The international dialing code for France is +33, and its capital city is Paris. In an emergency, dial 17. Electrical outlets here use 230V 50Hz · Type C/E, so bring a suitable travel adapter. The local currency is the EUR · € · Euro. Food lovers should try local dishes such as Croissant, Boeuf bourguignon, Foie gras. Nearby countries include Andorra, Switzerland, Monaco, Luxembourg.
🛂 France passport: ranked #4 of 197 worldwide, with 157 visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations.
See full passport ranking →
Follow these 4 simple steps to dial any phone number in France:
1
Dial your international access code
Most countries use 00 or +. From mobile phones, the + symbol works worldwide.
2
Dial France's country code: +33
Dial +33 immediately after the international access code. Do not include the + again if you already used 00.
3
Dial the city or area code
For landlines, dial the city code (drop any leading 0). For mobile numbers, skip this step.
4
Dial the local phone number
Enter the remaining digits of the recipient's phone number to complete the call.
💡 Example: To call Baghdad from the US, dial 011 +33 1 [number]. From mobile: + +33 1 [number].
☎️ Complete Guide to Calling France
How to Call Abroad from France
To call another country from France: dial the international exit code (00 in most countries, or press and hold 0 on a mobile to get +), then the destination country code, then the area code (without its leading 0), then the number. Example: to call the US, dial 00 1 [number] or + 1 [number].
International Number Format (E.164)
The global standard format for France numbers is +33 followed by the national number without its leading 0. A full international number has at most 15 digits including the country code. Save all your contacts this way so they work from anywhere in the world and in every app.
💡 Example: +33 [national number without the leading 0]
Tips to Lower Your Call Costs to France
Use internet apps like WhatsApp, Viber or Messenger for free calls over Wi-Fi.
Buy a local SIM or eSIM when traveling to France to pay local rates.
Activate an international plan from your carrier before you travel.
Use Wi-Fi Calling when available to avoid roaming charges.
Compare calling-card and VoIP providers for the lowest per-minute rate.
Why Isn't My Call Connecting? Common Fixes
You dialed 00 and + together — use only one of them.
You kept the leading 0 of the area or mobile code — remove it for international calls.
You forgot the country code +33 — it must come right after the exit code.
You added a city code to a mobile number — mobile numbers don't need one.
Your line isn't enabled for international calls — check with your carrier.
Wrong time — make sure it isn't the middle of the night in France.
Common Questions About Calling France
When should I use + instead of 00?
The + symbol works from any mobile phone anywhere in the world and replaces each country's exit code, so you never need to memorize them. 00 is the most common exit code and works on both landlines and mobiles. On a mobile, always prefer + — it is the most reliable.
Why do I drop the leading 0 of the area or mobile code when calling from abroad?
The leading 0 is a national trunk prefix used only for domestic calls. When calling internationally, the country code +33 takes its place, so you remove that 0 — otherwise the number is wrong and the call fails.
How do I call a mobile versus a landline in France?
For a mobile: dial +33 then the mobile number without its leading 0. For a landline: dial +33, then the city code (without its leading 0), then the local number. Mobile numbers never need a city code.
How do I send a text message (SMS) to France from abroad?
Save the number in international format — +33 then the number without its leading 0 — and send your message as usual. Your carrier may apply international SMS charges.
How can I call France via WhatsApp?
Add the contact in international format — +33 then the number without its leading 0. If they have WhatsApp, they appear automatically. WhatsApp calls run over the internet, are free, and need no exit code.
How much does it cost to call France?
It depends on your carrier and the line type; international calls over the regular phone network can be expensive. To save money, use internet apps like WhatsApp or Viber, or get a local SIM or eSIM.
What does the code +33 mean and where does it come from?
+33 is the international dialing code assigned to France by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Every country has a unique code that identifies it on the global telephone network.
How do I save a France number in the correct international format?
Always store it in E.164 format: +33 then the national number without its leading 0 and without spaces. Saved this way, it works from any country and in every app without changes.
📞 Complete Dialing Guide for France
Country Code
+33
Calling abroad from France? Start with
00
Mobile number length
9 digits
📱 Mobile: +33 6 XX XX XX XX
☎️ Landline: +33 1 XX XX XX XX (Paris)
📋 Full dialing examples
From any mobile (anywhere in the world)
+33 …
From most countries (landline or mobile, starts with 00)
00 33 …
From USA or Canada (starts with 011)
011 33 …
From Australia (starts with 0011)
0011 33 …
💡 Tip: The + symbol on any mobile replaces all exit codes and works worldwide.
