In front of a phone number, 00 typically serves as an international call prefix (also known as an international access code or exit code). It's the sequence of digits you dial to indicate that the following number is for a different country.
Understanding International Call Prefixes
When making an international call, you need to tell your phone system that you're dialing outside of your current country. This is where the international call prefix comes in. It's the gateway code that connects your call to the global telecommunications network, allowing it to be routed to the correct country.
The ITU Recommendation
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for global telecommunication standards, recommends 00 as the standard international call prefix. This recommendation aims to create a consistent dialing pattern across the globe, simplifying international communication.
Regional Variations
While the ITU recommends 00, it's important to note that not all countries follow this recommendation. Many nations have adopted different prefixes for their international calls due to historical reasons, established national dialing plans, or other factors.
Here are some examples of different international call prefixes:
| Country/Region | International Call Prefix | Example (to dial a number in Germany) |
|---|---|---|
| Many ITU-compliant | 00 | 00 49 [German Number] |
| Canada & United States | 011 | 011 49 [German Number] |
| Japan | 010 | 010 49 [German Number] |
| Russia | 810 | 810 49 [German Number] |
For instance, if you're in Canada or the United States and want to dial internationally, you would use 011 instead of 00. Similarly, Japan uses 010, and Russia uses 810.
Practical Application
To make an international call, the general dialing sequence is:
- International Call Prefix: (e.g., 00, 011, 810)
- Country Code: (e.g., 44 for UK, 1 for USA, 49 for Germany)
- Local Phone Number: (the recipient's number in that country)
Example: To call a number in the United Kingdom (country code 44) from a country that uses 00 as its international prefix, you would dial: 00 44 [local UK number].
Understanding your country's specific international call prefix is crucial for successful international communication. Always verify the correct prefix for your location before attempting to dial abroad.
