How to dial France from the US? France phone code and examples
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To call France from the US, dial 011, then 33, then the 9 digit French number without the leading 0. For example, to reach 01 42 68 53 00 in Paris, dial 011 33 1 42 68 53 00. The country code for France is 33, as officially listed by the International Telecommunication Union, and all French phone numbers contain 9 digits once the initial 0 is removed.
How to call France from the US (step-by-step guide)
If you want to call a French number from abroad, and in this case the US, the process is simple but it's important to follow the correct steps to avoid mistakes and extra charges. Here's exactly what to do:
To call France from the US:
- Dial 011 (US exit code).
- Add 33 (France country code).
- Enter the French number without the leading 0.
Example: To reach 01 23 45 67 89 → 011 33 1 23 45 67 89 (landline) or +33 1 23 45 67 89 from your US cellphone.
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💡 Extra tips
- All French numbers have 9 digits after the 0, whether mobile or landline.
- Check the time difference before calling: France is set to the Central European Standard Time (CEST), 6 hours ahead of New York and 9 hours ahead of Los Angeles.
- Using a cellphone with international plan or apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Google Voice can reduce costs.
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What is France's country code?
French phone numbers follow a clear and structured format. Understanding the French area codes helps you identify whether a number belongs to a landline, mobile, or special service, and in which region it is registered.
France phone codes for fixed lines
The France country code is +33. To call a French landline from abroad, dial +33, then remove the leading 0 from the local number.
French fixed-line numbers have 10 digits, usually written in pairs like 0X XX XX XX XX.
The first digit after the 0 is the regional area code, which indicates the geographic zone (01, 02, 03,04, 05).
💡 France area codes at a glance
Geographic landline numbers are divided by broad regions: 1 for the Paris area, 2 for northwest France, 3 for northeast, 4 for southeast, and 5 for southwest. This structure is defined by the French numbering plan managed by ARCEP, the national telecom regulator.
What France phone code should I use for cellphones?
To call a French mobile phone, use the France country code +33, then dial the 6 or 7 that starts all French mobile numbers.
French cell phone numbers always follow the same 10-digit format (0X XX XX XX XX) as landlines, but after removing the leading 0, they begin with +33 6 or +33 7, making them easy to identify.
For example:
- A typical mobile number looks like 06 12 34 56 78 or 07 23 45 67 89.
- To call this number from the US, dial +33 7 23 45 67 89 (or 011 33 6 12 34 56 78).
🔍 Good to know: 06 numbers were originally assigned to mobiles, while 07 was added later due to demand growth. Both are now used interchangeably by all major operators (Orange, SFR, Bouygues, Free).
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NEW IN FRANCE?
We’ve got you covered! Selectra helps you find a plan that fits your needs and get set up fast. It’s free, easy, and our English-speaking advisors are just a call away.
NEW IN FRANCE?
We’ve got you covered! Selectra helps you find a plan that fits your needs and get set up fast. It’s free, easy, and our English-speaking advisors are just a call away.
NEW IN FRANCE?
We’ve got you covered! Selectra helps you find a plan that fits your needs and get set up fast. It’s free, easy, and our English-speaking advisors are just a call away.
The French phone codes for other lines
In France, some phone numbers don't start with 01–05 (landlines) or 06/07 (mobiles). These belong to other categories of services.
08 numbers – service and helpline numbers
Numbers starting with 08 are usually used for customer service, helplines and administrative services. They're called SVA numbers (value-added services) and can be:
- 0800–0805: free numbers ("numéros verts")
- 0806–0809: standard rate numbers
- 0810–0899: premium-rate numbers
Be aware that some 08 numbers can only be called from within France, and international calls to them may not work. The same goes for short numbers, which you can only call from within France.
09 numbers – VoIP and non-geographic lines
Numbers starting with 09 are non-geographic VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) lines, often used by internet providers for landline services included in broadband packages.
Calls to 09 numbers are billed at standard local rates and are usually included in unlimited call plans.
Calling France from the US: costs and how to save
How much does it cost to call France from the US?
Calling France from the United States can be expensive if you use traditional carrier rates without an add-on. Major US carriers like AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile offer international calling packages and pay-per-use rates that vary widely.
Most carriers offer international add-ons such as:
- AT&T offers an International Calling add-on for about $15 /month per line with unlimited calls to France and many other countries. Without this add-on, international calls from the US to Europe can cost about 2 $/minute under pay-per-use pricing. Source: AT&T, (march of 2026)
- Verizon has a Global Choice plan around $10 /month per line with a monthly minute allowance and reduced per-minute rates after that. According to Verizon's website, pay-per-use rates for France are at $1,99 /minute in march of 2026.
- T-Mobile offers a Stateside International Talk service for $15 /month that includes international calls from the US, including France. Source: T-Mobile, (march of 2026)
How to call France for cheap or free
If you plan on calling France quite frequently, this will end up being extremely expensive without the right phone plan, as long-distance and roaming charges can get expensive.
Here are some solutions to avoid extortionate phone bills overtime, when calling France from the US and vice versa:
| Method | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| VoIP or Messaging Apps (WhatsApp, FaceTime, Viber) | Free with WiFi | Casual users who only need to call over the Internet |
| US Mobile Plan with International Option (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) | $10–$15/month add-on | Frequent callers who want reliable voice quality |
| French prepaid SIM card | Local French rates | Travelers who visit France regularly |
| International SIM cards | Low roaming cost per minute | People moving or traveling between countries |
| WiFi Calling | Free with WiFi | Users with modern smartphones and stable internet |
| French Mobile Number | Cheaper local and international rates | Expats living in France or long-term stays |
Travel to France often?If so, it's worth signing up for a postpaid mobile phone plan. In the long run, these are cheaper than pay-as-you-go and offer better calling time/data allowances. Call our English-speaking customer service line at 09 77 55 72 27 (Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 9 pm and 9:30 am to 6:30 pm on Saturdays and on Sundays 9 am to 5 pm), or ask for a free callback to help you find a plan that meets your needs
Call France from US: Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to dial 011 for France?
Yes, when calling France from the United States, you must dial 011 first if you're using a landline. On a mobile phone, you can simply use the + symbol instead of 011. Both serve as the international exit code from the US.
How do I call France from my mobile?
To call France from your mobile, dial +33 followed by the French phone number, removing the initial 0. For example, to reach 06 12 34 56 78, dial +33 6 12 34 56 78.
What is the difference between 0033 and +33?
There is no difference between 0033 and +33, they both represent the country code for France. The + is the universal replacement for international access codes (like 00 or 011), depending on where you're calling from.
Can I call France for free?
Yes, you can call France for free with apps like WhatsApp or FaceTime using WiFi. Otherwise, most US carriers offer low-cost options or add-ons.