How To Understand & Dial Spanish Phone Numbers

Are you looking to get connected in Spain? Whether you’re a digital nomad, a study abroad student, or just looking to call home, getting a Spanish phone number is a must. But wait to get your nerves in a twist – we’ve got you covered with this quick guide on snagging a phone number in no time.

How Do You Write And Dial A Spanish Phone Number?

To write and dial a Spanish phone number, follow these steps:

1. Begin with the country code: +34 (Spain’s country code).
2. Add the first two digits of the Spanish phone number, which indicates the type of phone line:

91 for landlines in Madrid.

93 for landlines in Barcelona.

95 for landlines in Seville.

3. Add the remaining eight digits of the Spanish phone number.
4. To dial the number, if you are calling from outside of Spain, you would need to replace the plus sign with the international dialing prefix for your country (e.g., 011 in the United States or 00 in many European countries), followed by the country code and the Spanish phone number.

Here is an example of a Spanish phone number written and dialed:

+34 91 XXX XXXX

If you are calling this number from the United States, you will dial the following:

011 34 91 XXX XXXX

How To Narrate A Spanish Phone Number

To narrate a Spanish phone number, you can follow the phone number format, which includes the area code and the phone number itself. Here’s an example of how to narrate a Spanish phone number:

Let ‘s say the phone number is 91 234 56 78. To narrate this number, you would say “noventa y uno, doscientos treinta y cuatro, cincuenta y seis, setenta y ocho”.

Here’s a breakdown of how to narrate each part of the phone number:

• The first two digits, 91, represent the area code for Madrid. You would say “noventa y uno” to narrate the area code.
• The next three digits, 234, represent the prefix for the phone number. You would say “doscientos treinta y cuatro” to narrate the prefix.
• The final four digits, 56 78, represent the unique number of the phone. You would say “cincuenta y seis, setenta y ocho” to narrate the unique number.

When narrating a Spanish phone number, it’s essential to speak clearly and enunciate each digit so that the person you’re speaking to can easily understand the number.

Spanish Landline Phone Number Format

The format for a Spanish landline phone number is as follows:

[Country Code] [Area Code] [Phone Number]

The country code for Spain is +34. The area code depends on the location of the landline, with some of the most common area codes being:

• Madrid: 91
• Barcelona: 93
• Valencia: 96
• Seville: 95
• Malaga: 95
• Zaragoza: 976

The phone number is usually eight digits long. Here is an example of a Spanish landline phone number format:

+34 91 123 4567

This would be a landline phone number located in Madrid. The first two digits, “91,” indicate the area code for Madrid, and the remaining eight digits make up the phone number.

Spanish Mobile Phone Number Format

The format for a Spanish mobile phone number is as follows:

[Country Code] [Mobile Phone Number]

The country code for Spain is +34. Spanish mobile phone numbers are nine digits long and begin with a six or a 7. Here is an example of a Spanish mobile phone number format: +34 612 345 678. This would be a Spanish mobile phone number that starts with the digit 6. The first three digits after the country code indicate the mobile network operator, and the remaining six make up the unique subscriber number. Note that Spanish mobile phone numbers do not have area codes.

Special Prefix Phone Numbers In Spain

In Spain, several unique prefix phone numbers are used for different purposes. Here are some examples:

1. Emergency services: 

112: the universal emergency number for police, ambulance, and fire services.

2. Information and customer service: 

118xx: phone numbers used for directory assistance services (11811, 11822, etc.). 

010: used by some local governments for general information services.

3. Premium rate services: 

902xxx: phone numbers that charge higher rates than usual for services such as technical support or entertainment. 803xxx: phone numbers used for adult entertainment services.

4. Non-geographic numbers: 

90x: phone numbers that are not tied to a specific geographic location and can be used for various purposes, such as customer service or voting.

It’s important to note that calling these numbers may result in additional charges on your phone bill, depending on your service provider and the specific number you are calling.

Emergency Phone Numbers In Spain

In Spain, the emergency phone number for police, ambulance, and fire services is 112. This universal emergency number can be used throughout Spain, including the Balearic and Canary Islands.

When calling 112, an operator will answer and ask “¿En qué puedo ayudarle?” (How can I help you?). It’s important to stay calm and provide as much information as possible about the emergency, including your location and the nature of the emergency. The operator will then dispatch the appropriate emergency services to your location.

It’s also worth noting that in some areas of Spain, there are specific phone numbers for local police or medical emergencies. For example, in Madrid, the local police emergency number is 091, and the medical emergency number is 061. However, if you are still determining which number to call, it is always best to call 112.

How To Find A Phone Number In Spain?

There are several ways to find a phone number in Spain, depending on the type of phone number you are looking for. Here are some options:

Online Directories

The Spanish telephone directory, known as Paginas Blancas, is available online at https://www.paginasblancas.es/. You can search for phone numbers by name, address, or phone number. The Spanish Yellow Pages, known as Paginas Amarillas, are also available at https://www.paginasamarillas.es/. This directory allows you to search for businesses by name or category.

Mobile Apps

Several mobile apps can help you find phone numbers in Spain, such as PagesBlanches or the Paginas Amarillas app.

Calling Information Services

You can call 118xx numbers for directory assistance services. However, these numbers may charge additional fees for providing information.

Contacting The Operator

You can dial 1003 to reach the operator and ask for a phone number. However, this service may also charge additional fees.

It’s important to note that some phone numbers in Spain, particularly mobile phone numbers, may not be publicly available due to privacy concerns.

How To Get A Spanish Phone Number?

You must sign up for a mobile phone plan or a landline service to get a Spanish phone number. Here are the steps to follow:

Choose A Service Provider 

There are several telecommunications companies in Spain, such as Movistar, Orange, Vodafone, and Yoigo, that offer phone plans.

Decide On The Type Of Phone Service 

You can choose between a mobile phone plan or a landline service. Mobile phone plans are more prevalent in Spain, but landlines are still commonly used.

Choose A Phone Plan 

Depending on your needs, you can choose a phone plan with different options for minutes, data, and other features. Most service providers offer prepaid plans or postpaid plans with a contract.

Provide Identification

To get a phone number in Spain, you will need to provide identification, such as a passport or national identity card.

Activate The Phone Plan 

Once you have chosen a service provider and a phone plan, you will need to activate the plan. This usually involves signing a contract and providing payment information.

Receive Your Phone Number 

After the phone plan is activated, you will receive a phone number that you can use to make and receive calls or messages.

It’s important to note that some service providers may require a Spanish bank account or a Spanish address to sign up for a phone plan.

Conclusion

In conclusion, getting a phone number in Spain is a straightforward process that involves choosing a service provider, deciding on a phone plan, providing identification, and activating the plan. With so many telecommunications companies, you’ll be able to find a plan that suits your needs and budget. And once you’re all set up with a Spanish phone number, you’ll be able to stay in touch with friends and family, navigate your way around the country, and access all the information and services you need. So go ahead, take the plunge, and get connected in Spain