What Are International Calling Codes?
International calling codes, also known as country dialling codes, are numeric prefixes used when dialling a phone number outside your home country. These codes allow global telecom systems to route calls across international borders, ensuring your voice reaches the right destination—whether you’re calling a friend in France or a business in Brazil.
At their core, these codes are like passports for your phone call, indicating the country you want to connect to. They are assigned by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and are essential for making cross-border connections.
Why Are International Calling Codes Important?
International calling codes play a vital role in modern communication by:
- Enabling cross-border communication for personal and business use
- Preventing dialling errors by uniquely identifying each country or region
- Facilitating remittance services like Remit Choice, where clear, correct communication is essential
- Ensuring call security and traceability for international telecom networks
Without them, global communication would be chaotic. You couldn’t reliably reach someone overseas or distinguish calls from different nations. That’s why understanding how they work is more than just helpful—it’s crucial.
A Brief History of International Calling Codes
The story of international calling codes begins with the global standardization of telecom systems in the mid-20th century. In 1960, the ITU introduced the E.164 numbering plan, a framework that unified global telephone numbers under a logical, hierarchical system.
Some key milestones include:
- 1964: First full implementation of international country codes
- 1980s: Rapid growth in mobile telephony prompted more complex routing and code assignments
- 1990s–2000s: VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technologies reshaped how calling codes were used
Today, calling codes remain relevant even in the age of apps and internet-based calls, ensuring interoperability across networks.
How International Calling Codes Work
Each international call starts with a country code, but there’s more going on behind the scenes. Here’s a breakdown of how it all fits together.
The Role of the ITU
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is responsible for assigning and managing these codes through their E.164 standard. Every country or territory receives a unique code, ranging from 1 to 4 digits.
Prefixes and Suffixes
Here’s how a typical international phone number is structured:
[International Exit Code] + [Country Code] + [Area Code] + [Local Number]
Example: Calling New Delhi, India from the US
011 (Exit code from US) + 91 (India) + 11 (Delhi area code) + 12345678 (Local number)
Important prefixes:
- Exit Code: Signals you’re making an international call (e.g., 011 in the US, 00 in the UK)
- Country Code: Tells the system which country to route the call to
- Area Code/Local Code: Specifies the region or city
Regional Code Breakdown
Understanding the regional grouping of calling codes can make dialing a lot easier. Here’s a breakdown by continent.
North America
- United States & Canada: +1
- Mexico: +52
- Dominican Republic: +1-809, +1-829, +1-849
North America uses the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), which groups 20+ territories under code +1.
Europe
- United Kingdom: +44
- Germany: +49
- France: +33
- Russia: +7
Europe features many 2-digit country codes due to early adoption of telecom standards.
Asia
- China: +86
- India: +91
- Japan: +81
- Pakistan: +92
Asia includes some of the most populous countries, making these codes critical in global calling volumes.
Africa
- Nigeria: +234
- South Africa: +27
- Kenya: +254
- Egypt: +20
Africa’s telecom infrastructure has grown rapidly in recent years, thanks to mobile technology.
Oceania
- Australia: +61
- New Zealand: +64
- Fiji: +679
Though smaller in population, Oceania plays a vital role in global business and travel.
South America
- Brazil: +55
- Argentina: +54
- Colombia: +57
South America’s codes are typically in the 50s and 60s, reflecting their place in the ITU framework.
How to Use International Calling Codes
Calling codes aren’t just for show—you’ll need to use them correctly depending on your device and location.
From Landlines
To make an international call from a landline:
- Dial the exit code of your country (e.g., 011 in the US)
- Add the country code
- Follow with the area code and local number
Example: US to UK: 011 + 44 + 20 + Local Number
From Mobile Phones
Most mobile phones allow you to use the plus sign (+) instead of the exit code.
Example: +44 20 Local Number
This method simplifies dialing while traveling, as it automatically selects the right exit code.
Common Mistakes People Make
Even experienced callers make errors. Here are common pitfalls:
- Omitting the exit code
- Adding an extra 0 from the local format (e.g., 020 becomes 20 when dialing from abroad)
- Confusing country codes and area codes
- Assuming mobile and landline codes are the same
Tip: Always double-check the international format before dialing.
Emergency and Special Service Codes
International codes don’t apply to emergency services. Each country has its own short numbers:
| Country | Emergency Number |
| US | 911 |
| UK | 999 |
| EU | 112 |
| India | 112 |
| Australia | 000 |
Avoid using country codes when calling these numbers locally—they’re meant to be dialed as-is.
Technology’s Role in Simplifying Calling Codes
Modern tech platforms like WhatsApp, Skype, and Viber automatically format numbers, so users don’t always need to know the code manually.
Mobile OS features now auto-format contact numbers when saved in international format (+CountryCode LocalNumber), reducing errors and streamlining calls.
VoIP and International Communication
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) has revolutionized how we use international calling codes. Services like:
- Skype
- Zoom
- WhatsApp
- Google Voice
…allow users to bypass traditional dialing systems, using internet infrastructure to make calls.
While you still need to enter international numbers, VoIP doesn’t always rely on telecom exit codes, simplifying the process.
How Remittance Services like Remit Choice Rely on Calling Codes
At Remit Choice, we serve customers in over 70+ countries. Accurate and efficient communication is the backbone of our operations.
Here’s how calling codes affect our services:
- Verifying sender and receiver numbers during money transfers
- Notifying users via SMS or phone calls
- Providing customer support across borders
Using the correct international code helps us ensure transaction security and maintain high service standards.
Best Practices for International Calling
To avoid errors and reduce costs, follow these tips:
- Save contacts in international format using +CountryCode
- Use VoIP apps for low-cost or free calls
- Double-check the number before dialing
- Know the time zone of the person you’re calling
- Use services like Remit Choice to confirm recipient contact info during remittance
Country Code Table (Top 50 Countries)
| Country | Code | Country | Code |
| USA | +1 | India | +91 |
| UK | +44 | Pakistan | +92 |
| Canada | +1 | Nigeria | +234 |
| Australia | +61 | Kenya | +254 |
| Germany | +49 | Bangladesh | +880 |
| France | +33 | Philippines | +63 |
| UAE | +971 | Ghana | +233 |
| China | +86 | South Africa | +27 |
| Saudi Arabia | +966 | Brazil | +55 |
| Russia | +7 | Japan | +81 |
For a full list, visit the ITU Official Country Code Index.
FAQs
1. What is the international calling code?
It’s a numeric prefix used to connect to a specific country’s phone network when making international calls.
2. How do I dial an international number from the US?
Use 011 + [Country Code] + [Area Code] + Local Number.
3. What is the “+” sign in international numbers?
It replaces the exit code and allows mobile phones to auto-detect the right country.
4. Are international calling codes and area codes the same?
No. Country codes identify nations, while area codes pinpoint specific regions or cities within a country.
5. Why does the US and Canada share +1?
They both operate under the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), which includes 20+ regions.
6. Can I use international calling codes in WhatsApp?
Yes. Save numbers in the format +Country Code Local Number for WhatsApp to recognize them.
Conclusion
International calling codes are the unsung heroes of global communication. Whether you’re calling family, doing business, or sending money through Remit Choice, these codes ensure your message lands exactly where it’s supposed to.
With over 70+ countries in our network, understanding calling codes helps us deliver secure and timely remittance services—every time.
