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Ever seen a number starting with 39 Area Code and thought, “Wait, which country is that?” That’s Italy’s official dialing code. But it’s more than just digits you punch in before a call; it’s essentially part of Italy’s digital fingerprint.
Whether you’re phoning a friend in Rome, logging into PayPal Italy, or verifying a WhatsApp account, the +39 area code plays a significant role. And here’s the fun part: you don’t even need an Italian SIM to use it. With tools like PVAPins, you can grab a temporary Italian number online, receive OTPs instantly, and keep things moving no matter where you are.
What Is the +39 Area Code for Italy?
The +39 prefix is the internationally recognized dialing code that connects you to Italy.Each country has its own, like the 63 code used in the Philippines. It’s assigned by the ITU (International Telecommunication Union) and is mandatory for:
- All calls and texts heading into Italy.
- Mobile and landline networks, including TIM, Vodafone, Wind Tre, and Iliad.
- SMS verification for apps, banks, and online services.
Here’s a statistic for perspective: Italy had over 77 million mobile connections in 2024 (GSMA). Nearly all of them sit under the +39 umbrella. So yeah, it’s not just a random number, it’s baked into everyday life.
How to Dial an Italian Number from Abroad (+39)
If you’re outside Italy, you’ll need to format things right. Here’s the deal:
- From the US: 011 + 39 + local number
- From the UK: 00 + 39 + local number
Quick rules:
- For mobiles, drop the first “0.” Example: 347 123 4567 becomes +39 347 123 4567.
- For landlines, keep the area code. Rome’s “06” stays put: +39 06 XXXX XXXX.
Mess this up, and your call (or OTP) probably won’t land.
Why Is +39 Important for SMS Verification?
Let’s be real, most platforms won’t even let you in without a verified number. And in Italy, that means +39.
- Local apps like PostePay, TIM, or Enel Energia require it.
- Global services like WhatsApp, PayPal, Amazon, and Gmail follow the same deal.
- Shopping platforms like eBay Italy and Zalando (no +39) require an account.
- Even banking and delivery apps lock features until you confirm via SMS.
Bottom line: if you’re trying to use Italian services, a +39 number is your ticket.
Temporary Italy Number – Receive SMS Online with +39
Here’s the good news: you don’t actually need to pick up an Italian SIM card—a temporary virtual number with +39 works just as well.
Why people love it:
- Fast OTP delivery for logins.
- Keeps your personal number safe from spam.
- Works with all the big platforms (WhatsApp, PayPal, Amazon, PostePay).
- Affordable and flexible with PVAPins, available in disposable or rental options.
- Works worldwide; all you need is an internet connection.
Picture this: You’re in Thailand, but you need to log into your Italian PayPal account. Instead of juggling SIMs, rent a +39 number, retrieve the OTP in your PVAPins dashboard, and you’re back in.
How to Get a Virtual Italian Number with PVAPins
It’s straightforward. Here’s how you do it:
- Head over to PVAPins.com.
- Pick Italy (+39) from the list.
- Copy the number and paste it into the app you’re verifying.
- Wait a few seconds. The OTP will appear in your PVAPins dashboard.
- Enter the code, and you’re good to go.
No SIMs. No headaches. Just quick, secure verifications across platforms like Gmail, PayPal, WhatsApp, and more.
Italy Mobile Number Format (+39) Explained
Italian numbers follow a pretty straightforward system:
- Mobiles: always start with “3” (example: +39 3xx xxx xxxx).
- Landlines: start with the city code (Rome = 06, Milan = 02, Naples = 081).
- International rule: drop the “0” for mobiles when dialing from abroad, but keep it for landlines.
And yes, for OTPs to actually land, you need the +39 prefix included. Skip it, and nothing arrives.
Geo Example – Using +39 for WhatsApp, PayPal & Amazon
Platforms that love +39 numbers:
- WhatsApp → register or verify an account.
- PayPal Italy → every login or transaction confirmation.
- Amazon Italy → buyer and seller accounts.
- E-commerce apps → Zalando, Unieuro, eBay Italy, etc.
If you’re a freelancer, traveler, or someone managing multiple accounts, a temporary +39 number makes life way easier. It separates work from personal life, cuts out spam, and keeps you professional.
Benefits of Using a +39 Virtual Number for SMS
Why bother with a SIM when you can go virtual?
- Global use anywhere with WiFi.
- Privacy-first keeps your real number hidden.
- Flexible plans are designed for disposable, temporary, or rental use.
- Perfect for businesses to run multiple accounts without chaos.
- 24/7 access OTPs show up in your PVAPins dashboard.
From solo travelers to businesses running hundreds of verifications, +39 virtual numbers are a flexible, secure solution.
Related Questions People Ask
- Is +39 the only country code for Italy? → Yup, it’s the only one.
- Do Italian mobile numbers always start with 3? → Exactly. Landlines vary, but mobiles begin with 3.
- Can I use a +39 number outside Italy? → Yes, with virtual numbers, it’s global.
- How do I verify WhatsApp with an Italian number? → enter it at signup, and the OTP arrives instantly.
- What’s the difference between landline and mobile prefixes? → Landlines use local area codes, mobiles always begin with 3.
FAQs About the 39 Area Code
What country uses +39?
Italy. It’s the official dialing code.
How do I call Italy from the US?
Dial 011 (US exit code) + 39 + the area code and number.
Can I receive SMS with a +39 virtual number?
Yes, PVAPins offers instant OTP-friendly Italian numbers.
What apps require a +39 number?
WhatsApp, PayPal, Amazon, PostePay, Zalando, and plenty more.
Is it safe to use a temporary Italian number?
Yes, as long as you use a trusted provider like PVAPins.
Do +39 numbers work outside Italy?
Absolutely. Virtual +39 numbers are cloud-based and global.