The international country code 46 belongs to Sweden. Any time you see a phone number beginning with the +46 prefix, or its landline equivalent 0046, it signifies that the call originates from or is registered to the Swedish telephone network. This is the essential fact for anyone looking to connect with this vibrant Nordic country.
This article is your definitive guide to the 46 country code. You will learn not only what this code means but also the exact, step-by-step process for dialing Swedish landlines and mobile numbers from anywhere in the world. We will provide a comprehensive list of Swedish area codes, from major cities like Stockholm to smaller towns, ensuring your call connects successfully every time. Crucially, this guide also provides expert advice on how to identify and protect yourself from potential phone scams that may originate from or spoof numbers with the +46 country code.
The Core Explanation: Decoding the +46 Sweden Country Code
Understanding the +46 country code is the first step to mastering international communication with Sweden. This section breaks down what the 46 phone code officially represents and places it within the larger context of Sweden’s other international identifiers.
What is Country Code 46?
The number 46 is the unique country calling code assigned to the Kingdom of Sweden by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This international code 46 acts as a global address, ensuring that any call intended for a Swedish number is correctly routed through the worldwide telephone network to Sweden. If you’ve ever wondered, “46 is which country code?” or “what country code is 46?” the answer is definitively Sweden.
All telephone numbers in the country, including their structure and allocation, are managed by the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS), the national regulatory body for electronic communications.
Sweden’s Digital Identity: More Than Just a Phone Code
For anyone engaging with Sweden on an international level, a full set of identifiers is often needed. The country code for Sweden is just one piece of its digital footprint.
- ISO 3166 Codes: The International Organization for Standardization provides several key codes for Sweden.
- SE: This is the two-letter code and the most common identifier. It’s the basis for the se country code and the .se country code used for websites. If you see country code se, it refers to Sweden.
- SWE: This is the three-letter swe country code, often used in sports or international data applications.
- 752: This is the three-digit numeric code used for statistical purposes.
- Internet Top-Level Domain (TLD): The official internet domain for Sweden is .se.
Knowing this full suite of codes provides a complete reference, answering questions like “what country code is se?” and highlighting the different ways the country 46 is identified globally.
The Deep Dive: A Step-by-Step Guide to Calling Sweden
Successfully placing a call to Sweden requires more than just the 46 dialing code. It involves understanding the structure of a 46 phone number and following the correct dialing sequence. This section is a practical guide to prevent common errors.
The Anatomy of a Swedish Phone Number
Sweden uses a variable-length numbering plan. The standard international format for a Swedish number consists of three parts:
- Country Code: +46
- Area Code: 1 to 4 digits (e.g., 8 for Stockholm)
- Subscriber Number: 5 to 8 digits
The Golden Rule: Dropping the ‘0’
The most critical step, and the most common mistake, involves the national trunk code. Within Sweden, area codes and mobile prefixes start with a 0. For example, the Stockholm country code is 08, and mobile numbers start with prefixes like 070.
When dialing from outside Sweden, you must always drop this leading ‘0’. Failing to do so will result in a failed call.
- Landline Example: A number in Stockholm listed as 08-123-4567 becomes +46-8-123-4567 when dialed internationally.
- Mobile Example: A mobile number listed as 071-234-5678 becomes +46-71-234-5678 when using the +46 phone code.
How to Call Sweden from the USA & Canada
Follow this four-step process:
- Dial the US/Canada Exit Code: Dial 011.
- Dial Sweden’s Country Code: Dial 46.
- Dial the Swedish Area Code: Dial the 1- to 4-digit area code 46, omitting the leading ‘0’. For Stockholm, dial 8.
- Dial the Local Subscriber Number: Dial the final phone number.
- Complete Example (Landline in Stockholm): 011 – 46 – 8 – XXXX XXXX
- Complete Example (Mobile Number): 011 – 46 – 7X – XXX XXXX
How to Call Sweden from the UK & Europe
The process is similar but uses a different exit code.
- Dial the Standard International Exit Code: Dial 00.
- Dial Sweden’s Country Code: Next, dial 46. This creates the 00 46 country code prefix.
- Dial the Swedish Area Code: Dial the area code, again omitting the leading ‘0’. For Gothenburg, you would dial 31.
- Dial the Local Subscriber Number: Dial the final subscriber number.
- Complete Example (Landline in Gothenburg): 00 – 46 – 31 – XXX XXXX
The Universal Method: Calling Sweden from Any Mobile Phone
Modern smartphones simplify international dialing with the plus (+) symbol.
- Enter the Plus Symbol: Press and hold the 0 key until + appears. This automatically replaces any exit code.
- Dial the Full International Number: Immediately after the +, dial the country code +46, the area code (without the 0), and the local number.
