By Michael Chen · Published January 28, 2025 · Updated March 9, 2026 · 4 min read
Let’s be honest: sending a fax internationally used to be a gamble. You’d stand over a clunky machine, type in a confusing string of codes like 011-44-20..., listen to screeching noises, and pray the paper didn't jam halfway through to London.
In 2026, that hardware is obsolete, but the need to send secure documents across borders isn't. Whether you're closing a deal in Tokyo or sending medical records to a specialist in Berlin, mFax.to turns your phone into a global fax machine.
Here is the no-nonsense guide to getting your document delivered without the international dialing headache.
The "Exit Code" Myth (and how to ignore it)
If you Google "how to fax to the UK," you’ll see instructions telling you to dial 011. Ignore that.
Exit codes (like 011 for the US or 00 for Europe) were designed for old copper wire networks to signal you were "leaving" the country. With modern VoIP and digital faxing, we use the E.164 standard.
The magic key is the Plus (+) symbol.
The Only Format You Need
When using mFax.to, simply replace the exit code with a +.
Format: + [Country Code] [Local Number]
Example (UK): +44 20 7123 4567
This tells our servers exactly where to route your document, regardless of where you are currently standing. You could be on a beach in Bali sending a fax to New York—the format stays the same.
Cheat Sheet: Top International Country Codes
You don't need to memorize the world's phone book. Here are the most common destinations our users fax to, formatted correctly.
| Country | Code | The "Drop the Zero" Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 United States | +1 | No leading zero to drop | +1 212 555 0199 |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | +1 | No leading zero to drop | +1 416 555 0199 |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | +44 | Drop the 0 (020 → 20) | +44 20 7123 4567 |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | +49 | Drop the 0 (030 → 30) | +49 30 1234 5678 |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | +61 | Drop the 0 (02 → 2) | +61 2 9876 5432 |
| 🇫🇷 France | +33 | Drop the 0 (01 → 1) | +33 1 23 45 67 89 |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | +81 | Drop the 0 (03 → 3) | +81 3 1234 5678 |
What is the 'Drop the Zero' rule?
In many countries (like the UK or Germany), local numbers start with a 0. When you add the country code, you must remove that first zero.
Local London number: 020 7555...
International format: +44 20 7555...
3 Factors That Affect International Faxing
Sending a document across the ocean is slightly more complex than sending it down the street. Here is what you need to keep in mind to ensure a successful transmission.
1. Connection Quality & Speed
International lines can be "noisy" (digital packet loss). Traditional machines fail here often. The mFax.to Advantage: We use premium Tier-1 carrier routes. If the connection jitters, our software handles the retry logic automatically. You don't need to stand there and redial.
2. The Cost Factor
International calls cost telecom carriers more to terminate.
- Domestic: Usually 1 credit/page.
- International: varies by zone (usually 1.5x to 3x standard rate).
- Tip: Always check your balance before sending a massive 50-page legal brief to Australia. We calculate the cost upfront so there are no surprises.
3. Time Zones Matter (Yes, really)
Even digital faxes can fail if the receiving machine is turned off. Many businesses in Europe and Asia turn their physical fax machines off at night to save power. If you send a fax from NYC at 4 PM, it is 10 PM in Berlin.
Best Practice
If your fax fails to go through on the first try, check the local time in the destination country. Sending during their business hours increases success rates by 40%.
Can I Receive International Faxes?
Absolutely. This is one of the biggest perks of having a digital number.
Your mFax.to number is already globally accessible. You just need to ensure the person sending you the fax formats your number correctly.
- If you have a US number:
(555) 123-4567 - Tell your international client to dial:
+1 555 123 4567(or001 555...if they are on an old machine).
Summary: Go Global in Seconds
You don't need a dedicated "international line" or expensive hardware to do business globally.
- Open mFax.to.
- Scan your document or upload a PDF.
- Enter the number with the
+Country Code. - Hit send.
We handle the routing, the handshake protocols, and the delivery confirmation. You just focus on the business.
Download mFax.to now and send your first international fax for free.
For help with specific fax workflows, see our how to fax from iPhone guide and how to fax from email — both support international numbers in E.164 format.