The short answer
Type the national number as it is dialled inside the country, with its area code and without the international prefix. Pick the country first; the form adds the prefix itself.
For France that is ten digits beginning 01–05 or 09; for Germany, a number that opens with 0 followed by an area code. The number checker validates what you typed.
The general rule
Select the country, then type the number as a local caller would, area code included. Spaces, dots and dashes are harmless; avoid +33, 0033 or similar prefixes, because the form adds them.
Canada is the exception to the leading zero: type the ten digits directly, three for the area code and seven for the line, without a 1 in front.
Examples by country
France: 10 digits beginning 01–05 or 09. Portugal: 9 digits starting with 2. Germany: starts with 0 and an area code. Spain: 9 digits beginning 81–89 or 91–99. Italy: starts with 0. Belgium: starts with 0 and has 9 digits in all.
Each country page of the directory lists area codes and sample numbers, which helps when you only have a city name.
Key points
- Choose the country, then type the national number
- Leave out +33, 0033 and similar prefixes
- Canada: ten digits, no leading 1
- Use the number checker if in doubt