How to Call Italy
Complete guide to dialing Italy (country code +39)
Planning to connect with friends, family, or business contacts in Italy? Learning how to call Italy doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're dialing from a mobile phone or landline, understanding the proper procedure ensures your call goes through smoothly every time. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about calling Italy from abroad, including step-by-step dialing instructions, country and area codes, and cost-saving tips. We'll also highlight common mistakes that might prevent your call from connecting, share essential Italian phone etiquette to help you make a great impression, and provide a list of useful emergency and service numbers you might need while communicating with Italy. By the end of this guide, you'll be confidently calling Italy like a pro.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
How to Dial Italy: Complete International Calling Guide
Calling Italy requires understanding the correct international dialing format. Italy's country code is +39, and the process varies slightly depending on your location and the type of number you're calling.
International Dialing Format Structure
The standard format for calling Italy is:
[Exit Code] + 39 + [Italian Phone Number]
The exit code depends on your country, while Italian phone numbers include their area code without modification.
Dialing from Different Countries
From USA or Canada:
- Dial 011 (exit code)
- Dial 39 (Italy's country code)
- Dial the complete Italian number
From UK:
- Dial 00 (exit code)
- Dial 39 (Italy's country code)
- Dial the complete Italian number
From Other Countries:
Most countries use 00 as their exit code, though some differ (Japan uses 010, Australia uses 0011).
Important Note About Leading Zeros
Unlike many countries, Italy does NOT require dropping the leading zero from local numbers. Always dial the complete number as written, including any leading zero.
Specific Dialing Examples
Example 1 - Rome Landline (06 1234 5678):
- From USA: 011-39-06-1234-5678
- From UK: 00-39-06-1234-5678
Example 2 - Milan Landline (02 9876 5432):
- From USA: 011-39-02-9876-5432
- From UK: 00-39-02-9876-5432
Example 3 - Italian Mobile (328 123 4567):
- From USA: 011-39-328-123-4567
- From UK: 00-39-328-123-4567
Italian mobile numbers typically start with 3 and are 9-10 digits long. Landlines vary by region: Rome uses 06, Milan uses 02, and Naples uses 081.
Quick Tip
When saving Italian numbers in your phone, use the international format: +39 followed by the complete number. The "+" symbol automatically applies your country's exit code when dialing.
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Common Mistakes
Forgetting to Drop the Leading Zero
Italian phone numbers often start with 0, but you must remove it when dialing internationally. For example, if the local number is 06 1234567, dial +39 6 1234567. The zero is only used for domestic calls within Italy.
Using the Wrong Exit Code
Many people use 011 (the US exit code) regardless of their location. Each country has its own exit code—UK uses 00, Australia uses 0011. Alternatively, use the "+" symbol, which works universally from mobile phones and replaces any exit code.
Confusing Mobile and Landline Formats
Italian mobile numbers start with 3 and always require all digits after the country code. Landlines have area codes (like 06 for Rome). Both follow the same international dialing rule: +39 followed by the number without the leading zero.
Adding Unnecessary Spaces
While spaces help readability, incorrect placement can cause confusion. The standard format is +39 (area/mobile code) (remaining digits), such as +39 06 1234567 or +39 345 1234567.
Not Accounting for Time Zones
Italy operates on Central European Time (CET). Check the time difference before calling to avoid contacting someone during inconvenient hours.
Cultural Etiquette
When calling in Italy, understanding local customs helps create positive connections and demonstrates cultural respect.
Greetings Matter
Italians typically answer with "Pronto" (ready), not "hello." For business calls, immediately identify yourself with your full name and company. Personal calls can be more relaxed, but still state who you're calling for.
Formality Levels
Use formal "Lei" (you) in business contexts and with people you don't know well, especially older individuals. Switch to informal "tu" only after the other person suggests it. Business calls require professional language, while personal calls embrace warmth and expressiveness.
Timing Considerations
Avoid calling during lunch hours (roughly 1-3 PM), as Italians value this break time. Evening calls to mobile phones are generally acceptable for friends, but avoid calling homes after 9 PM. Business calls should occur during standard working hours (9 AM-1 PM, 3-6 PM).
