How to Call Thailand from the USA?

Summarize this blog with:
Thailand is a popular destination for travel, business, and many people in the USA also have friends and family living there. Because of this, calls between the two countries are very common. Yet many callers still feel confused when they try to dial a Thai number from the US. One missing or extra digit in the local number, exit or country code can stop the call from going through.
This article gives you a clear step-by-step guide on how to call Thailand from the USA, including the correct dialing format for both landline and mobile numbers. You will also learn the best time to call the asian country and the cheapest ways to stay connected without paying high international rates.
Key Highlights:
To call Thailand from the USA, dial 011 (or +), then 66, followed by the area code or mobile prefix (without the leading 0), and finally the 6–8-digit local number.
Thai area codes are usually 2–3 digits, and mobile prefixes often begin with 06, 08, or 09; always remove the first 0 when dialing from abroad.
Thailand follows Indochina Time (ICT), which is UTC+7, so 9 AM–5 PM Thai time is best for business calls, while early evening is ideal for personal calls.
Calling Thailand from the USA typically ranges from a few cents up to around $3 per minute without special plans; using internet calling apps, virtual numbers, VoIP services, or prepaid calling cards can reduce costs significantly.
Things to Consider When Dialing Thailand from the USA
When dialing Thailand from the USA, consider the international dialing format for Thailand, which includes the US exit code, Thailand country code, area code/mobile prefix, and local number.
Exit Code
Exit codes, also known as international access codes or international direct dialing (IDD) codes, route your calls to other countries. To make an international call from the US, dial the US exit code, i.e, 011. Or, you can use the (+) plus sign instead.
Country Code
To contact Thailand from the US, dial the Thailand country code +66 right after the exit code. This connects your call to the Thai network so that your call reaches the correct recipient.
Area Code
An area code is a part of the phone number format that tells the phone network which city or region to route your call before it reaches the local number. When calling Thailand from overseas, use the 2 or 3-digit area code without the leading 0. For example, dial 2 instead of 02 to reach Bangkok.
Here are some popular Thailand area codes:
City | Area Codes |
| Bangkok | 02 |
| Chiang Mai | 053 |
| Phuket | 076 |
| Pattaya | 038 |
| Hat Yai | 074 |
Mobile Prefix
A mobile prefix identifies the mobile network provider in Thailand. It usually starts with 06, 08, or 09. Like area codes, you must also drop the first ‘0’ of the mobile prefix when calling Thailand from abroad.
Here are some popular Thailand Mobile prefixes:
Mobile Carriers | Mobile Prefix |
| AIS | 61, 62, 63 |
| TrueMove H | 940, 941, 955 |
| DTAC | 813, 814, 815 |
Subscriber Number
The subscriber number is the unique local number assigned to an individual or business. For both landlines and mobile phones in Thailand, the subscriber number is typically 6- 8 digits long.
How to Call Thailand from America?
To call Thailand from the US, dial the US exit code ‘011’, then Thailand’s country code ‘66’, followed by the area code/mobile prefix without the leading zero and the local number.
How to Dial a Thailand Landline Number from the US?
To call a Thai landline number from the USA, dial the US exit code (011), followed by the country code (66), the area code (omitting the trunk prefix), and the local landline number.
- Step 1: Dial the US exit code, i.e., 011 or the plus symbol (+).
- Step 2: Enter Thailand’s country code (66).
- Step 3: Add the Thai area code without the leading zero.
- Step 4: Dial the 6 to 8-digit local landline number.
For Example: To contact a Thailand landline number in Bangkok (02 123 4567) from the US, you would dial: 011 66 2 123-4567. Here, “2” represents the Bangkok area code.
How to Call a Mobile Number in Thailand from the USA?
To call a Thai mobile number from the USA, dial the US International calling prefix (011), the country code (66), followed by the mobile prefix (omitting the trunk code) and the local mobile number.
- Step 1: Enter the American exit code, i.e., 011 or (+).
- Step 2: Dial Thailand’s country code “66”.
- Step 3: Add the mobile prefix (omitting the leading 0).
- Step 4: Dial the 6 to 8-digit mobile number.
For Example: To reach a Thailand mobile number (081 234 5678) from the US, you would dial: 011 66 81 234-5678 or + 66 81 234-5678. Here, “81” is the mobile prefix.
What is the Best Time to Call Thailand from America?
The best time to call Thailand from the USA is during Thai business hours, typically 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM local time. For personal calls, early evening in Thailand is usually more convenient.
Be mindful that the USA and Thailand operate in different time zones. Thailand follows Indochina Time (ICT), which is UTC+7, while the US has multiple time zones. Consider the time difference to avoid calling at an inappropriate time for your recipient.
US Time Zone | Time difference from Thailand | Best Time to Call from the USA |
Eastern Standard Time (EST) | 11 hours ahead of the US | 10 PM – 6 AM |
Central Standard Time (CST) | 12 hours ahead of the US | 9 PM – 5 AM |
Mountain Standard Time (MST) | 13 hours ahead of the US | 8 PM – 4 AM |
Pacific Standard Time (PST) | 14 hours ahead of the US | 7 PM – 3 AM |
Alaska Time (AKT) | 16 hours ahead of the US | 7 PM – 11 PM |
Hawaii–Aleutian Time (HAT) | 17 hours ahead of the US | 8 PM – Midnight |
How Much Does it Cost to Call Thailand from the USA?
The cost of calling from the USA to Thailand can range from a few cents to around 3 dollars per minute, depending on your service provider. Rates may differ for mobile and landline calls, as well as for international roaming.
Many carriers also offer international calling packages or add-ons, which can significantly reduce the cost if you call Thailand frequently.
Here’s how much it costs to call Thailand from the US with some major US carriers:
Carrier | Estimated Rate (USD/min) |
| AT&T | $0.32 |
| Verizon | $2.49 |
| T-Mobile | $3.00 |
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What are the Alternative Ways of Dialing Thailand from the US?
Alternative ways of dialing Thailand from the US include using internet calling apps, VoIP services, and prepaid calling cards, which often provide cheaper or even free international calls compared to regular phone services.

Internet Calling Apps
Apps like WhatsApp, Viber, and Facebook Messenger let you make free calls to Thailand over Wi-Fi or mobile data. However, both you and the person you’re calling must use the same app and be connected to the internet for the call to go through.
Virtual Phone Number
A virtual phone number lets you call Thailand at much lower rates, often without the need for a mobile plan or SIM card. Since it only needs an internet connection and can be used on your existing device, there's no need for special equipment, further reducing costs.
Calling Cards
Prepaid international calling cards provide a budget-friendly option for making calls to Thailand. You can purchase these cards online or in-store, then use them from your mobile or landline. To make calls, simply dial the access code, PIN number, and the recipient’s phone number.
Conclusion
Calling Thailand from the US is easy if you know the correct dialing format, which includes the US exit code, Thailand’s country code, the area or mobile prefix and the local number. Since direct international calls can be expensive, you can use internet calling apps, virtual numbers and prepaid calling cards to stay connected at a lower cost.
Among these, a virtual phone number stands out as the best option for a smooth and affordable call. Calilio’s virtual phone number, for instance, allows you to make international calls at competitive rates while enjoying additional benefits like call forwarding, call recording, and AI-powered call reports.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I call a Thai phone number for free from the US?
Typically, calling Thailand from the US is not free using traditional mobile carriers. However, internet-based calling apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or Viber allow you to make free calls when calling between the same app via the internet.
Will Thai mobile numbers work if the person is traveling outside Thailand?
Can I text a Thai number from the US using my mobile carrier?

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