Italian Phone Number Format for Local & International Calls

An Italian phone number consists of a country code (39), an area code (for landlines) or a mobile prefix (for cell phone numbers), and a subscriber number. Each of the prefixes plays a role in connecting your call accurately.

A country code refers to a short numeric prefix allocated to each country by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The country code of Italy is ‘39’. It represents Italy as the call destination when calling the country from overseas. However, this code is not required when making domestic calls.

Italian landline numbers include the area code that identifies the city or region where the phone number is registered. In Italy, the area codes usually contain 2 to 4 digits, always starting with 0, such as 06 for Rome or 02 for Milan.

Popular area codes in Italy include:

Mobile phone numbers in Italy usually begin with a three-digit mobile prefix starting with the digit ‘3’. These prefixes represent the correct mobile network, and they remain the same for both local and international calls.

Also known as the local number, the subscriber number identifies the individual person, business, or phone line linked to the number. It is the final part of the phone number, following the area code or mobile prefix, and usually contains 6 to 9 digits.

For calls made within Italy, the Italian phone number begins with the area code or mobile prefix, followed by the local number.

Here’s how to dial an Italian phone number for local calls:

• Step 1: Dial the area code for landline numbers or the mobile prefix.
• Step 2: Enter the subscriber number.

Landline Number: 06 1593786

• 06 – Area code for Rome
• 1593786 – Local landline number

Mobile Phone Number: 338 1234567

• 338 – Mobile prefix for Tim (mobile carrier)
• 1234567 – Subscriber number

Toll-free Number: 800 3261458

• 800 – Toll-free prefix
• 3261458 – Subscriber number

The international phone number format for Italy includes your country’s exit code, followed by Italy’s country code 39, and the local phone number (including the area code or the mobile prefix).

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

• Step 1: Dial your country’s international exit code. You can also use the ‘+’ sign to represent the exit code when dialing from a mobile phone.
• Step 2: Enter Italy’s country code 39.
• Step 3: Dial the area code for landlines or the mobile prefix for cell phone numbers.
• Step 4: Dial the subscriber number.

Landline Number: +39 06 1234 5678 or 011 39 06 1234 5678 (calling Italy from the US)

• 011 or + – US exit code
• 39 – Italy’s country code
• 06 – Rome area code
• 1234 5678 – Subscriber number

Mobile Number: +39 320 654 2100 or 00 39 320 654 2100 (calling Italy from the UK)

• 00 or + – UK exit code
• 39 – Italy’s country code
• 320 – Mobile prefix
• 654 2100 – Subscriber number

Toll-Free Number: +39 800 35 4126 or 0011 39 800 35 4126 (calling Italy from Australia)

• 0011 – Australia’s exit code
• 39 – Italy’s country code
• 800 – Toll-free prefix
• 35 4126 – Subscriber number

Italian emergency phone numbers are 3 to 6 digits long. They can be dialed directly from both landlines and mobile phones without extra codes for fast access to essential public services across the country.

Before calling Italy from overseas, make sure you’re using the correct dialing format. Also, check the time differences to avoid calling at odd hours, and review the possible call charges to prevent unexpected fees.

Most often, people use the same local format when making an international call. They simply dial the local number, which results in failed connections. You must include your country’s exit code and Italy’s country code before dialing the actual phone number within the country for your call to connect accurately.

Italy follows Central European Time (CET, UTC+1) and Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC+2) during daylight saving. The local time in the country may vary from the time in your country. Calling without considering the time difference may result in unanswered calls. So, always check the local time before you dial.

International calls to Italy can be expensive, depending on your carrier and plan. Rates may vary based on whether you’re calling a mobile or landline number, and extra fees can apply if international calling is not included in your package. Before making the call, it’s best to check your provider’s pricing or use internet-based calling options to avoid unexpected charges.

The Italian phone number format is simple: international access code/exit code + 39 + area code or mobile prefix + local number. Following this structure ensures your call connects properly when dialing from abroad. For local calls within Italy, just dial the local number, including the area code or mobile prefix.

If your call doesn’t go through after following the right format as explained above, the issue may be with your network. Calilio’s virtual phone numbers can help in such cases. It ensures reliable connectivity no matter where you’re calling Italy from. Plus, the call rates are lower than those of traditional phone carriers.