Voice Messages
Leave clear, concise messages including your name, reason for calling, and callback number. Italians appreciate detailed voicemails rather than just missed calls.
Cultural Nuances
Italians often speak animatedly and may sound louder than you expect—this typically indicates enthusiasm, not anger. Interruptions during conversation are common and considered engaged participation rather than rudeness. Be patient with longer conversations; Italians value building rapport through dialogue and may discuss personal matters before addressing business topics.
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Emergency Numbers
112 – European Emergency Number (24/7, English-speaking operators available)
This single number connects you to police, ambulance, and fire services throughout Italy and the EU.
113 – State Police (Polizia di Stato)
For reporting crimes, theft, and general police assistance.
115 – Fire Department (Vigili del Fuoco)
For fires and rescue operations.
118 – Ambulance (Ambulanza)
Medical emergencies and health-related urgent situations.
1515 – Forest Fire Service
Specifically for reporting forest fires.
1530 – Coast Guard (Guardia Costiera)
For maritime emergencies.
All emergency numbers are free to call from landlines and mobile phones, including phones without SIM cards or credit. The 112 number is particularly recommended for tourists as it guarantees English-speaking assistance and can redirect calls to appropriate emergency services efficiently.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 1254: National directory assistance for finding phone numbers within Italy
- 176: International directory assistance for numbers outside Italy
International Operator
- 170: Operator-assisted international calls and collect calls
Tourist Information
- 039 039039: National tourist helpline (multilingual support available)
Embassy Contacts
Keep your embassy's Rome contact number saved. Find it before traveling at your government's website.
Other Useful Numbers
- 803116: Trenitalia (train information and bookings)
- 1515: Forest Fire Service
- 1530: Coast Guard/Sea emergencies
- 116117: Non-emergency medical advice
Roadside Assistance
- 803116: ACI (Italian Automobile Club) for breakdowns
Note: Calling these numbers from mobile phones or abroad may incur charges. Some services have additional area codes when calling internationally.
Tips for Calling Italy
When calling Italy, timing is crucial for successful communication. Italy operates on Central European Time (UTC+1) or Central European Summer Time (UTC+2 from late March to late October). To catch Italians during standard business hours—typically 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM Monday through Friday—calculate the time difference carefully from your location.
For business calls, always schedule appointments in advance via email. Italians appreciate formal arrangements and rarely respond well to unexpected calls. Avoid calling during the traditional lunch break (1:00-2:30 PM) or after 6:30 PM for professional matters.
Peak calling times are mid-morning (10-11 AM) and mid-afternoon (3-4 PM). Off-peak hours offer better rates if using traditional phone services.
Never call on major holidays: New Year's Day, Epiphany (January 6), Easter Monday, Liberation Day (April 25), Labour Day (May 1), Republic Day (June 2), Ferragosto (August 15), All Saints' Day (November 1), and Christmas period (December 25-26). August sees many businesses closed entirely.
For clarity, speak slowly, confirm details via email, and consider using video calls when possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Italy is +39. When making an international call to Italy, you'll need to dial your country's exit code (such as 011 from the US or 00 from most European countries), followed by 39, and then the Italian phone number.
To dial Italy from your cell phone, simply enter the plus sign (+), then 39 (Italy's country code), followed by the full Italian phone number including the area code. For example: +39 06 1234 5678 for a Rome number.
No, you should NOT drop the leading zero when calling Italian landlines. Unlike many countries, Italy requires you to dial the full area code including the zero. For example, Rome's area code 06 must be dialed as 06, not just 6.
The cheapest way to call Italy is using ZippCall, which offers affordable pay-as-you-go international calling rates. With ZippCall, you can call from your web browser, iPhone, or Android device with no contracts, no subscriptions, and no hidden fees—just transparent, low-cost rates for calling Italy.
In Italy, dial 112 for the general European emergency number (works for police, medical, and fire). You can also use 113 (police), 118 (medical emergency), or 115 (fire department). These numbers are free and can be called from any phone.
Yes! ZippCall allows you to make calls to Italy directly from your web browser. Simply visit the ZippCall website, add credit to your account, enter the Italian phone number you want to call, and start talking—no downloads or installations required.
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