Ever dreamt of sharing a juicy piece of gossip with your abuela in Madrid, or perhaps sealing a business deal with a client in Barcelona, all while avoiding crippling international calling fees? Making a phone call to Spain might seem straightforward, but navigating international dialing codes, area codes, and potential cost traps can quickly become a headache. Thankfully, connecting with Spain from your phone doesn't have to be a confusing ordeal.
In our increasingly globalized world, staying connected with friends, family, and colleagues across borders is essential. Whether you're a student studying abroad, a business owner expanding your reach, or simply wanting to chat with loved ones, understanding how to dial out to Spain efficiently and affordably is a vital skill. This guide aims to demystify the process, ensuring you can confidently make those calls without breaking the bank.
What number do I dial, and will it cost me a fortune?
What is the correct international exit code to call Spain?
The correct international exit code to dial out of your country and call Spain depends on where you are calling from. In most cases, it is either 00 or 011. You will need to use the correct exit code for your current location before dialing the Spain country code (34) and the Spanish phone number.
To successfully call Spain, you need to know the international exit code for the country you are currently in. This code tells the telephone network that you are about to dial an international number. For example, if you are calling from the United States or Canada, the exit code is 011. From many European countries and most mobile phones, the exit code is 00. Looking up the exit code for your specific location is essential for a successful call.
After dialing the correct exit code, you will then dial Spain's country code, which is 34. Following the country code, you will enter the Spanish phone number, including the area code. Remember that Spanish phone numbers typically consist of nine digits, and the area code is included within those nine digits. So the full format will be: [Your Exit Code] + 34 + [9-digit Spanish phone number].
What is Spain's country code for dialing?
The country code for Spain is +34.
When dialing a phone number in Spain from another country, you must first dial the exit code of the country you are calling from (often 00 or 011), then dial Spain's country code (+34), followed by the Spanish phone number. The Spanish phone number will typically begin with a 9 (landlines) or a 6 (mobile phones). Remember to drop the trunk prefix '0' from the beginning of the Spanish phone number when dialing internationally.
For example, if you were calling a Spanish mobile number 6XX XXX XXX from the United States, you would dial 011 34 6XX XXX XXX. Similarly, to call a Spanish landline 9XX XXX XXX from the United Kingdom, you would dial 00 34 9XX XXX XXX. Note that Spanish phone numbers have nine digits following the country code, and there are no area codes like in North America; the leading 9 or 6 is part of the phone number.
Do I need to include the Spanish area code when calling a mobile number?
Yes, you almost always need to include the Spanish area code, which is part of the full 9-digit Spanish phone number, even when calling a mobile number within Spain or from abroad. The Spanish numbering plan integrates mobile numbers into the geographical area codes.
The reason for this is that Spanish mobile numbers are not assigned their own dedicated code distinct from geographical area codes. Instead, mobile numbers start with a '6' or '7' and are integrated within the existing provincial area codes. Therefore, when dialing a Spanish mobile number, you treat it exactly the same way as dialing a landline number within Spain; you include the appropriate area code for the province in which the number was originally issued.
For example, if a mobile number was originally registered in Madrid (area code 91), the complete number will be 9 digits long and begin with 91 followed by seven more digits (if dialing from within Spain) or +34 91 followed by seven digits (if dialing from outside of Spain). You dial this full 9-digit number whether you are calling from another Spanish province, another country, or even from within Madrid itself. Skipping the area code will likely result in your call not being connected.
Are there cheaper ways to call Spain than using a traditional phone line?
Yes, absolutely. Several modern alternatives offer significantly cheaper rates for calling Spain compared to traditional phone lines, leveraging internet-based technologies or competitive international calling plans.
