How to Call France from the UK: Codes, Costs and Options

Calling France from the UK: Quick Answer

To call France from the UK, dial +33 followed by the French phone number without its initial zero. From a UK phone that requires an international access prefix, use 00 33 instead of +33.

For example, a French mobile written as 06 XX XX XX XX becomes +33 6 XX XX XX XX. A landline written as 01 XX XX XX XX becomes +33 1 XX XX XX XX. These are placeholder formats; use the recipient's actual digits.

With Voxa, you can call supported French landlines and mobiles from your browser. Rates checked October 14, 2026: €0.04/min for France landlines and €0.11/min for mobiles. Check live France calling rates before you call.

How to Dial a French Number Correctly

Ordinary metropolitan French phone numbers are normally written with ten digits in domestic format, beginning with 0. When calling internationally, +33 replaces that first zero, leaving nine digits after the country code.

Do not dial +33 0 followed by the number. If a website lists +33 (0)1, the zero in parentheses is a reminder for domestic callers. Omit it when using +33.

France's regulator, Arcep, publishes the numbering plan. French overseas destinations can use other international codes; ask for the full international number instead of assuming every French territory uses +33.

French Landlines, Mobiles, and Special Numbers

For ordinary metropolitan numbers, 06 and 07 are familiar mobile prefixes. Numbers beginning 01 through 05 and 09 are commonly used for fixed or non-mobile telephone services. The rate quoted by your calling provider for the full number is the useful price check.

Treat 08 service numbers and short codes separately. A domestic freephone number is not necessarily free or reachable from abroad. If a bank, airline, or customer-service department publishes only a special number, look for its international contact number.

A number's prefix does not guarantee a person's current location. Someone with a French mobile number may be travelling, and number portability can make assumptions about the current network unreliable.

What Does Calling France from the UK Cost?

Your UK operator's international tariff and Voxa's destination tariff are different products. Check both against the same number type and call length.

These are examples based on Voxa's public France rates checked October 14, 2026. Prices are in euros. Your payment method may apply currency conversion charges. Actual cost depends on billed duration and the rate shown for your destination; internet access costs are separate.

For your own estimate, multiply the expected billed minutes by the displayed rate. If comparing a UK operator's international add-on, include the add-on price and any charges beyond the allowance. Check billing increments and special-number exclusions too.

Are Calls to France Included in a UK Phone Plan?

Some UK plans include international minutes or sell an add-on that covers France. Others charge an international rate even if you have unlimited UK calls. Confirm that the allowance covers both the destination and the type of number you are calling.

An allowance for European roaming is a separate matter. Calling France while in the UK is international calling; using a UK SIM while in France is roaming. Do not use a roaming allowance as evidence that an outbound call from the UK is included.

The same caution applies to your operator's Wi-Fi calling feature. Using Wi-Fi with your normal SIM does not automatically change an international call into a free call. Check the operator's billing terms for that feature.

Choose the Calling Method That Fits the Recipient

Calling a Hotel, Bank, Business, or Landline

Use your operator's international calling option or a service that connects to real telephone numbers. With Voxa, the recipient answers their normal French phone. No shared app is required.

Pay-as-you-go calling can suit one-off needs, such as arranging accommodation, confirming an appointment, or phoning customer support. For several providers to consider, see our prepaid international calling comparison.

Calling Friends Who Use the Same App

WhatsApp, Signal, and similar apps can be convenient when both people are online and already use the service. Those app calls do not dial an ordinary French landline. Mobile data charges may still apply.

If your contact cannot receive an app call, use their standard phone number instead. Our Voxa versus WhatsApp guide explains when each approach helps.

Calling Frequently Every Month

If you call France regularly, compare prepaid spending with an international bundle. A subscription can be worthwhile when it includes your number types and enough minutes to cover your actual usage. For occasional calls, the subscription fee may exceed the cost of the minutes you use.

How to Call France from Your Browser with Voxa

1. Get the recipient's full French number and confirm it is an ordinary landline or mobile.
2. Open France rates and coverage and check the current price.
3. Sign in to Voxa, add calling credit, and allow microphone access.
4. Enter +33 and the French number without its initial domestic zero.
5. Review the rate displayed for the destination and start your call.

Use a stable Wi-Fi or mobile data connection. Headphones can improve privacy and reduce audio feedback. The recipient does not need a Voxa account, smartphone, or internet connection to answer the phone-network call.

Common Problems When Calling France

• The number does not connect: remove the zero after +33 and confirm you have not added the country code twice.
• A customer-service number fails: check whether it is a short code or special service number and look for a normal international alternative.
• The browser cannot hear you: allow microphone access and select the correct audio input.
• Audio is choppy: try a more stable connection and follow our VoIP audio troubleshooting guide.

For other destinations, our EU browser calling guide covers the wider workflow. Always use the current destination rate rather than assuming all European countries have the same tariff.

Sources and Rate Check

Number-format guidance is based on Arcep's French numbering resources and its international-format example. Cost examples use Voxa's public rates API, checked October 14, 2026. See the live France rates page for current prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I call France from the UK?

Dial +33 followed by the French number without its first zero. From a conventional UK phone that uses an international access prefix, dial 00 33 followed by the number without its first zero. In Voxa, use the +33 format.

Do I keep the zero after +33?

No. For an ordinary metropolitan French number, remove its leading domestic zero when you add +33. A number written as 06 XX XX XX XX becomes +33 6 XX XX XX XX. If a contact writes +33 (0), omit the parenthesised zero.

How much does it cost to call France from the UK with Voxa?

The Voxa public rates checked on October 14, 2026 were €0.04 per minute for France landlines and €0.11 per minute for mobiles. At those rates, 10 billed minutes cost €0.40 or €1.10 respectively. Review the current destination rate before calling.

Are calls to France included in my UK mobile allowance?

It depends on your operator and plan. Domestic UK minutes do not necessarily include international calls to France. Check whether France and the relevant number type are included before using your normal phone dialer.

Is calling France from the UK the same as roaming in France?

No. Calling a French number while you are in the UK is international calling. Using your UK SIM while physically in France is roaming. Your operator can have different prices and allowances for each.

Can I call a French landline from my browser?

Yes. Voxa supports calls to ordinary French landlines from a browser using paid credit. Enter the full +33 number, allow microphone access, and check the displayed rate. The recipient does not need an app or internet access.