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How to Place an International Call

Two Methods:Dialing an International Phone NumberCheap Methods for Calling Another CountryCommunity Q&A

Making phone calls internationally is quite simple and reliable, and can keep you connected with your loved ones, no matter how far away. Here are a few steps to placing an international call and tips for saving money while doing it.

Dialing an International Phone Number

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    Make your international call by following the dialing format. Your country's exit code + country code of the country you wish to call + area code + local telephone number.
    • For example, if you are placing a call from the UK to Los Angeles, CA, you would dial : 00 (exit code)-1(country code) – 323 (area code)– xxx – xxxx (local number).
    • For a step-by-step breakdown of this process, see the following steps.
  2. 2
    Dial your country's exit code. This is the number that routes your call out of the country you are in. Other names for this code are the international access code or IDD International Direct Dialing code.
    • For the United States and Canada, the international access code is 011.
    • In the example above, 00 - 1 - 323 - xxx - xxxx, 00 is the exit code.
    • The code differs for each country. A more complete listing of the international access codes can be found here.
  3. 3
    Dial the country code for the country you want to call. The country code ranges from 1 to 3 digits, and directs your call to a telecommunications circuit for the country you are calling.
    • For example when dialing, 00 - 1 - 323 - xxx - xxxx, "1" is the country code for the US.
    • A more complete listing of the country codes can be found here.
  4. 4
    Dial the area or city code. This narrows your call further to the particular state, city or town that you are calling.
    • Generally, area codes may range from 1 to 5 digits.
    • Returning to the example, in 00 -1- 323 - xxx - xxxx, 323 is the area code for Los Angeles.
  5. 5
    Lastly, dial the local telephone number of the person you are calling. This is the more familiar number that is similar to the phone numbers we dial all the time, although some countries may use more or less digits.
    • For some countries, many local numbers contain a “trunk prefix” that should be omitted when dialing from overseas. This number is only used within the country’s phone system.
    • This number is usually 1 or 0. You can search for trunk prefixes online, or simply try skipping the first number of the local number you are using if you are having trouble connecting.
    • In the US, the trunk code is 1, and is typically used before the area code when dialing long distance within the US. When dialing from abroad, the trunk code is omitted.

Cheap Methods for Calling Another Country

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    Consider using an Internet-based application like Skype to make international calls if you have an Internet connection. These are typically much cheaper to use than traditional long-distance carriers.
    • To call a regular phone via an Internet-based service, you may be charged a small fee. This can be paid for using a credit card, or sometimes by purchasing credit at a local retailer.
    • If the person you are calling is also connected to the Internet, you can use these services for free.
    • Many of these services also provide additional features, such as video chatting and group chats.
    • To find these services, search for Internet calling services using an internet search engine.
    • Popular applications include:
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    Choose a good international calling card to make phone calls abroad. Calling cards are generally cheaper than what your home or mobile phone companies will charge for making international calls.
    • Compare cards based on fees and services provided. Calling cards often charge various fees in addition to cost per minute, charge different rates determined by country, and have varying levels of customer support.
    • Pinless international calling cards are generally cheaper than using physical calling cards since there's no overhead for physical card production. These require you to dial a number before the number you are calling rather than insert your card in a payphone.
    • Try buying the smallest denomination available for a particular phone card to test the service. Buy bigger amounts of credit when you find a card you like.
  3. 3
    Contact your home or mobile phone company to see if they can give you better rates. If you call particular countries often, your phone company can often tailor your plan to give you better rates.

Community Q&A

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  • Keep in mind the time difference between your country and the country where you are calling to, and schedule your call accordingly.

Article Info

Featured Article

Categories: Featured Articles | Making Overseas Calls

In other languages:

Español: hacer una llamada internacional, Português: Fazer uma Ligação Internacional, Italiano: Comporre il Numero per una Telefonata Internazionale, Deutsch: Internationale Anrufe tätigen

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