Add Country CodeWhat is a trunk code?
A trunk code (also called a trunk prefix) is the digit you dial before a phone number when calling within your own country. In most countries it's 0. It tells the network "this is a call to another area or a mobile in this country".
When you write a number in international format, you replace the trunk code with + and the country code. The 0 is dropped.
| Dialled at home | Trunk code | International format |
|---|---|---|
| 0300 1234567 | 0 | +92 300 1234567 |
| 07700 900123 | 0 | +44 7700 900123 |
| 050 123 4567 | 0 | +971 50 123 4567 |
Common mistake: writing +92 0300 1234567. With the 0 left in, many networks can't connect the call and WhatsApp won't recognise the number.
Trunk codes by country
| Country | Country code | Trunk code |
|---|---|---|
| India | +91 | 0 |
| Pakistan | +92 | 0 |
| Bangladesh | +880 | 0 |
| Saudi Arabia | +966 | 0 |
| United Arab Emirates | +971 | 0 |
| Egypt | +20 | 0 |
| Nigeria | +234 | 0 |
| Philippines | +63 | 0 |
| United Kingdom | +44 | 0 |
| Germany | +49 | 0 |
| Australia | +61 | 0 |
| USA / Canada | +1 | 1 |
| Russia | +7 | 8 |
| Italy | +39 | None (see below) |
Exceptions to watch for
Italy
Italy has no trunk code. Landline numbers begin with 0, but that 0 is part of the number and is kept: Rome 06 1234 5678 becomes +39 06 1234 5678. Mobile numbers start with 3 and simply get +39 in front.
USA and Canada
The trunk code is 1, which is the same as the country code. A number saved as 1 415 555 0123 becomes +1 415 555 0123, and a 10-digit number like 415 555 0123 also becomes +1 415 555 0123.
India
Most Indian mobile numbers are saved as 10 digits without the 0 (9012345678), so there's nothing to remove. Just add +91.
How Add Country Code handles it
On the filter screen, the Remove preceding trunk code option strips the leading digit you choose (0 by default) before adding the country code. The preview shows exactly what will change:
Get the format right, automatically
Add Country Code removes the trunk code and adds the + country code to all contacts at once.
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