What Is an International Phone Number and How to Get One?

Every phone call around the world starts with a simple concept: a number that connects one place to another. International phone numbers make this possible by following a standardized system of country and area codes, allowing anyone, anywhere, to reach someone across the globe with just a few extra digits. 

But what exactly makes a phone number “international,” and how does it work in practice? 

In this article, we’ll break down what an international phone number is, show real examples from major cities around the world, and explain why having one can be essential for your business. 

What Is an International Phone Number? 

An international phone number is a telephone number assigned to a country other than your own. It includes that country’s unique country code, allowing calls to be made and received across borders. This standardized numbering system makes global communication possible, connecting people and businesses worldwide through a consistent dialing format. 

What Is the International Phone Number Format? 

International phone numbers follow a universal format that ensures consistent dialing and correct routing across countries. This format helps ensure that calls reach the right destination no matter where they originate. 

A standard international phone number includes: 

• “+” sign or international access code: The plus sign (+) appears at the start of the number to indicate that it’s an international call. When dialing, this is usually entered by pressing and holding the “0” key or by using your country’s international access code (for example, 011 in the U.S. and Canada). 
• Country code: A one- to three-digit number that identifies the country or region. For instance, the U.S. and Canada share the country code 1, the United Kingdom uses 44, and India uses 91. 
• Area or city code: Many countries use an area or city code to identify specific regions. For example, in the U.S., 212 corresponds to New York City. 
• Local phone number: The final sequence of digits that connects to an individual line within that area or region.  

In short, the full format of an international number looks like this: + [Country Code] [Area Code] [Local Number]. 

Types of International Phone Numbers 

There are two main types of international phone numbers — local and toll-free. Each type determines how calls are routed and whether the caller pays for the call. 

- Local international phone numbers: A local international phone number is tied to a specific city or region in another country. To callers within that country, it looks and functions like a regular local number.  

For example: 

• +44 20 7946 0958 — a local number in London, United Kingdom 
• +33 1 83 75 25 40 — a local number in Paris, France 
• +61 2 7251 4320 — a local number in Sydney, Australia 
• +91 22 4567 8901 — a local number in Mumbai, India 

Local numbers are often used by people who want to stay connected with contacts in another country, provide a familiar number for friends or family abroad, or make it easier for international contacts to reach them. 

- Toll-free international phone numbers: A toll-free international phone number allows people in a specific country to make a call without being charged. The person or organization that owns the number covers the cost of incoming calls. 

 Examples of toll-free numbers from different countries include: 

• +1 800 555 0199 — a U.S. toll-free number 
• +44 800 123 4567 — a UK toll-free number 
• +61 1800 123 456 — an Australia toll-free number 
• +49 800 123 4567 — a Germany toll-free number 

Toll-free numbers are typically used for helplines, service hotlines, or any situation where it’s important to make communication free and accessible for the caller. 

Examples of International Phone Numbers from Major Cities 

Here are examples of what international phone numbers look like in different parts of the world:

How to Dial International Phone Numbers from the U.S.?

Dialing an international phone number from the United States involves a few simple steps. Every call made to another country follows the same basic pattern, whether you’re calling from a mobile phone or a landline. 

Here’s how it works: 

1. Dial the international access code: Start with 011, the code that lets you make calls outside the U.S. and Canada. 
2. Enter the country code: Next, dial the country code of the destination. Each country has its own unique code. For example: The country code for the United Kingdom is 44, for India 91, and for Australia 61. 
3. Add the area or city code (if applicable): Many countries have regional or city codes to route calls to specific locations. Some smaller countries may not require this step. For example, London’s area code is 20. 
4. Dial the local phone number: Finally, enter the local number you want to reach. 

Putting it all together, the format looks like this: 011 + [Country Code] + [Area/City Code] + [Local Number] 

Examples: 

• Calling a number in London, UK → 011 44 20 7946 0958 
• Calling a number in Sydney, Australia → 011 61 2 7251 4320 
• Calling a number in Mumbai, India → 011 91 22 4567 8901 

Bonus tip: When dialing from a mobile phone, you can often replace “011” with a “+” sign, which automatically adds the correct international access code for your location. 

Why You Should Get an International Number for Your Business 

Having an international phone number can significantly enhance how your business communicates with global customers. It not only improves accessibility but also helps you build credibility and trust in new markets. Here’s why getting one makes sense: 

Expand Global Reach and Improve Customer Convenience 

An international number removes communication barriers, letting your customers reach your business directly without worrying about high international calling fees. This makes it easier for global clients to get in touch, whether for support, inquiries, or sales. 

