> Of Louis JOURDAN > You seem to know a lot about canonical telephone numbering system, > therefore you can advise me : I use to write my phone number as +33 > (0)2 9927 2588. > > As you certainly know it, in France as in many other European > countries (not in the UK) there is no difference in the number for > long distance or local calls : they all start with 0. However the > initial 0 is dropped when calling from a different country. For > example somebody in Belgium will call me by dialing 00 33 2 9927 2588. > > Am I wrong in putting the O within parenthesis ?
Yes you are wrong to do that. The international format must be very simple so that 'What you see is what you dial'. Foreigners may have no idea of french telecom rules. It is difficult enough getting people to translate '+'. Many people are unfamiliar with international dialling and can get into difficulties very easily. It is even worse if they are worried about the cost of the call and cannot understand the ringing tones and the language. Dialling the wrong number and can be quite stressful in these circumstances. So there are two formats: International format: +33 2 9927 2588 National format: 02 9927 2588 There is no such thing as an combined (inter)national format. If you only want to write one number for worldwide readers, it is best to use the international format. People in your own country are more likely to know what to do with +33 2 9927 2588. If you look at my UK number that I use in my emails, you see I have the same problem. People in the UK must dial 07850 511794 but I show the international format instead. This topic is often discussed on uk.telecom -- Terry Simpson Human Factors Consultant [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.connected-systems.com Phone: +44 7850 511794
