List of international telephone country codes

Telephone country codes are a core requirement when sending SMS internationally via APIs. They identify the destination country for each phone number and ensure messages are routed correctly across global mobile networks.

For businesses using SMS APIs, correct use of telephone country codes supports reliable delivery, accurate routing, and compliance with local telecom requirements.

Below you will find a full alphabetical list of telephone country codes, followed by guidance on how country codes work in API based SMS communication.

Alphabetical list of telephone country codes

What are telephone country codes?

A telephone country code is a numeric prefix that identifies a country or region within the global telephone numbering system. Country codes are defined by the International Telecommunication Union under the E.164 standard.

When sending SMS via APIs, the country code determines which national network the message is routed to.

Why telephone country codes are important for SMS APIs

SMS APIs depend on correctly formatted phone numbers to deliver messages successfully. Country codes are used to route messages, apply local rules, and identify destination markets.

Correct country code usage supports:

• Accurate routing across global networks

• Compliance with local messaging requirements

• Reliable SMS delivery

• Consistent reporting and monitoring

Phone number formatting for API based SMS

Businesses sending SMS through APIs should format numbers using the E.164 standard.

Formatting rules include:

• Always include the country code

• Remove leading zeros from national numbers

• Avoid spaces and special characters

• Prefix numbers with a plus sign (+)

Example formats:

• +447700900123
• +14155552671
• +4915123456789

Using telephone country codes in global SMS communication

Telephone country codes are a key part of international SMS delivery. For businesses operating across borders, correct use of country codes ensures messages reach the intended recipients without disruption.