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Staying connected with friends and family across long distances can be a challenge. However, mastering how to place an international call from the U.S. to Colombia can make it easier to stay in touch with your loved ones. As long as you know the U.S. exit code (011), Colombia's country code (57), and whether you're calling a landline or a mobile phone, you can use your regular phone, an international calling card, or a smartphone app to make the call.
Steps to Follow
Calling from a Landline or Mobile Phone
Begin by dialing “011,” the U.S. exit code. This code signals to your phone provider that you're placing a call outside of the U.S., essentially allowing you to exit the country and connect internationally.
- To reach Colombia, dial 011-xx-x-xxx-xxxx to complete your call.
Dial Colombia’s country code, which is “57.” This tells your phone provider that your call is directed to Colombia. Every country has its own unique access code, though some regions share a code. Colombia, however, uses the specific code “57.”
- Your dialed number should now look like this: 011-57-x-xxx-xxxx.
Add the mobile code if you’re calling a cellphone. If you’re reaching someone on a mobile phone in Colombia, you’ll need to include their mobile area code. This code is usually 3 digits long, and you can ask your contact for it or find it based on their mobile network provider.
- If needed, you can look up the mobile network code online.
- The code should follow the exit and country code, so your number would read: 011-57-315-xxx-xxxx.
Include the area code if calling a landline. For calls to landlines, each region in Colombia has a unique area code (e.g., Bello’s code is 4 and Soledad’s is 5). You must dial this code after the exit and country code to ensure your call connects correctly.
- Area codes are usually a single digit and can be found online.
- For example, calling Armenia requires dialing 011-57-6-xxx-xxxx.
Finish by dialing the 7-digit phone number to complete the call. Now that you’ve added the country code and area or mobile code, you can dial the remaining 7 digits of the phone number, just as you would when calling a U.S. number. If you’re calling a mobile phone, you’ll dial a total of 10 digits, while for landlines, it will be 8 digits in total.
Using an Alternative Method
Consider purchasing an international calling card if you’re using a landline. These cards come with a preloaded number of minutes that can be used to make international calls, helping you avoid hefty fees from your phone provider. To activate your minutes, simply dial the 1-800 number on the back of the card.
- Cards typically cost between $1 and $20, depending on the number of minutes included.
- You can find international calling cards at convenience stores, grocery stores, online retailers, or even through phone service providers.
Explore various smartphone apps for international calls. Apps like WhatsApp, Skype, Viber, and Rebtel allow you to make international calls using WiFi, which can be more convenient than dialing through your landline or mobile phone.
- Some apps let you make calls for free if both you and the person you’re calling use the same app, and many also support texting and video calls.
- However, some apps may charge a per-minute fee, so be sure to review the terms before making a call!
Use social media messaging apps to call internationally. If you have an account with a service like Facebook, you can make calls via the Messenger app as long as you and your contact are both connected to WiFi.
- If you're using data instead of WiFi, be mindful of your call’s length to avoid exceeding your data limit and incurring charges.
- Other popular apps for international communication include Kik and WeChat.
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Remember to consider the time difference when making your calls. You can quickly check the time in Colombia by searching “local time in Colombia” on your phone or computer.
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It’s also a good idea to check your phone plan before dialing internationally. Some providers offer plans for as little as $5 per month, while others charge a fee per minute of usage.
