Introduction
Connecting with Italy, whether for business or to speak with family, should be straightforward. Yet, many international calls fail due to the country’s unique Italy phone number format. A simple mistake—like dropping the required 0 in a landline (e.g., dialing +39 6 1234 5678 instead of +39 06 1234 5678)—can lead to a failed call, missed opportunities, or issues verifying services like WhatsApp.
Unlike most countries, Italy’s system has a critical rule: the leading zero on landline area codes is essential and must always be dialed. This guide will transform you into an expert on the Italy phone number format. We’ll cover every detail, from landline and mobile structures to business best practices, ensuring your calls connect successfully, every single time.
Italy Phone Number Formats: The Quick Reference
For immediate answers, use this table. It provides the correct Italy phone number format for any dialing scenario.
| Calling Scenario | Required Format | Example (Rome Landline: 06 1234 5678) | Example (Mobile: 347 1234 567) |
| From Outside Italy | +39[Full Number] | +39 06 1234 5678 | +39 347 1234 567 |
| From Inside Italy | [Full Number] | 06 1234 5678 | 347 1234 567 |
| Saving to Phone Contacts | +39[Full Number] | +390612345678 | +393471234567 |
| WhatsApp / Telegram | +39[Full Number] | (Landlines not applicable) | +393471234567 |
| HTML tel: Links | tel:+39-[Number] | tel:+39-06-1234-5678 | tel:+39-347-1234-567 |
The Anatomy of an Italian Phone Number
Every Italian number tells a story. The first digit is key: in the Italy phone number format, 0 means landline, 3 means mobile.
The Core Components
| Component | What It Is | Example (Landline) | Example (Mobile) |
| Country Code | The international gateway to Italy. | +39 | +39 |
| Number Identifier | The first digit of the local number. | 0 (for landlines) | 3 (for mobiles) |
| Area/Mobile Code | The prefisso for a geographic area or mobile network. | 06 (Rome) | 347 (Vodafone) |
| Subscriber Number | The unique line identifier. | 1234 5678 | 123 4567 |
Italy’s Open Numbering Plan (Variable Lengths)
Unlike the rigid 10-digit system in the US, Italy uses an open numbering plan. In the Italy phone number format, this means total number lengths can vary. A Milan number (02 + subscriber number) might be 10 digits, while a small-town number could be 11. This is completely normal. Never add or remove digits to force a specific length—just dial the number exactly as given.
How to Dial Italy: Practical Scenarios
Let’s move from theory to practice. Here is exactly how to format a call in common real-world situations.
Scenario 1: You’re in the USA calling a business landline in Florence.
- The Number You Have: 055 987 6543
- Start with the US exit code (011), as designated by the FCC, or the plus symbol (+) on your mobile.
- Add Italy’s country code (39).
- Add the FULL Italian number, including the leading 0.
- You Dial from a Landline: 011 39 055 987 6543
- You Dial from a Mobile: +39 055 987 6543
Scenario 2: You’re in the UK texting a friend’s Italian mobile number.
- The Number You Have: 339 123 4567
- Open your messaging app.
- Start a new message and enter the contact number.
- Always use the + format: +39 followed by the mobile number.
- You Enter in Your Phone: +393391234567 (no spaces needed for apps).
Scenario 3: You’re a tourist in Rome calling a hotel in Venice.
- The Venice Hotel Number: 041 555 1234
- You must dial the complete number, including its area code. Even for calls within the same city, the area code is mandatory.
- You Dial: 041 555 1234
An In-Depth Directory of Italian Numbering Codes
Major Landline Area Codes (Prefissi Geografici)
These two-to-four-digit codes link a landline to a specific geographic region.
| City | Area Code (Prefisso) |
| Rome | $06$ |
| Milan | $02$ |
| Naples | $081$ |
| Turin | $011$ |
| Palermo | $091$ |
| Genoa | $010$ |
| Bologna | $051$ |
| Florence | $055$ |
| Venice | $041$ |
Mobile Network Prefixes (Prefissi per Cellulari)
All mobile numbers in the Italy phone number format begin with 3 (e.g., 347 123 4567). The next two digits originally designated the carrier, though users can now keep their number when switching providers (portability).
| Prefix Range | Original Carrier |
| $33x$, $36x$ | TIM (Telecom Italia Mobile) |
| $34x$ | Vodafone |
| $32x$, $38x$, $39x$ | WINDTRE |
| $35x$ | Iliad |
| $37x$ | Various MVNOs (PosteMobile, CoopVoce) |
Special, Toll-Free, and Premium Numbers
It’s crucial to recognize these numbers to avoid unexpected charges or dialing failures. In the Italy phone number format, special numbers follow specific prefixes that indicate their cost and purpose:
- Toll-Free (Numero Verde): Start with 800. These are free to call from within Italy but are almost always unreachable from an international number.
