Short answer
Use + whenever possible; it’s the recommended and most reliable option.
00 is an international exit code used in some countries and can be tried if + doesn’t work.
Both formats are valid for international dialing.
What does + mean?
The + symbol represents the international dialing prefix.
When you dial a number starting with +, your phone automatically handles the correct exit code based on the country or network you’re calling from. This is why + is usually recommended, especially on smartphones.
What does 00 mean?
00 is an international exit code used by many countries to dial outside the country.
In some regions, an exit code like 00 (or another prefix) is used instead of + to route international calls.
Common exit code examples
00 → Used in many European countries
011 → Used in the United States and Canada
You do not need to memorize exit codes; they are included here only for recognition.
Example (US & Canada)
International format:
+44 7123456789Exit code format:
011 44 7123456789
If a call doesn’t connect using +, retry once using 00 (or the local exit code). Some networks handle exit codes differently.
Which one should I use?
In most cases:
✅ Use + first
Most smartphones automatically recognize + and convert it into the correct exit code for the network you’re on.
What if the call doesn’t connect?
If a call doesn’t connect using +:
1️⃣ Retry the call once using 00 (or the local exit code)
Some networks handle exit codes differently, which is why this retry can help in rare cases.
Related articles
How Do I Dial an International Number with Talk360? — for full number formatting
Why Is My Call Failing or Not Connecting? — If calls still don’t connect after dialing correctly