Singapore Phone Numbers Formats: Dialing & Number Guide

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Rehmath Ali

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Introduction

Navigating international phone numbers can be complex, and Singapore is no exception. This comprehensive guide demystifies Singaporean phone numbers, providing a detailed look at their structure, formats, international dialing codes, and practical tips for calling Singapore from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re a business expanding into the Singaporean market, an individual with contacts in Singapore, or simply curious about telecommunications, this guide will provide the knowledge you need.

We’ll also explore how virtual phone numbers, like those offered by CallMama, can simplify international communication and provide cost-effective solutions. By mastering the information presented here, you’ll avoid common dialing errors, reduce communication costs, and ensure your calls connect successfully every time. This guide is your key to unlocking seamless and efficient communication with Singapore.

The Structure of Singapore Phone Numbers Formats: A Detailed Breakdown

Singapore’s phone numbers formats system is regulated by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). Unlike many countries with complex regional area codes, Singapore’s system is remarkably simple. Here’s the key:

No Area Codes: Singapore is a city-state and does not use traditional area codes.
Country Code: +65. This code is essential for all international calls to Singapore.
Eight-Digit Numbers: All Singaporean phone numbers (both landline and mobile) consist of eight digits.

Singapore Mobile Numbers

Mobile numbers in Singapore typically begin with the digits ‘8’ or ‘9’. This is a consistent pattern, making it relatively easy to identify a mobile number.

Format: +65 8XXX XXXX or +65 9XXX XXXX (where ‘X’ represents any digit from 0 to 9).
Example: +65 9123 4567, +65 8765 4321

Singapore Landline Numbers

Landline numbers in Singapore generally begin with the digit ‘6’.

Format: +65 6XXX XXXX (where ‘X’ represents any digit from 0 to 9).
Example: +65 6234 5678, +65 6876 5432

Important Note on Number Portability

It’s important to note that number portability exists in Singapore. This means a user can switch between mobile and fixed-line services while keeping their original number. While the prefixes ‘8’ and ‘9’ are typically associated with mobile numbers and ‘6’ with landlines, it’s not a foolproof indicator due to number portability. However, for the vast majority of cases, the prefixes hold true.

International Dialing: How to Call Singapore from Abroad

Calling Singapore from another country involves a specific sequence of digits. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Exit Code: Dial the international access code (also known as the exit code) for your country. This code allows you to dial out of your country’s telephone network. Common exit codes include:
- 011: United States and Canada
- 00: Most European countries, UK, many Asian countries
- 0011: Australia
You can find a comprehensive list of exit codes online (a simple search for “international exit codes” will provide numerous resources).
Country Code: Dial the Singapore country code: 65.
Singapore Phone Number: Dial the eight-digit Singapore phone number (either mobile or landline).

Example: Calling from the United States
To call the Singapore mobile number 9123 4567 from the USA, you would dial: 011 – 65 – 9123 4567

Example: Calling from the United Kingdom
To call the Singapore landline number 6876 5432 from the UK, you would dial: 00 – 65 – 6876 5432

How to Call Singapore from Around the World

Country	Exit Code	Example (Calling +65 9123 4567)
United States	011	011 65 9123 4567
Canada	011	011 65 9123 4567
United Kingdom	00	00 65 9123 4567
Australia	0011	0011 65 9123 4567
Germany	00	00 65 9123 4567
Japan	010	010 65 9123 4567
India	00	00 65 9123 4567
France	00	00 65 9123 4567
Brazil	00XX*	00XX 65 9123 4567*

In Brazil, you must also choose a carrier code (XX) before dialing the international number in there.

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Special Service Numbers and Prefixes in Singapore

While the majority of Singaporean phone numbers follow the 8/9 (mobile) and 6 (landline) prefixes, there are some special service numbers to be aware of:

1800: These are toll-free numbers within Singapore. They are not dialed with the +65 country code when calling from within Singapore. When calling a 1800 number from outside Singapore, the call may not connect, or you may need to use a specific international toll-free access number, which can vary depending on your carrier and location.
1900: These are premium-rate service numbers. Calls to these numbers typically incur higher charges.
800: Historically used for International Freephone Service (IFS) numbers, although their use is declining. These numbers are designed to be toll-free for the caller, regardless of their location.
16XX: Carrier selection code, where a 4-digit number indicates carrier access code. It is used for pre-selecting the default service provider for outgoing calls.

