Iceland Phone Number Format: Dialing Codes & Examples

The Iceland phone number format refers to the standardized way a phone number is structured and dialed in Iceland, including how digits are grouped and which prefixes are used to route calls correctly.

Iceland uses a closed numbering plan, where phone numbers usually consist of a 7-digit local number and do not use area codes. Instead of geographic area codes, the initial digit of the local number acts as a prefix to indicate the type of number, such as landline, mobile, or toll-free.

For example, 551 2345, where the initial digit “5” helps identify the number type, while the remaining digits uniquely identify the subscriber.

When dialing from outside Iceland, you must include both the exit code of the country you are calling from, along with the country code of Iceland (354), followed by the 7-digit local number.

For example, +354 551 2345, where “+” represents the exit code, “354” is Iceland’s country code, and “551 2345” is the local phone number.

When dialing from outside Iceland, the main components of the Icelandic phone numbers include the exit code, the Icelandic country code and the unique subscriber number. In case you are dialing locally, it is a simple 7-digit local number where the initial digit acts as a phone prefix.

The exit code (also known as the international access code) is the number you dial to make an international call from your current country. It signals your phone network that the call is leaving the country.

For instance, “011” is the exit code of the US, Canada, and Australia, and “00” is the exit code of China, Egypt, the UK, plus a few other countries.

Or, you can simply use the “+” symbol to replace the exit code, making international dialing easier.

The country code indicates where the specific phone number belongs. Every country has its own unique country code, and for Iceland, it is “354.” So, when calling Iceland from abroad, you must dial this code along with the exit code and local phone number.

A subscriber number is the final part of the phone number. It is a unique phone number assigned to an individual or business. In Iceland, subscriber numbers are 7-digit long (except phone numbers beginning with ‘3,’ which are usually 9 digits), including the phone prefix.

Landline, mobile, and toll-free numbers are the main types of phone numbers in Iceland, distinguished by the phone number prefix (the initial digit of the number).

Landline numbers in Iceland are fixed-line numbers commonly used by homes, offices, and businesses with number prefixes 4 or 5, where:

• 4XX XXXX is used for landlines outside the capital region
• 5XX XXXX is used for landlines in the capital region and Reykjavík

Mobile numbers are used for cellular phones and are widely adopted for both personal and business communication. Icelandic mobile numbers typically begin with 6, 7 or 8, which are used by specific mobile carriers.

• 6XX XXXX: Syn and Tetra
• 7XX XXXX: Nova
• 8XX XXXX: Siminn

Toll-free numbers allow callers within Iceland to place calls without being charged. These numbers usually start with the 800 prefix and are commonly used by businesses for customer support and helplines.

For example: 800 XXXX

However, if you are dialing an Icelandic toll-free number from outside the country, your call may not connect. In case the call connects, please be aware that your service provider will likely charge you standard international rates.

Machine-to-Machine (M2M), emergency, and premium-rate service numbers are other commonly used phone number types in Iceland. M2M numbers are used for automated communication between devices such as smart meters and vehicle tracking systems. Likewise, emergency numbers are used to contact police, fire, and medical services, while premium-rate service numbers are for paid helplines and information services.

In Iceland, M2M numbers are usually 9 digits long and typically begin with the prefix 3. On the other hand, emergency numbers are short codes that are 3 or 4 digits long and generally start with 1 (for example, 112). Furthermore, premium-rate service numbers are 7 digits long, similar to mobile or landline numbers, but are identified by a prefix starting with 9, which indicates higher call charges.

Here is a quick look at the different types of phone numbers in Iceland.

For local calls, the Iceland phone number format simply includes dialing the 7-digit phone number of the subscriber without the country code.

Since Iceland has no trunk codes or area codes, calling within the country is straightforward. So, to call within Iceland, you can simply dial the local number.

The international phone number format for Iceland consists of the exit code, the Iceland country code, followed by the 7-digits phone number.

Here’s how to dial an Icelandic phone number from abroad:

1. Dial your country’s international exit code.
2. Enter Iceland’s country code: 354.
3. Dial the local phone number.

When calling Iceland, consider the calling cost and the time zone differences between Iceland and your country.

International calls to Iceland or from Iceland can be expensive. The exact cost, however, depends on your service provider and plan.

Also, be mindful that toll-free numbers may also not be free when dialed from another country. So, always check with your carrier to avoid unexpected charges.

Iceland follows Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) year-round and does not observe daylight saving time. There may be significant time differences between your country and Iceland. You must consider the time differences to ensure you dial at the appropriate time for your receiver.

When calling Icelandic phone numbers, people often make errors such as including unnecessary regional prefixes, dialing incorrect international access numbers, or miscounting the digits in the local number.

• Adding an Area Code That Doesn’t Exist: One of the most common mistakes is adding a geographic area code. Iceland does not use area codes, so inserting extra digits before the local number will make the call invalid.
• Using the Wrong Exit Code: Another frequent error is dialing the incorrect exit code. For example, using 00 when calling from the US instead of 011. To avoid this confusion, using the + symbol followed by Iceland’s country code is often the safest option.
• Dropping or Adding Digits: Some callers assume Icelandic numbers should be longer or shorter than they actually are. Most landline and mobile numbers in Iceland are 7 digits long, and removing or adding digits will prevent the call from connecting.
• Calling Toll-Free Numbers from Abroad: Toll-free numbers are usually intended for domestic calls within Iceland. When dialed from outside the country, they may not connect at all or may result in international charges, depending on the service provider.

Understanding the Icelandic phone number format makes calling within or to Iceland simple and error-free. Iceland uses a closed numbering plan with no area codes, where the first digit of the number identifies the type of service, such as landline, mobile, or toll-free. Once you are familiar with these prefixes and the standard 7-digit local number format, dialing within the country becomes straightforward and reliable.

For international calls, using the correct exit code followed by Iceland’s country code (+354) and the complete local number is essential. It is also important to consider factors such as toll-free number limitations, time zone differences, and potential calling charges. By keeping these points in mind, you can avoid common dialing mistakes and communicate with people and businesses in Iceland smoothly and confidently.