How to Call the US from Puerto Rico? Dialing Steps, Costs & Tips

When calling the US from Puerto Rico, consider the Puerto Rico exit code and the US phone number format that includes the US country code, area codes, and local numbers.

The exit code is the first telephony prefix you dial when making international calls. Different countries have different exit codes. For Puerto Rico, it’s 011. This dialing code notifies your phone carrier that you’re calling outside Puerto Rico.

A country code is used to identify a specific country when dialing internationally. The US country code is 1. It routes your calls towards the United States when making international calls from any country.

The area code is a telephony prefix that routes your call to the specific region or city within the country. In the US, there are approximately 335 area codes.

The US area codes are 3 digits long, each assigned to a unique geographic location. Make sure you use the correct area code to ensure your call is directed to the right region.

Here are some popular area codes in the United States:

The local number is the final part of the phone number, which uniquely identifies the individual or business you are calling. They are also known as subscriber numbers and are typically 7 digits long in the US.
 

To call the US from Puerto Rico, simply dial Puerto Rico’s exit code (011), the US country code (1), the area code, and the local subscriber’s phone number.

To dial a US landline number from Puerto Rico, enter the Puerto Rican exit code, the USA country code, followed by the area code of your target region, and the local landline number.

• Step 1: Start with the Puerto Rico exit code, 011.
• Step 2: Enter 1, the US country code.
• Step 3: Dial the area code for the region or city you’re calling.
• Step 4: Dial the local 7-digit landline number.

To contact a mobile number in the US from Puerto Rico, dial the Puerto Rican exit code, the US country code, and the 10-digit local mobile number. US mobile numbers include the area code as part of the 10-digit number.

• Step 1: Enter Puerto Rico’s exit code, 011.
• Step 2: Dial 1, the US country code.
• Step 3: Then, dial the 10-digit mobile number.

To call a US toll-free number from Puerto Rico, dial the Puerto Rican exit code, followed by the US country code, the toll-free prefix, and the local number.

• Step 1: Start with Puerto Rico’s exit code, 011.
• Step 2: Dial the country code of the US, 1.
• Step 3: Dial the US’s toll-free prefix.
• Step 4: Enter the subscriber’s number.

The best time to call the US from Puerto Rico is during US business hours, which typically range from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For personal calls, you can call at any time that is convenient for your recipient. However, avoid calling too early in the morning or too late at night.

Puerto Rico is 1 to 4 hours ahead of the US time, depending on the time zone of your target location in the US. You must consider the time differences to ensure your call reaches at the right time for your recipient.

Here’s a quick table for the best time to call the USA from Puerto Rico, depending on different US time zones:

The cost of calling the US from Puerto Rico depends on the network operator and your chosen plan. If you're on a pay-as-you-go or prepaid plan, per-minute rates typically range from $0.001 to $0.20.

For cost-effective alternatives to traditional calling, consider using calling cards, social media calling apps, or a VoIP service. They often offer lower international calling costs compared to mobile carriers.

1. VoIP Services

   VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services use the internet to make phone calls, providing a much cheaper international calling rate than traditional calling methods. They offer virtual phone numbers for making these calls. 
   
   VoIP services are suitable, especially for business calls, as they often come with advanced features such as call forwarding, call recording, and more.

2. Social Media Calling Apps

   Apps like WhatsApp and Viber allow you to make calls to the US over the internet. These apps provide free calls when both parties are using the same app and connected to Wi-Fi. The calling process is easy, too. Simply install the app, add contacts, and make a call.

3. Calling Cards

   International calling cards are prepaid cards that offer a fixed calling time for making phone calls at discounted rates. They are a budget-friendly choice for those without internet access and who prefer traditional calling. After purchasing a card, you’d simply dial the access number, enter the PIN, and dial your recipient’s phone number to make calls.

Calling the US from Puerto Rico is straightforward once you understand the correct dialing procedure. The key is to use the key prefixes and dialing codes in the right format. Also, be mindful of the time difference between Puerto Rico and the US to ensure you call at a convenient time for your receiver.

And, to save on cost, consider using a virtual phone number. Calilio offers a virtual phone number at an affordable cost with low international call rates. Moreover, its virtual number comes with additional telephony features like AI-powered call management, call forwarding, and real-time analytics. These tools help you manage personal and business calls efficiently, all while keeping your costs low.

Get a virtual phone number from Calilio today.