Country Code 113: International Calling Guide and Information
Country code 113 is not currently assigned to any nation in the international telephone numbering plan administered by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
While there are many valid country codes ranging from single digits (like 1 for North America) to three digits (like 996 for Kyrgyzstan), 113 is not among the officially designated country calling codes. However, the digits 113 are used as an emergency service number in several countries, including Italy (police), Romania (transport police), and Vietnam (police emergency).
Understanding International Country Codes
Before exploring the specific case of 113, it's important to understand how international country codes work:
What Are Country Codes?
Country codes (also called country calling codes) are numerical prefixes that must be dialed before the national telephone number when making international calls. They are assigned by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a specialized agency of the United Nations.
Some key characteristics of country codes:
- They range from 1 to 3 digits in length
- They are unique to each country or geographic region
- Historically significant or larger telecommunications markets often received shorter codes
- Neighboring countries often have similar codes (e.g., European countries often share the first digit)
- Not all numbers in the 1-999 range are assigned as country codes
How International Calling Works
To place an international call, you typically follow this sequence:
- International Exit Code: The code that signals you're making an international call (e.g., 011 in the USA, 00 in Europe, + on mobile phones)
- Country Code: The 1-3 digit code for the destination country
- Area Code: Regional code within the country (often dropping the leading zero when dialing internationally)
- Local Number: The specific telephone number you're trying to reach
For example, to call a London, UK number (+44 20 1234 5678) from the United States:
- 011 (US exit code) + 44 (UK country code) + 20 (London area code) + 1234 5678 (local number)
- You would dial: 011 44 20 1234 5678
Examples of Valid Country Codes
Here are some examples of officially assigned country codes around the world:
| Country/Region | Country Code | Number of Digits |
|---|---|---|
| United States, Canada, and Caribbean | 1 | 1 |
| Russia | 7 | 1 |
| Brazil | 55 | 2 |
| United Kingdom | 44 | 2 |
| France | 33 | 2 |
| China | 86 | 2 |
| India | 91 | 2 |
| Australia | 61 | 2 |
| Nigeria | 234 | 3 |
| Bangladesh | 880 | 3 |
The Status of Country Code 113
With the background on country codes established, let's examine the specific case of the number 113:
113 is Not an Assigned Country Code
According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and their official recommendations (ITU-T E.164), the country code 113 is not currently assigned to any country or territory. The available evidence confirming this includes:
- It does not appear in the official ITU listing of country codes
- No national telecommunications authority claims 113 as their country code
- It is not recognized in international dialing plans
- Major telecommunications carriers do not route calls with the +113 prefix to any specific country
This means that dialing +113 or 00113 (depending on your country's exit code) as an international prefix will not connect you to any country's telephone network.
Country Code Number Ranges
Country codes are allocated within specific number ranges. The range that would include 113 would be the three-digit codes starting with "1". Here are the currently assigned country codes in this range:
| Country Code | Country/Region |
|---|---|
| 1 | North American Numbering Plan (USA, Canada, Caribbean) |
| 7 | Russia, Kazakhstan |
| 20 | Egypt |
| 27 | South Africa |
| 30 | Greece |
| 31 | Netherlands |
| ... | ... |
| 1xx | Various three-digit codes (none currently use 113) |
As you can see, 113 does not appear in this list. The ITU reserves some codes for future assignment or special purposes, and 113 may fall into this category.
Possible Sources of Confusion
There are several reasons why people might search for or ask about country code 113:
- Confusion with Area Codes: Within some countries, 113 may be used as an internal area or city code. This is different from a country code.
- Confusion with Emergency Numbers: In several countries, 113 is used as an emergency service number (discussed in detail below).
- Misremembered Country Codes: People might confuse 113 with actual country codes like 213 (Algeria) or 131 (which is not assigned either).
- Typos or Transcription Errors: When noting a country code, someone might accidentally transpose digits from a valid code.
113 as an Emergency and Service Number Worldwide
While 113 is not a country code, it is used as an important service number in several countries:
Countries Using 113 as an Emergency or Service Number
| Country | Service | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | Police Emergency (Polizia di Stato) | One of Italy's primary emergency numbers |
| Vietnam | Police Emergency | Used for reporting crimes and emergencies |
| Romania | Transport Police | For transportation-related emergencies |
| Nepal | Traffic Police | For traffic accidents and violations |
| Latvia | Gas Emergency Service | For reporting gas leaks and related emergencies |
| Netherlands | Non-emergency Police (in some regions) | For non-urgent police matters |
It's important to note that emergency number systems vary by country, and while 113 serves specific emergency functions in these countries, it may not work as an emergency number when traveling. International travelers should always familiarize themselves with local emergency numbers.
