The Spanish Calling Code: A Comprehensive Guide to Spain’s International Dialing System

Webadmin Other 26. January 2026 | 0

Understanding the Spanish calling code is essential for anyone who needs to reach Spain from abroad, whether for business, study, travel, or keeping in touch with family and friends. This guide explains what the Spanish calling code is, how it fits into the worldwide numbering system, and how to dial Spain correctly from the United Kingdom and other locations. It also covers the differences between landlines and mobile numbers, how to format numbers in international format, common mistakes to avoid, and practical tips for saving money on calls. By the end, you’ll feel confident navigating Spain’s international dialling landscape with ease.

What is the Spanish Calling Code?

The Spanish calling code is the country’s international access code in the global telephone numbering system. In formal terms, Spain is assigned the country code +34 within the ITU-T E.164 standards, which govern how telephone numbers are allocated and dialled around the world. When you see a number written as +34, you are looking at the international prefix that denotes Spain. The “+” sign simply stands for the international access code, which varies by country; in the United Kingdom, for instance, you would typically dial 00, whereas in other places you might dial 011 or simply press the plus sign on a modern mobile device.

In practical terms, the Spanish calling code is the prefix you must dial after selecting the appropriate international access, to reach Spain correctly. It is distinct from the local area code used within Spain, which identifies a particular city or region. The combination of the country code and the local area or mobile code enables you to route a call from anywhere in the world to a specific recipient in Spain. The Spanish calling code is part of a universal framework that makes international communication possible, predictable, and scalable for individuals and organisations alike.

Spain’s Country Code: +34 – What It Means

The country code +34 belongs to Spain and is part of a global system that assigns unique numeric codes to every recognised sovereign state and many territories. The digits are structured so that a caller outside Spain can dial efficiently and reach a particular phone line once the call is routed through international networks. In the international dialling format, a typical Spanish number looks like +34 followed by the domestic number, which includes the city or mobile prefix and the subscriber’s local number. For example, a Madrid landline might appear as +34 91 XXX XXX, whereas a mobile line could appear as +34 6XX XXX XXX or +34 7XX XXX XXX, depending on the operator and the type of service.

The +34 code is always used when calling Spain from abroad, regardless of where you are calling from. If you are in the United Kingdom, for instance, you can reach a Spanish number by entering 00 34, followed by the rest of the number, or simply +34 if you are using a mobile phone or a device that supports the international format. Both methods will route your call correctly to Spain, including to major cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, and Málaga, as well as to smaller towns and rural areas.

Dialling from the United Kingdom to Spain: A Step-by-Step Guide

The process of calling Spain from the United Kingdom is straightforward, but it helps to know the correct steps to avoid misdialled numbers and unexpected charges. Here is a clear, practical guide to making Spain-based calls from the UK:

Unlock international calling on your phone and ensure you have credit or an active plan that supports international calls. Many UK plans include international allowances, while others charge per minute after a threshold.
Dial the international access code for the UK, which is 00, or simply use the plus sign on a mobile device. If you dial manually, 00 is the traditional international prefix in the UK.
Enter Spain’s country code: 34. If you are using the international format on a mobile phone, you can replace 00 with +34 by pressing and holding the zero key or selecting the plus symbol on the keypad.
Dial the national number in Spain, including the area code or mobile prefix. For landlines, this typically starts with a city or regional code such as 91 (Madrid) or 93 (Barcelona). For mobile numbers, you will usually see prefixes beginning with 6 or 7.
End with the subscriber’s local number. A typical Spanish number, when dialed from abroad, looks like +34 91 XXX XXX for a landline or +34 6XX XXX XXX for a mobile line.

Examples to illustrate the process:

Calling a Madrid landline from the UK: 00 34 91 XXX XXX
Calling a Barcelona landline from the UK: +34 93 XXX XXX
Calling a Spanish mobile from the UK: +34 6XX XXX XXX

When using your mobile phone, the process is even simpler: you can usually enter the number in international format using the plus sign, and the device will handle the rest. It is worth noting that some mobile networks will route calls to Spain automatically when you input the country code, but always check your plan’s international roaming rules to avoid unexpected charges.

Numbers in Spain: Landlines, Mobile Phones and Special Numbers

Landlines and geographic numbers

Spain uses a geographic numbering system that assigns area codes to different autonomous communities and major cities. Landline numbers in Spain typically include an area code that identifies the region or city, followed by the local subscriber number. For example, Madrid’s landlines commonly use the area code 91, while Barcelona uses 93. When dialled domestically, you would input the area code as part of the full number. When dialled from abroad, you must replace the international prefix with +34 and then the regional code without any leading zero.

