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Additionally, be mindful of the best times to call to align with Saudi Arabia's waking and working hours.
If you're looking to make a call to someone in Saudi Arabia, it may seem a bit tricky if you're not accustomed to making international calls. However, once you familiarize yourself with the steps, it becomes a simple process. Begin by dialing the exit code for your home country, followed by 966, the country code for Saudi Arabia. After that, enter the area code and then the phone number. Just be sure to double-check the time before placing the call!
Making a Call to Saudi Arabia from the United States
To connect with Saudi Arabia from the United States, first dial the U.S. exit code (011), followed by Saudi Arabia's country code (966). Then, enter the recipient's 7-digit phone number to complete the call. Alternatively, you can use a VoIP service to make the call from your computer or download a digital calling app like WhatsApp for convenience.
Calling Steps
Making a Call from Your Phone
Start with your country's exit code. To place an international call, you must first dial the exit code for your country. This code, also known as the dial-out or international access code, informs your carrier that you are making an international call. For instance, in the U.S., Canada, and parts of the Caribbean, the exit code is 011, while in Mexico, it's 00.
- If you're unsure of your country’s exit code, you can easily search for it online or refer to this list: https://www.howtocallabroad.com/codes.html.
Dial 966 to reach Saudi Arabia. After entering your country's exit code, the next step is to dial the country code for the nation you're calling. For Saudi Arabia, the country code is 966.
- For example, if you’re calling from the U.S., you would dial 011 966 to connect.
Enter the city code, leaving off the leading 0 if applicable. Once you’ve dialed the country code, the next step is to enter the city code, which might also be referred to as the area or zone code. If you have a 9-digit phone number, the first 2 digits are the city code. If not, you’ll need to know the city of the person you're calling to find the city code.
- To find the city code, visit this website and scroll down to “Saudi Arabia City Codes”: https://countrycode.org/saudiarabia.
- For example, if you’re in the U.S. and calling someone in Riyadh, you would dial 011 966 11.
Tip: When calling a mobile number, replace the city code with the number 5, followed by the 8-digit phone number.
End with the 7-digit phone number of the person you're trying to reach. Once you’ve entered all the necessary codes, you can dial the phone number you wish to contact. If you're calling a landline, the number will be 7 digits, while mobile numbers will typically be 8 digits.
- For example, a call from the U.S. to Riyadh would look like: 011 966 11 xxx-xxxx.
Making Calls Over the Internet
Use a VoIP service to make calls from your computer. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) allows you to make phone calls using the internet instead of a traditional phone line or mobile network. To get started, you'll need to download the software from your chosen service, and the other person may need to do the same. You'll also need a microphone and speakers or a headset. Some services may require a special phone to be connected to your computer.
- VoIP services are popular for their low cost, with many offering free calls or affordable monthly subscriptions. However, the sound quality might not be as clear as traditional phone calls, and additional charges may apply when calling landlines or mobile numbers.
- Some well-known VoIP services include Vonage, Google Voice, and Skype.
Download a calling app to make free calls from your mobile device. Several apps allow you to place international calls from your phone or tablet. Ask friends, family, or social media contacts for app recommendations and experiment with a few to find the one that works best for you. While many of these apps are free, you may incur data charges if you're not connected to Wi-Fi or have a limited data plan.
- Ensure the other person has the same app installed if necessary!
- Though internet calling services were banned in Saudi Arabia at one point, this ban was lifted in late 2017. Keep in mind that internet calls in Saudi Arabia may be monitored, and some apps may not work as expected.
- Popular apps for international calling include WhatsApp, Viber, and FaceTime.
Tip: Internet calls can consume a significant amount of data. To ensure a smooth call, make sure you're connected to a stable Wi-Fi network before dialing.
Use email or instant messaging for a fast and convenient way to connect. Due to the time zone differences and Saudi Arabia's Sunday-Thursday work week, it can sometimes be tricky to find a good time for a phone call. If scheduling a call is difficult, consider sending an email or instant message instead. This allows the recipient to respond when it's most convenient for them.
Respecting Cultural Norms
Be mindful of the time zone. Saudi Arabia operates on Arabia Standard Time (AST), which is +0300 UTC/GMT. Depending on where you are, this can result in a significant time difference. To avoid calling at inconvenient hours, calculate the local time in Saudi Arabia before making a call; otherwise, you could unintentionally wake someone up in the middle of the night!
- AST is 8 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time (EST) and 7 hours ahead during U.S. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), observed from April to October.
- For instance, if it’s 11:00 a.m. EST in New York, it will be 7:00 p.m. in Saudi Arabia on the same day.
Understand the Saudi work week. In Saudi Arabia, the work week runs from Sunday to Thursday, unlike the Monday to Friday work week in much of the Western world. This schedule is due to the observance of the Muslim day of prayer on Fridays, when most businesses are closed.
- It’s best to avoid calling someone in Saudi Arabia on a Friday for either work or personal reasons, unless they’ve specifically asked you to reach out on that day.
Tip: If you plan to call Saudi Arabia frequently, consider purchasing an international calling card to save on your phone bills.
If you can't reach a business during midday, try calling back in the evening. Many businesses in Saudi Arabia operate with a midday break, typically closing around 12:00 p.m. for 3 hours. They usually reopen at 3:00 p.m. and stay open until about 6:00 p.m., sometimes later. If you try calling between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. AST and don't get through, consider trying again in the afternoon.
- If you’re calling personally, it’s best to try between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. AST or after 6:00 p.m.
Call government offices before 2:30-3:00 p.m. local time. Many government offices in Saudi Arabia close at 2:30 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. during the week, so it’s best to place your call early in the day.
- Government offices typically open around 8:00 a.m. AST.
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If someone else answers the phone and you need to ask for the person you’re trying to reach, say "hal li 'an 'atahadath 'iilaa," followed by their name. For example, you could say, "marhabaan, hal li 'an 'atahadath 'iilaa liwakas Omar?" This translates to, "Hello, may I speak with Omar?"
Important Notes
- To avoid unexpected charges on your phone bill, make sure to contact your service provider and inquire about your international calling plan if you’re using a landline or cell phone.
