How to Call Israel from the US? An Easy Guide

Before making an international call, it’s important to understand the components of the international dialing format. When calling Israel from the United States, you’ll need to dial a specific sequence that includes: US exit code, the Israel country code, the area code or mobile prefix, and the subscriber number.

1. IAC or Exit Code: When placing a call from the United States to Israel, you’ll first need to dial the international access code, also known as the exit code. In the US, this code is 011. However, if you’re calling from a mobile phone, you can simply use the “+” symbol.
2. Country Code: After dialing the exit code, you’ll need to enter Israel’s country code, which is 972. This code identifies Israel within the global telephone network and directs your call to the country.

3. Area Code: If you’re calling a landline number in Israel, you must include the correct area code after the country code.
   
   Here is the list of the popular area codes in Israel:

   Region	Area Code
   Jerusalem	2
   Tel Aviv, Rishon LeZion, Petah Tikva, Holon, Ramat Gan, Bat Yam	3
   Haifa, Hadera, Nazareth	4
   Be'er Sheva, Eilat, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Rehovot	8
   Netanya, Herzliya, Kfar Saba	9

4. Mobile Prefix: If you’re dialing an Israeli mobile number, you must include the mobile prefix after the country code. Israeli mobile phone numbers always begin with the digit 5, followed by another digit that indicates the mobile carrier.

   Carrier / Operator	Mobile Prefix
   Partner Communications (formerly Orange)	50
   Cellcom	52
   HOT Mobile	53
   Pelephone	54
   Golan Telecom / We4G / Other MVNOs	55
   Rami Levy / Other MVNOs	58

5. Subscriber Number: This is the individual’s unique phone number that comes after the area code or mobile prefix. It usually contains six to seven digits, depending on the region or carrier.

To call Israel from the USA, dial the USA’s exit code (011), then Israel’s country code (972), followed by the area code for landline or mobile prefix for mobile and the subscriber number.

To make an international call to an Israeli landline from the United States, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Dial the US international access code (011). Or, simply use the “+” symbol if you’re calling from a mobile phone.
• Step 2: Enter Israel’s country code (972).
• Step 3: Add the area code for the specific city or region.
• Step 4: Dial the local landline subscriber number.

For example, to call a landline in Tel Aviv, you need to dial 011 972 3 1234567 or +972 3 1234567.

Where:

• 011 - US exit code
• 972 - Israel country code
• 3 - Area code for Tel Aviv
• 1234567 - Subscriber landline number

To make a call to an Israeli mobile number from the United States, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Start with the US international access code (011) or use the “+” symbol.
• Step 2: Add Israel’s country code (972).
• Step 3: Enter the mobile prefix.
• Step 4: Dial the subscriber’s mobile number.

For example, when you call from the US to connect with someone who has an Israeli mobile number, dial 011 972 54 1234567 +972 54 1234567.

Where:

• 011 - US exit code
• 972 - Israel country code
• 50 - Mobile prefix for Pelephone (can vary depending on the carrier)
• 1234567 - Subscriber’s mobile number

To call an Israeli toll-free number from the USA, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Dial the US international access code (011) or the “+” sign.
• Step 2: Enter Israel’s country code (972).
• Step 3: Dial the toll-free prefix, followed by the subscriber’s number.

Example: If the Israeli toll-free number is 1-800-123-456, dial 011 972 1800 123456 or +972 1800 123456.

Where:

• 011 - US exit code
• 972 - Israel country code
• 1-800 - Toll-free prefix
• 123456 - Subscriber toll-free number

Israeli toll-free numbers begin with 1-800, 1-801, or 1-809, and are designed to be free for callers within Israel only. When dialing from outside the country, including the US, these numbers may not work as toll-free and could incur international calling charges from your phone carrier.

The best time to call Israel from the United States depends on your US time zone and the time difference between your location and Israel. For business-related calls, the most suitable time is during Israel’s standard working hours, between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM Israel Standard Time (IST). For personal calls, consider your recipient’s local schedule and time zone to ensure a convenient calling time.

Israel operates on Israel Standard Time (IST), which is UTC +2, and during daylight saving time, UTC +3. The US, on the other hand, spans multiple time zones, from Eastern Time (ET) to Pacific Time (PT), resulting in a time difference of about 7 to 12 hours.

On average, dialing Israel from the United States costs between $1.99 to $3.00 per minute, depending on your carrier, the number type, and your calling plan. Rates may vary for landline and mobile numbers, with additional charges possible for international roaming.

Here are the average calling rates charged by major US mobile carriers for calls to Israel:

Cheaper alternatives for calling Israel from the US include using virtual numbers, messaging apps, or calling cards, all of which offer lower rates than traditional carriers. These options allow you to make calls over the internet or through prepaid access, making it easier to stay in touch without high costs.

A virtual phone number allows you to make and receive calls to Israel over the internet using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology. Instead of relying on expensive international calling plans, you can purchase an Israeli virtual number from providers like Calilio, RingCentral, or Skype Number. This setup lets you call Israel at local rates directly from any supported device.

Popular texting apps such as WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram, and Signal let you call or message contacts in Israel for free over an internet connection. However, both users need to have the same app installed, which can limit communication with contacts who use different platforms.

Calling cards offer discounted rates for making calls to Israel from the US. You can buy them online or in retail stores and use them by dialing a local access number before the Israeli phone number. However, calling cards may include hidden connection fees, expiration dates, or additional charges that reduce their actual value.

Calling Israel from the US is simple and easy if you know the correct dialing format, which includes the US exit code, the Israel country code, the area code or mobile prefix and the recipient number.

However, understanding the dialing format alone is not sufficient. It’s equally important to consider factors such as time zone differences and calling costs. International calls can quickly become expensive, especially if you regularly call between the two countries.