In practice, a Madrid landline might be dialled from abroad as +34 91 XXX XXX, while a Barcelona landline would be +34 93 XXX XXX. The domestic number length tends to be nine digits in total once the area code is included; the specific number of digits after the area code varies by region but adheres to the standard national structure.

Mobile numbers

Mobile numbers in Spain begin with 6 or 7, and are followed by eight additional digits. In international format, you would prefix the mobile number with +34, followed by the prefix and the subscriber digits. For example, a typical Spanish mobile number could appear as +34 6XX XXX XXX or +34 7XX XXX XXX. Unlike landlines, mobile prefixes don’t map to a fixed geographic region; they reflect the mobile operator and service rather than a location.

Non-geographic and special numbers

Spain also employs non-geographic numbers for particular services, such as toll-free or premium-rate services. Examples include 800 numbers for toll-free calls and 900 numbers for certain paid services. When dialled from abroad, these numbers still use the country code +34, followed by the appropriate service digits. It is important to be mindful of potential international charges when calling premium-rate or non-geographic numbers from overseas, and you may wish to verify the cost with your operator beforehand.

Formatting International Numbers: Practical Tips for the Spanish Calling Code

International number formatting is designed to be universal, but it can be confusing in practice. Here are practical guidelines to ensure you format Spanish numbers correctly and avoid misdialled calls:

Always use the international format when calling from outside Spain. The standard is +34 followed by the domestic number (area code plus subscriber number for landlines; mobile prefixes and subscriber number for mobiles).
Drop any leading zero from the domestic number when using the country code. For example, if a number is written as 091 123 4567, you would dial +34 91 123 4567.
Do not insert spaces or punctuation unless required by your device. Most modern phones and VoIP services will automatically format the number correctly if you input it as +34 followed by the digits without spaces.
Be mindful of international roaming charges. If you are travelling, a local Spanish SIM card can provide cost-effective call rates, text messages, and data usage while you’re in Spain.
When writing contact information for cards, invoices, or websites, including both international and domestic formats can be helpful. For example, +34 91 XXX XXX is clear for international readers, while 91 XXX XXX is more familiar to those in Spain.

In addition, some services and devices support the plus sign as a universal substitute for the international access code. If your phone’s keyboard includes a plus symbol, simply enter +34 and the rest of the number. This can simplify dialling when you are using mobile networks or VoIP apps that automatically interpret international prefixes.

Regional and Mobile Prefixes: Spotting the Difference

Understanding the difference between regional prefixes and mobile prefixes can save time and reduce dialing errors. Landlines in Spain use geographic area codes that identify a specific city or region. The two most commonly used prefixes for major cities are 91 for Madrid and 93 for Barcelona, but many other regions have distinct area codes such as 94 (Bilbao and Basque Country), 94 and 96 for parts of Valencia and Alicante, and so on. In total, Spain has multiple geographic prefixes, and the exact digits depend on the city or region.

Mobile numbers, by contrast, do not map to a fixed location. They start with 6 or 7, followed by eight digits. The prefix indicates the mobile operator, not a place, and that’s why mobile numbers can be mobile anywhere in Spain. This distinction helps when you are trying to determine whether a number is a landline or a mobile number when you only know the digits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with the Spanish Calling Code

As with any international dialling system, there are common pitfalls that can lead to failed calls or unexpected charges. Here are some practical tips to help you avoid these errors when dealing with the Spanish calling code:

Neglecting to include the country code when dialling from abroad. If you miss the +34, your call will attempt to route domestically and fail.
Including an unnecessary leading zero before the area code. In Spain, international numbers typically require the area code without a leading zero; including it can cause misdialled numbers.
Dialling a mobile number with an incorrect prefix. Spanish mobiles start with 6 or 7 after the country code, not 3 or other digits typical of some other countries.
Assuming all Spanish numbers are the same length. While landline numbers are nine digits in total when the area code is included, some regional variations exist; always check the full number when possible.
Ignoring roaming charges. If you are roaming in Spain, consider a local SIM or an eSIM to reduce costs. International roaming rates can be high for short calls or quick messages.

