International Phone Number Formats & Examples: An In-depth Review

Communication has changed a lot over the years. We used to send telegrams and talk on landline phones, but now we have smartphones.

Today, it’s easier and cheaper to keep in touch with people all over the world, whether for personal or work.

In research, Rebtel reports that around 6.2 billion international calls are made annually in the USA alone!

Despite this significant growth, it’s still crucial to understand international phone number formats. 

In this blog, we’ll go over the ins and outs of international phone number formats so you can reach anyone, anywhere. 

Let’s look at how to write phone numbers correctly so you can connect easily.

What Is the International Phone Number Format?

The international phone number format is a standardized way to write phone numbers when calling from one country to another for global use while maintaining clarity and consistency.

It starts with a plus (+), followed by the country code, and then the local phone number.

For example, a phone number in the United States would be written as +1 (XXX) XXX-XXXX, where “+1” is the country code. 

When dialing numbers from different countries ensures format with clarity and consistency in international communication, which reduces confusion.

International Phone Number Formats Around the World

International phone number formats may differ greatly from country to country. Here’s an overview of how different countries structure their phone numbers, with examples for clarity:

1. United States

• Format: +1 (NPA) NXX-XXXX
• Example: +1 (202) 555-0123
• Details: “NPA” is the area code (3 digits), and “NXX-XXXX” is the local number (7 digits).

2. Canada

• Format: +1 (NPA) NXX-XXXX
• Example: +1 416 123-4567
• Details: “NPA” is the area code (3 digits), and “NXX-XXXX” is the local number (7 digits).

3. United Kingdom

• Format: +44 7XXX XXXXXX or +44 20 XXXX XXXX
• Example: +44 7911 123456 or +44 20 7946 0958
• Details: Mobile numbers start with “7,” while landlines often start with “20” (for London).

4. Australia

• Format: +61 4XX XXX XXX (mobile) or +61 2 XXXX XXXX (landline)
• Example: +61 412 345 678 or +61 2 9876 5432
• Details: Mobile numbers begin with “04,” while landlines have different codes based on regions.

5. Germany

• Format: +49 (0)XXX XXXXXX
• Example: +49 (0)30 12345678
• Details: The “0” is used for domestic calls; it is dropped when dialing internationally.

6. France

• Format: +33 6 XX XX XX XX
• Example: +33 6 12 34 56 78
• Details: Mobile numbers start with “6” or “7,” while landlines start with “1,” “2,” “3,” “4,” “5,” or “9.”

7. Japan

• Format: +81 XX-XXXX-XXXX
• Example: +81 3-1234-5678
• Details: The “0” is dropped when dialing internationally; area codes vary.

8. India

• Format: +91 XXXXXXXXXX
• Example: +91 98765 43210
• Details: All mobile numbers are 10 digits long, while landline numbers vary by region.

9. Brazil

• Format: +55 (XX) 9XXXX-XXXX
• Example: +55 (11) 91234-5678
• Details: Mobile numbers start with “9” and include a two-digit area code.

Notes: 

Country Code: The initial part of an international phone number, often preceded by a “+.”

Area Code: A set of digits that specifies a geographical region.

Local Number: The remaining digits that complete the number for dialing.

The E.164 International Standard for Phone Number Format

The E.164 International Standard is a set of rules for how phone numbers should look around the world.

It simply means that the structure of the telephone numbers is similar everywhere, making it easy to call someone in another country without getting mixed up.

For example, you need to include the country code when you send the package to a different country to help to get into the right place.

The E.164 Standard does the same for phone numbers. Each country has its special country code. For example, Canada’s country code is +1.

After the country code, there’s usually an area code or national dialing prefix that helps identify the specific phone line, which might start with a number like 0 or 1.

When you put everything together, you get a phone number that looks like this: + Country Code (National Dialing Prefix) Phone Number.

So, a phone number in Canada might look like this: +1 416-555-1234. This clear format makes it easy to call people across different countries whether they are landline numbers, mobile numbers, or VoIP numbers.

How to Write Different Countries’ Phone Numbers in International Format?

When making calls internationally, knowing how to format phone numbers is essential.

Each country has its specific telephone number structure, which includes a country code, an area code (when necessary), and a local number.

Below, you’ll find guidelines on how to properly write phone numbers in international format for seven commonly called countries:

1. United States (US) Phone Numbers In International Format

In the United States, phone numbers are generally formatted as (XXX) XXX-XXXX, where “XXX” represents the area code and the following digits correspond to the local number.

To write a US phone number in international format, simply add the country code “+1” before the local number.

The international format for a US phone number would then appear as +1 (XXX) XXX-XXXX.

Below is a breakdown of different types of US phone numbers, along with their dialing formats and examples:

2. United Kingdom (UK) Phone Numbers In International Format

In the United Kingdom, phone numbers are typically formatted as 0XXX XXX XXXX, where “0XXX” represents the area code.

To write a UK phone number in international format, you add the country code “+44” and remove the leading “0,” resulting in the format +44 XXX XXX XXXX. 

