How to Call New Zealand
Complete guide to dialing New Zealand (country code +64)
Whether you're calling New Zealand for business, staying in touch with loved ones, or planning your next adventure, understanding the proper dialing process ensures your call goes through smoothly. Many people struggle with international calling codes and formatting, which can lead to failed connections and frustration. This comprehensive guide on how to call New Zealand will walk you through everything you need to know about calling New Zealand from anywhere in the world. We'll cover step-by-step dialing instructions, highlight common mistakes to avoid, share important phone etiquette tips for speaking with Kiwis, and provide a list of useful numbers including emergency services and customer support lines. By the end of this guide, you'll be confidently placing calls to New Zealand without any hassle.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
International Dialing Format Structure
To call New Zealand from abroad, follow this standard format: Exit Code + 64 + Local Number (without leading 0)
New Zealand's country code is +64, and you must remove the leading zero from all local numbers when dialing internationally.
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions
Step 1: Dial your country's international exit code
Step 2: Dial 64 (New Zealand's country code)
Step 3: Drop the leading 0 from the local number
Step 4: Dial the remaining local number
Country-Specific Exit Codes
- From USA or Canada: 011
- From UK: 00
- From Australia: 0011
- From most European countries: 00
- From mobile phones worldwide: + (press and hold 0)
Specific Dialing Examples
Example 1 - Auckland Landline (09 XXX XXXX):
- From USA: 011-64-9-XXX-XXXX
- From UK: 00-64-9-XXX-XXXX
- From mobile: +64-9-XXX-XXXX
Example 2 - Wellington Landline (04 XXX XXXX):
- From USA: 011-64-4-XXX-XXXX
- From UK: 00-64-4-XXX-XXXX
- From mobile: +64-4-XXX-XXXX
Example 3 - New Zealand Mobile (021 XXX XXXX):
- From USA: 011-64-21-XXX-XXXX
- From UK: 00-64-21-XXX-XXXX
- From mobile: +64-21-XXX-XXXX
Example 4 - Christchurch Landline (03 XXX XXXX):
- From USA: 011-64-3-XXX-XXXX
- From UK: 00-64-3-XXX-XXXX
Important Notes About Leading Zeros
New Zealand phone numbers always start with 0 when dialing domestically (like 09, 04, 021, 027). However, when calling internationally, always drop this leading zero. For instance, if a Wellington number appears as 04 123 4567, dial +64-4-123-4567 from overseas.
Mobile numbers typically start with 021, 022, 027, or 028 domestically, becoming 64-21, 64-22, 64-
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Common Mistakes
When calling New Zealand, avoid these common mistakes that can prevent your call from connecting:
Forgetting to drop the leading zero: New Zealand phone numbers start with 0 domestically (like 09 for Auckland), but you must remove this zero when dialing internationally. Instead of +64 09, dial +64 9 followed by the rest of the number.
Using incorrect exit codes: Many people dial "00" out of habit, but exit codes vary by country. The US and Canada use "011", while most of Europe uses "00". Using "+" instead eliminates this confusion, as it works universally on mobile phones.
Confusing the country code with area codes: The country code +64 must come first, followed by the area code (minus the zero). Don't dial the area code before the country code.
Including unnecessary spaces or brackets: While spaces improve readability, entering them incorrectly can cause dialing errors. The standard format is: +64 X XXX XXXX (where X is the area code without the zero, followed by the local number).
Not accounting for time differences: New Zealand is 12-13 hours ahead of the US East Coast, so verify the local time before calling to avoid inconvenient hours.
Cultural Etiquette
New Zealanders generally appreciate a friendly yet respectful approach to phone communication. When calling, start with a simple greeting like "Hello" or "Hi," followed by identifying yourself, especially for business calls. Kiwis typically value straightforwardness, so get to the point relatively quickly after brief pleasantries.
For business calls, maintain a professional but not overly formal tone. New Zealand workplace culture tends to be less hierarchical than many countries, so while respect is important, you don't need excessive formality. Personal calls are naturally more relaxed, often starting with casual greetings like "Hey, how's it going?"
