How to Call Iceland from the US? Dialing Steps, Cost, & Tips

Before calling Iceland from the US, it’s important to understand the different codes used in the Icelandic phone number format. These include Iceland’s country code, the number prefixes, and the 7-digit subscriber number. Also, consider the US exit code to route your call internationally from the United States.

Every international call from the United States begins with its exit code, 011. It informs your phone carrier that you’re about to call another country. Without dialing it, the system cannot process the international call.

You can also replace the US exit code with the ‘+’ key while dialing from a mobile phone.

The country code is another crucial part of the international phone number format, which identifies the target country for the call. Each country has its own code, and for Iceland, it's 354. This code directs your call specifically to Iceland.

Unlike most countries, Iceland does not use area codes in its phone number format. Instead, it uses unique prefixes for landline, mobile, and toll-free numbers. The first digit(s) of the local phone number show what type of service the number belongs to:

• 4 or 5 → Landline numbers
• 6, 7, or 8 → Mobile numbers, used across the country
• 800 → Toll-free numbers

A subscriber number is a unique phone number assigned to each user or business. When combined with the phone number prefix, it becomes the full 7-digit local Icelandic phone number.

To call Iceland from the United States, dial the US exit code 011, followed by Iceland’s country code 354. Then, enter the local 7-digit phone number.

As the mobile numbers, landline numbers, and toll-free numbers use different prefixes, the process is slightly different.

To call an Icelandic landline from the United States, dial the US exit code, Iceland’s country code, and the 7-digit landline number, beginning with the landline prefixes 4 or 5.

• Step 1: Dial 011, the US exit code.
• Step 2: Add Iceland’s country code, 354.
• Step 3: Enter the 7-digit Icelandic landline number, starting with 4 or 5.

To contact an Icelandic mobile number from the US, dial the US exit code, Iceland’s country code, and the 7-digit mobile number.

• Step 1: Dial 011, the US exit code.
• Step 2: Enter Iceland’s country code, 354.
• Step 3: Finally, dial the 7-digit Iceland mobile number, beginning with 6, 7, or 8.

To call an Icelandic toll-free number from the United States, dial the US exit code, followed by Iceland’s country code, the toll-free prefix, and the rest of the subscriber number.

• Step 1: Dial 011, the US exit code.
• Step 2: Add Iceland’s country code, 354.
• Step 3: Enter the toll-free prefix, usually 800.
• Step 4: Dial the remaining digits of the subscriber number.

Note: Icelandic toll-free numbers are designed for domestic use and usually cannot be dialed from outside Iceland. However, some carriers may allow international access, but calls are often billed at normal international rates.

The best time to call Iceland from the US is 9 AM to 5 PM in Iceland. This time is ideal for business calls, as most Icelandic offices operate during these hours. For personal calls, you can choose a suitable time for the receiver, but it is best to avoid very early mornings or late nights.

Moreover, the United States and Iceland operate in different time zones. Iceland follows Greenwich Mean Time (GMT/UTC+0) all year. The United States, however, spans multiple time zones (Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific) and observes seasonal clock changes. This creates a time difference of 5 to 8 hours between these two countries.

To ensure your call is well-timed, you must consider the time gaps between the countries.

The cost of calling Iceland from the US depends on your carrier and international calling plan. On average, the rates range from as low as $0.30 per minute to as high as $3.00 per minute.

Standard international calling costs using traditional carriers are usually expensive. You can use low-cost alternatives like calling cards, virtual phone numbers, or free social media apps to save costs on international calls.

Calling cards are an effective low-cost alternative for international calls. They allow you to pay in advance for a set amount of talk time at discounted rates. These cards are widely available in local stores and online.

Apps like WhatsApp, Viber, and Messenger allow you to make free calls using WiFi or mobile data. However, both you and the recipient need to have the same app installed. These platforms also support video calls, which makes them ideal for personal conversations. As long as you have a strong internet connection, the calls are also often clear.

Virtual phone numbers are a great option for frequent callers or businesses. You can get them from VoIP service providers at a low international call rate compared to regular carriers. Additionally, virtual numbers work across multiple devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or computers, offering more flexibility and mobility.

Calling Iceland from the USA is straightforward once you follow the correct dialing sequence. Begin with the US exit code 011, add Iceland’s country code 354, and then enter the 7-digit local number.

Besides the dialing format, it's also important to consider the calling cost, as it’s usually expensive with traditional carriers.

For those who call Iceland regularly, virtual numbers offer a flexible and reliable way to stay connected. Virtual numbers, like those offered by Calilio, not only reduce calling expenses but also offer features like call forwarding, voicemail, and multi-device access.