International Calling

How to Call from Netherlands to Switzerland

Last Updated: February 5, 2026
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Connecting with contacts in Switzerland from the Netherlands is a daily necessity for many. You might manage export deals in Zurich. Perhaps you have family living in the scenic Alps. Clear communication bridges the gap between these two nations. Switzerland remains a top trade partner and travel destination for the Dutch. You need a reliable method to make these calls.

Using the wrong dialing format leads to frustration. Calls fail, or you reach the wrong person. This guide simplifies the process for you. We provide the exact codes and steps you need. You will also learn about modern tools like Telfon to save money. For specific travel regulations, you can visit the official Switzerland Tourism website.


Understanding the International Dialing Format

International calls follow a strict digital logic. You cannot simply dial a local Swiss number from Amsterdam. The network needs specific instructions to route your voice across borders.

You must follow a four-part sequence. First, you signal the call is leaving the Netherlands. Second, you identify the destination country. Third, you target the specific region. Finally, you connect to the individual subscriber.

Missing any part of this chain breaks the connection. You might hear a “number not recognized” error. We will break down each component below.

The Exit Code: Leaving the Netherlands

Every international call starts with an exit code. This is also known as the International Access Code. It tells your Dutch carrier to switch to global lines.

The standard exit code for the Netherlands is 00. You must dial this first when using a landline. This applies to most countries in the European Union.

The Country Code: Targeting Switzerland

You need to specify the country after the exit code. Each nation possesses a unique identifier. The country code for Switzerland is 41.

This code directs your call specifically to the Swiss telephone network. Your dialing sequence begins with 0041 for landline calls.


How to Call Switzerland from a Landline

Landlines provide a stable connection for lengthy conversations. The process is manual but straightforward. You must input the codes precisely.

Follow this step-by-step sequence:

  • Dial 00: This is the Dutch exit code.
  • Dial 41: This is the Swiss country code.
  • Dial the Area Code: Enter the city code (e.g., 44 for Zurich). Important: Remove the leading zero.
  • Dial the Phone Number: Enter the subscriber’s local number.

Example of a Landline Call:

You want to call a bakery in Geneva. Their local number is 022 123 4567.

You dial: 00 41 22 123 4567.

Note that the “0” from “022” is gone. This is the golden rule of international dialing.

How to Call Switzerland from a Mobile Phone

Mobile phones simplify the international dialing process. You do not need to remember the “00” exit code. Modern smartphones use a universal symbol to replace it.

Follow these steps for mobile calls:

  • Enter the Plus (+): Hold the “0” key until a “+” appears.
  • Enter Country Code: Type 41 immediately after the plus sign.
  • Enter Area Code: Type the region code without the leading zero.
  • Dial the Number: Enter the rest of the phone number.

Example of a Mobile Call:

You call the same Geneva number (022 123 4567).

You dial: +41 22 123 4567.

The network automatically interprets the “+” as the correct exit code. This works regardless of which country you are in.

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List of Major Swiss Area Codes

Switzerland divides its landlines by geography. You must know the correct area code (prefix) for the city you call. These codes are essential for directing your call to the right region.

Always drop the leading zero when dialing internationally.

City / RegionArea Code (Local)Dial This (International)
Zurich04444
Geneva02222
Bern03131
Basel06161
Lausanne02121
Lucerne04141
St. Gallen07171
Lugano09191

Mobile Prefixes

Swiss mobile numbers do not use city codes. They use mobile prefixes like 076, 078, or 079. You still drop the zero.

Example: Dial +41 79 for a number starting with 079.

The Cost Challenge of International Calls

Calling Switzerland via traditional carriers gets expensive. Standard telecom providers often classify Switzerland outside their EU roaming zones. This leads to high costs per minute.

Common cost traps include:

  • Connection Fees: A flat rate just to start the call.
  • High Minute Rates: Charges accumulate quickly during long meetings.
  • Roaming Shocks: Using your Dutch SIM in Switzerland can trigger massive bills.

Businesses making daily calls face significant overheads. Individuals calling family also feel the financial pinch.

Why VoIP is the Smarter Choice

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) solves this cost issue. It transmits calls over the internet rather than copper wires. This technology reduces rates drastically.

You can save up to 50% compared to standard carriers. This is where a solution like Telfon delivers value.


Telfon: The Best Way to Call Switzerland

Telfon is a leading cloud telephony solution. It transforms your device into a powerful virtual phone system. It connects over 30,000 users globally, including many in the Netherlands.

You get clear audio and low rates. The app is available on Google Play, the App Store, and the Chrome Web Store. It suits both personal users and large enterprises.

