Summary
Question: What are international country codes? How do I dial an international call?
Answer: International calling codes, or country codes, are digits that must be dialed to reach a telephone number in another country. For instance, if you’re in France and wish to contact the U.S., you must dial the U.S. country code prior to dialing the U.S. phone number.
How to Dial an International Call With Country Code
To make calls to other countries, follow these steps:
- Dial the country code
- Dial the city code (similar to an area code)
- Dial the local number
For example, to call Cordoba, in Spain, perform the following:
- Dial 34 (the country code)
- Dial 957 (the city code)
- Dial the phone number
These steps will connect you to most phones in the Western world; however, exceptions and additional rules may apply based on your geographical location and the type of telephone you’re calling.
International Phone Call Tips
- Keep a list of the calling codes for each country you’re visiting; storing it in your itinerary can be very practical. Remember to omit the zero from the country code. For example:
- UK—country code 44
- France—country code 33
- Turkey—country code 90
- Note down the U.S. calling code as well—this will be necessary to reach home:
- U.S. country code—+1 (it seems simple, but often it can be forgotten)—Make sure you dial the U.S. country code followed by the area code before the phone number.
- If you anticipate needing to call internationally during your travels, discover how obtaining an unlocked phone and local SIM card can save you money. Local SIM cards frequently offer lower rates for data and phone calls than incurring roaming fees with your home mobile provider.
- Consider utilizing mobile communication applications such as WhatsApp or Skype. These platforms enable you to make calls over Wi-Fi or a data plan, often at minimal or no cost.
“An amazing invention – but who would ever want to use one?”
–President Rutherford B. Hayes on telephones, 1876
Edited by Lauren Juliff.
