How to Call Spain
Complete guide to dialing Spain (country code +34)
Whether you're planning to connect with family, arrange business meetings, or book accommodations, knowing how to call Spain properly can save you time and frustration. Calling Spain from abroad might seem complicated at first, but it's actually straightforward once you understand the basics. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about calling Spain, including step-by-step dialing instructions for both landlines and mobile phones. We'll cover the most common mistakes people make when dialing Spanish numbers and how to avoid them. You'll also learn about Spanish phone etiquette to ensure your conversations go smoothly, plus discover useful emergency and service numbers you might need during your communication with Spain. Let's get started with making those international connections easier.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
How to Dial Spain: Complete International Calling Guide
When calling Spain from abroad, you need to follow the international dialing format: Exit Code + Country Code (34) + Local Number. Spain's country code is +34, and understanding this structure ensures your calls connect successfully.
International Dialing Format Structure
The complete format is: [Your Country's Exit Code] + 34 + [Spanish Phone Number]
Spain doesn't use a leading zero for local numbers, so you dial the full 9-digit local number directly after the country code.
Dialing from Different Countries
From the USA or Canada:
- Exit code: 011
- Format: 011-34-[9-digit number]
- Example: To call mobile 612 345 678, dial 011-34-612-345-678
From the UK:
- Exit code: 00
- Format: 00-34-[9-digit number]
- Example: To call mobile 612 345 678, dial 00-34-612-345-678
From other countries:
- Most countries use 00 as the exit code
- Some mobile phones allow using + instead (press and hold 0)
- Example: +34-612-345-678
Specific Calling Examples
Example 1 - Spanish Mobile (starts with 6 or 7):
To call mobile +34 678 912 345 from USA: 011-34-678-912-345
Example 2 - Madrid Landline (starts with 91):
To call landline +34 915 234 567 from UK: 00-34-915-234-567
Example 3 - Barcelona Landline (starts with 93):
To call landline +34 932 456 789 from Australia: 0011-34-932-456-789
Important Notes
- Spanish numbers are always 9 digits after the country code
- Mobile numbers begin with 6 or 7
- Landlines begin with 8 or 9
- No leading zero exists in Spanish numbers to drop
- Using + instead of exit codes works on most mobile phones worldwide
Follow these steps, and you'll successfully connect to any Spanish number from anywhere globally.
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Common Mistakes
Forgetting to Drop the Leading Zero
Spanish phone numbers often appear with a leading 9 (like 91 for Madrid or 93 for Barcelona), but this isn't a "zero" to drop. However, if you see a number written as 091 xxx xxxx, remove that leading zero. When calling internationally, dial +34 followed directly by the 9-digit number starting with 9, 8, 7, or 6.
Using the Wrong Exit Code
Many callers use their country's exit code incorrectly. From the US/Canada, dial 011-34, not 00-34. From most European countries, use 00-34. The "+" symbol replaces whatever exit code your country uses, making +34 the universal solution.
Confusing Mobile and Landline Formats
Spanish mobile numbers start with 6 or 7, while landlines begin with 8 or 9. All are 9 digits after the country code. Don't add extra digits or assume you need an area code—Spain uses a closed numbering system.
Adding Unnecessary Spaces or Parentheses
Write the number as +34 XXX XXX XXX, not +34 (XX) XXX XXXX. Incorrect formatting causes dialing errors and confusion about which digits to enter.
Cultural Etiquette
When making phone calls in Spain, understanding local customs will help you communicate more effectively and respectfully.
Greetings matter. Spaniards typically answer with "¿Dígame?" (literally "tell me") or "¿Sí?" rather than just "hello." When calling someone, identify yourself immediately: "Hola, soy [your name]" before launching into conversation.
Formality depends on context. Business calls require formal language, using "usted" and professional titles until invited to be informal. Personal calls among friends are relaxed and warm. However, when calling older people or those you don't know well, maintain respectful formality initially.
