TL;DR
- Singapore uses +65 and 8-digit numbers. There are no area codes. Landlines typically start with 6, IP/VoIP business lines can start with 3, and mobiles start with 8 or 9.
- To call a Singapore landline from abroad, dial exit code + 65 + 8-digit number (e.g., +65 6123 4567).
What does +65 mean?
+65 is Singapore’s country calling code. When you see +65 6123 4567, the +65 tells your phone network to route the call to Singapore. All Singapore numbers are 8 digits after +65. There are no city/area codes because Singapore is a single numbering area.
Singapore number format
- International format:
+65 XXXX XXXX - Local format (when you’re in Singapore):
XXXX XXXX
Examples (non-working): - Landline (PSTN/IPT):
+65 6123 4567 - IP/VoIP business line (Level “3”):
+65 3123 4567 - Mobile:
+65 8123 4567,+65 9123 4567
These patterns follow IMDA’s National Numbering Plan and public references.
Landline vs mobile: what the starting digit tells you
- Starts with 6 → Landline (PSTN and residential IP telephony).
- Starts with 3 → Business IP telephony/VoIP ranges.
- Starts with 8 or 9 → Mobile.
How many digits are in a Singapore number?
Eight. Always eight. That’s true for both landline and mobile numbers under the national plan.
How to dial a Singapore landline from your country
Use: [your exit/IDD code] + 65 + [8-digit number]. On mobiles, long-press 0 for + and dial +65 [number]. Examples:
- From India:
00 65 6123 4567(exit/IDD = 00). - From the US/Canada:
011 65 6123 4567(exit/IDD = 011). - From Australia:
0011 65 6123 4567(exit/IDD = 0011). - From the UK:
00 65 6123 4567(exit/IDD = 00). - From Malaysia/Philippines/UA E (general rule):
00 65 [number](most carriers use 00; check your carrier’s IDD).
Tip: On smartphones, +65 6123 4567 works from anywhere. The + replaces the country’s exit code.So you need your own Singapore landline here’s the way to get it
1. Decide on on prem vs. virtual.
Traditional telcos (Singtel, StarHub, M1) wire copper or fibre to your office. Virtual operators ride on IP and give you a DID you can answer anywhere. Both draw their numbers from the same IMDA pool; only the delivery changes.
2. Check the IMDA licence list.
Singapore’s regulator publishes which Fixed-Services or IP Telephony licensees are allowed to allocate ‘6’ numbers. Sticking with that list keeps you compliant from day one.
3. Gather your paperwork.
ACRA business profile (for companies), NRIC or passport (for individuals), local contact address, and a basic service-use declaration. No shady shell entities IMDA vets number assignments to fight scam calls.
4. Submit your application.
For physical lines, the telco schedules a technician. For virtual DIDs, you’ll likely email scanned documents, pay the setup fee, and receive activation within 24–72 hours.
5. Test inbound and outbound.
Ring the line from abroad and from a local mobile. Confirm caller-ID shows “+65 6…” exactly as advertised.
6. Set up fail-over.
Power outage? Flooded comms room? Forward unanswered calls to a mobile after X rings so customers never hit dead air.
What if you already own a Singapore landline and want to port it?
Good news: Singapore adopted number portability back in 2006. The steps:
1. Request a Letter of Authorisation (LOA) from the gaining provider.
2. Fill in porting details current telco, number block, desired cut-over date.
3. Await IMDA clearance (usually 5–7 working days).
4. Test during the cut-over window; some trunks will drop for 30–90 minutes.
5. Verify billing closure with the losing provider.
Note: Schedule porting after business hours if voice traffic is mission-critical.
Reverse lookup & validation tools
| Tool | What it does | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| IMDA Check Caller ID hotline | Confirms if a ‘+65 6’ number is allocated or spoofed | Free |
| SG-Whois XML feed | API returns allocation block and carrier | Freemium |
| NTU ScamCall Database | Community reported suspicious numbers | Free |
| Global CNAM API | Fetches name display for Singapore DIDs | Paid |
Always cross-reference at least two sources before blacklisting a number spoofing is rampant.
Compliance & best practice checklist
| Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| PDPA consent logging | You must record opt-ins if you’ll dial customers regularly. |
| Do-Not-Call Registry scrubbing | Fines can hit SGD 10,000 per offence. |
| Display valid caller ID | IMDA mandates accurate CLI to curb scams. |
| Store CDRs for 6 months | Helps in dispute resolution and fraud tracing. |
a reputable managed voice provider should automate most of this, but the legal liability stays with you, not them.
FAQs
1. What is Singapore’s calling code? +65.
2. How many digits in a Singapore phone number? 8 digits for both landline and mobile.
3. Singapore landline number example? +65 6123 4567.
4. What do numbers starting with 3 mean? Typically VoIP/IP telephony business lines.
5. What do numbers starting with 6 mean? Landline (PSTN/IPT).
6. What do numbers starting with 8 or 9 mean? Mobile ranges.
7. Is there an area code like +65 “3/6”?
No area codes; only the first digit of the 8-digit number indicates service type.
8. How to write a Singapore phone number? +65 XXXX XXXX.
9. How to call Singapore from India/US/UK?
Exit/IDD + 65 + 8-digit number (see examples above).
10. What’s IMDA / the numbering plan?
IMDA regulates the National Numbering Plan, including allocations for 3/6/8/9
Make a browser test call to any Singapore number via superU.
