Buzz
Your comprehensive guide for making international calls around the globe.
Whether you're organizing a conference call with a foreign client or just catching up with family while traveling abroad, dialing international numbers is easier and more affordable than ever. All you need is the right codes, such as the country and area codes, and the phone number. Use your mobile device, or save some money by opting for a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service instead.
Key Points to Remember
- International calls require specific codes based on the region you are dialing.
- International calls may come with additional charges.
- To make an international call, you must first dial your country's 3-digit exit code.
Instructions
Making an International Call from Your Phone
Dial your country's exit code first. This code, typically one to three digits long, notifies the telephone system that you are dialing internationally. A full list of exit codes can be found here.
- The exit code for the United States is 011.
- In some countries, like Brazil and Chile, you may need an additional digit depending on your carrier, while others, like Australia and Finland, offer this as an optional extra digit.
- If you're calling from a business line, you may have to dial '9' first to get an outside line.
- For example, the country code '1' is used by the United States, Canada, Guam, and many Caribbean countries.
Include the area or city code if necessary. While smaller countries might not use area codes, larger ones can have many. Check your mobile provider’s website for specific area codes. Alternatively, you can search online for the area code by typing the location followed by 'area code'. For example, search "San Francisco + area code" if calling there.
Check if there's a separate code for calling a mobile phone versus a landline. Some countries differentiate between calling mobile phones and landlines. The mobile number is typically embedded with a specific code, but you can verify this by checking the country’s telecommunications body website.
- For instance, in the UK, a landline starts with 02, whereas a mobile number starts with 07.
Dial the desired phone number. Enter the remaining digits of the phone number after you've dialed the exit, country, and area codes. Keep in mind that phone numbers in other countries might be longer or shorter than those in your home country.
- If the number begins with a 0, omit it. This is known as a trunk code, which is used for domestic calls in some countries. The only exception is Italy, where area codes always begin with 0.
- For example, to call Guatemala from the United States, you would first dial the US exit code (011), then Guatemala's country code (502), followed by the local phone number. The full number would look like this: "011-502-xxxx-xxxx".
Simple Formula for an International Phone Number
+ [country code] - [city/area code] - [phone number]
Making International Calls Over the Internet
Connect to WiFi to avoid costly data charges when abroad. While traveling outside your home country, your mobile provider will charge you for call minutes, texts, and data usage. Ensure you're connected to a WiFi network instead of using cellular data before making calls over the internet.
- To ensure you're not using data, disable it in your phone’s settings. For example, on an iPhone, go to Settings, tap Cellular, and toggle off “Cellular Data.”
- Free WiFi is widely available in many places, such as hotels, cafes, restaurants, and libraries.
Download a free VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) app or software. VoIP apps convert your voice and/or video into data signals that travel over the internet. Choose one of the many available VoIP providers and install their software on your laptop or download the app to your tablet or smartphone.
- VoIP services are typically more affordable than traditional international calls.
- If you're calling a landline or someone who doesn't use VoIP, charges may apply.
- Popular VoIP apps include Skype, Google Voice, and WhatsApp.
Attach a headset if your device lacks a microphone. While many laptops have built-in microphones, some don’t. You can purchase a portable headset with both headphones and a microphone, which plugs into your computer’s USB port.
- Headsets and microphones are available at electronics stores or through online retailers.
- If you’re making a video call, don’t forget to connect a webcam as well.
Dial the phone number and press the call button. Enter the full phone number, including the area or city code. Be sure to check your app or service instructions to see if you need to include the country code or a "+" at the start of the number. Some services will automatically add the country code when you select the destination country.
- Many apps can sync with your phone’s contact list to easily dial someone from there.
Reasons Your VoIP Call May Fail
You aren’t connected to WiFi.
Your internet connection is too slow.
The person you’re calling doesn’t accept international or internet calls.
You forgot to include the “+” or country code at the beginning of the number.
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Check the cost of making an international call. Rates vary depending on your provider, your plan, and the country you're calling. Reach out to your service provider using the contact number listed on their website to speak with a representative and get the details on pricing.