Traditional phone lines often charge high per-minute rates for international calls, plus connection fees. Modern alternatives bypass these traditional infrastructures. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like Skype, WhatsApp, Viber, and Google Voice allow you to call Spanish phone numbers using an internet connection, often charging very low per-minute rates or even offering free calls to other users on the same platform. Mobile apps specializing in international calls, such as Rebtel or Talkatone, route your call through local phone networks to minimize international charges, resulting in substantially lower costs. Another cost-effective option is to purchase an international calling plan from your mobile carrier. These plans typically bundle a certain amount of international calling minutes to specific countries, including Spain, for a fixed monthly fee. Finally, if you are calling a friend or family member in Spain who also has a smartphone, using a messaging app with voice calling capabilities (like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or Telegram) can be completely free, provided both parties have a stable internet connection.How do I dial a Spanish number from a mobile phone?
To call a Spanish phone number from your mobile phone, you'll need to dial the international exit code for your country, followed by the country code for Spain (34), and then the Spanish phone number itself, including the area code if it's a landline.
The specific sequence you dial will depend on where you're calling from. For example, if you're calling from the United States or Canada, the international exit code is 011. So, you would dial 011 + 34 + the Spanish phone number. If you're calling from most European countries, the international exit code is 00. Always use "+" instead of exit codes; your phone should automatically convert it. So just dial +34 followed by the Spanish phone number. Spanish phone numbers are nine digits long, with no trunk code ("0") needed before the area code.
Here's a breakdown of the dialing format: + Country code (34 for Spain) + Spanish phone number (9 digits). For example, to call a Spanish number 612345678 you would dial +34612345678 from your mobile phone. Remember to replace "612345678" with the actual nine-digit number you are trying to reach. If you still have issues consider using a VoIP app like Skype to call the number. They will usually handle the dialing codes for you.
What's the format for dialing a Spanish landline from the US?
To call a Spanish landline from the United States, you must dial: 011 + 34 + [Spanish landline number]. The "011" is the exit code for the US, "34" is the country code for Spain, and the [Spanish landline number] is the recipient's local number, which typically starts with a "9".
When dialing internationally, it's crucial to use the correct exit code to signal to your phone provider that you are making a call outside of the country. The exit code for the US and Canada is "011". Next, you must input the country code for Spain, which is "34". This tells the phone network to route your call to Spain. Finally, you enter the Spanish landline number. Note that Spanish landline numbers usually consist of nine digits and typically begin with a "9". Therefore, the complete format you dial is "011 34" followed by the nine-digit landline number. For example, if the Spanish landline number is 912345678, you would dial 01134912345678. Remember to omit any leading zeros that might be included in the number if it's presented with international formatting. When saving a Spanish landline number to your phone's contacts, consider including the full international format (+34 followed by the nine-digit number) to ensure you can call easily regardless of your current location.Will my mobile plan charge me extra for calling Spain?
Yes, it's highly likely your mobile plan will charge you extra for calling Spain if you are calling from outside of Spain. These calls are typically considered international calls, and standard domestic rates usually do not apply.
Many mobile plans differentiate between domestic calls, calls to other countries within a specific region (like North America for US/Canada plans), and international calls to the rest of the world. Calling Spain falls into the latter category for most mobile subscribers outside of Europe. The exact cost varies wildly depending on your carrier and your specific plan. Some plans offer international calling add-ons or packages that include a certain number of minutes to Spain at a reduced rate, while others charge per-minute fees that can be quite expensive. To avoid surprises on your bill, it's crucial to check with your mobile provider *before* making the call. You can usually find information about international calling rates on their website, in your account settings, or by contacting customer service. Ask specifically about the cost per minute for calls to Spain, and whether there are any cheaper options available, such as international calling plans or bundles. Also, consider alternative methods like using VoIP services (WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime) which may be significantly cheaper, especially if the person you're calling in Spain also uses the same service. Remember that even with VoIP services, data charges might apply depending on your mobile data plan.And that's all there is to it! Hopefully, you're now ready to connect with friends, family, or business contacts in Spain without any hiccups. Thanks for reading, and feel free to pop back anytime you need a little international dialing help – we're always happy to share our tips and tricks!