Virtual Phone Numbers: A Modern Solution for Singaporean Communication

Traditional international calling can be expensive, especially for businesses making frequent calls. Virtual phone numbers offer a cost-effective and flexible alternative.

What is a Virtual Phone Number?

A virtual phone number, also known as a Direct Inward Dialing (DID) number, is a telephone number that is not directly tied to a physical phone line. Instead, it uses Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to forward calls to another phone number, anywhere in the world.

Benefits of a Singapore Virtual Phone Number:

Local Presence: A virtual number gives you a Singaporean phone number (+65) without needing a physical address in Singapore. This is invaluable for businesses looking to establish a presence in the Singaporean market.
Cost Savings: Virtual numbers significantly reduce international calling costs. Calls to your Singapore virtual number are typically charged at local rates, even if you’re receiving the calls in another country.
Call Forwarding: You can forward calls from your Singapore virtual number to any phone, including your mobile phone, landline, or even a computer. This ensures you never miss important calls.
Flexibility: Manage your calls from anywhere in the world. You can easily change the forwarding destination, set up voicemail, and customize call handling rules.
Professional Image: Having a local Singaporean phone number enhances your business’s credibility and makes it easier for Singaporean customers and partners to contact you.

Time Zone Considerations When Calling Singapore

One crucial factor often overlooked when calling Singapore internationally is the time difference. Singapore operates on a single time zone: Singapore Standard Time (SGT), which is GMT+8. This means Singapore is 8 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). There is no daylight saving time in Singapore; the time remains constant throughout the year.

Why is the Time Difference Important?

Knowing the time difference is critical for several reasons, some of them area given below:

Business Calls: Scheduling meetings and calls at mutually convenient times is essential for successful business interactions. Calling during Singapore’s business hours (typically 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM SGT) increases the likelihood of reaching your contact.
Personal Calls: Avoid calling friends or family at inconvenient hours (e.g., the middle of the night).
Customer Service: If you’re contacting a Singaporean business for customer support, be aware of their operating hours in SGT.

Calculating the Time Difference:

To calculate the time difference between your location and Singapore, you can:

Use Online Time Zone Converters: Numerous websites and apps provide instant time zone conversions. Simply enter your location and Singapore, and the converter will display the current time in both locations.
Manual Calculation: Determine the difference between your local time zone and GMT/UTC, then add 8 hours to find the time in Singapore.

Example:

If it’s 9:00 AM in New York City (EDT, which is GMT-4 during daylight saving time), the time in Singapore is 9:00 PM (GMT+8). There’s a 12-hour difference.
If it’s 2:00 PM in London (BST, which is GMT+1), the time in Singapore is 9:00 PM (GMT+8). There’s a 7-hour difference.

Table: Time Differences Between Singapore and Major Cities

City	Time Zone	Time Difference vs. Singapore (SGT)
New York (EDT)	GMT-4	-12 hours
Los Angeles (PDT)	GMT-7	-15 hours
London (BST)	GMT+1	-7 hours
Sydney (AEST)	GMT+10	+2 hours
Tokyo (JST)	GMT+9	+1 hour
Dubai (GST)	GMT+4	-4 hours

CallMama Tip: The app often includes features to help manage time zone differences, such as displaying the local time in Singapore when you select a Singaporean contact.

Emergency Contact Numbers in Singapore

Knowing the essential emergency contact numbers in Singapore is crucial, especially if you’re traveling to or residing in the country. While we hope you never need to use them, having these numbers readily available can be life-saving.

