Telephone numbers in Austria: format, prefixes, and dialing rules

Dialing rules and examples

To call within Austria, dial the trunk prefix 0, then the area code and the subscriber number. From outside Austria, omit the trunk 0 and use the country code +43, followed by the area code and subscriber number. For example, a number in Vienna is commonly shown as 01 234 5678 when dialled domestically and as +43 1 234 5678 from abroad. A smaller town will have a longer area code and a shorter subscriber number, but the same principle applies.

Structure and common categories

The numbering plan distinguishes geographic (area) numbers, mobile numbers and special-service numbers. Geographic numbers use area codes of varying lengths — large cities have short area codes so subscriber numbers can be longer, while rural areas have longer area codes and shorter subscriber numbers. Mobile and non-geographic services are allocated separate ranges that are not tied to a location.

• Country code: +43
• International access: 00
• Trunk prefix for national calls: 0
• Emergency and short codes: standard European emergency 112 is available; Austria also maintains national emergency short numbers for police, fire and medical services.

Emergency, special and premium numbers

Short emergency numbers operate alongside the pan-European 112. Other short codes provide quick access to police, fire and ambulance services. In addition, non-geographic and premium-rate services use dedicated prefixes and are billed differently from ordinary geographic calls. When using any special service number from abroad or via certain providers, billing and access rules may vary.

History, portability and formatting

The Austrian system evolved from earlier regional and analogue plans into a modern national scheme that permits variable-length numbering. Number portability allows subscribers to keep their numbers when changing providers, so prefixes no longer always indicate the original operator. When writing Austrian numbers for international use, the recommended format places the country code first: +43 followed by the national number without the initial 0. For more technical or regulatory details see official numbering information.