☎️ Major City Phone Codes
Dial after the country code +33.
Paris · +33 1
Marseille · +33 4
Lyon · +33 4
Toulouse · +33 5
Nice · +33 4
Bordeaux · +33 5
📱 Mobile Network Operators & Prefixes
Mobile numbers in France start with these prefixes.
Operator
Prefix(es)
Orange
06, 07
SFR
06, 07
Bouygues
06, 07
Free Mobile
06, 07
🔢 Phone Number Format Examples
Mobile
+33 6 XX XX XX XX
Landline
+33 1 XX XX XX XX (Paris)
Replace X with actual digits. Always drop the leading 0 when calling from abroad.
📡 VoIP & Calling App Status in France
Live status of major calling apps when dialing to or from France.
💬 WhatsApp
Works freely
🔵 Skype
Works freely
📹 FaceTime
Works freely
📲 Viber
Works freely
💡 Calling Tips for France
All VoIP apps work freely in France. Free Mobile and Lebara offer very competitive tourist SIM rates. Coverage in rural areas can be patchy.
📲 How to Call France from Other Countries
To reach France, first dial your country's international exit code, then France's country code +33, then the local number without its leading 0. The table below shows the exact start of the dialing sequence from major countries.
From
Dialing sequence
🇺🇸 United States
011 33local number
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
00 33local number
🇩🇪 Germany
00 33local number
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
00 33local number
🇦🇪 UAE
00 33local number
🇹🇷 Turkey
00 33local number
🇮🇳 India
00 33local number
On a mobile phone you can replace the exit code with the + sign, then dial +33 and the number — it works worldwide.
⏰ Best Time to Call France
France uses UTC+2. People there are usually awake from 09:00 to 21:00 local time, so the table below shows the best time to call France from major countries — in the caller's local time.
From
Best time to call (local time)
🇺🇸 United States
07:00–15:00
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
08:00–20:00
🇩🇪 Germany
09:00–21:00
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
10:00–22:00
🇦🇪 UAE
11:00–23:00
🇹🇷 Turkey
10:00–22:00
🇮🇳 India
13:00–23:00
Times are approximate and may shift by about an hour during daylight saving time.
🧭 From Your Country to France
Live dial format and time difference — updates instantly
Dial from 🇺🇸 United States
011–33–XXX–XXXX
Time right now in France
--:--
—
🌐 Personalise for Your Passport
Select your passport country to see visa requirements and embassy info relevant to you:
🛂 Visa Requirements
Common Visa Questions for France
Do I need a visa to visit France?
It depends on your nationality. Some travelers can enter France visa-free for short stays, while others need an e-Visa, a visa on arrival, or a visa obtained in advance from an embassy or consulate. Use our International Visa Checker below to instantly see the rule for your specific passport.
Does France offer an electronic visa (e-Visa)?
Many countries now offer an online e-Visa for eligible nationalities, letting you apply and pay over the internet before arrival. Availability, eligible passports, and fees differ from country to country, so confirm whether France currently offers an e-Visa for your nationality using our International Visa Checker below.
Is a visa on arrival available in France?
A visa on arrival lets eligible travelers obtain their visa at the airport or border instead of applying beforehand. Whether France grants it, and to which nationalities, can change over time, so verify your eligibility on our International Visa Checker below before relying on it.
How long can I stay in France on a tourist visa?
Tourist stays are commonly limited to 30, 60, or 90 days depending on the country and your nationality, and overstaying can lead to fines or entry bans. Check the exact permitted duration for your passport using our International Visa Checker below.
What documents are usually required to apply for a France visa?
Most applications ask for a passport valid for at least six months, recent passport photos, proof of onward or return travel, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds for your stay. Some visas also require travel insurance or an invitation letter, so confirm the exact list for France using our International Visa Checker below.
How much does a France visa cost and how long does it take?
Visa fees and processing times vary widely by nationality and visa type, ranging from same-day e-Visas to several weeks for embassy applications. Always apply well before your trip and check the current fee and processing time for France using our International Visa Checker below.
How long must my passport be valid to enter France?
Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry, with one or two blank pages for stamps. Confirm the exact passport-validity rule for France on our International Visa Checker below before booking.
French Embassy - Washington DC 4101 Reservoir Road NW ☎ +1 202 944 6000 Mon-Fri 9:00-13:00
💳 Tipping Culture
Service charge included in bill (service compris) | Extra 5-10% tip for good service appreciated
🚄 Transport
TGV high-speed trains 320km/h | Paris Métro 16 lines | RER suburban trains | Vélib bike-share | G7 taxis
✈️ Airports
29 airports | Charles de Gaulle CDG (25km Paris) | Orly ORY (14km) | Marseille MRS | Lyon LYS | Nice NCE
🗺️ Administrative Divisions
France is divided into 18 regions.
📅 Best Time to Visit
April–June and September–October offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds in France. July–August is peak tourist season — Paris empties (locals on holiday), Provence and Riviera packed. December–February for Christmas markets in Alsace and skiing in the Alps.
📶 SIM & Internet
eSIM widely supported (Airalo, Holafly, Nomad — €4–15 for 1–10GB). Physical SIM available at airports and convenience stores; passport required. Major operators offer EU-wide roaming under 'Roam Like at Home' regulation. Free Wi-Fi common in cafés and hotels.
👔 Dress Code & Etiquette
French dress code is famously stylish — even casual is polished. Avoid shorts/flip-flops in Paris restaurants. Cover shoulders/knees in churches (Notre-Dame, Sacré-Cœur). Beach attire stays on the Riviera coast. Sneakers OK but white athletic shoes mark you as tourist.
🌍 France: Culture, Food & Places
What are the most famous foods in France?
Some of the most famous foods in France include: Croissant, Boeuf bourguignon, Foie gras, Raclette & fondue, Croque-monsieur, Coq au vin, Crêpes, Quiche Lorraine, Baguette with cheese, Café au lait.
What are the best places to visit in France?
Top places and landmarks to visit in France include: Eiffel Tower, The Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Palace of Versailles, Musée d'Orsay, Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur, Mont Saint-Michel, French Riviera Nice, Château de Chambord Loire.
What are the main customs and traditions in France?
Notable customs and traditions in France include: Say Bonjour when entering shops, La Bise (cheek kiss greeting) is standard, Mealtime is sacred — don't rush, Don't ask about salary or politics directly, Bread placed on table, not on plate.
What is France famous for?
France is well known for: Food, wine & gastronomy, Fashion & haute couture, Football (Ligue 1), Cycling (Tour de France), Culture, cinema & the arts.
Where in the world is France located?
France is located in Europe.
What countries are near France?
Countries near France include: Andorra, Switzerland, Monaco, Luxembourg, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Italy, Liechtenstein, Netherlands, San Marino, Austria.
🚨 Emergency numbers in France
Knowing the right emergency number in France can save lives. Below are the official police, fire and ambulance numbers, free to dial from any phone within the country.
Dial these numbers free of charge from any phone inside France. They generally work only within the country, not from abroad.
These numbers are provided for guidance and verified from public emergency-services data; always confirm with local authorities. In a life-threatening situation, call the local number shown above immediately.
April–June and September–October offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds in France. July–August is peak tourist season — Paris empties (locals on holiday), Provence and Riviera packed. December–February for Christmas markets in Alsace and skiing in the Alps.
How much does a trip to France cost per day?
Daily costs in France range from $70 (budget) to $150 (mid-range) to $320 (luxury) per person, excluding flights.
How many regions does France have?
France has 18 regions.
What is the emergency number in France?
In France you can reach emergency services on the following numbers: General emergency: 112, Police: 17, Fire: 18, Ambulance: 15. Calls are free from any phone within the country.
🧳 Practical Travel Info
🔌
Power PlugType E · 230 V · 50 Hz
💵
TippingService compris (included) by law; round up or leave 5% for great service.
💧
Tap WaterSafe to drinkFrench tap water is safe; ask for 'une carafe d'eau' at restaurants.
📊 Live Global Communication & Travel Stats
Estimated worldwide figures, updated continuously based on official annual data.
🌍 Share your travel experience Nowmida.com — the multilingual global social platform for travellers
Add this free widget to your website
Copy the code below and paste it into your site's HTML. The widget updates automatically and always credits CodeDialer — it will not work if our credit is removed.