which datatype to use to store a mobile number

Question

Which datatype shall I use to store mobile numbers of 10 digits (Ex.:9932234242). Shall I go for varchar(10) or for the big one- the "bigint".

If the number is of type- '0021-23141231' , then which datatype to use?

Answer 1

• varchar/char long enough for all expected (eg UK numbers are 11 long)
• check constraint to allow only digits (expression = NOT LIKE '%[^0-9]%')
• format in the client per locale (UK = 07123 456 789 , Switzerland = 071 234 56 78)