113 in Emergency Number Systems
Many countries are moving toward standardized emergency numbers or at least recognizing common emergency numbers from other regions. Here's how 113 fits into the broader context of emergency numbering:
Common Primary Emergency Numbers
- 112 - Standard emergency number in the European Union
- 911 - Emergency number in the United States and many other countries
- 999 - Emergency number in the United Kingdom and many Commonwealth countries
- 000 - Emergency number in Australia
Service-Specific Emergency Numbers
- 113 - Police in Italy, Vietnam, and other countries
- 114 - Child helpline in several countries
- 115 - Fire department in many countries
- 118 - Ambulance in some European countries
In many countries, both the unified emergency number (like 112) and service-specific numbers (like 113) will work. This redundancy helps ensure that people can access emergency services in the way most familiar to them.
International Dialing Guide for Travelers
For international travelers, understanding how to make calls abroad can be confusing. Here's a practical guide:
Making International Calls
To make an international call, follow these steps:
- Dial the International Exit Code: This signals that you're making an international call
- From the US/Canada: 011
- From most European countries: 00
- From Japan: 010
- From Australia: 0011
- Using a mobile phone: "+" symbol (this works in most countries)
- Dial the Country Code: The 1-3 digit code for the destination country
- Dial the Area Code: Often dropping the leading zero if present
- Dial the Local Number: The specific phone number
Example: Calling a number in Rome, Italy (+39 06 1234 5678) from the United States:
- 011 (US exit code) + 39 (Italy country code) + 06 (Rome area code) + 1234 5678 (local number)
- You would dial: 011 39 06 1234 5678
Using Mobile Phones Internationally
When using mobile phones for international calling, there are some special considerations:
- Using the Plus Sign: On most mobile phones, you can use the "+" symbol (usually by long-pressing the "0" key) instead of the exit code. The phone automatically substitutes the correct exit code based on your location.
- Saving International Contacts: Save international numbers in your phone with the "+" prefix and full country code for universal dialing.
- Roaming Considerations: Be aware that making and receiving calls while traveling internationally can incur significant roaming charges. Consider local SIM cards, international plans, or Wi-Fi calling apps.
- Emergency Calls: Most mobile phones will connect to any available network for emergency calls, even without a SIM card or with a locked phone.
Country Codes and Time Zones
When making international calls, it's important to be mindful of time zone differences. Here's a quick reference for some major countries:
| Country | Country Code | Time Zone(s) | UTC Offset |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 1 | Multiple | UTC-5 to UTC-10 |
| United Kingdom | 44 | GMT/BST | UTC+0/+1 |
| Australia | 61 | Multiple | UTC+8 to UTC+11 |
| Japan | 81 | JST | UTC+9 |
| Germany | 49 | CET/CEST | UTC+1/+2 |
| Brazil | 55 | Multiple | UTC-2 to UTC-5 |
| India | 91 | IST | UTC+5:30 |
Remember to check the current time in your destination country before making international calls to avoid calling at inconvenient hours.
International Calling Alternatives
With advances in technology, traditional international calling is no longer the only option for communicating across borders:
Modern Alternatives to Traditional International Calls
Internet-Based Calling Apps
- WhatsApp, Skype, Facebook Messenger, and other apps offer free voice and video calls over Wi-Fi or mobile data
- Quality depends on internet connection speed
- No need for country codes when calling within the same app
- Many apps allow calling to regular phone numbers for a fee
Voice Over IP (VoIP) Services
- Services like Google Voice, Vonage, and Skype offer lower rates for international calls
- Can call regular phone numbers worldwide
- Still requires country codes when dialing
- Often accessible from multiple devices
International Calling Cards
- Pre-paid cards that offer reduced rates for international calls
- Usually requires dialing an access number first
- No need for international roaming
- Can be used from landlines and payphones
Mobile Carrier International Plans
- Many carriers offer international calling packages
- Can provide reduced per-minute rates or monthly allowances
- May include text messaging and data roaming
- Usually requires activation before traveling
Cost Comparison
The cost of communicating internationally varies dramatically depending on the method:
| Method | Approximate Cost | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard International Call (mobile) | $1-3 per minute | Convenience, no special setup | Expensive, roaming charges |
| International Calling Plan | $5-20 monthly + $0.05-0.50/min | Reduced per-minute rates | Monthly commitment, limited minutes |
| Calling Card | $0.05-0.20 per minute | Low rates, no internet needed | Access numbers, expiration dates |
| VoIP Services | $0.01-0.10 per minute | Low rates, call any number | Requires internet, setup |
| Internet Calling Apps | Free (app-to-app) | No cost, video capability | Both parties need app, internet |
Note: Rates vary by provider, destination country, and other factors. These are approximate ranges based on common offerings as of 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can country code 113 be assigned to a country in the future?