Timing is important. Avoid calling during siesta hours (roughly 2-5 PM) when many Spaniards rest. Late morning (11 AM-1 PM) or early evening (6-9 PM) work best. Spaniards often call later in the evening than other cultures might expect, sometimes as late as 10 PM for personal calls.
Voice messages are common. Don't be surprised if calls go to voicemail frequently. Leave clear, concise messages with your name and purpose. Many Spaniards prefer WhatsApp voice messages over traditional voicemail.
Cultural considerations include patience. Spanish phone conversations tend to include pleasantries and small talk before getting to business matters. Rushing immediately to your point may seem abrupt. Expect warmth and longer conversations than you might experience in more direct cultures.
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Emergency Numbers
112 – Universal Emergency Number for police, ambulance, and fire services throughout Spain and the EU. Available 24/7 with multilingual operators, including English. This is your primary emergency contact.
091 – National Police (Policía Nacional) for urban areas and serious crimes
092 – Local Police (Policía Local) for municipal matters and minor incidents
062 – Civil Guard (Guardia Civil) for rural areas, highways, and border control
080 – Fire Department (Bomberos) – regional numbers may vary
All emergency numbers are toll-free and accessible from any phone, including mobiles, landlines, and pay phones—even without credit or a SIM card. The 112 service can track your location and dispatch appropriate services. Operators are trained to handle calls in multiple languages, making it ideal for tourists and international residents.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 11818 or 11822: National directory assistance for finding phone numbers and addresses
- 11825: International directory assistance for numbers outside Spain
International Operator
- 1008: Operator-assisted international calls and collect calls
Tourist Services
- 902 102 112: National tourist information hotline (English available)
- Local tourist offices: Available in most cities for regional information
Embassy Contacts
Contact your embassy through Madrid's main switchboard or consular services for passport issues, legal assistance, and citizen support.
Other Helpful Numbers
- 016: Gender violence helpline (24/7, leaves no trace on phone bill)
- 061: Medical advice and non-emergency health consultations
- 091: National Police (non-emergency inquiries)
- Consumer protection: Regional offices for complaints and assistance
Tips for Calling Spain
When calling Spain, timing is crucial for successful communication. Spain operates on Central European Time (CET/UTC+1) or Central European Summer Time (CEST/UTC+2), typically 6-9 hours ahead of US time zones. For business calls, aim for 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM local time, accounting for Spain's traditional midday break.
Always schedule business calls in advance via email, showing respect for Spanish professional customs. Avoid calling during August, when many businesses close for summer holidays, and be mindful of numerous regional festivals and national holidays like Constitution Day (December 6) and regional patron saint days.
For cost savings, check if your provider offers off-peak rates for evening or weekend calls. However, prioritize reaching someone over saving money—calling during business hours ensures availability.
To ensure clear communication, speak slowly and confirm key details via follow-up email. If possible, learn basic Spanish greetings to establish rapport. Have a backup communication method ready, as connection quality can occasionally vary. Consider using VoIP services for longer conversations to reduce costs while maintaining clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Spain is +34. You'll need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Spain from anywhere in the world. It's essential for routing your call to the Spanish telephone network.
To dial Spain from your cell phone, start with + (or 011 from the US), then dial 34 (Spain's country code), followed by the 9-digit local phone number. For example: +34 912 345 678. The + symbol is typically accessed by long-pressing the 0 key.
No, you don't need to drop any zeros when calling Spain because Spanish phone numbers don't begin with a leading zero. Simply dial +34 followed by the complete 9-digit phone number as it appears, including all digits.
The cheapest way to call Spain 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 Spain.
The main emergency number in Spain is 112, which connects you to police, ambulance, and fire services. You can also dial 091 for National Police, 062 for Civil Guard, 080 for fire brigade, and 061 for medical emergencies. These calls are free from any phone.
Yes, you can call Spain directly from your web browser using ZippCall. Simply visit the ZippCall website, enter the Spanish phone number you want to reach, and start calling—no downloads or installations required. It's convenient and works on any device with internet access.
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