Italy: Birthplace of the Renaissance, world art, fashion & cuisine — La Dolce Vita at its finest
📞+39Dial Code
🏛️RomeCapital
💰EURCurrency
🚨113Emergency
🔌230V 50Hz · Type C/F/L (unique Italian L type)Electricity
The international dialing code for Italy is +39, and its capital city is Rome. Electrical outlets here use 230V 50Hz · Type C/F/L (unique Italian L type), so bring a suitable travel adapter. The local currency is the EUR · € · Euro. In an emergency, dial 113. Nearby countries include Vatican City, San Marino, Slovenia, Austria. Food lovers should try local dishes such as Neapolitan pizza (original), Pasta carbonara, Risotto.
🛂 Italy 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 Italy:
1
Dial your international access code
Most countries use 00 or +. From mobile phones, the + symbol works worldwide.
2
Dial Italy's country code: +39
Dial +39 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 +39 1 [number]. From mobile: + +39 1 [number].
☎️ Complete Guide to Calling Italy
How to Call Abroad from Italy
To call another country from Italy: 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 Italy numbers is +39 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: +39 [national number without the leading 0]
Tips to Lower Your Call Costs to Italy
Use internet apps like WhatsApp, Viber or Messenger for free calls over Wi-Fi.
Buy a local SIM or eSIM when traveling to Italy 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 +39 — 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 Italy.
Common Questions About Calling Italy
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 +39 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 Italy?
For a mobile: dial +39 then the mobile number without its leading 0. For a landline: dial +39, 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 Italy from abroad?
Save the number in international format — +39 then the number without its leading 0 — and send your message as usual. Your carrier may apply international SMS charges.
How can I call Italy via WhatsApp?
Add the contact in international format — +39 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 Italy?
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 +39 mean and where does it come from?
+39 is the international dialing code assigned to Italy 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 Italy number in the correct international format?
Always store it in E.164 format: +39 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 Italy
Country Code
+39
Calling abroad from Italy? Start with
00
Mobile number length
10 digits
📱 Mobile: +39 3XX XXX XXXX
☎️ Landline: +39 06 XXXX XXXX (Rome)
📋 Full dialing examples
From any mobile (anywhere in the world)
+39 …
From most countries (landline or mobile, starts with 00)
00 39 …
From USA or Canada (starts with 011)
011 39 …
From Australia (starts with 0011)
0011 39 …
💡 Tip: The + symbol on any mobile replaces all exit codes and works worldwide.
☎️ Major City Phone Codes
Dial after the country code +39.
Rome · +39 6
Milan · +39 2
Naples · +39 81
Turin · +39 11
Florence · +39 55
Venice · +39 41
🔢 Phone Number Format Examples
Mobile
+39 3XX XXX XXXX
Landline
+39 06 XXXX XXXX (Rome)
Replace X with actual digits. Always drop the leading 0 when calling from abroad.
📡 VoIP & Calling App Status in Italy
Live status of major calling apps when dialing to or from Italy.
💬 WhatsApp
Works freely
🔵 Skype
Works freely
📹 FaceTime
Works freely
📲 Viber
Works freely
📲 How to Call Italy from Other Countries
To reach Italy, first dial your country's international exit code, then Italy's country code +39, 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 39local number
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
00 39local number
🇩🇪 Germany
00 39local number
🇫🇷 France
00 39local number
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
00 39local number
🇦🇪 UAE
00 39local number
🇹🇷 Turkey
00 39local number
🇮🇳 India
00 39local number
On a mobile phone you can replace the exit code with the + sign, then dial +39 and the number — it works worldwide.
⏰ Best Time to Call Italy
Italy 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 Italy 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
🇫🇷 France
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 Italy
Live dial format and time difference — updates instantly
Dial from 🇺🇸 United States
011–39–XXX–XXXX
Time right now in Italy
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🌐 Personalise for Your Passport
Select your passport country to see visa requirements and embassy info relevant to you:
🛂 Visa Requirements
Common Visa Questions for Italy
Do I need a visa to visit Italy?
It depends on your nationality. Some travelers can enter Italy 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 Italy 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 Italy currently offers an e-Visa for your nationality using our International Visa Checker below.
