Have you ever received a call or needed to contact someone with a number starting with the +31 area code? You’ve come to the right place. That number originates from the Netherlands, a vibrant European country known for its picturesque canals and rich history. The 31 country code is your key to connecting with friends, family, or businesses there.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the area code 31. We’ll cover the precise steps for dialing, explain the different types of Dutch phone numbers (including the common 31 6 area code for mobiles), and provide essential security tips for handling unexpected calls. By the end, you’ll be able to navigate the Netherlands area code system with confidence.
How to Call the Netherlands Using the +31 Phone Code
Placing an international call can seem complicated, but it follows a simple, logical pattern. Using the correct sequence is essential to ensure your call connects successfully. Here’s how to use the dialing code 31.
The Step-by-Step International Dialing Process
To call a number in the Netherlands from another country, you need three key components:
- The Exit Code: This is the number you dial to signal you’re making a call outside of your current country. For callers in the USA and Canada, the exit code is 011. For most of Europe, it’s 00. On any mobile phone, you can simply use the plus (+) symbol, which automatically functions as the correct exit code no matter where you are.
- The Country Code: After the exit code, you dial 31. This is the specific international code that routes your call directly to the Netherlands.
- The National Number: This is the person’s local nine-digit phone number in the Netherlands. However, there’s one crucial step you must take here.
The Golden Rule of Dutch Dialing: Always Drop the ‘0’
Here is the most common mistake people make when using the telephone code 31. When written for domestic use, Dutch phone numbers start with a 0. For example, a landline in Amsterdam might be written as 020 123 4567, and a mobile number as 06 1234 5678.
This leading 0 is a trunk code for local calls only and must be removed when dialing from abroad. The international network and the +31 calling code handle that routing function, making the 0 unnecessary.
Example (from the US):
- To call the Amsterdam number 020 123 4567, you would dial: 011 (Exit Code) + 31 (Country Code) + 20 (Area Code) + 1234567 (Subscriber Number).
- To call the mobile number 06 1234 5678, you would dial: 011 + 31 + 6 + 12345678.
Understanding Dutch Phone Numbers: More Than Just an Area Code
The Dutch telephone numbering system is highly organized. The nine-digit number following the 31 dial code provides valuable clues about its type and location.
Geographical Numbers: Pinpointing a Location with Netherlands Area Codes
For landlines, the number is split between an area code and a subscriber number. Major cities have shorter area codes to allow for more individual phone numbers. Knowing these can help you identify where a call is from.
Here are some of the most common Netherlands area codes:
- Amsterdam: 20
- Rotterdam: 10
- The Hague: 70
- Utrecht: 30
- Eindhoven: 40
So, if you see a call from the area code of +31 followed by 20, it’s a landline from the Amsterdam region.
Mobile Numbers: The Special Case of the 31 6 Area Code
If you encounter a number with the country code 31 6, you’re dealing with a mobile phone. The 6 prefix is exclusively reserved for mobile numbers in the Netherlands. So, a number like +31 6 1234 5678 is a standard Dutch mobile number. The +6 area code is not a valid country code on its own; the 6 is the mobile indicator that follows the 31 code. This is why you often see searches for the area code +31 6 or the 316 country code—it refers specifically to these widely used mobile numbers.
Business and Special Numbers (0800, 0900, etc.)
The Netherlands also uses other prefixes for non-geographical numbers. For example, 0800 numbers are toll-free, while 0900 numbers are premium-rate services that charge the caller extra. These are typically used for businesses and special services.
Staying Safe: How to Handle Suspicious Calls from the Area Code +31
While a call from a +31 international number is often legitimate, scammers can use any country code to target potential victims. It’s crucial to be cautious with any unexpected international call.
What is the Wangiri “One-Ring” Scam?
A common global phone scam is “Wangiri,” a Japanese term meaning “one and cut.” Scammers use auto-dialers to place a call that rings only once and then disconnects. They hope your curiosity will lead you to call back.
The number they use is a high-cost, premium-rate number. If you call it back, you’ll be connected to a recording or hold music and charged exorbitant fees for every minute you stay on the line. The 31 code phone system can be exploited just like any other, so the best defense is a good offense.
Practical Tips to Avoid Phone Scams
- Don’t Call Back: Never return a call to an unknown international number. If the call is important, the person will leave a voicemail or contact you another way.
- Block the Number: Use your smartphone’s built-in feature to block any suspicious numbers immediately.
- Silence Unknown Callers: Both iPhone and Android have settings to automatically silence calls from numbers not in your contacts. This is a powerful way to avoid being disturbed by spam calls.
- Never Give Out Personal Information: Legitimate companies will never call you unexpectedly to ask for passwords, bank details, or other sensitive data.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Dialing Code 31
What area code is 31?
The phone code 31 is the country calling code for the Netherlands. It is not a local area code within a country but the identifier for the entire country itself.
Where is area code 31?
The 31 area code is assigned to the Netherlands. Any number starting with +31 is registered within the Dutch telecommunications system.
How do I call a +31 6 area code number?
A number with the +31 6 area code is a mobile phone in the Netherlands. To call it, dial your country’s exit code (or +), then 31, then 6, followed by the remaining eight digits of the mobile number. Remember to omit the leading 0 if you see it written down.
Why do some Dutch numbers look like +31 (0) 6…?
This is a common but confusing format meant to help both domestic and international callers. The (0) is a reminder for people inside the Netherlands to dial 06…. For international callers, the parentheses mean you should ignore the 0 and dial +31 6… directly.
Conclusion: You’ve Mastered the +31 Code
Understanding the +31 country code is simple once you know the rules. It’s the international gateway to the Netherlands, and by following the correct dialing format—especially remembering to drop the leading zero—you can connect without issue.
Whether you’re identifying a landline from a major city or calling a mobile number with the popular 6 area code prefix, you now have the knowledge to navigate the Dutch phone system. Most importantly, by staying vigilant against potential scams, you can ensure your communications are both successful and secure.
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