Police: 999
Ambulance/Fire: 995
Non-Emergency Ambulance: 1777
Police Hotline (Non-Emergency): 1800 255 0000

Important Notes:

These emergency numbers are toll-free and can be dialed from any phone in Singapore, including mobile phones and landlines. Do not use the +65 country code when dialing these numbers from within Singapore.
For non-emergency situations, it’s best to use the non-emergency ambulance number (1777) or the police hotline (1800 255 0000) to avoid overloading the emergency lines.
If you’re calling from a foreign mobile phone within Singapore, you may need to try adding a ‘0’ or ‘+65’ before the emergency number if it doesn’t connect directly (e.g., 0999 or +65 999). However, dialing directly without any prefix should work in most cases. It’s best to test this before an actual emergency arises.
It’s always advisable to have these emergency numbers saved in your phone and written down somewhere accessible.

Adding Emergency Contacts to Your Phone:

Most smartphones allow you to designate emergency contacts. These contacts can be called even when your phone is locked, and some phones can automatically send your location to emergency services when you make an emergency call. Familiarize yourself with your phone’s emergency features.

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CallMama: Your Partner for Seamless Singapore Communication

Navigating the intricacies of international calling, especially when establishing a business presence or maintaining frequent contact with connections in Singapore, can be challenging and expensive. It offers a comprehensive solution with its Singapore virtual phone number services, designed to simplify communication and reduce costs.

Why Choose CallMama for Your Singapore Phone Number Needs?

CallMama provides a range of features tailored to meet the needs of businesses and individuals alike:

Instant Singapore Virtual Numbers: Get a Singaporean phone number (+65) instantly, regardless of your physical location. Choose from a wide selection of numbers, including those with desirable prefixes.
Competitive International Calling Rates: Make and receive calls to and from Singapore at significantly reduced rates compared to traditional international calling plans. CallMama leverages VoIP technology to provide cost-effective communication.
Advanced Call Forwarding: Seamlessly forward calls from your Singapore virtual number to any device – your mobile phone, landline, computer, or even multiple devices simultaneously. Never miss an important call, no matter where you are.
Call Recording: Record important calls for training, quality assurance, or record-keeping purposes. The call recording feature is easy to use and provides secure storage for your recordings.
Voicemail to Email: Receive voicemail messages directly in your email inbox, allowing you to quickly and easily access and manage your messages.
International Virtual Numbers: Beyond Singapore, we offers virtual numbers in numerous countries worldwide, providing a global communication solution for businesses with international operations.
User-Friendly App: Manage your virtual number, call settings, and account details through the intuitive mobile app (available for iOS and Android) or through their web portal.
24/7 Customer Support: Access reliable customer support whenever you need assistance. CallMama’s support team is dedicated to ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Customizable Solutions: CallMama offers flexible pricing plans to suit different needs and budgets. Whether you’re a small business, a large enterprise, or an individual, we have a solution for you.
SMS Capabilities: Many virtual numbers also support SMS, enabling two-way text communication with Singaporean contacts.

CallMama solves common problems associated with international communication:

High Costs: Eliminate expensive international calling charges.
Complex Setup: Get your Singapore number up and running in minutes, without complicated hardware or technical expertise.
Lack of Local Presence: Establish a credible local presence in Singapore, even without a physical office.
Missed Calls: Ensure you never miss important calls with flexible call forwarding options.
Difficult Management: Easily manage your calls and account settings through a user-friendly interface.

CallMama empowers you to:

Expand your business into the Singapore market with ease.
Maintain seamless communication with clients, partners, and contacts in Singapore.
Reduce your communication costs significantly.
Project a professional image with a local Singapore phone number.
Improve the Customer Experience

Common Mistakes When Calling Singapore and How to Avoid Them

Even with a clear understanding of the Singapore phone number format, several common mistakes can lead to failed calls and frustration. Here’s a breakdown of the most frequent errors and how to prevent them:

Forgetting the Exit Code:
The exit code (also known as the international access code) is essential for dialing out of your country. Without it, your call won’t connect internationally. This is arguably the most common mistake.

Solution: Always double-check your country’s exit code before dialing. Keep a list of frequently used exit codes handy, or program them into your phone’s contacts.

Incorrect Country Code:
Using the wrong country code will obviously result in a failed call. Singapore’s country code is +65. Mistyping this, even by one digit, will send your call elsewhere.