Is a visa on arrival available in Italy?
A visa on arrival lets eligible travelers obtain their visa at the airport or border instead of applying beforehand. Whether Italy 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 Italy 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 Italy 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 Italy using our International Visa Checker below.
How much does a Italy 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 Italy using our International Visa Checker below.
How long must my passport be valid to enter Italy?
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 Italy on our International Visa Checker below before booking.
Italian Embassy - Washington DC 3000 Whitehaven Street NW ☎ +1 202 612 4400 Mon-Fri 9:30-12:30
💳 Tipping Culture
Tipping not required | Coperto (cover charge) included | 5-10% for exceptional service | Round up the bill
🚄 Transport
Trenitalia & Italo high-speed trains | Rome & Milan metro | ATAC/ATM buses | Licensed white taxis | Venice water taxis (vaporetti)
✈️ Airports
100+ airports | Rome Fiumicino FCO | Milan Malpensa MXP | Venice Marco Polo VCE | Naples NAP | Florence FLR
🗺️ Administrative Divisions
Italy is divided into 20 regions.
📅 Best Time to Visit
May–September offers warm, dry weather ideal for sightseeing in Italy. June and September are best to avoid peak crowds and high prices. Winter (Dec–Feb) is excellent for Christmas markets, skiing in alpine areas, and lower hotel rates.
📶 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
Smart-casual is the norm in Italy. Dress modestly when visiting churches (cover shoulders and knees). Beach attire stays at the beach. Layering recommended due to variable weather. Locals dress neatly even when casual — avoid athletic wear in restaurants.
🌍 Italy: Culture, Food & Places
What are the most famous foods in Italy?
Some of the most famous foods in Italy include: Neapolitan pizza (original), Pasta carbonara, Risotto, Gelato, Tiramisu, Ossobuco, Prosciutto di Parma, Mozzarella di bufala, Sicilian cannoli, Espresso coffee.
What are the best places to visit in Italy?
Top places and landmarks to visit in Italy include: Colosseum Rome, Vatican & St Peter's Basilica, Pantheon Rome, Venice Canals & St Mark's, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Castel Sant'Angelo, Uffizi Gallery Florence, Amalfi Coast, Pompeii ruins, Lake Como.
What are the main customs and traditions in Italy?
Notable customs and traditions in Italy include: Food is sacred — never ask for ketchup on pasta, Coffee rules: no cappuccino after lunch, Physical gestures & touch are normal, Ask for the bill (Il Conto) — won't come automatically, Time is flexible — fashionable lateness accepted.
What is Italy famous for?
Italy is well known for: Football (Serie A), Pizza, pasta & food culture, Fashion (Milan), Family & 'la famiglia' culture, Luxury cars (Ferrari, Lamborghini).
Where in the world is Italy located?
Italy is located in Europe.
What countries are near Italy?
Countries near Italy include: Vatican City, San Marino, Slovenia, Austria, Switzerland, France, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Monaco, Montenegro, Liechtenstein, Albania.
🚨 Emergency numbers in Italy
Knowing the right emergency number in Italy 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 Italy. 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.
May–September offers warm, dry weather ideal for sightseeing in Italy. June and September are best to avoid peak crowds and high prices. Winter (Dec–Feb) is excellent for Christmas markets, skiing in alpine areas, and lower hotel rates.
How much does a trip to Italy cost per day?
Daily costs in Italy range from $60 (budget) to $130 (mid-range) to $300 (luxury) per person, excluding flights.
How many regions does Italy have?
Italy has 20 regions.
What is the emergency number in Italy?
In Italy you can reach emergency services on the following numbers: General emergency: 112, Police: 113, Fire: 115, Ambulance: 118. Calls are free from any phone within the country.
🧳 Practical Travel Info
🔌
Power PlugType F,L · 230 V · 50 Hz
💵
TippingService charge ('coperto') often added; tipping 5-10% is optional.
💧
Tap WaterSafe to drinkItalian tap water is safe to drink, including from public fountains in Rome.
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Estimated worldwide figures, updated continuously based on official annual data.
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