After you move to Madrid and get a SIM card, you must learn how local dialing works. This guide explains Spanish phone number formats and provincial prefixes.
Spanish phone number structure
A Spanish número de teléfono (phone number) always consists of nine digits. This applies to both landlines and mobile numbers.
Unlike some countries, Spain does not use a trunk code like zero before the phone number. You always dial all nine digits.
Mobile numbers always start with the digit six or seven. Mobile numbers do not use regional prefixes.
Landlines always start with the digit nine or eight. The next two digits indicate the province of the landline.
How to dial Spanish numbers from abroad
You must use the Spanish country code to call Spain from another country. The country code for Spain is +34 (or 0034).
To call a Spanish mobile or landline from abroad, dial +34 followed by the nine-digit number. Do not add any extra digits.
If you save numbers in your phone contact list, always include the +34 prefix. This allows you to call and send WhatsApp messages without issues.
When dialing from a foreign landline, you might need to dial 00 instead of the plus sign. Check your local operator rules.
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Landline prefixes by province
Spanish landline numbers use prefijos provinciales (provincial prefixes) to show where the phone is located. The prefix is part of the nine digits.
Madrid landlines always start with 91 or 81. You must dial these digits even when calling from within Madrid.
Other major cities use different two-digit prefixes. For example, Barcelona landlines start with 93 or 83.
Smaller provinces use three-digit prefixes. For example, Seville landlines start with 954 or 955.
Example: To call a Madrid landline from another Spanish phone, dial 91X XX XX XX. To call the same landline from abroad, dial +34 91X XX XX XX.
Toll-free and premium rate numbers
You will see special prefixes when calling companies or government offices. These prefixes determine the cost of the call.
Numbers starting with 900 or 800 are números gratuitos (free numbers). The company pays for the entire call.
Numbers starting with 901 and 902 are shared-cost numbers. You should avoid calling these numbers if possible.
Calls to 902 numbers are not included in standard mobile flat rates. They can cost over 50 cents per minute.
Numbers starting with 803, 806, or 807 are premium-rate numbers. They are used for adult services, entertainment, or specialized support.
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Special short numbers and emergencies
Spain uses several short numbers for emergency services and public administration. These numbers have three digits.
The main emergency number is 112. This number is free and connects you to police, ambulance, and fire services.
You can dial 112 from any active phone, even without a SIM card. Operators can answer in English and Spanish.
Other short numbers charge standard call rates or a small fee. For example, dial 010 to reach the Madrid city council.
You can dial 091 to reach the national police. Dial 092 to reach the municipal police.
Questions and answers
Do I dial a zero before a Spanish number?
No. Spain does not use a leading zero for domestic or mobile calls. You dial the nine digits directly.
Are calls to 900 numbers free from mobiles?
Yes. Calls to 900 and 800 numbers are completely free from both landlines and mobiles.
How can I avoid 902 calling fees?
Look for landline equivalents. Many companies must provide a standard landline number alongside their 902 number. Search online for the alternative number.
Can I receive SMS messages on a Spanish landline?
No. Spanish landlines do not support SMS text messages. You should only use mobile numbers for two-factor authentication.
What prefix does Valencia use?
96 or 86. Landlines in the Valencia province start with these digits.
Can I call emergency services without mobile signal?
Yes. If your network has no coverage, your phone will connect to any available network to call 112.
