How to Call Greece from the US? A Step-by-Step Guide

Before dialing, you need to know about the components of the international phone number format, required to make calls from the US to Greece, like the exit code of the USA, the country code of Greece, the area code/mobile prefix, and the local phone number.

The US exit code, 011, is the first set of numbers you must dial when making an international call from the United States. On the other hand, you can also use “+” instead of 011, if available on your device. It instructs your phone carrier to route the call outside the US domestic network. Without dialing this exit code, the call will not go through, even if the rest of the number is correct.

The country code for Greece is 30, and it must be dialed after the US exit code. This code ensures your call is directed to Greece’s national telephone system. Every international call to Greece, whether to a landline or mobile number, requires this country code.

In Greece, landline phone numbers use geographic area codes that represent specific cities or regions, while mobile numbers start with dedicated prefixes assigned to mobile networks.

Greek landline area codes always start with “2” and are 2 to 4 digits long, depending on the city or region. Likewise, mobile prefixes are 3 digits long, which always begin with “69” and identify the mobile network. In all cases, the full area code or mobile prefix must be dialed, even for local calls within Greece.

Here are some area codes of famous cities in Greece:

Here are some mobile prefixes of famous mobile networks in Greece:

The local Greek phone number is the individual subscriber’s unique number. It typically follows the area code or mobile prefix and completes the full dialing sequence, which is 10 digits long, despite the length of the area code/mobile prefix. When combined with the exit code, country code, and area code or prefix, it ensures your call reaches the correct person or business in Greece.

Examples of Greek Landline Numbers: 241 567 8901, 281 456 7890

Examples of Greek Mobile Numbers: 697 123 4567, 694 234 5678

To call Greece from the US, you need to dial the exit code of the US, followed by the area code or mobile prefix and then the local Greek number. Here are the specific ways to dial landline, mobile, and toll-free numbers in Greece.

1. Dial the US exit code 011 or + to start an international call.
2. Enter Greece’s country code 30.
3. Dial the Greek landline area code.
4. Finish by dialing the local landline number to connect the call.

1. Dial 011 or +, the US exit code for international calls.
2. Enter the Greece country code 30.
3. Dial the mobile number that includes the mobile prefix to complete the call.

1. Dial 011 or +, the US exit code for international calls.
2. Enter the Greece country code 30.
3. Dial the toll-free number that includes the prefix 800 to complete the call.

Note: Calling Greece’s toll-free numbers from overseas may not be free. And, in some cases, the call may not connect at all, since many toll-free lines are restricted to domestic callers only.

The best time to call Greece from the USA is 9 AM to 5 PM in Greece, which is 11 PM to 10 AM depending on the different time zones of the US.

Here’s a table that shows the best times to call Greece from the US based on various time zones:

Note: Both the US and Greece observe daylight saving time, but they switch on different dates. During these transition periods, the time difference may vary, so it’s best to double-check the local time in Greece before placing your call.

The cost of calling Greece from the US ranges from $2 to $3 per minute through traditional carriers. However, different carriers offer various international calling plans on per month basis. So, you can activate plans that fit best for you to call at a much lower price.

Subscribing to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, using calling cards, or calling through internet-based apps are some of the cheaper alternatives to dialing Greece from the US.

VoIP providers typically charge around $0.01–$0.05 per minute for calls to Greece, which is much lower than traditional carriers. However, the subscription fees can be around $10 - $35 per month, depending on the service providers. These services let you make calls over the internet using virtual phone numbers, and you can often use them directly on your existing mobile phone. This eliminates the need for additional hardware and helps reduce overall costs.

Prepaid international calling cards usually offer rates starting from $0.02–$0.10 per minute, depending on the provider and card type. These cards allow you to purchase calling credits in advance at competitive rates, like $5, $10, or $20 cards. Popular providers like Toolani, Pingo, and Tracfone offer affordable options for calling Greece from the US.

Messaging and calling apps are generally free for app-to-app calls, using Wi-Fi or mobile data instead of per-minute charges. Apps such as WhatsApp, Messenger, Viber, and Instagram allow voice and video calls. However, both you and the person in Greece must be using the same app and have an internet connection.

Calling Greece from the US doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Once you understand the dialing format, time difference, and available calling options, you can choose the method that best fits your needs and budget. Traditional carriers work well for occasional calls, while VoIP services, calling cards, and internet-based apps offer more affordable alternatives for frequent or long conversations.

Before placing your call, double-check the current rates, consider the time zone difference, and ensure you’re using the most cost-effective option. With the right setup, staying connected with friends, family, or businesses in Greece can be simple, reliable, and affordable.