How to Call Japan (+81)
Country code, exit codes, phone number format, and common mistakes when calling Japan from abroad.
Dialing format
Calling Japan
011 81 3 XXXX XXXX
Exit code
Dial this first to exit US
Country code
Japan country code
Area code
City/region code
Local number
The subscriber number
From the US, dial 011 to place an international call, then 81 for Japan, then the area code 3 (drop any leading 0), followed by the local number. With Telvio you dial the same format — no prefix change needed.
Exit codes by source country
The exit code depends on where YOU are calling from. On mobile phones and VoIP apps, use + instead.
| Calling from | Exit code | You dial |
|---|---|---|
| United States / Canada | 011 | 011 81 ... |
| United Kingdom | 00 | 00 81 ... |
| Australia | 0011 | 0011 81 ... |
| Most of Europe | 00 | 00 81 ... |
| Japan | 010 | 010 81 ... |
| From a mobile / VoIP app | + | +81 ... |
Japan phone number format
Common mistakes
- ✕ Keeping the leading 0 when dialing from abroad. Drop it — it is only for domestic calls within Japan.
- ✕ Using the wrong exit code. Each country has its own (US: 011, UK: 00). On mobile, just use +.
- ✕ Forgetting the country code +81. Without it, the call will fail or route locally.
Calling rates to Japan
Frequently asked questions
What is the country code for Japan?
The country code for Japan is +81. Dial this after your exit code (or use + on a mobile) before the local number.
How do I call Japan from the US?
From a US landline: dial 011 + 81 + local number. From a mobile or VoIP app like Telvio: dial +81 + local number.
Do I need to drop the leading 0 when calling Japan?
Yes. Japan uses 0 as a trunk prefix for domestic calls. When dialing internationally, drop the leading 0 from the local number.
What is the exit code to call Japan from my country?
The exit code depends on where you are calling FROM, not the destination. The US uses 011, the UK and most of Europe use 00, Australia uses 0011. On any mobile phone or VoIP app, you can use + instead.
Can I call Japan mobile phones internationally?
Yes. Dial the country code +81 followed by the mobile number (without the leading 0). VoIP apps like Telvio make this easy — just enter the full number with country code.
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