Roaming, SIMs, and the Spanish Calling Code

For travellers and international professionals, the economics of the Spanish calling code can be improved with proper choice of connectivity. If you are visiting Spain for a short period, using a UK SIM with international roaming or buying a local Spanish SIM card can make calls, texts, and data substantially more affordable. Many travellers opt for a prepaid plan or a pay-as-you-go option that includes a reasonable amount of international calling time to landlines and mobiles. The Spanish calling code remains the same regardless of the SIM you use, but the cost, quality, and convenience of the connection can vary greatly depending on the choice of network and service plan.

When using a Spanish SIM, ensure your device is unlocked and compatible with the local network bands. Spain uses GSM technology in most of its networks, with 3G, 4G, and increasingly 5G coverage in urban and tourist areas. If you rely on data-based calling services like WhatsApp or other VoIP apps, you can often minimise the use of traditional voice minutes by using a data connection instead. This is particularly beneficial for international calls when you’re travelling or working remotely from Spain.

Practical Scenarios: How to Use the Spanish Calling Code in Real Life

Business calls from the UK to a Spanish office

In a professional context, ensuring reliable communication with Spanish colleagues requires precise formatting and an understanding of the correct prefixes. A typical scenario would involve calling a Spanish office in Madrid from the UK. You would dial 00 34 91 XXX XXX, or, if you are using a mobile phone, you can enter +34 91 XXX XXX. It is worth verifying the number with your contact or company directory to confirm the area code and the exact subscriber digits before placing the call. In business settings, keeping a few commonly used numbers stored in the international format can save time and avoid mistakes during busy periods.

Calling a contact in Barcelona from Spain to the UK

If you are on the Spain side and need to reach a UK-based contact from Barcelona or anywhere else in Spain, you would dial the international prefix plus the UK country code (44) followed by the local number, formatting as +44 XXXX XXXXXX or 00 44 XXXX XXXXXX depending on the device. The Spanish calling code is not involved in this direction of travel; rather, it is a reminder that international communication involves multiple countries and numbering plans. Always ensure you are dialling the correct international route in both directions to avoid misdialled calls.

Resources and Tips for Travellers and Expats

Whether you are a frequent traveller, an expatriate, or someone who occasionally contacts Spain, there are several practical resources and tips to improve your experience with the Spanish calling code:

Check whether your mobile plan has a global or Europe-wide roaming package. These often offer discounted rates for Spain calls and texts and can be more economical than standard roaming tariffs.
Consider a local Spanish SIM if you plan to stay for an extended period. A Spanish SIM card can provide affordable local minutes for calling within Spain and to the UK, while also offering data allowances for navigation and communication apps.
When using VoIP services, ensure a stable data connection to maintain call quality. A reliable Wi-Fi connection can also help you avoid expensive roaming charges when calling Spain from a hotel or café.
Save important numbers in international format as well as in local format. This helps when you are calling from different devices or when sharing contact details with colleagues and friends abroad.
Be aware of service numbers and toll-free prefixes, such as 800 or 900 numbers, which may have different rates when called from outside Spain. Always check the cost in advance if you need to contact a non-geographic service.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Spanish Calling Code

To help consolidate understanding, here are some common questions people ask about the Spanish calling code and how to use it effectively:

Is the Spanish calling code the same as the country code? Yes. The Spanish calling code corresponds to the country code +34, used to identify Spain in international dialling. After the country code, you dial the local area or mobile prefix and the subscriber number.
Do I always need to dial the plus sign? No, not always. On many landlines, you can use 00 as the international access code to replace the plus sign. Mobile devices often allow you to input the plus sign directly, which then handles the international prefix automatically.
What about calling from Spain to the UK? The process is reversed. You would dial +44 followed by the UK number, omitting any leading zeroes in the national number format. The Spanish calling code remains essential when you are initiating an international call from Spain to another country.
Are there regional differences within Spain’s numbers? Landlines have area codes that identify a city or region, while mobiles use prefixes that identify the operator rather than a location. The numbering system is designed to be flexible and scalable for both domestic usage and international connectivity.

Final Thoughts: Embracing the Spanish Calling Code

The Spanish calling code is more than a string of digits. It is a key that unlocks instant connectivity with Spain’s people, culture, businesses, and communities. By understanding how +34 works, how to format numbers for international dialling, and how to distinguish between landlines and mobiles, you can save time, avoid frustrations, and communicate more effectively. Whether you are planning a trip, negotiating a cross-border deal, or keeping in touch with family in Spain, grasping the essentials of the Spanish calling code will serve you well in a connected world. With the right knowledge, you can navigate Spain’s numbering landscape with confidence, clarity, and ease, making every call a little smoother and more efficient.