- Complete Example (from any mobile to Stockholm): +46 8 XXXX XXXX
This is the most reliable way to use the 46 calling code from any mobile device.
| City/Metropolitan Area | Area Code (National / International) |
| Stockholm | 08 / 8 |
| Gothenburg (Göteborg) | 031 / 31 |
| Malmö | 040 / 40 |
| Uppsala | 018 / 18 |
| Västerås | 021 / 21 |
| Linköping | 013 / 13 |
| Örebro | 019 / 19 |
| Helsingborg | 042 / 42 |
| Jönköping | 036 / 36 |
| Norrköping | 011 / 11 |
| Lund | 046 / 46 |
Table 1: A quick reference for major Swedish city area codes.
| Main Postal Town / Region | Area Code (National / International) |
| Alingsås-Vårgårda | 0322 / 322 |
| Arvika | 0570 / 570 |
| Borlänge | 0243 / 243 |
| Borås | 033 / 33 |
| Eskilstuna-Torshälla | 016 / 16 |
| Falun | 023 / 23 |
| Gävle-Sandviken | 026 / 26 |
| Gotland | 0498 / 498 |
| Halmstad | 035 / 35 |
| Kalmar | 0480 / 480 |
| Karlskrona | 0455 / 455 |
| Karlstad | 054 / 54 |
| Kiruna | 0980 / 980 |
| Kristianstad | 044 / 44 |
| Luleå | 0920 / 920 |
| Skövde | 0500 / 500 |
| Sundsvall-Timrå | 060 / 60 |
| Umeå | 090 / 90 |
| Växjö | 0470 / 470 |
| Östersund | 063 / 63 |
Table 2: A comprehensive list of geographic area codes across Sweden.
Clearing Up Confusion: Common Myths and Mistakes
International dialing can be confusing. This section clarifies common misunderstandings about the swedish country code.
+46 vs. 0046: What’s the Difference?
These prefixes are functionally the same but used on different devices.
- 0046: This is the standard format for landlines in most of the world. The 00 is the international exit code. So, the country code 0046 is correct for a landline call from Europe.
- +46: This is the universal symbol for mobile phones. The + automatically uses the correct exit code for your location.
Country Code 46 vs. Area Code 046 (Lund)
This is a frequent point of confusion.
- 46 (as in +46) is the dialing code 46 for the entire country of Sweden.
- 046 is the specific area code for the city of Lund. The 046 country code is a misnomer; it’s a local area code.
When calling Lund from abroad, you will use the number 46 twice: +46 46 XXX XXXX. The first +46 is the country code, and the second 46 is the area code for Lund.
Practical & Actionable Advice: WARNING – Staying Safe from +46 Phone Scams
While the 46 international code is for legitimate communication, it’s vital to protect yourself from fraudulent calls that appear to use this prefix.
Why You Might Get Unsolicited Calls from Sweden (+46)
Not every unexpected call from a +46 phone number is a scam. It could be a legitimate business, a friend traveling, or a misdial. However, with the rise of global phone scams, caution is always the best approach. Fraudsters often “spoof” international numbers like the 46 telephone code to appear credible.
Common Phone Scams to Watch For
- Imposter Scams: Scammers impersonate trusted entities like your bank, a government agency, or a tech support company. They create panic to pressure you into sending money or revealing personal information.
- “One-Ring” (Wangiri) Scam: Your phone rings once from an unknown +46 country number and hangs up. They hope you’ll call back, connecting you to a premium-rate number that charges exorbitant fees.
- Phishing/Smishing: You receive a text message from a 46 code phone number with a malicious link designed to steal your data.
| Red Flag / Tactic | What it Means / What to Do |
| Urgency or Threats | The caller claims your account is in danger or you will be arrested. This is a pressure tactic. Hang up immediately. |
| Request for Personal Information | The caller asks for your bank details, passwords, or Social Security Number. Legitimate organizations will not ask for this. Do not provide it. |
| Specific Payment Methods | The caller demands payment via gift card, crypto, or wire transfer. This is a 100% certain sign of a scam. |
| A “One-Ring” Call | Your phone rings once from an unknown international number. Do not call back. |
Official Advice: How to Protect Yourself
- Hang Up: If a call feels suspicious, end it.
- Don’t Share Codes: Never share two-factor authentication codes or bank login details.
- Don’t Trust the Caller ID: Scammers can spoof any number. Verify claims independently.
- Report the Scam: Contact your bank and local law enforcement immediately if you think you’ve been targeted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are direct answers to common questions about the 46 dial code.
Q1: What country uses the +46 country code? A: The country code +46 is for Sweden. It’s the international 46 calling code for the entire country.
Q2: How do I call a +46 number from the United States? A: Dial the US exit code (011), then the country code of 46, followed by the Swedish area code (without its leading ‘0’), and the local number. For example: 011-46-8-XXXX-XXXX for Stockholm.
Q3: Is a call from a +46 number a scam? A: Not always, but be cautious. If the call is unexpected and asks for money or personal information, it is likely a scam. When in doubt, hang up.
Q4: What is the area code for Stockholm, Sweden? A: The area code for Stockholm is 8 when dialing internationally (e.g., +46 8…) and 08 for calls within Sweden.
Q5: What is the difference between dialing +46 and 0046? A: Both are used to call Sweden internationally. +46 is the universal format for mobile phones, while 0046 is the standard for landlines in many countries, where 00 is the exit code.
Conclusion
This guide has thoroughly covered the 46 country code. We have established that 46 is the country code for Sweden. You are now equipped to dial the sweden dialing code correctly from any device and location, remembering the crucial rule of dropping the leading ‘0’ from the area code. You have access to comprehensive area code lists and, most importantly, are armed with official guidance to recognize and protect yourself from phone scams.
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