Comprehensive Guide to International Calling Codes

international calling codes play a pivotal role in bridging the communication gap between countries. Whether you’re making a business call or reaching out to loved ones abroad, knowing the correct country code ensures your call is routed to the intended destination. This guide provides a complete list of international calling codes, helping you stay connected worldwide.

International calling codes, also known as dialing codes or country codes, are numeric prefixes used to route phone calls internationally. These codes must be dialed before the recipient’s local phone number when calling another country.

For example:

• To call the United States from another country, you would dial the country code +1 followed by the recipient’s phone number.
• To reach the United Kingdom, the international code +44 is used before the local number.

How Were Country Codes Assigned?

The assignment of country codes was established by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to standardize global communication. Countries are grouped into regions, and each region is assigned a specific range of codes:

• 1: North America (e.g., the United States, Canada, and Caribbean nations)
• 2: Africa and some island nations in the Atlantic
• 3 and 4: Europe
• 5: South and Central America
• 6: Oceania and Southeast Asia
• 7: Russia and parts of Kazakhstan
• 8: East Asia and special services
• 9: South Asia and the Middle East

The length of a country code varies, with shorter codes often assigned to countries with larger populations or higher call volumes.

How to Know Which Country’s Phone Number Called You or You Are Calling

Identifying a country from a phone number is straightforward with the country code:

1. Examine the Prefix: Look at the numbers following the international exit code (e.g., +44 for the UK, +91 for India).
2. Use Online Tools: Services like reverse phone lookup websites or mobile apps can identify the country and sometimes the region or carrier.
3. Consult the Code List: Refer to the comprehensive list of international calling codes provided in this guide.
4. Check Caller ID Apps: Many smartphones and apps, like Truecaller, can automatically detect the origin of an incoming international call.

Being familiar with country codes not only helps identify the origin of a call but also ensures you correctly dial the intended destination when making international calls.

Complete List of International Calling Codes

Below is a comprehensive list of international calling codes for countries around the globe:

Tips for International Calling

1. Check Time Zones: Be mindful of the time difference to avoid calling at inconvenient hours.
2. Use Calling Apps: Services like Skype, WhatsApp, and Zoom often bypass the need for dialing codes entirely.
3. Confirm the Number Format: Ensure the local number is formatted correctly to avoid call failures.
4. Understand Costs: International calls can be expensive. Check with your service provider for rates and consider using alternative communication methods.

Conclusion

Understanding and using international calling codes can make global communication seamless and efficient. Keep this guide handy for quick reference and enjoy staying connected across borders!