Calling The Netherlands Your Guide To The Dutch International Dialling

The Netherlands, a country known for its charming canals, historic architecture, and vibrant culture, has a dialling system that can be a bit complex for international callers. Whether you're a business traveller, a tourist, or just a friend or family member looking to stay in touch with loved ones in the Netherlands, understanding the Dutch international dialling system is crucial. In this article, we'll take you through the step-by-step process of making an international call to the Netherlands, including the dialling codes, prefixes, and popular phone numbers.

Understanding The Dutch International Dialling System

The Dutch phone system uses the Country Code +31, followed by the Area Code (of which there are 10), then the Local Phone Number. The process of making an international call to the Netherlands can be broken down into the following steps:

Enter the Country Code (+31)
Enter the Area Code (e.g. 20 for Amsterdam, 15 for Rotterdam)
Enter the Local Phone Number (7 digits)

Quoting The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), "The +31 country code is used for all telephone numbers in the Netherlands." This means that no matter which part of the country you're calling, you'll need to start with the +31 prefix.

Area Codes In The Netherlands

The Netherlands has 10 Area Codes, ranging from 10 to 20. Some of the most popular Area Codes include:

20 - Amsterdam
15 - Rotterdam
18 - Utrecht

It's worth noting that while Area Codes can give an indication of the geographical location of a caller, some Area Codes can overlap, and not all calls within the same Area Code are local. For example, calling from Amsterdam to another part of Amsterdam may still require you to dial the full international number.

Local Phone Numbers In The Netherlands

Local Phone Numbers in the Netherlands are 7 digits long, including the prefix '0' at the beginning of the number. This prefix is only used for internal calls within the Netherlands and doesn't affect international calls.

For example, a Local Phone Number for a business in Amsterdam might look like: 00 20 1234567. In this example, the '0' is not dialed when making an international call.

Making An International Call To The Netherlands

So, if you're ready to give the Netherlands a call, here's a step-by-step guide:

Enter the Country Code: +31
Enter the Area Code: (e.g. 20 for Amsterdam)
Enter the Local Phone Number (without the '0' prefix): (e.g. 1234567)
Wait for the call to connect

Remember, you can always check the phone number by looking it up on a search engine or on a website like LinkedIn or Google Maps, which often provide the full international phone number.

Popular Phone Numbers In The Netherlands

Sometimes, making a local call in the Netherlands can get a bit tricky. Here are some popular phone numbers in the Netherlands to keep you out of trouble:

100 - Emergency Services
14 - Customer Service Numbers (like for KPN or Vodafone)
0900 - Information Services (like for information about city buses or bus companies)

It's also worth noting that, as of the year 2017, the Netherlands implemented new rules requiring businesses to display their full international phone number prominently on their business cards and websites.

Conclusion

Understanding the Dutch international dialling system can seem a bit daunting at first, but with a little practice, making international calls to the Netherlands becomes second nature. From phone numbers to dialling codes, we hope this guide has been helpful in getting you connected to the Low Countries. Remember, a little research and attention to detail is key to avoiding those pesky, expensive reverse-charged calls to the Netherlands. Happy calling!