Benefits for Individuals and Travelers

You might call home or book hotels. Telfon offers flexibility that traditional SIM cards cannot match.

  • Pay-As-You-Go: You only pay for the minutes you use.
  • Virtual Numbers: You can own a Swiss number while in the Netherlands.
  • Voicemail to Text: Read messages when you cannot answer.
  • Global Reach: Connect to 180+ countries instantly.

Family members stay connected without fear of the phone bill. Travelers manage bookings without roaming fees.

Powerful Features for Business Growth

Dutch businesses trade heavily with Swiss partners. Telfon acts as a complete business phone system. It supports sales teams, HR departments, and support centers.

Key Business Tools:

  • User Analytics: Managers view charts and graphs of call activity. You see exactly how your team performs.
  • Budget Control: Assign specific budgets to users. You prevent overspending on international calls.
  • CRM Integration: Manage client interactions seamlessly.

specialized Tools for Recruitment and Sales

International hiring institutes use Telfon to interview Swiss candidates. They use the bulk SMS feature to update applicants.

Real estate agents use virtual numbers to establish a local presence. A Zurich-based client calls a local number. The call rings on the agent’s app in Amsterdam. This builds trust and increases pickup rates.


Advanced Communication Features

Telfon goes beyond simple voice calls. It integrates various channels into one platform. This unifies your communication strategy.

WhatsApp Integration

You can manage multiple WhatsApp accounts within the system. Support teams handle queries faster. You keep personal and business chats separate.

Broadcast Messaging

Send updates to hundreds of contacts at once. Marketing teams use this for campaigns. It ensures your message reaches the right audience instantly.

Number Management

You can hold numbers for multiple countries simultaneously. A logistics company can have Dutch, Swiss, and German numbers in one app.

Best Time to Call Switzerland

Timing affects the success of your call. You want to reach people when they are available. Fortunately, planning is easy.

Time Zone Alignment

The Netherlands and Switzerland share the same time zone. Both operate on Central European Time (CET).

  • Current Time: If it is 14:00 in Amsterdam, it is 14:00 in Zurich.
  • No Math Needed: You do not need to calculate time differences.

Business Hours

Swiss business culture values punctuality.

  • Call Between: 09:00 and 17:00.
  • Avoid: Lunch hours, typically 12:00 to 13:30.

Personal Calls

Evenings between 19:00 and 21:00 are generally acceptable. Weekends are great for catching up with friends.

Step-by-Step: Using Telfon to Call

  • Download the App: Find Telfon on your app store.
  • Create an Account: Sign up in under a minute.
  • Add Credit: Top up your balance securely.
  • Select Country: Choose Switzerland (+41) from the dialer.
  • Dial Number: Enter the local number.
  • Connect: Enjoy high-quality audio over the cloud.

Improving Call Quality

VoIP relies on your internet connection. A few adjustments ensure crystal-clear audio.

  • Use Wi-Fi: Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network.
  • Check Data Signal: Ensure you have 4G or 5G if mobile.
  • Use Headphones: This reduces echo and background noise.
  • Close Unused Apps: Free up your device’s processing power.


Key Takeaways

  • Dialing Format: Exit Code (00) + Country Code (41) + Area Code + Number.
  • Mobile Rule: Use the + symbol to replace 00.
  • Area Codes: Always remove the leading zero (e.g., 044 becomes 44).
  • Cost Savings: Traditional calls are expensive. Telfon offers rates up to 50% cheaper.
  • Business Edge: Use analytics, virtual numbers, and CRM tools to grow.

Connect to Switzerland Smarter.

Download Telfon today. Start saving on every international call.

Claim Your Virtual Swiss Number Now



Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the country code for Switzerland?

The country code is 41. Dial +41 from a mobile or 0041 from a landline.

2. Do I dial the zero in the area code?

No. You must drop the leading zero. Dial 44 for Zurich, not 044.

3. Is calling Switzerland included in EU roaming?

Often, no. Switzerland is not in the EU. Many Dutch providers charge extra. Always check your specific plan.

4. Can I get a Swiss phone number?

Yes. Telfon allows you to buy a virtual Swiss number. You can answer calls on your Dutch mobile.

5. How does Telfon save me money?

Telfon uses VoIP technology. This bypasses expensive international line fees. You pay low rates per minute.

6. Can I use Telfon for business?

Absolutely. Features like call recording, analytics, and CRM integration make it ideal for businesses.

7. Does the app support SMS?

Yes. You can send and receive SMS globally. You can also use bulk messaging for marketing.

8. Is there a time difference between NL and CH?

No. Both countries are in the Central European Time (CET) zone.

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