Example of an Italian Phone Number and Calling Italy

When thinking about Italy, many imagine art, fashion, sunny piazzas, and the smell of fresh espresso. But if you are doing business with Italians, one detail becomes very practical very quickly: the Italian phone number. Knowing the correct format, country code, and dialing steps is essential to making smooth and affordable international phone calls.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through the essentials of calling Italy, share an example of an Italian phone number, and explain why activating a virtual number for Italy with Belfabriek can save you time, money, and stress. We’ll also add some cultural tips that will help you make the right impression when answering the phone in Italian.

The basics: Italy country code and number structure

Every country has its own dialing format, and Italy is no exception. The Italy country code is +39, which you’ll always need when calling from abroad.

Unlike some other countries, the Italian code 39 is dialed for both mobile numbers and landline numbers.

Italian phone numbers must include the country code +39 also when texting.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Exit code: From the US, dial 011 first to start an international call. From Europe, you usually dial 00.

• Country code: Italy’s country code is 39.

• Area code (city code): Italian landline numbers have city codes that always begin with a 0. Removing leading zeros from area codes when dialing internationally usually prevents potential dialing errors. But in Italy, you do not drop the 0 when dialing internationally. For example, Rome has the code 06.

• Local number: This is the subscriber’s telephone number. Italian telephone numbers can range from six to eleven digits for subscriber numbers.

Emergency numbers in Italy use three-digit codes starting with 11X, including 112 for emergencies.

Italy adheres to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which sets high standards for data protection.

Example of an Italian phone number

• Calling a Rome landline from the US: 011 39 06 1234567

• Calling an Italian mobile phone number from the US: 011 39 345 1234567

Note: Italian mobile numbers usually start with 3, while landline numbers start with 0.

Calling Italy from abroad

Let’s imagine you’re in New York and need to call your business partner in Rome. The steps look like this:

• Dial the US exit code 011.

• Enter the Italian country code 39.

• Add the city code for Rome (06).

• Dial the local number.

Example: 011 39 06 1234567

If you are calling an Italian mobile, replace the city code with the mobile prefix (for example, 345).

Italian mobile phones and communication habits

In Italy, mobile numbers are extremely common, and most people use their cell phone rather than a landline. Messaging apps like WhatsApp are widely used for both business and personal communication. It’s perfectly normal to receive a quick text before a call.

Cultural tip: Italians value courtesy. A business call often starts with a polite “Buongiorno” (good morning) or “Buonasera” (good evening), even if you are calling someone you already know. Skipping this small detail can come across as rushed or impolite.

Italian landlines and city codes

Even though mobile phones dominate, landline numbers in Italy are still important, especially for businesses and institutions. Each city has its own prefix:

• Rome: 06

• Milan: 02

• Naples: 081

• Florence: 055

• Venice: 041

Remember: in Italy, you must keep the leading 0 in the area code, even when dialing from abroad. This is different from many other countries, where the 0 is dropped when using the country code.

Why a virtual Italian number is better

Now that you know how to dial Italy, let’s talk about something that makes international communication much easier: the virtual number.

With Belfabriek, you can activate an Italian virtual number that looks like a regular Italian phone number—complete with the +39 country code and city prefix—but all calls are automatically forwarded to your existing mobile phone or office line abroad.

Discover how you can activate your Italian phone number with Belfabriek in as little as one business day by reading this article!

Key benefits of a virtual Italian number

• Local presence: Clients and partners in Italy see a familiar Italian number, which builds trust and encourages them to call.

• Call forwarding: All calls are routed seamlessly to your chosen number, whether you are in the USA, another European country, or anywhere in the world.

• Professional image: A dedicated Italian number gives your company a foothold in Italy without needing a physical office.

• Flexibility: Whether you prefer calls forwarded to your cell phone, landline, or even handled via a VoIP service, you stay connected.

• Incoming calls are easier to manage, and your Italian contacts don’t have to pay extra to call a foreign number.

In short, with a virtual number, you don’t need to worry about exit codes, calling cards, or international dialing costs—you simply pick up the phone.

Culture and business: Tips for success

Business culture in Italy values both professionalism and personal relationships. Here are a few tips:

• Start with a greeting: Always begin a conversation with “Buongiorno” or “Buonasera.”

• Be flexible: Meetings might start a bit later than planned, especially in the south.

• Use last names and titles until invited to switch to first names.

• Business dinners: Often long and social, they are an important way to build trust. Don’t rush.

A phone call in Italy is often not just about exchanging information—it’s about building a relationship. Having a local phone number makes this process more natural and effective.

Example in practice

Let’s say your company in Amsterdam wants to reach customers in Rome. Instead of advertising a Dutch number with a country code that may look intimidating, you can use a virtual Rome number like +39 06 1234567.

For your Italian clients, it feels like they are making a simple local call. For you, the call is forwarded directly to your existing line—whether that’s your mobile, your office landline, or even your customer service team abroad.

This small change can make a huge difference in international communication, customer trust, and ultimately your business growth.

Conclusion

Italy is a country where telephone numbers are more than just digits—they represent connection, culture, and communication. Knowing how to dial Italy, understanding the role of area codes, mobile numbers, and exit codes, and respecting cultural habits will make your calls smoother and more effective.

But for businesses, the smartest solution is a virtual Italian phone number. It allows you to establish a local presence, manage international calls easily, and build stronger relationships with Italian partners and clients.

With Belfabriek, activating a virtual Italian number is simple, cost-effective, and designed to support your global ambitions. Whether you are in the USA, elsewhere in Europe, or anywhere in the world, having that local Italian number—like our example of +39 06 1234567—makes all the difference.

So next time you say “Buongiorno” on the phone, make sure it’s through your very own Italian virtual number.