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International calling codes

International calling codes are numeric prefixes used in telephone dialing to route calls between countries.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

International calling codes are numeric prefixes used in telephone dialing to route calls between countries. They usually consist of an international access or exit code, followed by a country calling code and then the destination’s national number. In many places, the plus sign (+) is used in written numbers to represent the international access prefix.

Definition

International calling codes are telephone numbering prefixes used to place calls across national borders. They help the network identify the destination country and, when needed, the specific region or city within that country.

Dialing format

The usual international dialing order is exit code, country code, area or city code, and local number. When a number is written in international format, the leading plus sign often stands in for the exit code.

Standards and numbering plan

Country calling codes are part of the ITU-T E.164 numbering plan, which organizes global telephone numbering. The standard supports internationally recognizable codes and dialing conventions.

Examples by country

Examples commonly listed for international dialing include +1 for the United States and Canada, +44 for the United Kingdom, +91 for India, +81 for Japan, and +86 for China.

Key facts

  • Country calling codes identify a nation or numbering zone in international telephone dialing.
  • The dialing sequence typically begins with an international access prefix, then the country code, then the area or city code if needed, and finally the local number.
  • The ITU-T E.164 numbering plan defines the structure used for country calling codes.
  • The access prefix varies by country; 00 is common in many countries, 011 is used in the U.S. and Canada, and 0011 is used in Australia.
  • In written phone numbers, the plus sign (+) is commonly used to indicate the international prefix.
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Canadian context

Canadian callers typically use 011 as the international access prefix when dialing abroad, and Canada shares country code +1 with the United States and several Caribbean jurisdictions.

Frequently asked questions

What is an international calling code?
It is a numeric prefix used to route a phone call to another country, usually combined with an international access prefix and the destination phone number.
What is the difference between an exit code and a country code?
The exit code tells the network you are making an international call from your country; the country code identifies the destination country.
Why do some numbers start with +?
The plus sign is a written shortcut that represents the international access prefix required to dial out of the caller’s country.
What is the U.S. and Canada international access prefix?
The standard international access prefix is 011.
Do all countries use the same exit code?
No. Many use 00, while others use codes such as 011, 0011, or 810 depending on the country or region.
Are country calling codes the same as area codes?
No. Country calling codes identify countries or numbering zones, while area codes identify regions within a country.

References

  1. Worlddata.info — https://www.worlddata.info/callingcodes.php
    Supports: Explains that each country has its own calling code, gives examples of international direct dial prefixes, and notes that 011 is used in North America.
  2. GuessWhereYouAre — https://guesswhereyouare.com/guide/en/maps/learn-telephone.html
    Supports: Defines country calling codes, identifies them as part of ITU-T E.164, and describes the dialing sequence and examples of access prefixes.
  3. Federal Communications Commission — https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/international-long-distance-calling-made-simple-tip-sheet
    Supports: States that calls abroad from the U.S. and Canada use 011 and that Canada and most Caribbean nations share the North American long-distance format.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_direct_dialing
    Supports: Describes international direct dialing, the international call prefix, and the common E.164 standard sequence using 00 in many countries.
  5. Dialpad — https://www.dialpad.com/features/international-number/
    Supports: Provides examples of country codes and explains the typical order of international dialing: exit code, country code, area code, and local number.