How to Phone Belgium: Dialing Guide

What You’ll Need

The full Belgian phone number you’re calling (including the area code, if it’s a landline).
Your phone’s international dialing capability (most mobile plans include this, but check if you’re using a landline or a restricted plan).
If calling from a mobile, you may need to enable international calling in your plan or add credit if prepaid.

Step-by-Step

Identify the exit code for the country you’re calling from. This is the code that lets you dial out of your country. For example, it’s 011 from the US and Canada, 00 from most European countries, and 0011 from Australia. If you’re calling from a mobile, you can often use ‘+’ instead of the exit code.
Dial Belgium’s country code: 32. This is the international prefix for Belgium.
Drop the leading zero from the Belgian number. Belgian phone numbers, both landlines and mobiles, are written with a leading 0 when dialed domestically (e.g., 02 123 45 67 for Brussels, 0471 23 45 67 for a mobile). When calling from abroad, you omit that first 0.
Dial the rest of the number. After the country code, dial the remaining digits of the Belgian number. For example, if the local number is 02 123 45 67, you would dial [exit code] 32 2 123 45 67. For a mobile like 0471 23 45 67, you’d dial [exit code] 32 471 23 45 67.
Press the call button and wait for the connection. Belgian numbers typically ring normally; you may hear a standard ringback tone.
If calling from a mobile, use ‘+’ instead of the exit code. This is often the easiest method. Press and hold the 0 key to get ‘+’, then dial 32 and the number (without the leading 0). This works from most countries and avoids needing to know the specific exit code.

Common Mistakes

Forgetting to drop the leading zero. This is the most frequent error. If you dial the number exactly as it appears locally (with the 0), the call will fail because the system will interpret the 0 as part of the country code.
Using the wrong exit code. Each country has its own exit code. Using the wrong one will either give you an error or connect you to a different country. Always double-check your country’s exit code.
Dialing the area code incorrectly. Belgian area codes can be one or two digits (e.g., 2 for Brussels, 9 for Ghent). Make sure you include the correct area code without the leading zero.
Confusing mobile and landline formats. Belgian mobile numbers always start with 04 (e.g., 0471…). When calling from abroad, you drop the 0 and dial 32 471… Landlines have area codes starting with 0, so you drop that 0 as well.

Tips

Save the number in international format in your contacts: +32 471 23 45 67. This way, you can call from anywhere without needing to adjust the number.
Check the time difference. Belgium is in Central European Time (CET, UTC+1) and Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC+2). If you’re calling from a distant timezone, make sure you’re not calling in the middle of the night.
Consider using VoIP apps like Skype, WhatsApp, or Zoom for calls to Belgium. These often use data and may be cheaper or free, especially for long conversations.
If you’re calling a Belgian mobile from abroad, the person you’re calling may be charged for receiving the call, depending on their plan. It’s polite to ask if they prefer a different method.
Test with a quick text or message first if you’re unsure about the number format. You can send a WhatsApp message to verify the number is active before making an international call.

Troubleshooting

Call doesn’t connect. Double-check the exit code and the number. Make sure you’ve dropped the leading zero. If you’re using a landline, ensure you have international calling enabled on your line.
You get a busy signal or an error message. This could mean the number is incorrect or the line is busy. Try again after a few minutes. If the error persists, verify the number with the person you’re trying to reach.
You hear a different ringtone or no ringtone. This may be a network issue. Hang up and try again. If you’re using VoIP, check your internet connection.
Call quality is poor. If you’re using a VoIP service, poor quality is often due to a weak internet connection. Try moving closer to your router or using a wired connection. On a mobile, try moving to a spot with better signal.
You accidentally dialed the 0. If you’ve already dialed the number with the 0, you’ll likely get an error or be connected to a wrong number. Hang up and redial correctly.
If you’re in Belgium and calling a Belgian number, you don’t need any exit or country codes. Just dial the number as it appears locally, including the leading 0 (e.g., 02 123 45 67).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the country code for Belgium?

The country code is +32.

Do I need to dial the area code when calling a Belgian mobile?

Belgian mobile numbers start with 04 (e.g., 0471…). When calling from abroad, you dial +32 471… (dropping the 0). There’s no separate area code for mobiles; the number itself is unique.

Can I call Belgium from a US phone?

Yes. From the US, dial 011 (exit code), then 32, then the Belgian number without the leading 0. Or simply use +32 from a mobile.

How do I call a Belgian landline from abroad?

Dial your exit code, then 32, then the area code (without the leading 0) and the local number. For example, for Brussels (area code 2), dial [exit code] 32 2 123 45 67.

Is it cheaper to call Belgium using VoIP?

VoIP services like Skype or WhatsApp often offer lower rates for international calls, especially if you’re calling a landline. Mobile-to-mobile calls may be free if both parties have data. Check your provider’s rates.

What if I’m calling from a country that uses a different exit code?

Just use the correct exit code for your country. You can find it online or in your phone’s international dialing instructions. Alternatively, use the ‘+’ shortcut on your mobile.

Sources: Belgian Federal Government (BIPT). Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.