How to Call Iran from the USA? A Step-by-Step Guideline

The US exit code is a standard telephony code used when making international calls from the country. To start any international calls from the USA, you must start by dialing its exit code 011. However, you can also use the ‘+’ sign instead of 011 if you’re dialing from a mobile phone.

Iran phone numbers include three main parts of a phone number: the Iran country code, the area code and the local subscriber number. 

• Iran country code (98)

Iran’s country code is 98. When calling Iran from the USA or any other country, you must dial 98 right after the exit code to route the call to Iran.

• Area code

  Landline numbers in Iran include a city/area code, which routes your call to the specific regions within the country. They begin with the prefix ‘0’, for example, 021 for Tehran. However, when calling from abroad, the initial ‘0’ should be removed.  So, Tehran becomes 21 when calling from the US.

  City/Region	Area Code
  Tehran	021
  Mashhad	051
  Isfahan	031
  Tabriz	041
  Shiraz	071

• Mobile Prefix

  The cell phone numbers in Iran do not use area codes. Instead, they begin with the mobile prefix ‘9’. 

• Local subscriber number

  The local subscriber number is the remaining part of the phone number after the area code (landline) or mobile prefix. It is a unique part of a contact number that identifies the specific person or business.

To call Iran from the USA, dial the US international dialing prefix (011), Iran’s country code (98), followed by the area code (for landlines) or mobile prefix (for cell phones) and the local subscriber number.

Dialing format: [US Exit Code] + [Iran Country code] + [Iran Area Code or Mobile Prefix] + [Subscriber Number]

To call an Iranian landline number from the USA, dial the US exit code, Iran country code, area code (without the leading ‘0’), and the local landline number.  

1. Dial 011 or “+” ( for calls from mobile phones) to start an international call from the USA.
2. Enter 98 to connect the call to Iran.
3. Dial the Iran area code without the leading 0 (for example, 21 for Tehran).
4. Dial the local subscriber number.
5. Wait for the call to connect. International calls may take a few seconds longer.

To call an Iranian mobile number from the USA, dial 011, followed by the Iranian country code 98, the mobile prefix starting with (‘9’, without the leading 0) and the subscriber number.

1. Dial 011 or “+” (for calls from mobile phones).
2. Enter 98 to connect the call to Iran.
3. Dial the mobile prefix starting with 9 (remove the leading 0).
4. Dial the subscriber number.
5. Press Call and wait for the connection.

To call an Iranian toll-free number, dial the US exit code, the Iranian country code, Iran toll-free prefix, followed by the local subscriber number.

In many cases, Iranian toll-free numbers are designed for domestic use only, which means they may not connect from outside Iran.

General Dialing Format (Only if international access is available):

[US Exit Code] + [Iran Country Code] + [Toll-Free Prefix] + [Subscriber Number]

1. Dial 011 (or use + on a smartphone).
2. Enter 98, Iran’s country code.
3. Dial the Iranian toll-free prefix (commonly 800).
4. Dial the remaining subscriber number.

Note: Most Iranian toll-free numbers do not accept international calls. Even if the call connects, the call may not be free when dialed.

The best time to call Iran from the USA is during Iran’s business hours, usually between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM Iran time. So, if you’re calling a business in Iran, aim for Iran’s daytime. If you’re calling an individual or making personal calls, early evening in Iran is the ideal time.

Since both countries operate on different time zones, it’s important to consider the time zone differences before making calls to avoid missed calls.  In general, calling in the early morning in the USA works best because it aligns with daytime in Iran.

Here’s the table for clear insights into the best time to call Iran from different time zones in the US:

The cost to call Iran from the USA changes based on which carrier you use and whether you have an international calling add-on. Without a plan, international calls can cost a few dollars per minute, so even short calls can add up quickly.

International calls to Iran can cost a lot through regular phone carriers. You can cut the cost by using alternatives like calling cards, internet calling apps, or VoIP services.

Calling cards let you prepay for minutes at lower rates than standard carrier pricing. You can use them on both landlines and mobile phones in the US. These cards work well for occasional or short calls, but you should always check for access fees, call connection charges, and expiration dates before buying, as these can affect the final cost.

Internet-based calling apps like Viber, WhatsApp, and messengers allow you to make voice or video calls using Wi-Fi or mobile data. These calls usually cost nothing beyond your internet usage. However, these apps work only between users of the same app, so you can’t use them to call regular Iranian landline or mobile numbers unless both sides are on the platform.

VoIP services offer virtual phone numbers to make calls over the internet. Unlike other general online calling apps, it also allows you to call landlines and mobile phones. Many providers offer low monthly plans or affordable per-minute rates, making them a good choice for frequent callers. These services also work well for business use, since they often include features like call routing, recording, and transfers.

Calling Iran from the USA becomes much easier when you know the proper steps. Simply, dial the US exit code, add Iran’s country code, and use the correct number format for landlines or mobile phones. However, making calls through the traditional carriers can be expensive. If you call Iran often, using calling cards or internet-based services like virtual phone numbers and calling cards can help save on the cost.

Calilio offers a virtual phone number at an affordable rate with a low international calling rate. Plus, they come with advanced call management features (like call forwarding, voicemail, call analysis, and more) and added flexibility. You can make and receive calls using your mobile phones, tabs, laptops, or even a desktop. The basic plan starts at $15 per month only.