International Dialing Help

Dialing 011 ExplainedWhen and how to use the US international prefix to call abroad

Dialing 011 is the standard way to start an international call from the United States and Canada. With StartACall you can also use the plus sign and country code directly in your browser to reach any number worldwide without installing apps.

How to Dial
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How to Dial Using 011

Step by step instructions for calling internationally from the United States and Canada.

1

Dial the Exit Code

From the United States and Canada dial 011 first. This signals the network you are making an international call. On mobile or web VoIP you can use the plus sign instead.

2

Country Code

After 011 dial the country calling code. Examples: 44 for the United Kingdom, 91 for India, 61 for Australia, 49 for Germany.

3

Area Code and Local Number

Dial the area or city code and then the subscriber number. Do not include local trunk prefixes like a leading zero. Use the format 011 country-code area-code local-number or +country-code area-code local-number.

Practical Examples

Examples showing the 011 sequence and the equivalent plus-sign format that works on mobiles and with browser VoIP services such as StartACall.

United Kingdom (London)
011 44 20 7946 0123
Equivalent: +44 20 7946 0123
India (Mumbai)
011 91 22 1234 5678
Equivalent: +91 22 1234 5678
Australia (Sydney)
011 61 2 9876 5432
Equivalent: +61 2 9876 5432
Germany (Berlin)
011 49 30 12345678
Equivalent: +49 30 12345678

Common Exit Codes Around the World

011 is used in the United States and many NANP countries. Many other countries use 00 as the international prefix, but modern devices accept the plus sign to simplify dialing.

United States and Canada

Exit code: 011. Use for calls from the US and Canada.

Most of Europe

Exit code: 00. Examples include the UK, Germany, and many EU countries.

Mobile and VoIP

Use the plus sign plus country code for simplicity. StartACall accepts +country-code format directly in the browser.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 011 international prefix?

011 is the dialing prefix used to make international calls from the United States and Canada. It signals the telephone network that you are calling a number outside the country.

When should I use + instead of 011?

Use the plus sign on mobile phones or web calling tools. It automatically inserts the correct international access code for your current location. With StartACall you can enter +country-code directly in the browser dialer.

Do I include the local trunk zero when dialing internationally?

No. Drop any domestic trunk prefix such as a leading zero. For example, call London as 011 44 20 ... or +44 20 ..., not 011 44 020.

Can I call any country from my browser with StartACall?

Yes. StartACall connects your browser to the public phone network so you can dial virtually any international number without installing apps.

Make International Calls from Your BrowserNo downloads. Use +country-code or 011 format.

StartACall bridges WebRTC and the public phone network so you can call real numbers globally. Buy virtual numbers, use StartACall to handle calls, and get live call support from your browser.

  • Call any international number directly from Chrome, Safari, or Firefox
  • Use Clear audio for real-time call assistance
  • Purchase and manage virtual numbers worldwide
  • Real-time analytics and call logs

Instant Setup

Start calling in seconds from your browser. No PBX required.

Global Coverage

Reach numbers worldwide using our Twilio-backed PSTN bridge.

Secure Calls

Encrypted browser calls with enterprise-level controls.

Browser Dialer

Dial using a web dialer. Use +country-code or traditional 011 sequences.

Ready to dial internationally?

Sign up and start calling real phone numbers worldwide directly from your browser. No downloads required.

What Is the 011 Dialing Prefix and How to Use It

In short

011 is the international call prefix you dial from the United States and Canada to reach a phone number in another country. The full format is 011, then the country code, then the area code and local number. With StartACall you can skip 011 entirely and place international calls straight from your browser, billed per minute with no app and no SIM.

How the 011 prefix works

The 011 prefix tells the phone network in the US and Canada that your call is leaving the country. After 011 you add the destination country code, such as 44 for the United Kingdom, 91 for India, or 81 for Japan, then the local number without its leading national 0 or trunk digit. A complete dial string looks like 011, then 44, then 20, then the eight digit London number.

Mobile phones often let you replace 011 with a plus sign, since the carrier converts the plus into the correct exit code automatically. The plus method is the safest format to save in contacts because it works whether you are calling from home or while traveling abroad.

Calling internationally without the 011 prefix

StartACall is a browser based calling service that runs in Chrome, Safari, Edge and Firefox with no download and no SIM card. You type the destination number, choose the country, and connect over the internet, so there is no carrier exit code, no roaming fee, and no long distance plan to manage.

Outbound calls need no phone number of your own and are pay as you go, billed by the minute. Calls are end to end encrypted, which makes the service a practical fit for international calling, business use, and privacy sensitive conversations.

Frequently asked questions

What does 011 mean when dialing a phone number?+

011 is the international access code, also called the exit code, for the US and Canada. Dialing it before a country code routes your call out of the North American network to a foreign destination.

What comes after 011 when I dial?+

After 011 you dial the country code, then the area or city code, then the local number. Drop any leading 0 from the local number, since that digit is only used for calls placed inside that country.

Can I use a plus sign instead of 011?+

Yes. On most mobile phones a plus sign replaces 011, because the network converts it to the correct exit code. The plus format is reliable whether you dial from the US, Canada, or while traveling.

How do I make an international call without dialing 011 at all?+

Use StartACall in your web browser. You select the country and enter the number, and the call connects over the internet with no exit code, no SIM, and pay as you go per minute billing.

Last reviewed June 2026Reviewed by the StartACall calling teamDialing rules cross checked against ITU international dialing procedures
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