If you have a call or are searching for the 30 country code, you are looking at the international identifier for a country in Southern Europe.
The code +30 is the international country calling code for Greece (officially the Hellenic Republic). This code is mandatory for all international calls placed to Greek phone numbers.
Greece uses a closed numbering plan, which means all phone numbers, whether fixed-line or mobile, are exactly 10 digits long. This comprehensive guide details the correct international dialing procedure, lists the major city codes, and provides essential information on the time zone and cost of calling.
The +30 Country Code: Greece
The +30 country code was assigned to Greece by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). In the early 2000s, Greece transitioned to a strict 10-digit national numbering plan to accommodate growth in mobile and internet services.
Key Facts About +30
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Greece (Entire Country) |
| Capital City | Athens |
| Time Zone | Eastern European Time (EET) – UTC+2:00 (Observes Daylight Saving Time) |
| National Number Length | 10 digits (Mandatory for all calls) |
| International Format | [Exit Code] + 30 + 10-Digit Number |
How to Correctly Dial a Greek Number
When dialing internationally to Greece, you must combine your country’s exit code, the Greek country code (+30), and the full 10-digit number.
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions (Example from the US/Canada)
- Dial the Exit Code: Dial 011 (the standard US/Canada exit code) or use the plus sign + on a mobile phone.
- Dial the Country Code: Dial 30.
- Dial the Full 10-Digit Number: This includes the area code prefix.
Full Examples:
| To Call | Local Area Code Prefix (First 2-4 digits of the 10) | Full International Dialing Format |
| Athens Landline | 21 (The full number is 10 digits: 21 XXXX XXXX) | 011 – 30 – 21 XXXX XXXX |
| Thessaloniki Landline | 231 | 011 – 30 – 231 XXXXXX |
| Greek Mobile Phone | 69 (Mobile numbers always start with 6) | 011 – 30 – 69 XXXX XXXX |
Key Geographic and Mobile Prefixes
| Service Type | Prefixes (Start of 10-digit number) | Major Cities Served (Examples) |
| Fixed-Line (Geographic) | 21 (Athens Metro), 231 (Thessaloniki), 281 (Heraklion, Crete) | Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, Heraklion. |
| Mobile | 69 (All mobile numbers begin with a 6) | All mobile networks (Cosmote, Vodafone, Wind). |
Time Zone and International Call Considerations
Time Zone
Greece observes Eastern European Time (EET) at UTC+2:00 during the winter and EEST at UTC+3:00 during the summer (Daylight Saving Time).
- Time Difference: Greece is typically 7 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time (EST/EDT).
Scam and Safety Risk from +30
While not a major source of global “One-Ring” scams (which target codes like 876 or 473), calls from Greece are subject to general international fraud risks.
Safety Tip: Be aware of calls or texts (especially on WhatsApp) from +30 numbers that you do not recognize, particularly those that are silent or hang up quickly. Always verify the source and never provide personal information to an unsolicited international caller.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is there a US area code 30?
No. The digits 30 are an international country code and are not listed as an active, reserved, or planned area code within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP).
Do I have to dial the area code for a local call in Athens?
Yes. All calls made within Greece—even local landline-to-landline calls in the same city—must include the full 10-digit number. For Athens, this means dialing 21 XXXX XXXX.
How many digits are in a Greek phone number?
All Greek phone numbers (landline and mobile) are a uniform 10 digits long after the +30 country code.
Conclusion
The +30 country code is the definitive prefix for Greece. Its strict 10-digit dialing system ensures clarity, and knowing the initial city or mobile prefix (like 21 for Athens) is the key to successfully connecting your call.
