialing a Swedish number internationally, it’s important to drop the leading zero from the area or operator code.

For example, if you need to call 08 123 4567 in Stockholm from abroad, you should dial +46 8 123 4567 instead.

Here is the example format of how the phone number format should look:

  • From the US to a Swedish mobile: 011 46 70 123 4567
  • From the UK to a Swedish landline: 00 46 8 123 4567
  • From an Australian mobile: +46 70 123 4567

How to Call Internationally from Sweden?

Calling the USA from Sweden

The International access code of Sweden is 00, and the Country Code of the USA is +1. You need to follow the following steps to call the USA from Sweden

Step 1: Dial Exit code 00.

Step 2: Enter the country code of the USA, which is 1.

Step 3: Add the US area code (i.e., It’s 212 for New York).

Step 4: Dial a 7-digit US local number.

Example: To call New York (212 555 1234), dial 00 1 212 555 1234.

Some popular US Area Codes:

  • New York: 212
  • Los Angeles: 213
  • Chicago: 312

Calling the UK from Sweden

The International access code of Sweden is 00, and the Country Code of the USA is +44. Follow these steps to call the USA from Sweden

Step 1: Dial Exit code 00.

Step 2: Enter 44 (UK code).

Step 3: Add the UK area code (bypass the leading 0).

Step 4: Dial the local UK number.

Example: To call London (020 7123 4567), dial: 00 44 20 7123 4567.

Popular UK Area Codes:

  • London: 20
  • Manchester: 161
  • Birmingham: 121

Calling Australia from Sweden

The International access code of Sweden is 00, and the Country Code of the USA is +61. Follow these steps to call the USA from Sweden

Step 1: Dial Exit code 00.

Step 2: Enter 64 (UK code).

Step 3: Add the Australian area code (bypass the leading 0).

Step 4: Dial the local Australian number.

Example: To call Sydney (02 9876 5432), dial 00 61 2 9876 5432.

Popular Australian Area Codes:

  • Sydney: 2
  • Melbourne: 3
  • Brisbane: 7

Common Mistakes When Dialing Swedish Numbers

There are a few things people need to avoid while dialing a Swedish phone number

1. Wrong Country Code

One of the most common errors when dialing Swedish numbers is using an incorrect country code. People often mistake the Denish country code +45 for the Swedish country code, which is +46. This mistake routes your call to the wrong country or results in a failed connection.

To avoid this, always begin with Sweden’s correct country code, +46, and make sure that you skip the leading zero from the local number.

For example, if the Swedish number is written locally as 0123 456 789, you should dial +46 123 456 789 internationally. Double-checking the country code and adjusting the number format ensures your call connects smoothly to Sweden.

2. Missing International Call Prefix

When calling Sweden, it’s important to remember to dial your country’s international call prefix first. This prefix shows that your call is leaving your local network.

For example, if you’re in the U.S., you need to dial 011 before Sweden’s country code (+46). If you’re in Europe, you should use 00.

If you skip this prefix and dial just 46 123 456 789 instead of 011 46 123 456 789 from the U.S., your call won’t connect.

Always start with your country’s international prefix, then dial Sweden’s +46 and the local number, leaving off the leading zero.

3. Including Leading Zero

Keeping the leading zero in local numbers is a common mistake made when calling Swedish numbers from abroad. In Sweden, numbers that begin with a zero (such as 08 123 456 78 in Stockholm) must be dropped when calling from outside the country.

To make sure the call connects correctly, enter Sweden’s country code (+46) without the initial zero.

For example, in the international format, the local Stockholm number, 08 123 456 78, becomes +46 8 123 456 78. Failure to remove the zero could lead to a connection failure or an “invalid number” error.

4. Incorrect Area Code

When dialing Swedish numbers, using the incorrect area code is a common mistake that can result in failed connections or reaching unintended recipients.

For example, if you confuse Stockholm’s 08 with Gothenburg’s 031, your call will be completely misrouted.

Always confirm the area code for the region you’re contacting so you can avoid this. Following Sweden’s country code (+46), major cities such as Stockholm (08), Gothenburg (031), Malmö (040), and Uppsala (018) have unique codes that need to be dialed precisely.

For example, in order to call the local number 08 123 456 78 in Stockholm from abroad, you must dial +46 8 123 456 78, not 031.

5. Wrong Number Format

When dialing Swedish numbers internationally, it is common to make mistakes with the digit sequence.

If you forget to include your country’s international prefix, skip parts of the number, or misprint the number, then the call will fail.

To avoid this type of common mistake, you should use the international phone number format, which is:

[Your Country’s Prefix] +46 [Area Code] [Local Number].

Suppose you want to call Stockholm (08 123 456 78) from Europe, dial 00 46 8 123 456 78, which begins with Europe’s prefix (00), followed by Sweden’s country code (46), the area code (8), and the local number.

I.e., (+46 [Area Code][Local Number]).

A phone number validator can help you ensure the number format is correct before placing your call. This is especially useful for call centers that handle outbound calls.

Final Words

Congrats! You’ve unlocked the mystery of Sweden’s phone numbers. Now, you can confidently ring up Stockholm, text a buddy in Tranas, or even grab a Sweden virtual phone number to run your business communication smoothly.

No more stressing over country codes or area prefixes, just clear, hassle-free connections. Ready to chat? Call that Swedish friend, book that Nordic adventure, or grow your business across borders. Tack för att du läste! 📱✨

FAQs

What is Sweden’s country code?

Sweden’s country code is +46. Use this when calling from abroad.

How do I dial Sweden from my country?

To call Sweden, dial your country’s exit code (e.g., 011 from the US, 00 from the UK/EU), followed by Sweden’s country code (+46). Then, enter the Swedish number and exclude the leading 0 from the area or mobile code. For example, to call a Stockholm number (08) from Germany, dial 00 46 8 123 4567.

How do I know if a Swedish number is mobile or landline?

Mobile numbers in Sweden begin with 07 (e.g., 070, 073), while landline numbers start with geographic area codes like 08 for Stockholm and 040 for Malmö.

Can I get a virtual Swedish number?

Yes! Services like Dialaxy offer Swedish virtual phone numbers with features like call forwarding and auto-attendant. Perfect for global businesses.

Are there toll-free numbers in Sweden?

Yes. Toll-free numbers start with 020 (e.g., 020 123 456). Dial +46 20 123 456 internationally.

What is an example of a phone number in Sweden?

  • Stockholm landline: +46 8 123 45 67
  • Mobile: +46 73 987 65 43

How many digits are in a Sweden phone number?

Sweden’s Phone number consists of 8–10 digits total (including area/mobile codes). Example: 08 123 4567 (8 digits).

How do I dial a +46 number?

From abroad:

  • Use your country’s exit code.
  • Dial 46 (Don’t include +).
  • Add the Swedish number (without the leading 0).

How do you format a Swedish phone number?

To call Sweden internationally, dial +46, followed by the area or mobile code and the local number. For example, to call Stockholm, you would dial +46 8 123 45 67.

Locally, you simply dial 0 before the area code and the local number. For instance, calling Stockholm would be 08 123 45 67.

Prasanta Raut

Prasanta, founder and CEO of Dialaxy, is redefining SaaS with creativity and dedication. Focused on simplifying sales and support, he drives innovation to deliver exceptional value and shape a new era of business excellence.

Prasanta, founder and CEO of Dialaxy, is redefining SaaS with creativity and dedication. Focused on simplifying sales and support, he drives innovation to deliver exceptional value and shape a new era of business excellence.