Here’s a quick overview of different UK phone number types, including their formats and examples:

3. Australia Phone Numbers In International Format

In Australia, phone numbers are typically formatted as (0X) XXXX XXXX, where “0X” is the area code.

To convert an Australian phone number into the international format, you add the country code “+61” and remove the leading “0,” resulting in the format +61 X XXXX XXXX.

Here’s a quick overview of different Australian phone number types, including their formats and examples:

4. Canada Phone Numbers In International Format

Canadian phone numbers share a similar format with the United States, consisting of a three-digit area code followed by a seven-digit local number.

To write a Canadian phone number in international format, add the country code “1” before the area code and local number.

Here’s a quick overview of different Canadian phone number types, including their formats and examples:

5. Italy Phone Numbers In International Format

In Italy, phone numbers are typically formatted as 0XX XXX XXXX, where “0XX” represents the area code.

To write an Italian phone number in the international format, you add the country code “+39” and remove the leading “0,” resulting in the format +39 XX XXX XXXX.

Here’s a quick overview of different Italian phone number types, including their formats and examples:

6. India Phone Numbers In International Format

In India, phone numbers are generally formatted as (0XX) XXXXX XXXXX, where “0XX” is the area code.

To write an Indian phone number in international format, you add the country code “+91” and remove the leading “0,” resulting in the format +91 XX XXXXX XXXXX.

Here’s a quick overview of different Indian phone number types, including their formats and examples:

7. Brazil Phone Numbers In International Format

In Brazil, phone numbers are typically formatted as (XX) XXXX-XXXX or (XX) XXXXX-XXXX, where “XX” represents the area code.

To write a Brazilian phone number in international format, you add the country code “+55” and remove the leading “0,” resulting in the format +55 XX XXXX-XXXX or +55 XX XXXXX-XXXX.

 Here’s a quick overview of different Brazilian phone number types, including their formats and examples:

Advantages and Disadvantages of International Phone Number Format 

Here are the following advantages of international phone numbers:

• Universal Standard: Makes dialing numbers globally consistent and reduces confusion.
• Easy International Calling: Helps ensure calls connect properly when dialing across countries.
• Better Business Reach: Allows businesses to serve international clients easily.
• Compatibility Across Devices: Works seamlessly with modern phone systems, apps, and services.
• Improved Communication: Reduces the chances of miscommunication due to wrong phone number formats
• Consistency for Global Companies: Helps businesses maintain a professional appearance with standardized contact info.
• Clear Identification: This feature instantly identifies the country of origin of a phone number, which helps in identifying spam or important calls.

Here are the following disadvantages of international phone numbers:

• Complexity: International format can be harder to remember due to additional digits.
• Increased Cost: Calling international numbers may involve higher charges for long-distance calls.
• Formatting Errors: Incorrect use of country or area codes may result in failed calls.
• Additional Steps: Users must remember to add the country code, which can be forgotten in everyday use.
• Varied Formats Per Country: Different countries have different formats, which can lead to confusion.
• Length of Numbers: International numbers can be lengthy, making them harder to communicate verbally or in writing.
• Not Always Recognized: Some local services or users may not recognize or accept international formats.

Is the International Phone Number Format the Same for Mobile Numbers?

Yes, the international phone number format is applicable to both mobile and landline numbers.

The format always begins with the country code followed by an area code (if needed) and lastly, the local number.

The same structure is used when dialing a mobile or landline phone to ensure regularity.

For example, in India, both mobile and landline numbers have the country code “+91.”

While landlines may have an area code, mobile numbers may not always have one, but the country code makes sure that the call gets to its intended destination.

Landlines may have an area code. This standardization ensures the number structure stays the same and avoids confusion when calling a landline or a mobile phone, making international dialing easier.

It also makes it easier to store numbers and share contact information globally.

Furthermore, by using the international phone number format, the difference between mobile and landline numbers becomes less important in Global communication, with the country code serving as the primary identifier.

Final Words

Understanding international phone number formats is important for effective communication. By the help of correct format helps to decrease confusion and connect call smoothly.

Every country has its phone number style, so it is good to learn about these differences. This will enhance your global communication skills.

Furthermore, Using and understanding these formats helps you to enhance your communication skills, and it saves you valuable time. Stay updated and keep connected with the current digital world.

FAQs

How do I write my phone number in an international format?

To write your phone number in international format, start with the plus sign (+), followed by the country code, and then the local phone number. For example, a U.S. number would be written as +1 555 123 4567, where “+1” is the country code for the USA.

Are international phone numbers 10 digits?

International phone numbers can differ in length. While many countries use 10-digit numbers, the total length may include the country code and range from 8 to 15 digits, depending on the country.

How do I get an international phone number?

To get an international phone number, choose a VoIP provider like Dialaxy that offers international numbers. Sign up for their service, select the country you want the number from, and follow the registration process.

How do I write a phone number with a country code?

To write a phone number with a country code, start with the plus sign (+), followed by the country code and then the local number. For example, a US number would be written as +1 555 123 4567.