How to Call Romania
Complete guide to dialing Romania (country code +40)
Planning to connect with friends, family, or business contacts in Romania? Learning how to call Romania doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're calling Romania from a landline or mobile phone, understanding the proper dialing procedures will ensure your call goes through smoothly the first time. Many people make simple mistakes when placing international calls, leading to frustration and wasted time. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about calling Romania, including step-by-step dialing instructions, common errors to avoid, and essential Romanian phone etiquette. We'll also share useful emergency numbers and important contact information for your trip or communication needs. By the end of this guide, you'll be confidently calling Romania like a pro.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
International Dialing Format Structure
To call Romania from abroad, follow this standard format: Exit Code + 40 + Local Number (without leading 0)
Romania's country code is +40. The exit code varies by country (011 for USA/Canada, 00 for most European nations, + from mobile phones).
Dialing From Different Countries
From the USA or Canada:
- Dial 011 (exit code) + 40 (Romania code) + local number
From the UK or Europe:
- Dial 00 (exit code) + 40 + local number
From mobile phones worldwide:
- Dial +40 + local number (press and hold 0 to get +)
Important: Dropping the Leading Zero
Romanian phone numbers start with 0 when dialing domestically. Always drop this 0 when calling from abroad. For example, if a Romanian number is 0723 456 789, you dial 723 456 789 internationally.
Specific Dialing Examples
Example 1 - Romanian Mobile Number (0723 456 789):
- From USA: 011-40-723-456-789
- From UK: 00-40-723-456-789
- From any mobile: +40-723-456-789
Example 2 - Bucharest Landline (021 234 5678):
- From USA: 011-40-21-234-5678
- From UK: 00-40-21-234-5678
- From any mobile: +40-21-234-5678
Example 3 - Cluj-Napoca Landline (0264 123 456):
- From USA: 011-40-264-123-456
- From UK: 00-40-264-123-456
- From any mobile: +40-264-123-456
Quick Tips
Romanian mobile numbers typically start with 07 (becomes 7 internationally), while landlines use area codes like 021 (Bucharest), 0264 (Cluj), or 0256 (Timișoara). Always verify the complete number including area code before dialing. Using the + format from mobile phones is simplest and works globally without remembering different exit codes.
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Common Mistakes
When calling Romania, avoid these frequent dialing errors:
1. Forgetting to drop the leading zero
Romanian phone numbers start with 0 domestically, but you must remove it when calling internationally. For example, if the local number is 021 123 4567, dial +40 21 123 4567, not +40 021 123 4567.
2. Using the wrong exit code
Many callers use their own country's exit code incorrectly. Instead of memorizing different codes (011 for US, 00 for Europe), simply use the + symbol, which works universally from mobile phones.
3. Confusing the country code with area codes
Romania's country code is +40, not to be confused with area codes like 21 (Bucharest) or 31 (Brașov). Always dial +40 first, then the area code without the zero.
4. Including unnecessary spaces or dashes
While spaces help readability, inconsistent formatting can cause dialing errors. Use a standard format: +40 XX XXX XXXX for landlines and +40 XXX XXX XXX for mobile numbers.
5. Not verifying mobile vs. landline format
Romanian mobile numbers start with 7, while landlines begin with 2 or 3. Ensure you're using the correct digit count for each type.
Cultural Etiquette
When calling someone in Romania, proper phone etiquette demonstrates respect and cultural awareness. Romanians typically answer calls with "Alo" (pronounced ah-LOH), which is the standard greeting for both personal and business calls.
For business calls, maintain a formal tone initially. Address people using titles like "Domnul" (Mr.) or "Doamna" (Mrs.) followed by their surname until invited to use first names. Business calls are best made between 9 AM and 5 PM on weekdays, avoiding lunch hours (typically 1-2 PM). Personal calls should generally occur between 10 AM and 9 PM, as calling too early or late is considered inconsiderate.
