How to Call Internationally from the US

Dial international numbers on mobile or landline phones

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Dial '011' on the keypad. International direct dialing (IDD, short for International Direct Dialing) for the United States precedes the phone number. This prefix indicates that the phone number you are calling is outside the United States.

Remember that '011' is a prefix for the North American Telephone Numbering Plan only. If you're calling from a country other than the US, find that country's IDD.

Sometimes international phone numbers will include a '+' sign in front. If you use a mobile phone to dial, you can enter the '+' sign (usually on the same key as '0') instead of '011'. Or you can just replace the '+' sign with '011' if you want.

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Add area code. Determine the area code of the country you are calling from. This number will vary depending on the country you want to call, but generally consists of 1-3 digits.

For example, if you are calling a phone number in Australia, the country area code will be '61'. So you need to dial 011 (IDD number) then 61 (country area code).

Note: some countries use the same area codes. For example, in the United States, Canada, most of the Caribbean, Guam and other territories in the US all use the same area code '1'.

It is also possible that another number needs to be added to the area code if the country you are calling has its own method of calling mobile phones instead of land lines. For example, in Mexico, you need to dial '1' after the country area code ('52') to call a mobile phone number.

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Dial the area/city area code (if available). After dialing the IDD and country area code, you need to enter the city or area code (usually included in the phone number as part of the local number). This code will narrow the phone number to a specific city or region in the country you are calling.

The area/city code can be 1-3 digits long.

Note: small countries often do not use area or city area codes, in this case you just need to dial the number given.

Note: if the phone number you have does not contain an area/city code, ask the person who gave it instead of looking up based on location. Their current address or home city may not be the area code, as it's likely the person bought their phone somewhere else.

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Enter the rest of the phone number. Dial the rest of the phone number you have after entering the IDD number, country area code and area/city area code. Finally, press the call button to make the call.

Note: other countries' phone numbers may be longer or shorter than the US domestic 7-digit number standard.

If this phone number has a '0' before it, skip it and dial the following numbers. Number 0 is the area code for domestic calls in many countries but does not apply to international calls.

Let's say you're going to call the British Museum in London, UK. To call from the US, you need to dial the IDD number '011'. The UK area code is '44' and the London area code is '20'. The rest of the phone number is '7323 8299'. In short, you will have to dial the entire number 011 44 ​​20 7323 8299 to call the Museum.

Use online calling service

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Use Skype to dial internationally. We can call international phone numbers directly using the Skype application for computers and mobile devices. You'll need to purchase Skype credits to cover your call costs or sign up for monthly payments.

Open the Skype application dial pad with buttons similar to the 10 keys on a phone dial pad. Select the country you'll be calling from using the drop-down menu. The country area code will be added automatically, so just tap or enter the rest of the phone number along with the area code. No need to use IDD number.

If the call recipient has a Skype account, we can skip dialing and make a free call. Just add him/her as a contact and start a free voice or video call anytime.

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Try using another service like MagicApp or PopTox. You can use another service with a similar Internet platform to call numbers abroad. These applications can be used on computers with an Internet connection or mobile devices with a data plan to call regular phone numbers.

Try a service like PopTox if you want to call from your computer's browser without downloading an app or software.

Check out mobile apps like MagicApp and Talkatone to make free international calls. Or you can try a service like Google Hangouts, Rebtel or Vonage to call at affordable prices.

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You might consider an online service that doesn't use a phone number. Ask the person you need to call if they use any other online applications that don't require a regular phone number. These services using VoIP technology (short for Voice over Internet Protocol, meaning Voice transmission over IP protocol) allow registration and calls to other users in the same application completely free of charge.

Try popular services like Google Hangouts, Viber or Facebook Messenger. These apps only require you to sign up for the service to call other users in the same app for free.

You need to make sure both of you are connected to a stable Internet network before starting a call through the application on your computer or phone. Data charges will still apply if you use the app on your mobile device without a Wi-Fi connection.

Determine the cost to call

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Find out if the international number you are calling is a mobile number. You need to determine whether this foreign number is a landline or a mobile phone. This will affect the rates you pay when calling from the US and the method of calling.

International calls to mobile phones are often charged more than calls to landlines or land lines. First you need to determine the type of phone you will be calling and choose to dial a landline number if possible.

Some countries have standards for distinguishing whether a number is considered a landline or a mobile phone, usually by one or more preceding numbers.

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Ask your phone carrier about international call rates. Talk to the service provider of the phone you'll be using to call internationally before dialing. Check with both your landline and mobile phone carrier (if you're offered both), as their rates may vary.

If you plan to call abroad frequently, ask your provider about international calling plans. Or you can ask about the rates they will charge if you only make one call abroad.

Some phone carriers may give you specific instructions on how to dial internationally. Note: when calling outside from any domestic company line, you may need to dial '9'.

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Learn more about international calling packages. Do some research on all the fees associated with international calling plans, prepaid calling cards and other calling options. We need to know exactly what we will be charged for calls abroad, especially if you call frequently.

Be careful with your phone carrier's international calling packages. While each call is advertised at a competitive rate, overage charges or additional costs for these services are still a concern. International calling plans are only worth the money if you have to make a certain number of calls every month.

International calling cards and online services are often less expensive options than mobile or landline calling plans. Calling cards are prepaid, so you only pay for what you use. Internet-based services may be free or offer flexible fee options. No matter what you choose, you need to understand all policies and costs.

Micah Soto

Update 31 October 2023