When calling a loved one abroad, you want to ensure that your calls are precise and reliable. That’s why you need to know how to dial international numbers correctly.
Luckily, several apps out there allow you to connect easily with your family and friends from anywhere in the world. And many of them are free to use.
Dial the Country Code
Dialing the country code is the first step in making clear and reliable international calls. Almost every country in the world has a unique country calling code: a single- or up to three-digit number.
To dial a country code, start by pressing the + key. This is typically on a keypad or screen on most mobile and smartphones, located near the “0” key.
Then, add the appropriate country code followed by the number you’re calling. This simple process will help you connect with your loved ones abroad, saving you money on calls and data charges.
To call from the United States to another country, you must use the direct international dialing (IDD) prefix “011.” Then, add the country code and area code, as applicable.
Dial the Area Code
Dialing the area code and making clear and reliable international calls is a skill you need to have to connect with your friends, family, or business partners abroad. You’ll need to dial the IDD prefix (the 00 or 011 international calling code) and then the country code, followed by the phone number you’re calling, including its area or city code.
The area code is used to pinpoint a location by assigning digits to specific areas with a particular name or number of people living there. This helps people who need to call a particular site quickly and efficiently.
For example, if you want to call someone in the UK, dial the internal area code, usually just 1296. Follow that with the country code 44 in the United Kingdom, then the telephone number you’re trying to call.
Dial the Number
Making a call and hearing the other person’s voice can make the distance between friends and loved ones feel much smaller. But international calls can be more complicated than domestic calls.
First, you need to know the number you’re dialing. For the United States and most US territories, that’s a digit known as an exit code (011).
Next, you’ll need to dial the country code. This is a two- to three-digit number unique to the country you’re calling.
Finally, you’ll need to dial the number of the person or business you want to reach. That’s typically between four and seven digits long.