Build Trust with a Local Presence 

Customers are more likely to engage with businesses that appear local. An international number with a local area code helps you establish a trustworthy presence abroad, even if your team is based elsewhere. When clients see a number that looks local, it immediately feels more approachable and reliable. 

Increase Pickup Rates with Local Caller ID 

People are far more likely to answer calls from numbers they recognize as local. Using an international number that matches your customer’s country or region can dramatically improve your call answer rate, making it easier to connect with potential leads, clients, or partners abroad. 

Cost-Effective Communication 

A local international phone number makes communication more affordable for both sides. Customers can call you at local rates, while your business receives those calls without paying international fees. 

How Much Does an International Phone Number Cost? 

There’s no single fixed price for an international phone number. The cost varies depending on several factors, including the type of number, the country, and whether it’s virtual or physical. 

Virtual vs. Physical Numbers 

Virtual international numbers (cloud-based) operate over the internet rather than through a physical SIM card or landline. While you may still need to provide some documentation to obtain one, such as proof of identity or business registration, the process is much simpler and doesn’t require you to be physically present in the country. These numbers are generally more affordable, with monthly plans that include call routing, forwarding, and management features. 

Physical international numbers, on the other hand, are linked to a traditional phone line or SIM card in the destination country. Setting them up often requires a local presence or cooperation with a telecom provider on-site, making them more expensive due to installation, hardware, and maintenance costs. 

Country and Type of Number 

Pricing for international phone numbers can vary significantly based on the country and the type of number you choose, whether it’s a local, mobile, or toll-free number. 

• Local numbers are generally the most affordable, especially in regions with well-established telecom infrastructure like the U.S., U.K., Canada, or Australia. These numbers allow callers within that country to reach you at local rates. 
• Mobile numbers tend to cost slightly more but are still comparable to local numbers. 
• Toll-free numbers are convenient for callers since they don’t pay for the call, but they usually involve higher setup or monthly costs. The owner of the number covers the cost of incoming calls, often with per-minute usage fees that depend on call volume and country. 
• In countries with strict telecom regulations or limited virtual number availability (like Japan, South Korea, or the UAE), providers may require additional documentation or charge higher fees to comply with local laws. 

Why Choose an International Phone Number from a Business Phone System? 

Getting an international phone number through a virtual business phone system offers far more advantages than simply buying a standalone number. It gives you flexibility, central management, and powerful features that make international communication seamless — all without maintaining physical offices abroad. 

For example, platforms like DialLink allow you to request an international number directly from your online dashboard. After submitting a few required documents, the number is added right to your account with no need for physical presence or complex setup. 

Here’s why using a virtual business phone system for international numbers is the smarter choice: 

Centralized Management 

All your local, toll-free, and international numbers are managed in one platform. You can view, organize, and control them through a single dashboard without juggling multiple carriers or tools. 

Global Presence Without Local Offices 

You can get international numbers from multiple countries to expand your global reach while forwarding calls to your main office or remote team. This allows you to serve customers in different regions without hiring staff abroad.

Smart Call Routing and Forwarding 

Virtual systems make it easy to route calls intelligently. For exmaple, by directing calls from your UK number to your U.S. support team during business hours and to another location after hours. This ensures 24/7 coverage without extra infrastructure. 

AI Voice Agents for Local Language Support 

Callers often expect to be greeted in their local language when dialing an international number. If you don’t have native-speaking staff, you can use AI voice agents to automatically answer in the caller’s language, provide basic information or support, and transfer the call to a specialist when needed. This gives even small businesses the ability to offer multilingual service effortlessly.

Unified Communication Features 

When your international numbers are part of a virtual phone system, you also gain access to advanced features such as: 

• Voicemail and transcription 
• Call recording and analytics 
• Shared team inboxes for calls and messages 
• Integration with tools like CRM systems, help desks, or team collaboration tools 

Conclusion: How to Get a Virtual International Phone Number? 

International phone numbers make global communication simple and accessible, connecting any phone in the world through a shared system of country and city codes. For small businesses and startups, understanding how international numbers work is an important step toward building a global presence and earning customer trust across borders. 

With a virtual business phone system, you can easily obtain international numbers in different countries, manage them from a single dashboard, and route calls to your team anywhere in the world. 

By choosing a cloud-based provider like DialLink, you can request international numbers directly from your account, submit the necessary documents, and start using them on the same platform where all your business phone numbers, messages, advanced calling features, and AI voice agents come together. 

Try DialLink for free today and get your international phone number.