Regarding timing, avoid calling before 8 AM or after 9 PM unless it's urgent or pre-arranged. For business calls, stick to standard working hours between 9 AM and 5 PM on weekdays. Lunchtime calls (12-1 PM) are generally acceptable but be prepared for people to be unavailable.
When leaving voicemails, keep messages brief and clear. State your name, reason for calling, and contact details. New Zealanders appreciate conciseness and practicality.
A unique cultural consideration is that Kiwis often prefer direct communication without excessive small talk, though a bit of friendly conversation is welcomed. They tend to be informal and egalitarian, so avoid being overly deferential or using titles excessively unless in very formal professional settings. Respect and friendliness go hand-in-hand in New Zealand phone etiquette.
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Emergency Numbers
111 is New Zealand's primary emergency number for Police, Fire, and Ambulance services. When you dial 111, an operator will ask which service you require and connect you immediately. This number is free to call from any phone, including mobiles, and operates 24/7 with English-speaking operators available.
112 also works from mobile phones and will redirect to 111.
105 is the non-emergency police line for reporting crimes that don't require immediate attendance.
0800 POISON (0800 764 766) connects you to the National Poisons Centre for advice on poisoning emergencies.
0800 LIFELINE (0800 543 354) provides mental health crisis support.
Text 111 is available for deaf, hearing-impaired, or speech-impaired callers who have registered with the service.
All emergency numbers are toll-free and accessible nationwide.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 018: Directory assistance for finding phone numbers within New Zealand
- 0172: International directory assistance for overseas numbers
International Services
- 0170: International operator for assistance with overseas calls
Tourist & Travel Support
- i-SITE Visitor Information: 0800 474 837 (national network providing tourist information)
Government Services
- Healthline: 0800 611 116 (free 24/7 health advice)
- Citizens Advice Bureau: 0800 367 222 (free information and support)
Embassy Contacts
Contact your embassy through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: (04) 439 8000
Other Useful Numbers
- AA Roadside Assistance: 0800 500 222
- Lost/Stolen Cards: Contact your bank's 24-hour service
- Telecommunications Disputes: 0800 939 090
Tips for Calling New Zealand
When calling New Zealand, timing is crucial for successful connections. New Zealand operates on NZST (UTC+12) or NZDT (UTC+13 during daylight saving from late September to early April), making it one of the earliest time zones globally.
For business calls, aim for New Zealand's standard business hours: 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday. Always schedule important business calls in advance, as this demonstrates professionalism and ensures availability.
Consider off-peak calling times (evenings and weekends) for personal calls, which may offer better rates depending on your provider. Avoid calling during major New Zealand holidays: Waitangi Day (February 6), ANZAC Day (April 25), Christmas, and New Year's period.
For clear communication, speak slowly and articulate clearly, as international connections can sometimes have slight delays. If calling from North America or Europe, remember you're essentially calling "tomorrow" due to the significant time difference.
Use time zone converters to avoid calling at inconvenient hours—3 PM in New York equals 8 AM the next day in Auckland. Mobile and landline connections in New Zealand are generally excellent, ensuring good call quality throughout the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for New Zealand is +64. You'll need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to New Zealand from anywhere in the world.
To call New Zealand from your cell phone, dial + (or your country's exit code), then 64 (New Zealand's country code), followed by the area code without the leading zero, and then the local number. For example: +64 9 XXX XXXX for Auckland.
Yes, you must drop the leading zero from the area code when calling New Zealand internationally. New Zealand phone numbers start with 0 domestically, but when dialing from abroad, remove the 0 and dial the remaining digits after +64.
The cheapest way to call New Zealand 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 New Zealand.
The primary emergency number in New Zealand is 111 for police, fire, and ambulance services. This number is free to call from any phone. For non-urgent police matters, you can dial *555 from a mobile phone.
Yes, you can call New Zealand directly from your web browser using ZippCall. Simply visit the ZippCall website, add credit to your account, enter the New Zealand phone number, and start calling—no downloads or special software required.
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