How to Call Belgium from the USA?

Before calling Belgium from the USA, you need to understand the correct international phone number format for Belgium. This format includes the US exit code, Belgium’s country code, the area code or mobile prefix, and the subscriber number.

1. US Exit Code: The United States exit code is 011. This code allows you to place a call outside the US. You can also replace this exit code with the “+” sign.
2. Belgium Country Code: Belgium’s country code is 32. After dialing the US exit code or the “+” sign, you should enter 32 to route your call to Belgium.

3. Area Code: Belgium landline numbers consist of area codes that are two or three digits long, including the leading 0 used for domestic calls. When calling from the US, the initial 0 is removed.
   
   Below is a list of major cities in Belgium along with their corresponding area codes:

   City	Area Code
   Brussels	02
   Antwerp	03
   Liège	04
   Ghent	09
   Charleroi	071
   Namur	081
   Leuven	016
   Bruges	050
   Mons	065
   Hasselt	011
   Genk	089
   Mechelen	015
   Aalst	053
   Kortrijk	056
   Ostend	059

   Note: In Liège, both landlines and mobile numbers start with 04, but they differ in length and format. Liège landlines follow the format 04 xxx xx xx (9 digits total) and never begin with 04 6x, 04 7x, 04 8x, or 04 9x. Mobile numbers follow the format 04xx xx xx xx (10 digits total).

4. Mobile Prefix: Belgium mobile numbers start with 04xx when calling locally. When calling from the US, drop the leading 0.
5. Subscriber Number: The subscriber number is the final part of the Belgian phone number that identifies the individual line. It is 6 or 7 digits for landlines (depending on the area code) and 6 digits for mobile numbers.

Note: In Belgium, landline numbers usually have 9 digits and mobile numbers 10 digits, and if the domestic trunk code 0 is removed, the total digits are reduced by one.

To call Belgium from the US, dial 011 (the US exit code) or the “+” sign, followed by 32 (Belgium’s country code), and then enter the Belgian local phone number, omitting the trunk prefix 0.

To call a Belgian landline number from the US, dial the USA exit code, the Belgian country code, the area code (without the trunk code 0), and the landline phone number. Here are the steps explained in detail:

• Step 1: Dial the USA exit code “011” or the “+” sign.
• Step 2: Enter the Belgium country code 32.
• Step 3: Enter the area code of the region you are calling.
• Step 4: Finally, enter the subscriber number.

To call a Belgium mobile number from the US, dial the US exit code, followed by the Belgium country code, and then the nine-digit mobile number, discarding the trunk prefix.

• Step 1: Dial the US exit code “011” or the “+” sign.
• Step 2: Enter “32”, the Belgium country code.
• Step 3: Dial the recipient's mobile number.

If the mobile number in Belgium is written locally as 04XX XX XX XX, then when calling from the US, you would dial 011 32 4XX XX XX XX or +32 4XX XX XX XX.

Here, “011 or +” represents the US exit code, “32” is Belgium’s country code, “4XX” represents the Belgian mobile prefix, and the remaining digits are the subscriber number.

To dial a toll-free number in Belgium from the US, enter the US exit code, followed by the Belgium country code, and then the eight-digit toll-free number.

• Step 1: Dial the US exit code 011 or the “+” sign.
• Step 2: Enter Belgium’s country code 32.
• Step 3: Dial the Belgium toll-free number.

If the Belgium toll-free number is written locally as 0800 XX XXX, then when calling from the US, you would dial 011 32 800 XX XXX or +32 800 XX XXX.

In this dialing structure, “011 or +” represents the US exit code, “32” is Belgium’s country code, “800” is the toll-free prefix, and the remaining digits identify the specific subscriber or service number.

The best time to call Belgium from the US for business purposes is during the US morning hours (6:00 AM – 12:00 PM), as this aligns with standard working hours (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM) in Belgium. For personal calls, it’s best to contact the recipient at a time that is convenient for them.

Here is the time difference between the two countries and the best time to reach Belgium from the US.

Note: The time differences mentioned above may vary by one hour during Daylight Saving Time.

Calling Belgium from the US can cost around $1.99 to $3.00 per minute when using traditional phone carriers. In comparison, VoIP services charge much lower rates, ranging from $0.02 to $0.15 per minute. Using calling cards to make a call costs between $0.05 and $0.20 per minute, while internet-based calling apps can enable free calls.

Calling Belgium through a traditional US mobile or landline carrier is usually the most expensive option. Without an international plan, rates can range from $1.00 to $3.00 per minute. Some providers offer international add-on plans that reduce the per-minute cost.

VoIP services provide a virtual number that enables you to place international calls at much lower rates than traditional phone carriers. By routing calls over the internet instead, VoIP reduces costs, often charging around $0.02 – $0.15 per minute when calling Belgium. This makes it an affordable option for businesses and individuals who regularly communicate internationally.

Calling cards provide a prepaid and budget-friendly way to call Belgium from the US, with rates typically ranging from $0.05 to $0.20 per minute. You can buy them online, via mobile apps, or at convenience stores and gas stations. To use one, dial the access number, enter your PIN, and then dial the Belgium number in the correct international format.

Internet calling apps such as WhatsApp, Messenger, FaceTime, or Viber allow you to make voice or video calls over Wi-Fi or mobile data. If both users have the same app and an internet connection, the call is free, making this the most affordable option.

Calling Belgium from the USA may seem complicated at first, but once you understand the correct international dialing format, the process becomes straightforward. Using the correct exit code, Belgium country code, area code or mobile prefix, and subscriber number ensures your call connects without errors.

Additionally, it’s important to consider the time difference between the US and Belgium so you can reach your contacts at a convenient hour. Furthermore, if you’re looking for a more affordable and reliable option, VoIP services like Calilio can help reduce international calling costs.