Have you ever hesitated before dialing a Spanish phone number, unsure if you’re doing it right? Or maybe you’ve stared at a form, wondering how to format those digits correctly? You’re not the only one.

Understanding Spain’s phone number system can seem tricky, especially if you’re new there or trying to reach someone. No worries; it’s easier than you think, and it’s good to stay on the safe side to avoid mistakes or an overlooked call.

In this guide, we’ll make it as simple as it can be, showing you just how to write and dial Spanish phone numbers correctly. You will feel specifically ready to connect it while traveling, at work, or when calling a friend.

Ready to learn? Let’s do it!

🔑Key Highlights
  • In Spain, telephone numbers have nine digits, so any valid telephone number does not include a country code.
  • Every Spanish telephone number has three major elements: +34 (country code), a service indicator (1 to 2 digits), and a subscriber number (7 to 8 digits).
  • Spain’s phone numbering system is designed to promote efficiency, flexibility, and reliability.
  • Mobile numbers in Spain start with the numbers 6 or 7; they are not linked to a specific place.
  • For those calling from outside Spain, the best time to reach out is between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM (local time).

What is Spain’s Phone Number Format?

What is Spain Phone Number Format?

In Spain, telephone numbers have nine digits, so any valid telephone number does not include a country code. The Spanish numbering plan guides the format of these phone numbers and offers an easily communicable and standardized format. It is necessary to dial +34 when calling from abroad.

Every Spanish telephone number has three major elements: +34 (country code), a service indicator (1 to 2 digits), and a subscriber number (7 to 8 digits).

The format can be broken down as follows:

  • Country code: +34 (For Spain)
  • Area Code (Optional): 2-3 digits
  • Subscriber Number: 8-9 digits

For Example:

  • +34 91 123 4567 (where +34 is the country code, 91 is the area code for Madrid, and 1234567 is the subscriber number) or +34 612 345 678 (where 612 is the mobile number).

Understanding the Spanish Numbering System

Spain’s phone numbering system is designed to promote efficiency, flexibility, and reliability. The country regulates this system to ensure fair pricing, effective resource management, and high service quality. Special numbers, such as 900 for toll-free calls and 112 for emergencies, further improve accessibility for users.

In Spain, landline or mobile phone numbers are all composed of nine digits. Thus, when calling locally in Spain, you must always dial every one of the nine digits.

Landlines:  Landline numbers are usually started with an 8 or a 9. The prefix has different regional codes in Spain. Several examples include 91 for Madrid, 93 for Barcelona, and 96 for Valencia.

However, it is important to remember that regional prefixes may change. If you are unsure, you should always confirm any change with a reputable source about current prefixes.

Mobile Phones: Mobile numbers would begin with a 6 or a 7. The range of mobile prefixes is vast and being continuously updated, prefixes 612 or 722 are just a sample. A short list should not be depended upon since so many upside-down things oscillate.

Special Numbers:

  • 112: This is the emergency number, just like 911 in the US.
  • 900 or 800: These prefixes are used for toll-free call centers.
  • 902 or 905: Since these numbers incur charges at premium rates, calls to them are usually expensive.

Calling from Abroad: This is the most relevant section, particularly for an international caller. To call a Spanish number from outside the country, the Spanish area code +34 follows the nine-digit number being dialed. Thus, a Spanish mobile number like 612 345 678 will be dialed as +34 612 345 678 from outside Spain.

Steps to Format a Spain Phone Number

Formatting a Spanish phone number correctly is essential for ensuring it is recognized and dialed properly.

Here are the steps to format a Spain phone number:

Step 1: Understand the Structure

  • Spanish phone numbers are typically 9 digits long.
  • Landline numbers usually start with 8 or 9.
  • Mobile numbers usually start with 6 or 7.

Step 2: Include the Country Code

  • Spain’s country code is +34.
  • When writing the number for international use, start with the country code.

Step 3: Format the Number

  • For landline numbers:
  • +34 XXX XXX XXX (e.g., +34 91 123 4567).
  • For mobile numbers:
  • +34 6XX XXX XXX or +34 7XX XXX XXX (e.g., +34 612 345 678).

Step 4: Remove Any Leading Zeros

  • When dialing internationally, omit the leading 0 that is sometimes used in domestic dialing.

Step 5: Use Spaces or Hyphens for Clarity

  • Separate the number into groups of 3 digits for readability (e.g., +34 912 345 678 or +34-912-345-678).

Step 6: Example Formats

  • Landline: +34 91 123 4567
  • Mobile: +34 612 345 678

Step 7: Domestic Dialing (Within Spain)

  • For domestic calls, you can omit the country code and use:
  • 912 345 678 (landline) or 612 345 678 (mobile).

Types of Phone Numbers in Spain

Spain possesses a rich telephone numbering system employing different numbers of individual types to serve different telecommunication needs.

This includes traditional landlines, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) numbers, and many others, from supporting personal to business operations and other specialized services.

By knowing about phone number types, an individual or business would be able to make an informed choice and access services without any connectivity issues.

The different types of phone numbers in use in Spain are detailed as follows.

Here are the types of phone numbers that are used in Spain:

Types of Phone Numbers  in Spain.

1. Geographic Numbers (+34 91 123 4567)

Geography-based (Landline) phone numbers are numbers that are tied to specific areas and begin with the numbers 8 or 9. They are 9 digits in length, with a few digits indicating the area code applicable.

For this reason, it is a common practice for homes and businesses to use them in order to establish reliable local communication.

