How to Call Austria
Complete guide to dialing Austria (country code +43)
Planning to make a phone call to Austria but not sure where to start? Whether you're contacting family, friends, or business associates, knowing how to call Austria correctly can save you time, money, and frustration. Calling Austria from abroad is straightforward once you understand the proper dialing format and country codes. This comprehensive guide will walk you through step-by-step instructions for calling Austria from anywhere in the world, highlight common mistakes to avoid, share essential Austrian phone etiquette tips, and provide useful emergency and service numbers you might need. By the end, you'll have all the knowledge necessary to confidently connect with anyone in Austria without any hassle or confusion.
On This Page
Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
International Dialing Format Structure
To call Austria from abroad, follow this format: Exit Code + 43 + Area Code (without leading 0) + Local Number
Austria's country code is +43. The exit code varies by country—for example, 011 from the USA/Canada, 00 from most European countries, and + from mobile phones worldwide.
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions
From the USA/Canada:
- Dial 011 (exit code)
- Dial 43 (Austria's country code)
- Drop the leading 0 from the Austrian number
- Dial the remaining digits
From the UK and most European countries:
- Dial 00 (exit code)
- Dial 43 (Austria's country code)
- Drop the leading 0
- Dial the remaining digits
From mobile phones (any country):
Simply use the + symbol instead of exit codes, then dial 43 and the number without the leading zero.
Specific Dialing Examples
Example 1 - Vienna Landline:
Austrian number: 01 234 5678
- From USA: 011-43-1-234-5678
- From UK: 00-43-1-234-5678
- From mobile: +43-1-234-5678
Example 2 - Salzburg Landline:
Austrian number: 0662 123 456
- From USA: 011-43-662-123-456
- From UK: 00-43-662-123-456
- From mobile: +43-662-123-456
Example 3 - Austrian Mobile Number:
Austrian number: 0664 123 4567
- From USA: 011-43-664-123-4567
- From UK: 00-43-664-123-4567
- From mobile: +43-664-123-4567
Important Note About Leading Zeros
Austrian phone numbers begin with 0 when dialing domestically. Always remove this leading zero when calling from international locations. For instance, Vienna's area code is 01 locally but becomes simply 1 when dialing internationally (43-1-xxx-xxxx).
Mobile numbers in Austria typically start with 0650-0699 or 0660-0699. Remember to drop the zero: dial +43-664-xxx-xxxx, not +43-0664-xxx-xxxx.
The Easy Way with ZippCall
Don't want to memorize exit codes, country codes, and dialing formats? With ZippCall, you don't have to.
Simply select "Austria" from the country list, enter the local phone number exactly as you see it, and ZippCall automatically handles all the international dialing codes for you. No confusion, no mistakes—just easy calling.
Join 7,766 users who choose ZippCall for simple international calling.
Common Mistakes
When calling Austria, avoid these common mistakes that can prevent your call from connecting:
Forgetting to drop the leading zero: Austrian phone numbers often display with a leading zero (like 01 for Vienna), but you must remove it when dialing internationally. Instead of dialing +43 01, dial +43 1 followed by the local number.
Using the wrong exit code: Many people dial 011 43 from the US, but forget that exit codes vary by country. The UK uses 00, Japan uses 010, and others differ. Using + instead of an exit code works universally on mobile phones and avoids confusion.
Confusing the country code with area codes: Austria's country code +43 comes before the area code. Don't accidentally dial the Vienna area code (1) as if it were the country code, or you'll reach the wrong destination entirely.
Including spaces or formatting inconsistently: While spaces help readability, they can cause issues with automated systems. The correct format is: +43 [area code without zero] [local number]. For example: +43 1 234567890.
Not accounting for time zones: Austria is in CET/CEST (UTC+1/+2), so check the local time to avoid calling at inconvenient hours.
Cultural Etiquette
When making phone calls in Austria, proper etiquette reflects the country's appreciation for formality and respect. Understanding these customs helps create positive impressions in both business and personal contexts.
Greetings Matter: Always begin calls with a formal greeting. State your full name when calling, such as "Guten Tag, hier spricht [your name]." In business settings, include your title if applicable. Austrians value this level of formality, especially during first contacts.
Business vs. Personal Calls: Business calls require strict professionalism. Use formal titles (Herr/Frau plus last name) until invited to be casual. Personal calls allow more flexibility, but maintain politeness with acquaintances.
Timing Is Important: Avoid calling before 8 AM or after 9 PM unless it's urgent or previously agreed upon. Lunch hours (12-1 PM) and Sundays are generally reserved for personal time. Business calls work best mid-morning or mid-afternoon.
