How to Call the USA from Colombia? Dialing Steps, Codes, & Tips

Before calling the USA from Colombia, you must consider the Colombian exit code and the US phone number format. The unique codes in the phone number structure ensure your call is routed correctly from your location in Colombia to your destination in the United States.

The International phone number format always starts with the exit code. It tells your phone network to route the call outside your country.Many countries have one fixed exit code (for example, the U.S. uses 011 & its 00 for the UK).

Colombia uses multiple exit codes, depending on the provider. You must enter the specific exit code when calling the US or any other country from Colombia. Otherwise, your call won’t connect internationally.

Here’s the list of the exit codes in Colombia with some popular telephone carriers.

A US phone number includes three parts: the country code (1), a 3-digit area code, and a 7-digit local number. The country code directs the call to the United States, the area code represents a specific city or region, and the local number connects to the person or business. All three components play a crucial role in connecting your call accurately.
 

To call the USA from Colombia, dial the Colombian exit code (depending on your provider), followed by the US country code (1), the area code, and the local subscriber’s number.

Unlike many countries, there’s no separate prefix or pattern for mobile and landline numbers in the USA. Below is a detailed breakdown of how to make a phone call from Colombia to the United States.

• Step 1: Dial your carrier-specific exit code for Colombia.
• Step 2: Enter the USA Country Code, 1.
• Step 3: Add the area code of your target region in the USA.
• Step 4: Dial the subscriber number.

To call a US toll-free number from Colombia, dial the Colombian exit code, the US country code, the toll-free prefix (typically starts with 800), and the local subscriber number.

• Step 1: Dial the Colombian exit code.
• Step 2: Enter 1, the US country code.
• Step 3: Dial the US toll-free prefix.
• Step 4: Dial the remaining 7-digit subscriber number.

The best time to call the US from Colombia is during regular business hours, 9 AM to 5 PM local time in the US. This window is ideal for making business-related calls. If you’re calling for personal reasons, mornings or early afternoons in Colombia work best, since they overlap with daytime hours in the US.

However, note that Colombia follows a single time zone (COT – Colombia Time), while the US spans multiple time zones. A convenient hour for you in Colombia could be too early or too late for someone in the US. That’s why it’s crucial to understand the time gap to avoid calling someone during their off-hours.

To help you time your calls correctly, here’s a quick reference table:

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone services, prepaid calling cards, or social media apps are cost-effective alternatives for dialing the US from Colombia. You can avoid the expensive roaming charges of telephone carriers by using these options.

VoIP services let you make calls over the internet instead of traditional phone lines. These services provide virtual phone numbers that you can use directly through a VoIP app on your smartphone or computer. After purchasing a number, simply install the app, configure it, and start calling; no need for extra hardware.

Apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Viber, and Telegram let you make free voice and video calls to anyone who uses the platform. These apps also use your internet to connect, which means you avoid international calling charges entirely.

However, they don’t allow calls to standard phone numbers. Also, both you and the recipient must be using the same app for the call.

Calling cards are prepaid cards that often come with discounted rates for international calls. They’re an excellent option when you don’t have internet access. You can buy them at convenience stores, supermarkets, or online. To use one, simply dial the local access number provided on the card, enter your PIN, and then dial the phone number.

You can easily call the USA from Colombia—you just need to use the correct format as given above. Another aspect you should consider is the time zone differences between the countries to reach someone at the right time.

And, don’t forget about the cost, too. Traditional mobile carriers can be expensive for international calls. Fortunately, there are alternatives like virtual phone numbers that are more affordable.

Calilio’s virtual phone numbers, for instance, allow you to make international calls at a low rate and come with additional telephony features. Plus, you can use them on multiple devices —your phone, laptop, tablet, or desktop. The call quality is clear as long as you have a good internet connection.