How to Call France
Complete guide to dialing France (country code +33)
Planning to connect with someone in France? Whether you're calling for business, reaching out to family, or coordinating travel plans, understanding how to call France correctly will save you time and frustration. Calling France from abroad might seem complicated at first, but it's actually straightforward once you know the proper dialing format. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know, including step-by-step dialing instructions for calling French landlines and mobile phones, common mistakes to avoid that could prevent your call from connecting, essential French phone etiquette to help you make a great impression, and useful numbers like emergency services and directory assistance. By the end of this guide, you'll be confidently placing calls to France like a pro.
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Dialing Instructions
How to Dial France: Complete International Calling Guide
To successfully call France from abroad, you need to understand the international dialing format structure: Exit Code + Country Code (33) + Local Number (without leading 0).
International Dialing Format Structure
France's country code is +33. All French phone numbers begin with a 0 domestically, but you must drop this leading zero when calling from outside France. French numbers are 10 digits long domestically (including the 0) and 9 digits when dialed internationally (excluding the 0).
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions by Country
From the USA or Canada:
- Dial 011 (exit code)
- Dial 33 (France country code)
- Dial the 9-digit local number (dropping the initial 0)
From the UK:
- Dial 00 (exit code)
- Dial 33 (France country code)
- Dial the 9-digit local number (dropping the initial 0)
From other countries:
Most countries use 00 as their exit code, though some vary. Replace the exit code accordingly, then follow with 33 and the local number.
Specific Dialing Examples
Example 1 - Paris Landline (01 42 86 82 00):
- From USA: 011-33-1-42-86-82-00
- From UK: 00-33-1-42-86-82-00
Example 2 - French Mobile Number (06 12 34 56 78):
- From USA: 011-33-6-12-34-56-78
- From UK: 00-33-6-12-34-56-78
Example 3 - Lyon Landline (04 78 89 90 12):
- From USA: 011-33-4-78-89-90-12
- From UK: 00-33-4-78-89-90-12
Important Notes
French mobile numbers typically start with 06 or 07, while landlines vary by region (01 for Paris, 02 for Northwest, 03 for Northeast, 04 for Southeast, 05 for Southwest). Always remember to remove the leading 0 when dialing internationally – this is the most common mistake when calling France from abroad.
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Common Mistakes
When calling France, avoid these common mistakes that can prevent your call from connecting:
Forgetting to drop the leading zero: French phone numbers start with 0 when dialing domestically, but you must remove this zero when calling from abroad. Instead of dialing +33 06 12 34 56 78, dial +33 6 12 34 56 78.
Using the wrong exit code: Many people dial 00 33 out of habit, but this only works from certain countries. The safest approach is using the + symbol, which works universally from any mobile phone.
Confusing the country code with area codes: France's +33 is the country code, not an area code. The digit following it (like 1 for Paris or 6 for mobiles) indicates the region or phone type. Don't try to dial Paris as +33 01—it's +33 1.
Including incorrect spacing: While spacing doesn't affect connection, matching French convention (pairs of digits) helps avoid errors: +33 1 42 86 82 00 instead of random groupings.
Not accounting for time zones: France operates on CET/CEST, so verify the local time before calling to avoid disturbing recipients during late hours.
Cultural Etiquette
When making phone calls in France, proper etiquette is essential and reflects respect for French cultural norms.
Greetings Matter
Always begin with "Bonjour" (good day) or "Bonsoir" (good evening) before stating your name and purpose. Never skip this greeting, as it's considered rude. For business calls, use "Monsieur" or "Madame" unless invited to use first names.
Formality Guidelines
French phone conversations tend to be more formal than in many English-speaking countries. Maintain this formality in business contexts and when calling someone for the first time. Personal calls with friends allow for casual language, but initial interactions should remain polite.
Timing Considerations
Avoid calling during lunch hours (12:30-2:30 PM), as this is sacred mealtime in French culture. For personal calls, don't phone before 9 AM or after 9 PM on weekdays, or before 10 AM on weekends. Business calls should occur during standard office hours (9 AM-6 PM).
Voice Message Protocol
French voicemail greetings are typically brief and formal. When leaving a message, clearly state your name, reason for calling, and contact information. Speak slowly and articulate carefully.
Cultural Nuances
The French value direct communication but within a framework of politeness. Don't be surprised by straightforward responses. Always end calls with "Au revoir" rather than hanging up abruptly. Building rapport takes time, so don't rush conversations, especially in business contexts.
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Emergency Numbers
112 - European Emergency Number: Works for all emergencies (police, medical, fire) and connects you to English-speaking operators. Available 24/7 from any phone, including mobiles, and completely free to call.
17 - Police (Police Nationale/Gendarmerie): For crimes, accidents, or immediate police assistance. Free from all phones.
15 - SAMU (Medical Emergencies): For urgent medical situations and ambulance dispatch. Staffed by medical professionals 24/7.
18 - Fire Department (Sapeurs-Pompiers): For fires and also responds to certain medical emergencies and accidents.
114 - Emergency SMS Service: Text-based emergency line for hearing or speech-impaired individuals.
All numbers are toll-free and operate 24/7. While 112 guarantees English support, other numbers may have limited English availability. Mobile phones work without SIM cards for emergency calls.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 118 XXX: Various directory assistance services (charges vary by provider)
- 3212: Yellow Pages business directory
International Services
- 00 33 + (0) + number: International dialing format for calling France
- 3103: International operator assistance
Tourist Services
- English-language tourist helpline available through local tourism offices (numbers vary by region)
Embassy Contacts
Contact your embassy through their published numbers found on official websites. Keep these saved before traveling.
Other Useful Numbers
- 3646: SNCF train information and reservations
- 3975: Lost/stolen bank cards (multi-bank service)
- 0811 65 20 75: Pharmacy locator service
- 39 66: Post office information
Always verify current numbers before your trip, as services occasionally change.
Tips for Calling France
When calling France, timing matters. France operates on Central European Time (UTC+1) or Central European Summer Time (UTC+2 from late March to late October). Calculate the time difference carefully—if you're calling from New York, add six hours to your local time.
For business calls, aim for 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM French time, Tuesday through Thursday. Avoid Mondays when people catch up from weekends, and Friday afternoons when offices wind down. Always schedule business calls in advance via email, confirming the date, time, and agenda.
French businesses typically close for lunch between 12:00-2:00 PM, especially outside major cities. August is problematic—many businesses operate with skeleton staff or close entirely for summer holidays. Also avoid calling during: Bastille Day (July 14), Christmas week, New Year's week, and May (which has multiple public holidays).
For clearer communication, speak slowly and avoid idioms. If there's background noise, mention it immediately. Have key points written down beforehand. When dealing with time-sensitive matters, confirm details via follow-up email. Consider using video calls for important discussions—visual cues help overcome language barriers.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for France is +33. You'll need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to France from anywhere in the world.
To call France from your cell phone, dial + (or 011 in the US), then 33 (France's country code), followed by the local number without the leading zero. For example: +33 1 XX XX XX XX.
Yes, you must drop the leading zero from French phone numbers when calling internationally. French numbers start with 0 domestically, but when dialing from abroad, replace that 0 with the country code +33.
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In France, dial 112 for general emergencies (works EU-wide), 15 for medical emergencies (SAMU), 17 for police, and 18 for fire services. These numbers are free and can be dialed from any phone.
Yes, you can call France directly from your web browser using ZippCall. Simply visit the ZippCall website, add credit to your account, and start making calls to France without downloading any software or apps.
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