Short Answer
✅ Use
+whenever possible; it’s the recommended and most reliable option🔁
00is an international exit code used in some countries✔️ Both formats are valid for international dialing
What Does + Mean?
The + symbol represents the international dialing prefix.
When you dial:
+CountryCodeNumber
Your phone automatically:
Detects the country you are calling from
Applies the correct exit code in the background
That’s why + is the most reliable and universal option.
What Does 00 Mean?
00 is a manual international exit code used in many countries.
Example:
0033123456789
In this case:
00= exit code33= country code
Some networks accept 00 instead of +.
Exit Code vs Country Code (Important)
These are different:
Exit code → depends on where you are calling from
Country code → depends on where you are calling to
They are never interchangeable.
Example — Calling FROM the United States
If you are physically in the US and calling France:
Recommended format:
+33123456789
Manual exit code format:
01133123456789
✔ Both reach the same destination
✔ + automatically replaces 011
Example — Calling TO the United States
If you are calling a US number from another country:
Recommended format:
+12121234567
Using 00:
0012121234567
✔ 00 = exit code
✔ 1 = country code
Which Should I Use?
Always start with:
+CountryCodeNumber
Use 00 only if + does not work on your network.
Never combine them:
+0044... ❌
If a Call Doesn’t Connect
Retry once using the alternative prefix.
If it still fails:
The issue is not related to
+or00.Check full formatting instead.
Key Takeaway
+ = universal and recommended
00 = manual alternative
Exit codes depend on where you are
Country codes depend on the destination