In the digital age, it is common receiving calls or messages from unknown numbers with prefixes we don't recognize. This situation can generate doubts and concern, especially given the increase in international telephone scams. The key to know which country a call is coming from is correctly identify the international prefix that accompanies the number. Each country has a unique telephone code, and by knowing it, you can find out where in the world you're being contacted and act accordingly.
Below we provide you with all the valuable information about the international prefixes, how to accurately locate them, resources and applications that can help you recognize the origin of a call, and the most effective methods to avoid being a victim of scams or phone spam. In addition, integrating knowledge from leading sources, we include a exhaustive list of world prefixes, recommended digital tools and practical tips to protect your data and your peace of mind.
What is an international prefix and what is it used for?
Un International prefix It is a set of numbers that precedes a telephone number and indicates the country from which a call is made or a message originates. It usually begins with the symbol + followed by several digits, although it is also common to find it starting with 00For example, the prefix for Spain is +34, that of Argentina +54, that of Mexico +52, the one from the United Kingdom +44 and that of the United States and Canada is +1, a code shared by many territories in the Caribbean and North America.
These codes, assigned and regulated by international organizations (such as the International Telecommunication Union), allow telephone networks to properly route each call to its final destination abroad. Without the use of the international prefix, international calls could not be completed.To expand your knowledge, you can visit our section on International phone codes.
In addition, prefixes provide important geographic, commercial and security data, since they serve as the first filter to identify the origin of any communication.
How to recognize which country a foreign phone number is from?
Identifying the origin of a call or message is easy if you look at the International prefix that appears before the number. You can do this in several ways:
- Official lists of international prefixes: Consulting a table like the one we include in this article.
- internet search: Typing the country code into Google along with the word “country code” usually returns the information instantly.
- Mobile applications and online services: There are apps and websites like Truecaller that allow you to enter the number and automatically show the country, owner's name if it is public and if the number has been reported as spam or suspicious.
- Resources integrated into messaging apps: In WhatsApp, when you add an unknown number as a new contact, the app automatically displays the country of origin associated with the prefix.
Don't forget that there are countries that share the same international prefix number. For example, The prefix +1 is used in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and the Bahamas and other Caribbean territories. If you are unsure about a number with this prefix, you can verify the identity by searching the rest of the number or using online tools.
Why is it so important to know which country a phone number belongs to?
Know the International prefix of the number that contacts you has many advantages, including:
- Call identification and screeningKnowing the country of origin helps you decide whether to answer or block an unknown call.
- Preventing telephone scams and fraudMany scammers use foreign numbers to disguise their identity. If you notice that the prefix doesn't make sense in your personal or professional context, you can avoid risks.
- Efficient management of international calls: It is key for those who work with contacts from different countries or in international companies.
- Rate recognitionCalling international numbers can be expensive. Knowing the country code helps you avoid unexpected charges.
- Filtering in messaging appsWhatsApp and other apps allow you to quickly see the country of origin, which is useful if you receive suspicious messages from unsaved numbers.
In addition, prefixes allow you to know if a call corresponds to a emergency service, toll-free number, government number or to a specific geographic area within a country. For example, in Spain, provincial prefixes such as 91 (Madrid), 93 (Barcelona), or 948 (Navarra) can also indicate the region.
Common complications when identifying an international prefix
Some common difficulties when trying to identify the country of a foreign number are:
- Variable length: Prefixes can be one, two, three, or even four digits long (not including the + symbol). For example, +1, +34, +420, or +6723.
- Territories with the same prefixAs we mentioned, there are areas that share code (NANP for North America and the Caribbean, for example).
- Virtual or temporary numbersSome services allow you to obtain virtual numbers from any country, which can make it difficult to know the actual location of the sender.
- Falsification of origin: Scammers can "spoof" the prefix using the system known as caller ID spoofing.
To resolve any doubts, it's a good idea to first identify whether there's a three- or four-digit code that matches the first numbers after the "+" or "00" symbol. If not, try the first two, and so on until you find the correct prefix. It's also helpful to consult .
