How to Call Spain from the UK

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: March 29, 2019 References

Spain is a European country that includes 17 different unique and autonomous regions, each with their own cultures and geography. If you're living in the U.K. and want to contact a friend in Spain or just plan a trip there, there are a few things you need to know. Once you know how to input the proper codes and select your calling method, you can contact Spain without draining your wallet.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Dialing the Number

1
Dial the U.K. exit code (00) in your phone. This is also known as the international direct dialing (IDD) code. Always enter this code prior to making any international calls in the U.K.^{[1]
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- Don't input the exit code when numbers have a "+" sign at the beginning. These numbers don’t require a call prefix because they are designed for international use.
2
Input Spain's country code (34) after the U.K. exit code. Before inputting the country code, make sure that your phone's screen reads "00." Afterward, input "34," which is Spain's country calling code.^{[2]
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- Regardless of the city you're calling in Spain, the first 4 digits in your phone should always be "00 34."
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3
Find the area code of the city in Spain you're calling. After the country code but before the phone number, you must enter the area code for the region in Spain you're calling. These codes are 3 to 4 digits long.^{[3]
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- For example, if you're calling Teruel, the city code is "978." This means you must input "00-34-978" before your number.
- See all of Spain's area codes here: https://www.howtocallabroad.com/spain/.
4
Dial the Spanish phone number after the relevant codes. Once everything is in order, the number in your phone should be ordered as follows: U.K. exit code (00), Spain's country code (34), the city code, and the phone number.^{[4]
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- For example, if you're calling "555-5555" from the U.K. to the city of Turuel in Spain, the final number is "00-34-978-555-5555."

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using Long-Distance Calling Methods

1
Call mobile Spanish numbers to avoid charges. Typically, Spanish mobile operators don't charge cell phone owners for receiving calls or texts from another country. Ask your contact in Spain for their mobile number—which is prefixed with a 6 or 7—to save them money on potential charges.^{[5]
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- Landline numbers in Spain start with "70."
- The only exception to this rule is when people use prepaid Spanish SIM cards.
2
Use a voice-over IP (VoIP) service for reliable long-distance calling. VoIP services are phone services that use the internet. Check the plans and pricing of each potential provider. Be sure to check if they offer free service when connecting to other subscribers. For services that don't offer this, you will need to purchase credits online.^{[6]
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- Most VoIP services are usable on phone, PCs, and Macs, but be sure to check each service's compatibility with the medium you plan to use.
3
Call landline and mobile Spanish numbers using a Skype account. Skype's international calling rates don't vary based on time. You have two payment options for Skype: Skype Credit or a subscription.
- Ask your contact in Spain to get Skype so you can make Skype-to-Skype calls, which are free.
- Take a look at Skype calling rates here: https://www.skype.com/en/features/call-phones-and-mobiles/.
4
Download Facebook messenger to call Spain for free. Download Facebook Messenger on your PC, Mac, or phone to call Spain for free. Just open the app, select your contact, and click the "Call" button in the top-right corner. Just make sure it's blue—if it isn't, your contact is offline or has an old version of Facebook Messenger that doesn't have voice call support.^{[7]
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- In order to call Spain using Facebook Messenger, both you and your contact must have version 4.0 or higher of the Facebook Messenger or Facebook app.
5
Call Spain using WhatsApp for a free long-distance calling method. Start by opening WhatsApp's chat window and clicking on the phone icon at the top. Just remember that your Spain contact must have WhatsApp as well as an active internet connection.^{[8]
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- Remember that WhatsApp connections are less reliable than other options, so don't be surprised if your call drops out.
6
Use a pre-paid phone card for cheap long-distance calling. Head to a convenience store, big-box store, or chain pharmacy and purchase a pre-paid phone card. Be sure to check that the card works with your phone, country (U.K), and destination (Spain).^{[9]
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- Register with an online account with a provider like Zaptel for many different phone card options.
- When calling with a phone card, don't dial the Spanish numbers directly from your address book or you will be charged the standard long-distance rate.
- Always ask your service provider about any extra charges you will incur when using a phone card.