Formal Language Preference: Use "Sie" (formal you) rather than "du" (informal you) until the other person suggests otherwise. This applies to most situations outside close friendships.
Voice Messages: Keep messages brief and clear. State your name, reason for calling, and contact information. Austrians appreciate efficiency and directness.
Cultural Consideration: Austrians tend to speak more quietly than some cultures. Matching this moderate tone shows cultural awareness and respect. Avoid excessive small talk in business contexts—get to the point politely but efficiently.
Ready to call Austria?
ZippCall lets you make cheap international calls to Austria from any device. No contracts, no hidden fees—just simple pay-as-you-go rates.
Join 7,766 users making affordable international calls with ZippCall.
Emergency Numbers
Police: 133
Ambulance: 144
Fire Department: 122
General Emergency Number: 112 (EU-wide emergency number connecting you to all services)
Country-Specific Services:
- Mountain Rescue: 140
- Emergency Medical Service: 141
- Poison Control: +43 1 406 43 43
All emergency numbers are toll-free and accessible from any phone, including mobiles, even without credit or a SIM card. The 112 number operates 24/7 with multilingual support, including English-speaking operators. Other emergency lines (133, 144, 122) primarily operate in German, though English assistance is increasingly available, particularly in tourist areas. For non-life-threatening situations, contact the local police station directly. Keep your location details ready when calling, as precise information helps emergency services respond quickly. These services are free of charge throughout Austria.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- Dial 11 8 77 for domestic directory assistance to find phone numbers and addresses throughout Austria
- Dial 0800 11 8 877 for international directory inquiries
International Operator
- Dial 0900 11 8 880 for operator-assisted international calls
Tourist Information
- Austria Tourism Hotline: +43 1 24 555 provides travel information, attractions, and accommodation assistance
Embassy Contacts
Contact your embassy through Vienna's diplomatic directory at +43 1 505 87 65 or visit the Austrian Foreign Ministry website for specific numbers
Additional Services
- Pharmacies (after-hours): Dial 1455 for 24-hour pharmacy locations
- Roadside Assistance: 120 (Ă–AMTC) or 123 (ARBĂ–) for vehicle breakdowns
- Railway Information: 05 1717 for Ă–BB train schedules and bookings
Tips for Calling Austria
When calling Austria, keep in mind the country operates on Central European Time (CET/UTC+1) or Central European Summer Time (CEST/UTC+2). To catch someone during reasonable hours, calculate the time difference from your location accordingly.
For business calls, aim for weekdays between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM Austrian time, with Tuesday through Thursday being optimal. Avoid calling during lunch hours (12:00-1:00 PM) when offices may be quieter. Always schedule business calls in advance via email to ensure availability and demonstrate professionalism.
Off-peak calling rates typically apply evenings after 6:00 PM and weekends, though this matters less with modern VoIP services.
Avoid calling on Austrian national holidays including New Year's Day, Easter Monday, Labour Day (May 1), Assumption Day (August 15), National Day (October 26), and Christmas (December 25-26). Many businesses also close between Christmas and New Year's.
For clear communication, speak slowly and clearly—many Austrians speak English, but may appreciate patience with technical or complex topics. Confirm important details via follow-up email. Consider that Austrians value punctuality, so call at your scheduled time precisely.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Austria is +43. When calling Austria from abroad, you must dial this code before the local phone number. Start with your international access code (like 011 from the US), then 43, followed by the area code without the leading zero and the local number.
When calling Austria from your cell phone, dial the + symbol (press and hold 0), then 43 (Austria's country code), followed by the area code without the initial zero, and the local number. For example: +43 1 234567890 for a Vienna number.
Yes, you must drop the leading zero from the Austrian area code when calling Austria internationally. For example, Vienna's area code is 01 locally, but when calling from abroad, dial +43 1 followed by the local number, removing the zero.
The cheapest options for calling Austria include using VoIP services like WhatsApp, Skype, or FaceTime over WiFi (free for internet calls), international calling apps like Rebtel or Viber, or purchasing international calling plans from your mobile carrier to reduce per-minute rates.
When calling Austria's emergency services, dial 112 for the general European emergency number (works for all emergencies), 122 for fire brigade, 133 for police, and 144 for ambulance. These numbers are free and can be called from any phone without a country code.
Austria operates in Central European Time (CET), UTC+1, or CEST (UTC+2) during daylight saving time. When calling Austria from the US, consider the 6-9 hour time difference depending on your location. Call during Austrian business hours (9 AM-6 PM CET) for best results.
Start Calling Austria Today
Now that you know how to dial, make cheap calls to Austria with ZippCall's crystal-clear connections and unbeatable rates.
Join7,766users who have made11,988minutes of calls in the last 7 days.
View rates for calling Austria