- Shared Cost: Start with 84x. Callers pay a fixed, local rate regardless of where they call from in Italy.
- Premium Rate: Start with 89x. These are for adult services, competitions, and technical support, and are extremely expensive. Be very cautious when dialing these.
- Emergency Numbers:112 (General), 113 (Police), 115 (Fire), 118 (Medical). For use within Italy only.
Make crystal-clear, affordable calls to all your Italian contacts.
Understanding the Cost of Calling Italy
The price of your call can vary dramatically based on the method you choose.
- Direct Dialing from Your Carrier (e.g., My Country Mobile): This is typically the most expensive option, with per-minute rates that can be several dollars. Check for international add-on packages to reduce this cost.
- VoIP Services (Skype, Google Voice): These services offer affordable internet calls through a dedicated voip number, with competitive rates perfect for long or frequent conversations.
- Calling Apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, FaceTime Audio): If the person you are calling also has the app and a stable internet connection, the call is free, regardless of duration. This is the best option for personal calls.
Italian Phone Etiquette: A Guide for Professionals
Connecting with Italian businesses requires more than just the right number.
How Italians Answer the Phone: “Pronto?”
When you call an Italian number, do not expect to hear “Ciao” or “Buongiorno.” The universal telephone greeting is “Pronto?” (which literally means “Ready?”). This is used in both business and personal contexts. Starting your reply with “Buongiorno” or “Buonasera” is polite.
Navigating Business Culture
- Formality is Key: Use the formal “you” (Lei) when speaking with business contacts until you are invited to use the informal “you” (tu).
- Mind the Clock: Many Italian businesses, especially outside major cities, observe a long lunch break (pausa pranzo) from roughly 1:00 PM to 3:00 or 4:00 PM, during which phones may go unanswered. Avoid calling during these hours.
- Displaying Numbers Professionally: For websites and business cards, always display your number in the full Italy phone number format: +39 followed by the complete number (e.g., +39 06 1234 5678) to appear professional and accessible to global clients. For databases, store numbers in the strict E.164 dial plan format (+390612345678).
Troubleshooting Guide: Common Italian Dialing Problems
If a call doesn’t connect, it’s almost always due to one of these common errors.
| Problem | Likely Cause | Solution |
| “Number not valid” or immediate failure | You dropped the leading 0 when calling a landline from abroad. | This is the #1 error. Double-check that you are dialing +39followed by the 0 for any landline number. The sequence +39-6… for a Rome number is wrong; it must be +39-06…. |
| You mixed up landline and mobile rules | You added a 0 before a mobile number. | Mobile numbers never have a leading zero. They always start with +39 3. |
| You forgot the international exit code | You are dialing from a landline abroad and did not dial the exit code (011 in the US/Canada, 00 in the UK). | Use the + symbol on a mobile phone to avoid this problem entirely. |
| The number seems too long or short | You are used to a fixed-length numbering system. | Trust the number you were given. Italy’s open numbering plan means lengths vary. Focus on dialing the correct sequence of digits. |
Conclusion
Understanding the Italy phone number format is simple once you internalize its two golden rules. First, always use the +39 country code for international dialing. Second, and most critically, never drop the leading 0 from a landline area code. Mobile numbers, which always begin with a 3, are more straightforward.
By saving all numbers in the full Italy phone number format international format (+39…) in your phone, you guarantee seamless calling, texting, and WhatsApp use. For businesses, adopting these best practices demonstrates professionalism and ensures that a simple dialing error never stands in the way of a valuable connection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Do I always include the leading zero when calling an Italian landline from abroad?
Yes — in the Italy phone number format, the leading 0 in Italian landline area codes, even when calling from abroad. It’s never optional.
Can I use a standard Italian mobile number for WhatsApp?
Yes. Save the number with +39. Italian mobile numbers are fully compatible with WhatsApp, Telegram, and other messaging platforms.
Why do Italian phone numbers have different lengths?
Italy’s open numbering plan allows variable phone number lengths depending on region and subscriber. There’s no universal fixed-length format.
What is the correct way to write an Italian phone number?
Write it as +39 followed by the full number. Use spaces for clarity. Avoid parentheses, especially in international formats.
What time zone is Italy in?
Italy uses Central European Time (UTC+1) and Central European Summer Time (UTC+2) during daylight saving months, typically March–October.
