📞 What Is an Exit Code?
An exit code (also called an international access code or international dialing prefix) is the sequence of digits you dial first to tell your phone network that you are making an international call — i.e., you want to "exit" the domestic phone network.
Exit codes vary by country. Here are the most common ones:
| Country | Exit Code |
|---|---|
| USA & Canada | 011 |
| UK, Germany, France, most of Europe | 00 |
| Australia | 0011 |
| Japan | 010 |
| Mexico | 00 |
On mobile phones, you can replace any exit code with the + symbol (press and hold 0). It works worldwide.
🌍 What Is a Country Code?
A country code is the numeric prefix assigned to each country for international calls. You dial it immediately after the exit code. Country codes are defined by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and never change.
Some countries share a code — for example, the USA, Canada, and many Caribbean nations all use +1.
| Country | Country Code |
|---|---|
| United States & Canada | +1 |
| United Kingdom | +44 |
| France | +33 |
| Germany | +49 |
| India | +91 |
| China | +86 |
| Australia | +61 |
| Japan | +81 |
🔢 How International Numbers Are Formatted
The standard international dialing format is:
Key formatting rules:
Dial the exit code first. This signals an international call. On mobiles, use + instead.
Dial the country code. Do not add a leading + or 00 before it — the exit code already handled that.
Drop the leading 0. Most countries write local numbers with a leading 0 for domestic use. Drop it when dialing internationally.
Dial the local number. Include the area code and subscriber number.
📋 Real Examples by Country
Calling the UK from the USA
Local UK number: 020 7946 0958
Calling France from Australia
Local French number: 01 23 45 67 89
Calling India from Germany
Local Indian number: 011 2345 6789
Use our free dialing calculator to instantly generate the correct sequence for any country pair.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is an exit code?
An exit code is the prefix you dial to make an international call. It tells your phone network you are calling outside the country. Common exit codes: 011 (USA/Canada), 00 (UK/Europe), 0011 (Australia).
What is a country code?
A country code is the number assigned to a specific country for international calls. You dial it after the exit code. Examples: +1 (USA), +44 (UK), +33 (France), +91 (India).
Do I dial the + sign when calling internationally?
On a mobile phone, yes — pressing + (hold the 0 key) replaces the exit code and works anywhere in the world. On a landline, use your country's exit code instead of +.
Do I drop the leading 0 from the local number?
Yes. When dialing internationally, always drop the leading 0 from the local number. For example, UK number 020 1234 5678 becomes +44 20 1234 5678 when dialed from abroad.
What is the difference between a country code and an area code?
A country code identifies the country (+44 for UK). An area code identifies the city or region within that country (020 for London). You dial: exit code + country code + area code + local number.
Can I use + instead of 011?
Yes, on mobile phones. Press and hold the 0 key until a + appears. This is universally accepted and works from any country. On landlines, use the specific exit code for your country.
Why does my call not connect when dialing internationally?
Common causes: using the wrong exit code, forgetting to drop the leading 0 from the local number, or using an incorrect country code. Double-check each part of the sequence with our dialing calculator.
How do I call a toll-free number internationally?
Most toll-free numbers (800, 888, etc.) only work within their home country and cannot be dialed internationally. Check with the company for an international direct number.