Connecting with friends, family, or business contacts in Portugal from Italy has never been easier. Whether you’re planning a vacation, conducting business, or simply catching up with loved ones, making an international call requires understanding a few simple steps. This guide provides all the necessary information, from dialing codes to cost-effective solutions, ensuring your international calls Italy Portugal go smoothly.

Portugal, with its vibrant culture, growing economy, and beautiful landscapes, shares a significant connection with Italy through tourism, trade, and shared European heritage. Many individuals and businesses in Italy often need to call Portugal from Italy for various reasons. For instance, you might be an Italian business looking to expand into the Portuguese market, a traveler confirming hotel bookings, or simply someone wanting to chat with family living abroad. Knowing the correct dialing procedure is the first step towards seamless communication. For more general information about Portugal, you can explore resources like Wikipedia’s page on Portugal.

Let’s explore how to successfully dial Portugal from your Italian landline or mobile, understand the costs involved, and discover how modern solutions like Telfon can simplify the entire process, especially if you need a virtual number Portugal.

Understanding International Dialing Codes

Before you pick up the phone, it helps to understand the structure of an international phone call. Every international call involves a few key elements:

• Exit Code (International Access Code): This code tells your phone provider that you are making an international call. For Italy, the exit code is 00.
• Country Code: This unique code identifies the country you are calling. For Portugal, the country code is 351. This is your essential Portugal country code from Italy.
• Area Code (or City Code): This code directs your call to a specific region or city within the destination country.
• Local Phone Number: This is the specific number of the person or business you want to reach.

Knowing these codes is crucial for making your call connect correctly.

Calling Portugal from Italy: The Basics

Making a call from Italy to Portugal involves a slightly different process depending on whether you are using a landline or a mobile phone. Both methods are straightforward once you know the correct sequence of numbers.

Calling from a Landline

If you are calling Portugal from an Italian landline, you need to use the Italian exit code followed by Portugal’s country code, then the local area code, and finally the subscriber’s phone number.

Here is the step-by-step dialing format:

1. Dial the Italian Exit Code: 00
2. Dial the Portuguese Country Code: 351
3. Dial the Area Code: (e.g., 21 for Lisbon, 22 for Porto)
4. Dial the Local Phone Number: (usually 7 digits)

Full Format Example: 00 351 [Area Code] [Local Number]

Let’s say you want to call a Lisbon number 123 4567. You would dial: 00 351 21 123 4567. Remember to replace [Area Code] and [Local Number] with the actual digits.

Calling from a Mobile Phone

Calling Portugal from an Italian mobile phone offers a bit more flexibility. You can use either the ’00’ exit code or the ‘+’ symbol. The ‘+’ symbol is universally recognized by mobile networks as the international access code, making it convenient when traveling.

Here is the step-by-step dialing format for mobile phones:

1. Dial the Plus Sign or Exit Code: + (or 00)
2. Dial the Portuguese Country Code: 351
3. Dial the Area Code: (e.g., 21 for Lisbon, 22 for Porto)
4. Dial the Local Phone Number: (usually 7 digits)

Full Format Example: +351 [Area Code] [Local Number]

If you are calling the same Lisbon number 123 4567 from your mobile, you would dial: +351 21 123 4567. This method is generally preferred for its simplicity and international compatibility.

Portugal’s Area Codes: What You Need to Know

Portugal uses specific area codes for different regions and major cities. Including the correct area code ensures your call reaches the intended destination within the country. Most Portuguese phone numbers, including the area code, total nine digits after the 351 country code.

Here are some common area codes in Portugal:

Always confirm the specific area code for the number you are trying to reach. A quick online search or checking the recipient’s provided number will help you get it right. Entering an incorrect area code will prevent your call from connecting.

Portuguese Phone Number Format

Understanding the typical format of a Portuguese phone number helps you ensure you have all the necessary digits. After the +351 country code, Portuguese numbers are generally 9 digits long. These 9 digits combine the area code and the local subscriber number.

Example Breakdown:

• For landlines: +351 21 XXX XXXX (Lisbon area code ’21’ followed by 7 digits)
• For mobile phones: +351 9X XXX XXXX (Portuguese mobile numbers typically start with ‘9’)

Key Points:

• Landline numbers usually start with a ‘2’ (e.g., 21, 22, 289).
• Mobile numbers always start with a ‘9’ (e.g., 91, 92, 93, 96).

So, when someone gives you a Portuguese number, it should be 9 digits long after the country code. For example, a complete number might look like +351 21 XXX XXXX or +351 96 XXX XXXX. Always double-check that you have all nine digits to ensure a successful connection.

The Best Time to Call Portugal from Italy

Timing your call correctly can make a big difference, especially for business contacts or important personal conversations. Italy and Portugal are in different time zones, so you need to adjust for this difference.

Time Zone Difference:

Italy observes Central European Summer Time (CEST) during summer and Central European Time (CET) during winter. Portugal observes Western European Summer Time (WEST) during summer and Western European Time (WET) during winter.