Romanian communication style balances warmth with formality. While Romanians are friendly, they appreciate polite distance in professional settings. Once relationships develop, conversations become more relaxed and personal.
Voice messages are commonly used in Romania, especially when someone doesn't answer. Keep messages concise and clear, stating your name, reason for calling, and preferred callback time. In business contexts, following up a missed call with a text message is also acceptable.
One unique consideration: Romanians often let the phone ring longer than in some Western cultures, so don't hang up too quickly. Additionally, during holidays like Easter and Christmas, phone greetings may include seasonal wishes.
Remember that mobile phones are ubiquitous in Romania, and most people prefer calls over other communication methods for important matters, making phone etiquette particularly valuable.
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Emergency Numbers
112 - Universal Emergency Number
This single number connects you to police, ambulance, and fire services. Available 24/7 with English-speaking operators. Works from all mobile and landline phones, even without credit or a SIM card.
Specific Emergency Services:
- Police: 955 (direct line)
- Ambulance: 961 (direct line)
- Fire Department: 981 (direct line)
Additional Services:
- Roadside Assistance (ACR): 9271
- Gas Emergency: 961
- Poison Control: 021 318 3606
All emergency calls are completely free from both mobile and landline phones throughout Romania. The 112 service is recommended as your primary emergency contact, as it automatically determines your location and coordinates the appropriate response. Operators can communicate in English, though response times may vary between urban and rural areas.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 118 – Directory assistance for local and national numbers
- 1958 – Telephone information service
International Services
- 971 – International operator for assisted calls abroad
Tourist Information
- +40 21 305 5500 – Romanian National Tourist Office (Bucharest)
- Local tourist information centers available in major cities
Embassy Contacts
Contact your embassy directly for citizen services. Major embassies are located in Bucharest, with consulates in cities like Cluj-Napoca and Timișoara. Keep your embassy's 24-hour emergency number saved.
Other Useful Numbers
- 19544 – Road conditions and traffic information
- +40 21 9521 – Train schedule information (CFR)
- 0800 800 358 – Consumer protection hotline
Banking
Most Romanian banks offer 24/7 customer service lines for card blocking and account issues. Save your bank's international contact number before traveling.
Tips for Calling Romania
When calling Romania, factor in their time zone: UTC+2 (Eastern European Time), shifting to UTC+3 during daylight saving time from late March to late October. If you're calling from New York, add 7 hours; from Los Angeles, add 10 hours.
For business calls, aim for 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Romanian time, Tuesday through Thursday—these mid-week days typically see better availability. Always schedule business calls in advance via email, as drop-in calls are often considered unprofessional. Avoid calling during lunch hours (1:00-2:00 PM) when many offices close briefly.
Major holidays to avoid include January 1-2, Easter Monday, May 1, December 1 (National Day), and December 25-26. Romanians also observe name days, which occasionally affect availability.
For personal calls, evenings after 6:00 PM and weekends work best. Off-peak calling rates typically apply after business hours and on weekends—check with your provider for specifics.
Communication tips: speak clearly and slightly slower than usual, as English proficiency varies. Have important details written down, and confirm key points via follow-up email. Romanian professionals generally appreciate directness paired with courtesy.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Romania is +40. You need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Romania from anywhere in the world.
To call Romania from your cell phone, dial + (or 011 in the US), then 40 (Romania's country code), followed by the local phone number. For example: +40-XXX-XXX-XXX.
Yes, you must drop the leading zero from Romanian phone numbers when calling internationally. If the local number starts with 0, remove it and dial the country code +40 followed by the remaining digits.
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In Romania, dial 112 for all emergencies (police, ambulance, and fire services). This number is free and works from any phone, including mobile phones without credit or SIM cards.
Yes! ZippCall allows you to make calls to Romania directly from your web browser without any downloads or installations. Simply visit ZippCall, add credit, and start calling Romania instantly at low rates.
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