Calling Codes for Greece: A Comprehensive Guide

Mesan Ali
Making an international call to Greece is straightforward when you understand the necessary country and area codes. This guide will provide you with essential information about calling codes, dialing instructions, and answer frequently asked questions (FAQs) to ensure your calls to Greece are successful and efficient.
How to Call Greece?
To initiate a call to Greece, you need to be aware of its international dialing code and specific area codes. Here’s what you need to know:
Country Code
- **Greece's Country Code**: **+30**
Area Codes
Greece has various area codes that correspond to different regions. Here are a couple of notable area codes:
- Athens: 21 (e.g., 210 or 212)
- Thessaloniki: 231 (e.g., 2310 or 2312)
Dialing Instructions
The dialing format varies depending on where you are calling from. Below are the instructions for calling Greece from different regions:
From the United States
1. Dial the exit code 011.
2. Follow it with the country code +30.
3. Finally, dial the area code and the local number.
Example: To call a number in Athens with the local number 1234567, you would dial:
011-30-21-1234567
From the United Kingdom
1. Dial the exit code 00.
2. Then dial the country code +30.
3. Lastly, include the area code and local number.
Example: To call a number in Thessaloniki with the local number 1234567, you would dial:
00-30-231-1234567
Common Area Codes in Greece
Understanding area codes is crucial for ensuring your calls reach the intended destination. Below is a table of some of the most common area codes in Greece:
City/Region | Area Code |
Athens | 21 |
Thessaloniki | 231 |
Patras | 261 |
Heraklion | 281 |
Larissa | 241 |
Volos | 242 |
FAQs
Why didn’t my call to Greece go through?
Several factors could cause your call to not connect:
- You may have forgotten to include the exit code for your country.
- The area code you dialed might be incorrect.
- The local number could be inactive or unreachable.
- You might not have dialed the country code +30 before the number.
Do phone numbers in Greece typically have voicemail boxes?
Yes, many phone numbers in Greece offer voicemail services, especially for mobile phones. Users often set up personalized greetings for callers.
What does the ringing tone sound like when you call Greece?
When calling Greece, you can expect the following:
- Dial tone: A standard tone indicating you can dial.
- Busy signal: A repeated beep indicating the line is busy.
- Unobtainable message: A notification that the number cannot be connected.
Tips for International Calling
- Always double-check the area code before dialing.
- If you plan to call frequently, consider using VoIP services like WhatsApp or Skype for cost-effective communication.
- When traveling, local SIM cards can be a great option for minimizing international call costs.
Conclusion
Understanding how to properly use calling codes and area codes will make your international communication with Greece much smoother. With the information provided in this guide, you should feel equipped to make calls to Greece confidently and without hassle. Happy calling!