Solution: Double-check that you’re using +65, not a similar code like +61 (Australia) or +62 (Indonesia). Always verify the country code before dialing.

Dialing Area Codes:
As emphasized earlier, Singapore does not use area codes. Attempting to dial an area code will result in an error and is a completely unnecessary step.

Solution: Simply dial the +65 country code followed by the eight-digit Singapore phone number. Do not add any extra digits before or within the eight-digit number.

Calling 1800 Numbers from Abroad:
Calling Singaporean 1800 (toll-free) numbers from outside Singapore can be tricky. These numbers are designed for domestic calls within Singapore and often won’t work internationally.

Solution:

Try Dialing Directly (with caution): Some 1800 numbers might work internationally, but this is unreliable. Try dialing your country’s exit code + 65 + 1800 + the remaining digits. Be prepared for the call to fail.
Use an Alternative Number: The best solution is to find an alternative contact number for the business or organization (a regular landline or mobile number), usually listed on their website or in online directories. This will guarantee a connection.
Contact CallMama Support: The provider may offer solutions for accessing Singaporean 1800 numbers or provide alternative contact options.

Time Zone Confusion:
Calling at an inappropriate time, especially during the middle of the night in Singapore, can lead to unanswered calls and potentially annoy the recipient.

Solution: Always check the current time in Singapore (GMT+8) before placing a call, especially for business calls. Use an online time zone converter or your phone’s world clock feature. Aim to call during Singapore’s business hours (roughly 9 am to 6 pm SGT) for the best chance of reaching someone.

These five mistakes are the most critical to avoid because they directly prevent the call from connecting or significantly inconvenience the person you’re trying to reach. Focusing on these will dramatically improve your success rate when calling Singapore.

Conclusion

Understanding the structure and dialing procedures for Singapore phone numbers is essential for seamless communication, whether you’re a business expanding into Singapore or an individual connecting with friends or family. With its simple 8-digit system and the +65 country code, dialing Singapore is straightforward once you know the format.

Virtual phone numbers, like those offered by CallMama, provide an excellent solution for anyone looking to establish a local presence in Singapore, reduce international calling costs, and streamline communication.

By utilizing the information in this guide, you can avoid dialing errors, save money, and ensure that your calls to Singapore are always connected successfully. Whether you’re making business calls or personal connections, mastering Singapore’s phone numbering system makes communication effortless and efficient.

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FAQ's

What is the format for a Singapore phone number?

The format for a Singapore phone number is quite simple. All phone numbers consist of 8 digits, and the country code for Singapore is +65. Mobile numbers typically start with ‘8’ or ‘9’ (e.g., +65 9123 4567), while landline numbers generally begin with ‘6’ (e.g., +65 6234 5678). Whether it’s a landline or mobile, the number will always have 8 digits.

How do I dial Singapore from abroad?

To call Singapore from abroad, you’ll need to follow a simple dialing sequence. First, dial your country’s exit code (like 011 in the US or 00 in the UK), then the Singapore country code (+65), followed by the 8-digit phone number. For example, if you’re calling +65 9123 4567 from the United States, you’ll dial: 011-65-9123 4567.

Can I get a Singapore virtual phone number, and how does it work?

Yes, you can easily obtain a Singapore virtual phone number, which is a cost-effective solution for businesses and individuals alike. A virtual number uses VoIP technology to forward calls to any phone, allowing you to have a local presence in Singapore without the need for a physical phone line. It can also offer features like call forwarding, voicemail to email, and even SMS capabilities.

What are the benefits of using a Singapore virtual phone number?

A Singapore virtual phone number offers many benefits, including cost savings, flexibility, and a professional image. By using a virtual number, businesses can establish a local presence in Singapore without a physical office. Plus, calls to the virtual number are often charged at local rates, even when received internationally, making it a great choice for cost-effective communication.

What are special service numbers in Singapore?

In Singapore, certain numbers serve specific purposes, like toll-free and premium-rate services. For example, 1800 numbers are toll-free within Singapore, while 1900 numbers are for premium-rate services. These special service numbers do not follow the standard +65 country code when dialed locally but may require specific international dialing procedures when calling from abroad.

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