The country code +33 is used for all international calls to France, including its mainland and overseas territories. It ensures that calls from outside France are routed correctly to French phone numbers.
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How French Phone Numbers Work
French phone numbers consist of 10 digits and follow a clear structure:
- Country Code: +33
- Trunk Code: 0 (used for domestic calls but omitted internationally)
- Area or Mobile Prefix: 2 digits (e.g., 01 for Paris, 06 or 07 for mobiles)
- Subscriber Number: Remaining digits unique to the user
For example, a Paris number like 01 23 45 67 89 becomes +33 1 23 45 67 89 when dialed from abroad.
Common French Area and Mobile Codes
- 01: Paris and Île-de-France
- 02: Northwest France
- 03: Northeast France
- 04: Southeast France
- 05: Southwest France
- 06, 07: Mobile numbers
- 08: Toll-free or special services
- 09: VOIP and non-geographic numbers
How to Call France from Abroad
- Dial your country’s international exit code (e.g., 00, 011, or +)
- Enter France’s country code (33)
- Omit the leading zero from the French number
- Dial the remaining digits
Example: To call a Lyon number like 04 56 78 90 12, you’d dial +33 4 56 78 90 12.
Tips for Handling Calls from +33 Numbers
- If you’re not expecting a call from France, verify the caller before answering. Scams and spam calls are common worldwide, including those with +33 prefixes6.
- Save French contacts with the full international format (+33) to ensure smooth communication while traveling or using apps like WhatsApp27.
The +33 code is essential for reaching anyone in France from outside the country. Drop the initial zero when dialing French numbers internationally. Familiarize yourself with area codes to identify where calls originate within France.