How Do I Call New Zealand From the United States?

The New Zealand phone number format when calling from the States, contains the US international access code, New Zealand’s country code, and area code or mobile prefix and the remaining number.

1. US International Access Code: To place an international call from the United States, you must first dial 011, which serves as the US international access code. Or, simply use the “+” symbol.
2. New Zealand Country Code: After dialing the US exit code, you need to enter 64, which is the country code for New Zealand. This ensures that your call is routed to the correct national telephone system.

3. Area Code: If you are calling a landline in New Zealand, you must include the correct area code before dialing the local number. The area code helps the network direct your call to the right region within the country.
   
   New Zealand has single-digit area codes to cover its cities. Some major cities in New Zealand and their area codes are given below:

   CITIES	AREA CODE
   Auckland/Hibiscus Coast	9
   Christchurch/Dunedin	3
   Wellington/Lower Hutt	4
   Hamilton/Tauranga	7
   Palmerston North/Napier-Hastings	6

4. Mobile Prefix: Mobile numbers in New Zealand do not have area codes; instead, they begin with mobile prefix 2.

   Note: Local calls within New Zealand include a trunk prefix 0 before the area code, mobile or toll-free prefix. This prefix should be removed during international dialing.

To call New Zealand from the USA, dial the US exit code 011 (or +), followed by New Zealand’s country code 64, then either the landline or the mobile number, without the leading zero.

The detailed explanation for calling NZ from the USA is illustrated below.

To call New Zealand landline numbers from the USA, dial the US exit code, then New Zealand's country code, the area code of your recipient's region, and the seven-digit landline number.

• Step 1: Dial the USA Exit Code (011) or the (+) sign, which indicates you’re making an international call.
• Step 2: Enter New Zealand’s Country Code, 64, which routes calls to New Zealand.
• Step 3: Enter the area code for the city or region you are trying to call in NZ.
• Step 4: Dial the recipient's landline number.

To call a New Zealand mobile number from the US, enter the US exit code and NZ country code, and the recipient's mobile number.

• Step 1: Enter the US exit code 011 or the + sign.
• Step 2: Enter New Zealand’s country code, i.e., 64.
• Step 3: Dial the receiver's cell phone number.

To call a toll-free number in New Zealand from the USA, dial the US exit code, then New Zealand's country code, and the toll-free number.

• Step 1: Dial the US exit code 011 or the “+” sign.
• Step 2: Enter 64, i.e., New Zealand's country code.
• Step 3: Enter the eight-digit New Zealand toll-free number, starting with 508 or 800.

Note: Not all New Zealand toll-free numbers can be reached from the US, and if the call does connect, standard international calling charges may apply.

For business-related calls, the ideal time to contact someone in New Zealand from the US is from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (NZ time). For personal calls, it’s best to coordinate a mutually convenient time.

New Zealand operates on New Zealand Standard Time (NZST) or New Zealand Daylight Time (NZDT) during daylight savings, while the US spans 6 multiple time zones. Depending on the season and time zone, the time difference between New Zealand and the United States ranges from 17 to 21 hours, with New Zealand being ahead.

In general, the best time to call New Zealand from the US is during late afternoon to evening in the US, which corresponds to morning to early afternoon in New Zealand.

The table below highlights the best call times that overlap with New Zealand’s business hours.

Note: The suggested calling times may vary due to daylight saving changes in either New Zealand or the US.

The cost to call New Zealand from the US is around $2.49 to $4.00 per minute using traditional phone calls, $0.01 to $0.10 per minute with VoIP services, and $0.01 to $0.50 per minute when using calling cards. Internet-based messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Messenger, FaceTime, and Viber are free for voice and video calls when both users are on the same platform.

Calling New Zealand from the US using traditional landline or mobile carriers is usually the most expensive option because calls are routed through international telephone networks. Most US carriers charge per-minute international rates, which commonly range from $2.49 to over $4.00 per minute, depending on the provider. However, some carriers offer international packages that help lower the cost.

VoIP services are one of the most cost-efficient ways to call New Zealand from the United States. Instead of relying on traditional phone lines, VoIP service providers offer virtual numbers that operate over the internet to transmit voice data, which lowers international calling costs. Rates to call New Zealand range from $0.01 to $0.10 per minute, depending on the provider and plan, making VoIP a practical option for international calls.

International calling cards offer a prepaid way to call New Zealand at discounted rates compared to direct carrier dialing. Depending on the card provider and the amount of credit purchased, rates can range from $0.01 to $0.50per per minute. However, some calling cards apply connection fees or round up call durations, so actual costs may be slightly higher than advertised.

Apps such as WhatsApp, Viber, FaceTime, Facebook Messenger, and Telegram allow users to make free voice and video calls over Wi-Fi or mobile data. However, both parties must use the same app for the call to connect. This makes it the most cost-effective and convenient option for most international callers.

Calling New Zealand from the United States is straightforward once you understand the correct dialing format and the role of exit codes, country codes, and area or mobile prefixes. It’s also important to consider the time difference so you can reach the person at a convenient hour, and to be aware of costs, which vary depending on the calling method you choose.