Yes, it's technically possible that country code 113 could be assigned in the future. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) manages the allocation of country codes and has the authority to assign previously unallocated codes as needed. However, several factors make this unlikely in the near future: 1) Many existing country codes have plenty of capacity for their national numbering plans, reducing the need for new codes; 2) The fact that 113 is already used as an emergency service number in several countries (Italy, Vietnam, etc.) creates potential confusion and conflicts; 3) There are other unassigned country codes that might be preferable for new assignments. If 113 were to be assigned as a country code, it would likely be through an ITU World Conference on International Telecommunications, and would require significant advance notice to global telecommunications carriers.
Does the +113 prefix have any special meaning in telecommunications?
The +113 prefix does not currently have a standardized special meaning in international telecommunications like some other codes do. For comparison, certain prefixes serve specific purposes: +800 is used for International Freephone Service (UIFN), +878 is for Universal Personal Telecommunications, and +979 is for International Premium Rate Service. While +113 is not officially designated for any specific service, it falls within the range that could theoretically be used for future global services rather than country-specific allocations. Some telephone systems might interpret attempts to dial +113 as an error or misdialed emergency number (113) depending on their programming, but there is no universal rule for how carriers handle this unallocated prefix. For accurate international dialing, always use valid country codes as specified by the ITU.
How can I find the correct country code for international calling?
To find the correct country code for international calling, you have several reliable options. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) maintains the official registry of country codes, which you can access on their website (itu.int). Most major mobile carriers provide country code information through their websites or customer service. Travel guidebooks and embassy websites typically include dialing information. Mobile apps like "Country Codes" or features within your phone's contacts app often provide integrated country code lookup. For quick reference, search engines will display country codes when you search terms like "country code [country name]." When saving international contacts, include the full international format (+country code, then number) to ensure your calls connect properly regardless of where you're calling from. Remember that some regions share country codes (like Caribbean nations under the North American +1 code), so you may need the area code as well.
If I receive a call that appears to come from country code 113, what should I know?
If you receive a call that appears to come from country code +113, you should be extremely cautious as this is likely an illegitimate call. Since +113 is not an assigned country code, any call displaying this prefix has almost certainly been manipulated or "spoofed." This could indicate a scam, telemarketing call, or an attempt to disguise the actual origin of the call. Modern technology allows callers to falsify the caller ID information, and using non-existent country codes is one tactic used to confuse recipients. If you receive such a call: do not share personal or financial information; consider not answering unknown international numbers; if you do answer, be skeptical of any requests or claims; report suspected scam calls to your local telecommunications regulator or consumer protection agency. Some phone services and mobile apps offer features to block calls from suspicious or unassigned country codes.
What is the international format for writing phone numbers correctly?
The internationally recognized format for writing phone numbers, as specified by the ITU E.123 standard, uses the plus sign followed by the country code, then the national number with appropriate spacing. For example, a US number would be written as +1 212 555 1234. This format works universally regardless of the reader's location. Spaces (not hyphens or periods) should separate logical groups of digits for readability. When writing numbers for international audiences, always include the country code with the plus prefix. Area codes that start with a trunk prefix (like 0 in many European countries) should omit that prefix in the international format. For example, a UK number would change from 020 7946 0123 (domestic format) to +44 20 7946 0123 (international format). This standardized notation ensures that phone numbers can be correctly dialed from anywhere in the world and is particularly important for business cards and international correspondence.