How to identify which country a number is from using WhatsApp
WhatsApp is one of the apps where we most frequently receive messages from unknown international numbers. To find out where a number is coming from, all you need to do is:
- Open the conversation with the unknown number.
- Click on the options menu (three dots at the top right).
- Select “Add to Contacts” and then “Create New Contact.”
- In the form, WhatsApp will automatically indicate in the “Country” section the origin of the number thanks to the prefix.
Remember that even if the prefix indicates a country, the owner of that number may actually reside somewhere else, as apps like WhatsApp allow you to keep the same number even if you change regions or even your physical phone. To learn more, check out our complete guide on .
Online tools and applications to identify international prefixes
In addition to manual checks, there are digital solutions designed to make it easier to identify the origin of any phone number:
- Truecaller: Enter the number in the search bar, and within seconds, the app shows you the country, the possible identity associated with it, and whether it has been reported as spam. It also allows you to block suspicious numbers immediately.
- IMEI.info: Although focused on mobile phones, this site allows you to find out the country of origin of a device using the IMEI number, which uniquely identifies each phone (accessible by dialing *#06#).
- Search engines and specialized websitesSome websites offer databases with complete lists of prefixes by country and region. Simply enter the code to view the relevant information.
These tools are free and accessible from any device, providing a valuable complement to traditional lists. For more details, check out our article on .
What to do if you suspect an international phone scam?
The increase in international fraudulent calls makes it essential to take precautionary measures:
- Do not answer unknown numbers with a foreign prefix if you don't expect that call.
- Check the country and search for information about the number on tools like Truecaller or with a reverse Google search. Many scammer numbers are reported.
- Never provide personal data (names, passwords, bank details, etc.) to strangers who contact you from abroad.
- Do not return missed calls to international numbers that you don't recognize. Many scams rely on the victim calling back premium-rate numbers.
- Block and report suspicious numbers on your phone and in apps like WhatsApp.
- Check with your telephone operator If you have questions about the rate or a call received.
Most common international prefixes and their countries
- +1: United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Bahamas, Dominican Republic and other Caribbean territories.
- +34: Spain.
- +52: Mexico.
- +54: Argentina.
- +44: United Kingdom and Northern Ireland.
- +49: Germany.
- +91: India.
- +33: France.
- +39: Italy and Vatican City.
- +55: Brazil.
- +56: Chile.
- +57: Colombia.
- +58: Venezuela.
- +7: Russia and Kazakhstan.
- +90: Türkiye.
- +98: Iran.
- +81: Japan.
- +86: China.
Remember that you can consult detailed lists, like the one below, to find the specific prefix for any country in the world.
Below you have a complete table of international telephone prefixes to identify the origin of any call or message:
| Afghanistan: 93 | Albania: 355 | Germany: 49 | Andorra: 376 | Angola: 244 | eel: 1 | Antigua and Barbuda: 1 | Netherlands Antilles: 599 | Saudi Arabia: 966 |
| Algeria: 213 | Argentina: 54 | Armenian: 374 | Aruba: 297 | Australia: 61 | Austria: 43 | Azerbaijan: 994 | Bahamas: 1 | Bangladesh: 880 |
| Barbados: 1 | Belgium: 32 | Belize: 501 | Benin: 229 | Bermuda: 1 | Belarus: 375 | Bolivia: 591 | Bosnia and Herzegovina: 387 | Botswana: 267 |
| Brazil: 55 | Brunei: 673 | Bulgarian: 359 | Burkina Faso: 226 | Burundi: 257 | But, if you want more information, check out the full list in our dedicated section. |
Save this list somewhere accessible or add this page to your favorites, so you'll always have the information at hand when you need to identify the source of an unknown number.
Knowing international prefixes is essential to make quick and safe decisions Protect yourself from calls and messages from unknown numbers. Whether you're managing professional contacts, avoiding scams, or just out of curiosity, having this information will save you time and worry.
