Switzerland Phone Number Format: A Guidelines to Swiss Phone Numbers

Before making a call to Switzerland, you should know the country code (+41), and if calling from outside Switzerland, the area code (if applicable) and the local phone number. It's also helpful to be aware of time zone differences, especially when making business calls, as Switzerland is in the Central European Time (CET) zone. Additionally, be mindful of Swiss business culture, which values punctuality and formality.

• Country Code: The country code uniquely identifies a country when making overseas calls. For Switzerland, it is +41, and you must dial this code before the phone number when calling from abroad.
• Trunk Code: The trunk code is a prefix of “0” that is dialed before the area code and local number when making calls within Switzerland. The ‘0’ is replaced by the country code when making a call from outside the country.
• National Destination Code (NDC): The NDC code is typically a 2-digit number dialed after a trunk code. It indicates the area code in a landline and the carrier code in a mobile number.

Some Popular Area Codes and Mobile Prefixes in Switzerland 

• Subscriber Number: The Swiss subscriber number consists of 6 to 7 digits that come after the area code or mobile prefix.

A local phone number format for Switzerland includes a trunk code, the area or carrier code, followed by the local subscriber number.

Here’s how to dial Switzerland locally:

1. Dial ‘0’, a trunk code.
2. Dial the NDC code (area code or mobile prefix).
3. Dial local 6 or a 7-digit subscriber number.

Example of Format for Switzerland Phone Number for Local Calls
 

Landline Number: 044 123 45 67

• 0 - trunk code
• 44 - the area code for Zurich
• 123 45 67 - landline number

Mobile Number: 078 123 45 67

• 0 - trunk code
• 78 - the mobile carrier code
• 123 45 67 - mobile number

Toll-Free Number: 0800 123 456

• 0800 - Swiss toll-free code
• 123 456 - subscriber code

Swiss Premium-Rate Number: 0901 234 567

• 901 - premium number prefix
• 234 567 - subscriber number

Switzerland's international phone number format includes the exit code, the Swiss country code, followed by the area code or mobile prefix, and the local number.

Here’s how to dial Switzerland from abroad:

1. Dial the exit code of your country. The code varies by country.For example, 001 for the US and 011 for the UK.
2. Enter the NDC code (area code or mobile prefix).
3. Dial the 6 or 7-digit phone number of the recipient.

Switzerland Phone Number Format for International Call Examples:

For Landline: 011 41 44 123 45 67

• 011 - the exit code (when calling from the US)
• 41 - Switzerland's country code
• 44 - the area code for Zurich
• 123 45 67 - local landline number

For Mobile: 011 41 79 123 45 67

• 011 - the exit code (when calling from the US)
• 41 - Switzerland's country code
• 79 - A mobile prefix
• 123 45 67 - local landline number

For Toll-Free Number: 011 41 800 123 4567

• 011 - the exit code (when calling from the US)
• 41 - Switzerland's country code
• 800 - A toll-free prefix
• 123 4567 - local subscriber number

For Premium Number: 011 41 906 123 456

• 011 - the exit code (when calling from the US)
• 41 - Switzerland's country code
• 906 - Premium Number Prefix
• 123 4567 - local subscriber number

In Switzerland, various shortcodes, such as 112, 117, and 118, provide quick access to emergency services. Among them, 112 is the general emergency number in Switzerland and throughout Europe.

The most common mistake when calling Switzerland is forgetting to include the country code for overseas calls or confusing carrier prefixes and area codes.

• Omitting the Country Code for International Calls: Without the country code, it is impossible to make international calls. For example, if you dial 044 123 45 67 instead of +41 44 123 45 67, your call never reaches Switzerland. To avoid this issue, always remember to include the country code (+41) before the area code, ensuring your call is properly routed to Switzerland.
• Confusing Fixed-Line and Mobile Numbers: The National Destination Code (NDC) prefixes for landline and mobile numbers differ, so mixing them up will prevent the call from going through. Hence, check the number format carefully before placing a call.
• Connection Problem: Occasionally, weak signals or network issues can block your call to Switzerland. Thus, ensure you have a stable connection and try calling again from a different location if needed.

Understanding the structure of the Swiss phone number format is crucial for accurate connection for both local and international calls. Be mindful, landline and mobile numbers in Switzerland have different prefixes. While landlines use area code, mobile numbers use the carrier prefix. Also, remember to include the Swiss country code when making international calls.

The country code for Switzerland is +41.

To call Switzerland from the US, dial the US’s exit code (011), followed by the Swiss country code (41), area code or mobile prefix, and phone number. For example, 011 41 21 123 45 67, where 21 is the area code for Lausanne.

The Swiss mobile number starts with country code (+41) followed by a mobile prefix, and a 7-digit local number. And it looks like this: +41 76 XXX XXXX, where 76 belongs to the Sunrise mobile network.