What is the 33 Area Code?

 

You've seen a phone number that begins with +33, and you're curious as to why. You've just come across the country code for France, and once you figure it out, it's actually quite simple.
Technically speaking, the +33 code isn't a 33 Area Code as we know it in the US. It is more like to France's nationwide international calling card. It's quite neat, isn't it?
The catch is that the domestic "0" at the start of French numbers is dropped and replaced with +33 when you call France from anywhere else in the world. When calling from outside of France, a Paris number that appears as 01 23 45 67 89 becomes +33 1 23 45 67 89.
Why should you give a damn? Getting this right is important because:
Calls for business with French partners (no one wants to appear inexperienced)
When traveling, making reservations at hotels or making restaurant calls
SMS verification for your financial information or apps like WhatsApp
Simply put, your calls are failing badly.
France receives billions of international calls annually, and the International Telecommunication Union manages all of this numbers. In other words, +33 is essentially the entry point to all things French in terms of phones.
What is the location of the 33 Area Code?
The fascinating part is that all of France is covered by the 33 country code. Yes, the entirety of it.
In France, things are done differently than in the US, where 212 denotes New York and 310 denotes Los Angeles. Everyone is using +33, regardless of whether they are calling from Paris, Lyon, Marseille, or some small Provence village.
But hold on, there's still more structure: +33
Paris and its environs → +33 1 France's northwest → +33 2 the northeast → +33 3 the southeast (Lyon, Marseille) → +33 Mobile numbers in Southwest France → +33 5 → often +33 6 or +33 7
You can tell it's French as soon as you see the +33. The following number then provides an approximate location in France from whence it originates. It's a fairly sensible system, to be honest.
Fun fact: The majority of the 80 million foreign visitors that France receives each year (well, gestures hazily at recent past) end up utilizing +33 numbers at some point.
How to Use the +33 Code to Call France
Okay, let's dissect this in detail since, once you understand the method, it's actually rather easy:
Start with the exit code for your nation:


Dial 011 for the US/Canada and 00 for the UK/Europe.
India: 00 Add as well The country code for France is +33.


Dial the remainder of the French number after removing the leading zero.


Therefore, you would dial +33 6 12 34 56 78 if you have a French cell number, such as 06 12 34 56 78.
Your cheat sheet is here:
011 + 33 + number (without the 0) from the US
00 + 33 + number (without the 0) from the UK
00 + 33 + number (minus the 0) from India
The most common error people make? I forgot to remove the leading zero. Believe me, I've witnessed this far too often: your call simply won't connect.


Area Code 33 for France: A Brief Overview
The ITU's E.164 numbering scheme is essentially where the +33 concept originated. They decided to standardize everything after growing weary of each nation using its own haphazard phone numbering scheme.
Prior to this method, making international calls was, to put it mildly, a complete headache. In the 1980s and 1990s, France finally figured things out and switched from city-specific codes to their current national system.
A few significant moments:
France replaced its outdated municipal codes with a more streamlined national system in the 1980s and 1990s.
1996 saw the standardization of mobile numbers to begin with the 06 2000s. VoIP, WhatsApp, SMS verification, and everything else went digital.
Millions of calls and text verifications are handled daily by +33 these days. It's quite crazy when you consider it.
French Regional Codes vs. Country Code 33
Alright, let me explain because this can occasionally irritate folks.
France's international code is +33. However, the next number indicates the region after you're "inside" that +33:
+33 1 to the Paris region +33 2 to the Northwest +33 3 to the Northeast +33 4 to the Southeast (consider Lyon or Marseille) +33 5 to the Southwest +33 6 or +33 7 to cell phones
Therefore, when Americans refer to "area codes" such as 212 for New York City, it is not exactly how France and Indonesia operate. The following digit narrows it down regionally, and the +33 brings you to France.
Is It Possible to Obtain a French Virtual +33 Number?
Yes, and it's much simpler than you may imagine.
You no longer need to get a French SIM card or take a plane to Paris. Virtual French phone numbers are revolutionary, particularly if you require one for:
Business-related: Without physically being there, appear local to French clients.
Obtain those banking, Telegram, or WhatsApp codes for SMS verification.
Privacy: Be accessible but keep your actual number confidential.
Conserving funds: No outrageous international or roaming fees
You can literally obtain a +33 number online in a matter of seconds thanks to sites like PVAPins. It simply works, regardless of whether it's for a longer-term or one-time verification code.
You can manage SMS verifications for applications like WhatsApp, Telegram, Gmail, and even e-commerce sites like Amazon by using a fake French number.
Making International Calls to France
Since it helps to examine the exact format, let's get particular with a few examples:
From the United States or Canada: 011 + 33 + number
For instance, 011 33 1 23 45 67 89
Formatted from the UK: 00 + 33 + number
For instance, 00 33 1 23 45 67 89
From India: 00 + 33 + number in the format
For instance, 00 33 1 23 45 67 89
The +33 portion of that exit code remains constant, but you'll notice that it varies based on where you're calling from. You can call France from almost anywhere after you've mastered this routine.
The True Uses of +33 Numbers by People
To be honest, regular phone calls are arguably the least prevalent usage of the +33 code these days.
This is what's actually taking place:
App verification: SMS codes are sent by Google, PayPal, Telegram, and banking apps.
Business presence: French customers perceive you as legitimate when you have a French phone number.
Communication during travel: Maintaining contact while hopping throughout Europe
Using temporary numbers for dubious websites or sign-ups to safeguard privacy
E-commerce: Local phone numbers are frequently required by online retailers.
A +33 number essentially increases a company's trustworthiness. For the average person, convenience and protecting your personal information are more important.
Section on FAQs
Which nation makes use of the +33 code?
A: The entire country of France is covered by that.
How can I make a US phone call to a +33 number?
A: Enter 011, followed by 33, and then the number (omit the leading zero if it exists).
Is it possible to utilize +33 numbers on WhatsApp?
A: Yes, it functions flawlessly with WhatsApp and almost all other chat apps.
Q: What does a number that begins with +33 mean?
A: It indicates that the country code for the number is French.
Is it free to phone +33 numbers?
A: Unless you're using a calling app like Skype or WhatsApp, you will be charged international rates.
Is it possible to obtain a temporary +33 number online?
A: Definitely. Instant French numbers for SMS and verification are provided by services such as PVAPins.
What distinguishes +33 from numbers like 01, 02, and 03?
A: You get to France by dialing +33, and the additional numbers indicate whatever part of France you are in.

Whether you're using a French business number to look professional, make calls, or receive SMS codes, +33 is your ticket to France. In this interconnected world, it's pretty much necessary if you're dealing with anything related to France.