International Dialing Guide

Your comprehensive guide to making international calls

How to Make International Calls

Making international calls might seem complicated, but once you understand the basic format, it's quite straightforward. Follow these steps to ensure your international calls connect properly:

From Mobile Phones

  1. Dial the plus sign (+) - This automatically inserts the correct international exit code
  2. Dial the country code (e.g., 44 for UK, 1 for USA)
  3. Dial the area code (omitting any leading zeros)
  4. Dial the local phone number

Example: To call London, UK from a mobile phone:
+44 20 XXXX XXXX

From Landlines

  1. Dial your country's international exit code (e.g., 011 in the US, 00 in Europe)
  2. Dial the country code (e.g., 44 for UK, 1 for USA)
  3. Dial the area code (omitting any leading zeros)
  4. Dial the local phone number

Example: To call London, UK from a US landline:
011 44 20 XXXX XXXX

Important: In most countries, when dialing internationally, you need to remove any leading zeros from the area code. For example, if a UK number is written as 020 XXXX XXXX for domestic calls, you would dial +44 20 XXXX XXXX internationally.

International Exit Codes

An international exit code (also called an international access code) is what you dial to indicate you're making an international call. Here are common exit codes by region:

Region/Country Exit Code
United States and Canada 011
Most of Europe, Asia, Africa 00
Australia 0011
Japan 010
Russia 8~10
Brazil 00
China 00
India 00
Tip: On mobile phones, you can simply use the plus sign (+) which automatically inserts the correct exit code based on your location.

Country Code Examples

Here are examples of how to call specific countries from the United States:

Country Country Code Example (from US)
UK 44 011 44 20 XXXX XXXX (London)
France 33 011 33 1 XX XX XX XX (Paris)
Germany 49 011 49 30 XXXX XXXX (Berlin)
Australia 61 011 61 2 XXXX XXXX (Sydney)
Japan 81 011 81 3 XXXX XXXX (Tokyo)
India 91 011 91 11 XXXX XXXX (Delhi)
Brazil 55 011 55 11 XXXX XXXX (São Paulo)
South Africa 27 011 27 11 XXX XXXX (Johannesburg)

Understanding Phone Number Formats

Phone number formats vary widely around the world. Here's a breakdown of common formats:

North American Format (NANP)

Countries using the +1 country code follow this format:

  • Country code: +1
  • Format: +1 XXX XXX XXXX
  • Where XXX is the area code and XXX XXXX is the local number
  • Example: +1 212 555 1234 (New York)

European Formats

European countries typically have variable-length formats:

  • UK format: +44 XX XXXX XXXX
  • France format: +33 X XX XX XX XX
  • Germany format: +49 XX XXXXXXX
  • Area codes vary in length, as do local numbers

Asian Formats

Asian countries have diverse formats:

  • Japan format: +81 XX XXXX XXXX
  • China format: +86 XXX XXXX XXXX
  • India format: +91 XXXXX XXXXX
Note: The formats shown are generalizations. Specific regions within countries may have different length numbers or formatting variations.

Tips for Making International Calls

  • Consider time zones - Be mindful of the local time at your destination before calling
  • Save numbers in international format - Store contacts with the + prefix and country code
  • Use country codes lookup - Use our main directory to find the correct country code
  • Test your connection - Make a brief test call if calling an important business contact
  • Check your plan - Verify international calling rates or consider purchasing an international plan
  • Alternative services - Consider VoIP services like Skype, WhatsApp, or Zoom for lower-cost international calls
  • Speak clearly - International calls may have connection quality issues; speak slowly and clearly
  • Verify numbers - Double-check international numbers before making important calls

Common International Calling Issues

Call Not Connecting

If your call won't connect, check:

  • You've dialed the correct exit code
  • You've included the country code
  • You've removed any leading zeros from the area code
  • Your phone service allows international calling

Poor Connection Quality

To improve connection quality:

  • Ensure you have good signal strength
  • Try a landline if your mobile connection is poor
  • Consider internet-based calling alternatives
  • Speak slower and more clearly than usual

Unexpected High Costs

To avoid bill shock:

  • Check international rates before calling
  • Consider purchasing an international calling plan
  • Use calling cards or VoIP services for lower rates
  • Keep track of call duration

Special International Calling Situations

Calling Mobile Phones

When calling mobile phones internationally:

  • Some countries have specific mobile prefixes
  • Mobile calls often cost more than landlines
  • Format may differ from landline numbers

Example: UK mobile numbers start with 07 domestically but are dialed as +44 7XXX XXXXXX internationally.

Toll-Free Numbers

Important notes about international toll-free numbers:

  • Most toll-free numbers only work domestically
  • Calling a foreign toll-free number usually incurs charges
  • Some companies offer international toll-free services

Look for local contact numbers when dealing with international businesses.

Calling While Traveling

When calling from abroad:

  • Use + instead of exit codes when possible
  • Check with your provider about roaming rates
  • Consider a local SIM card for frequent calls
  • Wi-Fi calling can save money when available
Find Country Codes in Our Directory