Generally, Italy is 1 hour ahead of Portugal.

Example:

• If it’s 10:00 AM in Rome, it’s 9:00 AM in Lisbon.
• If it’s 3:00 PM in Milan, it’s 2:00 PM in Porto.

Considerations for Calling:

• Business Calls: Aim for regular business hours in Portugal, which are typically 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Friday. This means you should call between 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM Italian time.
• Personal Calls: For family and friends, late afternoons or early evenings in Portugal (e.g., 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM Portuguese time) are usually good. This would be 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM Italian time. Weekends can also be suitable, but always consider their personal schedule.
• Holidays: Be aware of national holidays in Portugal. Most businesses will be closed, and people might be unavailable.
  

What’s the time difference between Italy and Portugal?

Italy is generally one hour ahead of Portugal. So, when it’s 10:00 AM in Italy, it’s 9:00 AM in Portugal. This small difference is easy to manage, but it’s important to keep in mind, especially for scheduled appointments or business discussions.

Understanding the Cost of Calling Portugal

The cost of international calls Italy Portugal can vary significantly depending on your phone provider, the type of line you are calling from (landline or mobile), and the service you use. Traditional phone carriers often charge higher rates for international calls, which can quickly add up.

Factors Influencing Cost:

• Your Current Plan: Check your existing mobile or landline plan. Some plans include international call minutes, while others charge per minute at premium rates.
• Time of Day: Some traditional providers might offer slightly lower rates during off-peak hours, but this is less common with modern VoIP services.
• Type of Number: Calling a Portuguese mobile number from an Italian landline or mobile can sometimes be more expensive than calling a landline.
• Traditional vs. VoIP: Traditional phone services typically have higher per-minute international calling rates. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, however, leverage the internet and often provide significantly more affordable, or even free (app-to-app), international communication

For many, managing calling costs is a major concern. If you frequently need to call Portugal from Italy, exploring cost-effective alternatives like VoIP is a smart move.

How much does it cost to call Portugal from Italy?

The cost varies greatly. Traditional carriers might charge anywhere from €0.20 to over €1 per minute, depending on your plan and the type of number you’re dialing. VoIP services, on the other hand, can offer calls for a few cents per minute, or even unlimited calling with certain subscriptions. Always check your provider’s specific international rates or consider dedicated international calling apps.

Why You Might Call Portugal from Italy

There are numerous reasons why individuals and businesses in Italy reach out to Portugal. The connections run deep across various sectors, making seamless communication vital.

Business Opportunities:

Portugal’s economy has been growing, attracting foreign investment, particularly in sectors like tourism, real estate, technology, and renewable energy. Italian businesses might call Portugal to:

• Explore new markets: Identifying potential clients, suppliers, or partners.
• Manage existing operations: For Italian companies with branches or investments in Portugal.
• Customer support: Providing service to Portuguese customers.
• Sales and marketing: Reaching out to leads or promoting products.

Family and Friends:

Many Portuguese citizens live, study, or work in Italy, and vice versa. Maintaining contact with family and friends across borders is a primary reason for international calls. People call to:

• Stay connected: Regular chats, sharing news, and celebrating milestones.
• Plan visits: Coordinating travel arrangements for family reunions or holidays.

Travel and Tourism:

Portugal is a popular tourist destination for Italians, known for its stunning coastlines, historic cities, and delicious cuisine. Travelers often need to call Portugal to:

• Book accommodations: Confirming hotel reservations, holiday rentals, or B&Bs.
• Arrange tours: Scheduling guided tours or booking local experiences.
• Emergency contacts: Reaching out to local services or travel agencies while abroad.

Academic and Research:

Italian and Portuguese universities and research institutions often collaborate. Students might also pursue studies in either country. Calls are made for:

• Project coordination: Discussing research findings or administrative matters.
• Student support: Parents checking in on children studying abroad.

Regardless of your reason, reliable and affordable communication is key.

Telfon: Your Smart Solution for International Calls

When it comes to making international calls Italy Portugal, especially frequently or for business purposes, Telfon stands out as an excellent solution. Telfon is a virtual phone calling app that leverages cloud telephony and VoIP technology to provide clear, reliable, and cost-effective communication across borders.

How Telfon Simplifies Your Calls to Portugal:

Telfon offers a range of features designed to make calling Portugal from Italy hassle-free and affordable. It eliminates the need for complex dialing codes or worrying about exorbitant per-minute charges from traditional carriers.

• Cost-Effective VoIP Italy Portugal: Telfon utilizes Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), meaning your calls are routed over the internet. This significantly reduces costs compared to traditional phone lines. You pay for data or a subscription, not inflated international call rates. This is a huge advantage for frequent callers.
• Virtual Number Portugal: One of Telfon’s most powerful features is the ability to purchase a virtual number Portugal. If you’re an Italian business or individual wanting to establish a local presence in Portugal, a virtual number allows people in Portugal to call you at local rates, and you can make outbound calls that display a Portuguese caller ID. This fosters trust and makes your business appear more accessible.
• Enhanced Communication Features: Beyond basic calling, Telfon provides a suite of tools for both B2C and B2B users:

Call Recordings: Essential for business training, compliance, or simply remembering details of important conversations.

