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Reach out to friends or family across the globe, either using traditional phone calls or via modern apps.
Whether you're visiting the United States and need to make calls to another country or you're a U.S. resident calling abroad, there are multiple options available. This Mytour guide will show you how to dial international numbers from your cell or landline, as well as how to use apps like WhatsApp and Skype for communication.
Key Information to Remember
- Check with your phone service provider for international call rates before dialing.
- For calls from a cell phone, dial + (which shares a key with "0"), or 011 when using a landline.
- Make sure to include the country code, followed by the regional code and the phone number.
- Using apps like WhatsApp, Google Meet, or Facebook Messenger allows you to make international calls for free.
How to Make the Call
Dialing from a Mobile or Landline Phone
Dial "+" for mobile or "011" for landline calls. When calling internationally from your mobile phone, access the dialpad and press + (which shares the key with 0). On a landline, dial 011, the International Direct Dialing (IDD) number for the U.S. and Canada, also known as the exit code. This indicates that the phone number you're dialing is located outside the United States.
- The plus sign (+), shared with the 0 key on mobile phones, automatically instructs your phone to apply the appropriate IDD for your country of origin.
Enter the country code. Find the country code for the destination you are calling. This code, typically consisting of 1-3 digits, varies depending on the country you’re calling. For instance, to reach Australia, use country code 61. For a mobile call, dial + 61, or 011 61 for a landline.
- If you're calling countries within the North American numbering plan (like the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, or several Caribbean nations), no country code is needed as they share the code 1.
- Here are some other common country codes:
- Australia: 61
- Brazil: 55
- China: 86
- Colombia: 57
- Cuba: 53
- Egypt: 20
- El Salvador: 503
- Eritrea: 291
- Ethiopia: 251
- France: 33
- Germany: 49
- Ghana: 233
- Guatemala: 502
- Haiti: 509
- Hong Kong: 852
- India: 91
- Iran: 98
- Israel: 972
- Italy: 39
- Kenya: 254
- Korea: 82
- Mexico: 52
- Netherlands: 31
- Nigeria: 234
- Pakistan: 92
- Palestine: 972
- Philippines: 63
- South Africa: 27
- UK: 44
- Vietnam: 84
Dial the area or city code, if needed. After entering the international dialing code and country code, you will proceed with the area or city code, if applicable. This helps pinpoint the exact region within the country you're calling.
- The area code typically ranges from 1 to 3 digits.
- In smaller countries, there may not be a specific area code; in such cases, you should dial the full phone number given.
- If you don't have the area code for the number you're calling, ask the person you're trying to reach for it, rather than relying on location-based lookups.
Dial the remaining digits. Once you've entered the country and area codes, complete the call by dialing the rest of the number. For landlines, the call will be placed once you've dialed the correct number of digits. On a mobile phone, press the Call button to initiate the call.
- International numbers may have more or fewer digits than the typical 7-digit U.S. phone number.
- If the number includes a leading "0" (a trunk code used for domestic calls), omit the zero when dialing internationally.
- For instance, calling the British Museum in London: Dial 011 for the U.S. exit code, 44 for the UK's country code, 20 for London's area code, and the remaining digits 7323 8000. The complete number is 011 44 20 7323 8000.
Making Calls Online
Install a VoIP app. VoIP, or Voice Over Internet Protocol, allows you to make international calls through the internet. Popular VoIP services include WhatsApp, Skype, Discord, and Google Voice.
- Some VoIP services, like Skype, may charge for international calls. Be sure to check the pricing before making the call.
- If the person you're calling has a Skype account, consider reaching them via their account on your computer or phone. This is free and provides the same communication experience!
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WhatsApp is widely used outside the US. It's a good idea to download the app, add the number you're trying to call to your contacts, and search for them on WhatsApp. If you’re calling a mobile number, there's a high chance they use WhatsApp!
- Calling another WhatsApp user via the app is completely free, and it won't impact your mobile plan unless you're using data abroad without an international plan.
Use a messaging app. Platforms like Facebook Messenger or Google Duo don't rely on VoIP technology, but they still allow you to voice or video call someone abroad. Ensure both you and the person you're calling have a stable internet connection before placing the call.
- Data charges may apply if you're using a mobile app unless you're connected to Wi-Fi.
Understanding the Cost
Check if the international number is a mobile phone. It's important to find out whether the foreign number you're calling is a mobile or landline, as this can influence the cost of the call from the U.S. and may affect how you dial it.
- Calls to mobile phones abroad are generally more expensive than calls to landlines. If possible, consider calling a landline to save on costs.
Inquire about international call charges with your phone carrier. Before making an international call, contact your phone provider to inquire about the rates for both your mobile and landline (if applicable). Rates can differ between the two.
- If you plan to make frequent international calls, ask your provider about their international calling plans. If not, ask about the one-time rates for making a single call abroad.
- Be aware of additional fees or overage charges that might make the plan more cost-effective only if you're making a certain number of calls per month.
- Some phone service providers may give specific instructions for dialing an international number. Also, keep in mind that if you're dialing from a business phone line, you may need to dial “9” first to access an external line.
Explore international calling plans and prepaid cards. Research all associated fees with international calling plans, prepaid cards, and other options. It's essential to know the charges for international calls, especially if you'll be making them often.
- Prepaid calling cards allow you to pay upfront for what you use. Internet-based services might be free or offer flexible pricing plans.
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For example, when calling Guatemala from the USA, start with the US exit code (011), followed by Guatemala's country code (502), and then the number you're calling. Your complete dialing format will look like this: 011-502-xxxx-xxxx.
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Check the time difference. It may be midday where you are, but the person you're calling might be in a different time zone, possibly even midnight. Be mindful not to disturb them if the call isn't urgent.
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Keep in mind that international calls can be pricey. It's worth consulting with your carrier and considering an international calling plan if you'll be making frequent overseas calls.
