How to Call America from Switzerland: Dialing Codes, Steps & Tips

The format of a US phone number when calling from Switzerland consists of four key components: the Switzerland exit code, the US country code, the area code, and a seven-digit subscriber number. Each code plays a key role in routing your call to the US accurately.

Switzerland uses “00” as its exit code. Dialing this code instructs your carrier to direct your call to the international network.

A country code identifies a specific country in international dialing. The country code for the USA is “+1”, which you must include when calling from Switzerland. This routes your call into the US network.

Area codes help direct your call to specific parts of the country. The United States area codes usually consist of three digits. The North American Numbering Plan (NANP) has categorized area codes in the US based on the geographic size and population density of the different regions.

Here’s the list of some popular US area codes, alongside their serving cities:

The subscriber number follows the area code and is the final part of the US phone number. It consists of seven digits, unique for each phone line within the country.

To call the US from Switzerland, dial the Switzerland exit code “00”, then the US country code “1”, followed by the area code and the seven-digit subscriber number.

Note: In the US, mobile phone numbers already include the area code, so you don’t need to look it up separately.

To call America from Switzerland on a landline, dial the Swiss exit code, the US country code, the area code, and the seven-digit local landline number.

1. Dial Switzerland’s exit code “00”.
2. Dial the US country code “1”.
3. Dial the three-digit area code.
4. Dial the seven-digit subscriber number.
5. Hit the Call button.

To call a US mobile number from Switzerland, dial the Switzerland exit code (00), followed by the US country code (1), and then the 10-digit subscriber number. As the first 3 digits of the US cell phone number represent the area code, you can enter the complete mobile number directly after the country code.

1. Dial 00, the Switzerland exit code.
2. Dial 1, the USA country code.
3. Dial the 10-digit subscriber number.
4. Press Call.

To call a US toll-free number from Switzerland, dial Switzerland’s exit code “00”, then the US country code “1”, followed by the toll-free prefix and the local subscriber number.

• Step 1: Dial Switzerland’s exit code “00”.
• Step 2: Dial the US country code “1”.
• Step 3: Dial the toll‑free prefix (e.g., 800).
• Step 4: Dial the remaining seven digits.
• Step 5: Press Call.

When calling America from Switzerland, schedule them between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM local time, Monday to Friday. For personal calls, early evening is generally a good time, but it's best to confirm that with the person you’re calling first.

Switzerland operates on Central European Time (CET) and Central European Summer Time (CEST). On the other hand, the US follows multiple time zones. It’s important to consider the time zone differences between the countries to ensure your call reaches the appropriate time for your recipient.

Note: The above-mentioned times are subject to vary during daylight saving times in both countries.

For affordable calling options when dialing America from Switzerland, consider using virtual phone numbers, online calling apps, or prepaid calling cards. These services often offer a lower rate for international calls.

Online calling apps, such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or Viber, allow you to make voice and video calls over the internet. They're a simple and low-cost way to call people in other countries, as long as both you and the person you’re calling use the same app.

You can buy prepaid international calling cards in stores or online. These let you call US numbers from Switzerland at discounted rates, and you can use them on both landlines and mobile phones. To use it, simply dial the access number, PIN, and the phone number.

Cloud telephony services offer virtual phone numbers that also allow you to make calls over the internet, offering a smoother overseas call setup. The calling rate is generally cheaper than the traditional carriers. Also, you don’t have to purchase or install additional equipment to use this number. You can simply configure them in your existing device.

No matter whether you’re calling for personal or business reasons, knowing the correct dialing process can help avoid errors. The key is using the correct dialing codes - starting with Switzerland’s exit code, followed by the US country code and area code.

Alongside the dialing format, it’s also important to consider the cost. The international call rates are often expensive, especially through traditional carriers. However, there are several cost-effective alternatives available.

Virtual phone numbers, in particular, stand out as the best option. Cloud telephony providers like Calilio offer virtual numbers that allow you to make international calls at much lower cost compared to traditional carriers. Plus, they come with additional telephony features like call forwarding, call recording, and voicemail transcription. Get a virtual phone number from Calilio today.