Send & Receive SMS/Bulk SMS: Communicate via text with your Portuguese contacts.

WhatsApp Integration: Manage multiple WhatsApp accounts for seamless messaging with clients or friends.

Multi-country numbers simultaneously: Manage different virtual numbers for various countries, all from one app.

Call Forwarding: Never miss an important call by forwarding it to another number.

Voicemail & Voicemail to Text: Get voice messages transcribed, so you can read them quickly.

• Reliable Call Quality: Telfon’s cloud-based system ensures high-definition call quality, minimizing drops and unclear audio, which is crucial for important business discussions or heartfelt family conversations.
• Ease of Use: Telfon is designed to be user-friendly. Once you set up your account and any virtual number Portugal you desire, making calls is as simple as using any other phone app.
• Business-Specific Features: For businesses, Telfon goes further with features like user analytics, dashboard filters, user management, call and SMS history, and budget assignment for team members. This makes it an ideal VoIP Italy Portugal solution for real estate, international hiring, customer support, and sales and marketing.

Telfon truly transforms how you make international calls Italy Portugal. It’s not just about dialing; it’s about smart, efficient, and affordable communication.

Key Takeaways for Calling Portugal

To ensure a smooth calling experience from Italy to Portugal, keep these essential points in mind:

• Dialing Sequence: Always start with Italy’s international exit code (00 or + on mobile), followed by Portugal’s country code (351).
• Area Codes Matter: Include the correct Portuguese area code after the country code to direct your call to the right region.
• Portuguese Number Format: Expect a 9-digit number after the +351 country code. Mobile numbers typically start with ‘9’, landlines with ‘2’.
• Time Difference: Remember Italy is 1 hour ahead of Portugal. Adjust your call times accordingly for convenience.
• Cost Management: Be aware of your traditional carrier’s international rates. VoIP services like Telfon offer significantly more affordable alternatives for frequent or business calls.
• Virtual Numbers for Local Presence: Consider a virtual number Portugal from Telfon if you need to establish a local presence or make and receive calls at local rates.

By following these simple guidelines, you can connect with Portugal effortlessly, whether for personal or professional reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions people ask about calling Portugal from Italy:

Q1: What is the Portugal country code from Italy?

The country code for Portugal is 351. You must dial this after Italy’s exit code (00 or +) when making an international call Italy Portugal.

Q2: How do I call a Portuguese mobile number from Italy?

You can dial +351 followed by the 9-digit Portuguese mobile number (which will start with a ‘9’). For example, +351 96 XXX XXXX.

Q3: Are international calls Italy Portugal expensive?

Traditional phone carriers can make international calls Italy Portugal quite expensive, with per-minute charges. However, VoIP services like Telfon offer much more affordable rates, often just a few cents per minute, or even unlimited calling plans.

Q4: Can I get a virtual number Portugal for my business in Italy?

Yes, services like Telfon allow you to purchase a virtual number Portugal. This gives your Italian business a local Portuguese presence, allowing customers in Portugal to call you at local rates and for you to make calls displaying a Portuguese caller ID.

Q5: What is the best time to call Portugal from Italy for business?

The best time for business calls is usually between 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM Italian time, which corresponds to 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM in Portugal. Remember the 1-hour time difference.

Q6: Is VoIP Italy Portugal reliable for business communication?

Absolutely. Modern VoIP services like Telfon offer high-definition call quality, robust features like call recording and analytics, and strong reliability, making them ideal for professional international calls Italy Portugal.

Q7: Can I send SMS messages to Portugal from Italy?

Yes, most mobile carriers support international SMS. With a service like Telfon, you can also send and receive SMS messages, and even bulk SMS, through your virtual number Portugal.

Q8: Do I need an area code for every Portuguese number?

Yes, you generally need to include the area code as part of the 9-digit Portuguese number after the 351 country code. Even for mobile numbers, the first two digits after 351 typically indicate the mobile network prefix.

Conclusion

Connecting with Portugal from Italy is a straightforward process when you have the right information. By understanding the dialing codes, time differences, and available communication tools, you can ensure your calls are clear, timely, and cost-effective.

For those who frequently call Portugal from Italy, or for businesses seeking a reliable and feature-rich solution, Telfon offers a superior alternative to traditional calling methods. With its affordable VoIP Italy Portugal rates, the option for a virtual number Portugal, and a comprehensive suite of communication features, Telfon makes international calls Italy Portugal simpler, more efficient, and more professional.

Don’t let distance stand in the way of your connections. Explore Telfon today and experience the future of international communication.