How to Call Italy from the USA?

Before dialing Italy from the US, it’s essential to follow the correct international dialing format. The sequence includes the US exit code, Italy’s country code, the area code or mobile prefix, and the subscriber’s phone number.

1. US Exit Code: To call outside the United States, you need to include an exit code (also known as an international access code) before dialing the country code. The US exit code is 011, which can simply be replaced with the “+” symbol when calling from a cell phone.
2. Italy Country Code: A country code identifies the destination country of the call and is required for all international calls. The country code for Italy is 39.

3. Area Code: When calling an Italian landline number, you need to include the area code of the city or region you are calling. Italian area codes always start with a trunk code 0 and must be dialed even for international calls.
   
   Here’s a list of some famous cities in Italy along with their telephone area codes:

   Cities	Area Code
   Rome	06
   Florence	055
   Milan	02
   Venice	041
   Naples	081
   Bologna	051
   Turin	011
   Palermo	091
   Genoa	010
   Catania	095
   Verona	045
   Bari	080
   Padua	049
   Trieste	040
   Brescia	030
   Bergamo	035
   Pisa	050
   Cagliari	070
   Perugia	075

4. Mobile Prefix: Italian mobile numbers always begin with a three-digit prefix that starts with the digit 3.
5. Subscriber Phone Number: The subscriber phone number is the individual’s phone number assigned to the person or business you are calling in Italy. 

To call Italy from the US, dial the US exit code, followed by the country code of Italy, the area code or mobile prefix, and the recipient's phone number.

To call an Italian landline from the United States, dial 011 (the US exit code), then 39 (Italy’s country code), followed by the area code and the recipient’s landline number.

• Step 1: Enter the US exit code (011) or the “+” sign.
• Step 2: Enter the country code (39) for Italy.
• Step 3: Dial the area code.
• Step 4: Dial the recipient's landline number.

Note: When dialing landline numbers in Italy, you do not need to omit the initial “0” from the area code, whether calling from abroad or from within the country.

Calling an Italian cell phone number from the USA includes the dialing codes 011 (the US exit code), then 39 (Italy’s country code), followed by the mobile prefix and the recipient's cell phone number.

• Step 1: Enter the US exit code (011) or the “+” sign.
• Step 2: Dial the Italy country code (39).
• Step 3: Dial the mobile prefix starting with 3.
• Step 4: Dial the receiver’s mobile number.

To call an Italian toll-free number from the US, dial the US exit code, followed by Italy’s country code, and then the Italian toll-free number.

• Step 1: Dial 011 (US exit code) or the “+” sign.
• Step 2: Dial 39 (Italy country code).
• Step 3: Enter the full Italian toll-free number.

Note: Most Italian toll-free numbers are accessible only from within Italy. As a result, calls placed from the United States may not connect. Even if the call does go through, standard international calling charges may apply.

For business calls, the best time to contact someone in Italy from the United States is during Italian working hours, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM local time (Central European Time). For personal calls, choose a time that best suits the recipient’s schedule.

Italy follows Central European Time (CET, Coordinated Universal Time UTC +01:00) and Central European Summer Time (CEST, Coordinated Universal Time UTC +02:00) during daylight saving months. Since the United States spans multiple time zones, you should account for the time difference when planning calls.

The following table shows the optimal times to call Italy from the USA, corresponding to regular business hours for more efficient communication:

Note: Time differences may vary when daylight saving time is in effect in both the US and Italy.

The cost of calling Italy from the USA varies by method: traditional carriers charge $1.99–$3.00 per minute, while internet-based apps can be free. VoIP services and calling cards offer more affordable options, with rates as low as $0.02–$0.10 per minute.

Calling Italy through a traditional landline or mobile phone using direct international dialing can be expensive. Rates usually depend on your carrier and whether you’re calling from a landline or mobile, but using an international calling plan or package can significantly reduce the cost per minute.

VoIP services provide a virtual phone number to make international calls by using the internet rather than traditional phone lines. Providers like Calililo, Google Voice, and Vonage offer virtual Italian numbers, making it easier and cheaper to call Italy. With VoIP services, the cost of calling Italy ranges from $0.02 to $0.10 per minute.

Apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Facebook Messenger use Wi-Fi or mobile data to make voice or video calls, often at no cost if both parties have the app installed. These apps are ideal for avoiding international calling fees, as long as you have a stable internet connection.

Calling cards are a prepaid way to call internationally. You can purchase a card with a set amount of credit and then dial an access number to make the call. Costs vary by provider but generally range from $0.035 to $0.10 per minute. However, do ensure to check the card’s rates and any hidden fees, as some cards charge extra for connection or maintenance.

Calling Italy from the United States is straightforward once you understand the correct dialing format. By using the US exit code, Italy’s country code, and dialing the complete Italian number, you can connect without confusion.

Beyond dialing correctly, it’s also important to be mindful of time zone differences to avoid calling at inconvenient hours, as well as international calling costs if you want truly cost-effective communication.