Country 39: Everything You Need to Know About the +39 Country Code
Country 39 is the international dialing code for Italy. If you see a phone number starting with +39 or 0039, it originates from or is directed to Italy, including Vatican City and San Marino. This country code is required when you are calling or sending text messages from outside Italy.
Quick Answer
Country code +39 belongs to Italy. To call an Italian number from abroad, dial your country's international exit code, followed by 39, and then the local subscriber number. Italian numbers usually begin with a zero even when dialed internationally, unlike most other countries.
- Applies to Italy, Vatican City, and San Marino.
- Requires retaining the initial zero of the local number.
- Often requested during account verification or international calling.
What it means / how it works
Country codes are part of the international telephone numbering plan established by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Italy is assigned the geographical zone 3, and the two-digit combination 39 specifically designates Italian telecommunications.
Unlike many other countries where the leading zero of a local area code or mobile prefix is dropped when dialing internationally, Italy kept its trunk prefix as part of the subscriber number. This means if an Italian phone number starts with 02 (for Milan) or 340 (for a mobile network), you typically keep that zero even when prefixing it with +39.
For example, a complete international format looks like +39 02 12345678 for a landline or +39 312 345 6789 for a mobile connection. Understanding this format prevents common dialing errors that cause failed calls or undelivered messages.
Practical scenarios
- Calling family, friends, or business partners located in Rome, Milan, Florence, or other Italian cities from a foreign phone.
- Receiving customer support calls or automated SMS verification codes from Italian online services, e-commerce platforms, or banks.
- Booking Italian hotels, restaurants, or rental cars and communicating via phone or messaging apps like WhatsApp.
- Setting up international shipping or logistics tracking when ordering products originating from Italian merchants.
- Verifying user accounts on global platforms where your profile or business entity is tied to Italian telecom infrastructure.
- Testing OTP delivery flows for Italian mobile carriers during software development or QA testing.
- Handling travel arrangements, train tickets with Trenitalia, or domestic flight bookings inside Italy.
Step-by-step
Dialing an Italian phone number from another country requires a specific sequence of digits to ensure the connection goes through correctly.
- Find the local Italian phone number, ensuring it includes its initial prefix (such as 06 for Rome or a mobile prefix like 320, 333, or 347).
- Identify your current country's international exit code. For example, dial 00 if you are calling from most of Europe, or 011 if you are calling from the United States or Canada. If you are using a mobile phone, you can simply type the plus sign (+) instead of the exit code.
- Type the country code for Italy, which is 39.
- Enter the complete local number, including the leading zero that comes right after the country code.
- Press the call button or send your message. The final format on a mobile phone should look similar to +39 3XX XXX XXXX.
Safety/privacy/legal
Interacting with numbers associated with country 39 requires standard digital caution. International communication lines and online verification systems can occasionally attract spam, automated robocalls, or fraudulent text messages.
If you receive unexpected phone calls or text verification messages from a +39 number when you have no connection to Italy, do not answer or click any embedded links. These may be phishing attempts designed to capture personal data or financial information.
When providing your own phone number to online services that utilize Italian numbers, ensure you understand how your data is stored and processed under European data protection regulations like GDPR. Legitimate platforms will clearly state their privacy policies and give you control over your contact details.
Best alternatives
If you need to receive SMS verification messages or test OTP delivery workflows involving Italian numbers without using your personal SIM card, you can utilize online virtual number platforms. Public free SMS sites offer temporary access, but they expose messages to anyone visiting the website, creating clear privacy risks.
For users who require private, dedicated numbers for account verification or short-term projects, services like PVACodes provide alternative solutions to handle SMS reception and verification tasks across various global regions, including Italy, while helping you maintain separation between your personal device and online registrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q
What country is code 39?
Country code 39 is assigned to Italy. It also covers Vatican City and the Republic of San Marino, which are enclaves within Italian territory sharing its telephone numbering plan.
Q
Do I need to drop the zero when dialing Italy?
No. Unlike many other international dialing codes where the leading zero of a city or mobile prefix is removed, Italian numbers retain the initial zero even when dialed internationally.
Q
How do I type +39 on a mobile phone?
On most mobile keypads, you can hold down the zero (0) key until a plus sign (+) appears. Then, type 39 followed by the rest of the phone number.
Q
Why am I receiving random text messages from a +39 number?
Unsolicited texts from international numbers are often automated spam or phishing campaigns. Avoid replying, clicking links, or sharing personal information.
Q
Are Vatican City and San Marino part of country 39?
Yes. Although they are independent sovereign states, both Vatican City and San Marino are fully integrated into the Italian telephone numbering system.
Q
What is the format of an Italian mobile number?
Italian mobile numbers typically start with the prefix 3 followed by two digits (e.g., 320, 333, 340), preceded by +39 and retaining any initial digits according to current carrier allocations.
Q
Can I use a virtual Italian number for WhatsApp verification?
Yes, many online platforms and messaging apps accept virtual numbers, provided the number is capable of receiving SMS or voice calls for OTP confirmation.
Q
How much does it cost to call country 39?
Calling rates depend entirely on your current carrier and whether you are using a landline, mobile plan, or VoIP service. Check your provider's international rates before calling.
Q
What should I do if an SMS from an Italian service does not arrive?
Carrier delays, international gateway routing issues, or network congestion can cause OTP delivery failures. Wait a few minutes before requesting a new code.
Q
Is country 39 used for landlines and mobiles?
Yes. Country code 39 serves all types of telecommunications infrastructure in Italy, encompassing fixed landlines, mobile networks, and VoIP services.
Conclusion
Understanding country 39 makes it easy to connect with Italy or handle international account verifications that rely on Italian telecom networks. Always check your dialing format, keep the initial zero, and stay cautious of unsolicited messages. When managing online verifications or testing SMS workflows, choose secure communication methods to protect your personal privacy.