2. Mobile Numbers (+34 612 345 678)

Mobile numbers in Spain start with the numbers 6 or 7; they are not linked to a specific place. These support calls, sms, and internet services are therefore essential for personal and business communication.

Many businesses utilize them for client service and marketing techniques.

3. Internet Access Numbers (+34 90X XXX XXX)

These numbers have gone the way of the dinosaur with the emergence of broadband because they were mainly for dial-up access to the net.

They allow users to connect to the internet through telephone lines, usually where access isn’t available at huge speeds.

4. Vanity Phone Numbers (+34 900 123 123)

They are customized telephone numbers created to be easy to remember, often spelling out words related to a brand.

Businesses use these numbers to market their products when they want to make sure their contact details are easily recognizable and professional.

5. Toll-Free Numbers (+34 900 123 456)

These numbers begin with 900 or 800; if the customer calls the business, he does not incur any charges.

They are widely used for customer support, helplines, and service inquiries in order to enhance accessibility and customer satisfaction.

6. Premium and Special-Rate Numbers (+34 806 123 456)

Such numbers include those beginning with the digits 902 and 905, which charge extra, oftentimes for special services like technical support or entertainment.

They also include special service numbers entailing emergency contacts–112 and government helplines.

7. Spain VoIP/Virtual Numbers (+34 85X XXX XXX)

VoIP means Voice-over-Internet and allows making phone calls through the Internet instead of traditional telephone lines.

With a VoIP number, businesses and individuals can have a Spanish number even if they are not located in the territory, which is perfect for remote working and international companies.

Here are some popular area codes in Span:

City Area Code
Madrid 91
Barcelona 93
Valencia 96
Álava 945
Seville 95
Zaragoza 976
Malaga 952
Murcia 968
Bilbao 94
Alicante 965
Cordoba 957
Asturias, Galicia 98
Almería 950
Burgos 947
Santa Cruz de Tenerife 922

Best Time to Call the Spain

For those calling from outside Spain, the best time to reach out is between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM (local time).

This timeframe corresponds with typical business hours, providing both availability and convenience.

Here’s the table:

Time Zone Best Time to Call (Local Time in Spain) Notes
Business Hours 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Monday to Friday) Ideal for professional calls, as most offices are open.
Lunch Break 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Avoid calling) Many businesses close for lunch (siesta) during this time.
Early Morning 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Good for catching someone before their workday starts.
Evening 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Suitable for personal calls, as people are usually free after work.
Weekends 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Saturday & Sunday) Best for personal calls; avoid early mornings or late evenings.

Common Mistake When Dialing Spanish Phone Numbers

Here are the few most common mistakes to avoid when dialing Spanish phone numbers:

  • Forgetting the Country Code: Always include +34 when dialing internationally.
  • Including the Leading Zero: Remove the 0 after the country code (e.g., dial +34 912 345 678, not +34 0912 345 678).
  • Wrong Number Length: Ensure the number is 9 digits long (excluding the country code).
  • Confusing Landline and Mobile Prefixes: Landlines start with 8 or 9, while mobiles start with 6 or 7.
  • Ignoring Time Zone Differences: Call during Spain’s business hours (9:00 AM – 6:00 PM CET) to avoid inconvenient times.

By avoiding these mistakes, you can dial Spanish numbers correctly and efficiently!

Best Example: Spain Phone Number Format

Here’s a table with the best example illustrating the Spanish phone number format:

Category Format Example Explanation
Mobile +34 6XX XXX XXX +34 608 123 456 Begins with 6 or 7, followed by 8 digits.
Landline +34 9XX XXX XXX +34 911 234 567 Begins with 9, followed by 8 digits.
Madrid Landline +34 91 XXX XXXX +34 91 234 5678 Madrid area code is 91.
Toll-Free +34 800 XXX XXX +34 800 123 456 Freephone numbers have an 800 prefix.
International Dialing 011 34 XXX XXX XXX +34 XXX XXX XXX To call a Spanish number from abroad, use the exit code, followed by the country code (34), and then the phone number.

Conclusion

Having a clear understanding of Spain’s phone number format can be beneficial for you. Whether you want to call your friends family and friends or you can enhance your business reach in Spain. Spain’s phone number consists of 9 digits excluding country code, followed by area code and a subscriber number.

Knowing how to formate Spain’s phone number, you can make calls within or outside of Spain easily. For businesses looking to enhance their communication infrastructure, virtual phone numbers can be particularly beneficial.

Virtual phone numbers offer flexibility and advanced features such as call forwarding and voicemail customization. If you’re interested in leveraging virtual phone numbers for your business, consider exploring Dialaxy‘s offerings.

FAQs

What is the country code for Spain?

The country code for Spain is +34.

How do I call a Spanish number from the UK?

To call Spain from the UK, you need to dial the international prefix 00, then the Spain country code 34, and then the 9-digit phone number. Mobile phones can dial +34, followed by the Spanish number.

Can I call Spain for Free?

You’re right, free calls to Spain are often possible through internet-based apps and services. However, whether a call is truly “free” depends on several factors, most importantly, your location and the specific services you use.

How do I dial a Spanish landline number from abroad?

To call a landline number in Spain from another country:

  • Dial the international access code (e.g., 011 from the USA).
  • Dial the Spanish country code: +34.
  • Dial the area code 91 (Madrid).
  • Dial the subscriber’s number: XXX XX XX (replace the Xs with the actual digits).

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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.