How to Call the US from Germany?

When dialing an American phone number from Germany, it's important to understand the right US phone number format for international calling, which includes the German exit code, US country code, area code, and subscriber number.

1. German Exit Code: To make an international call from Germany, first, you must dial the German exit code or international access code (IAC), which is “00.” Or, you can replace it by using the “+” sign.
2. US Country Code: After the exit code, enter the United States country code, which is 1. This number identifies that the destination of your call is within the US or its territories.

3. US Area Code: In the United States, both mobile numbers and landline numbers begin with a three-digit area code. This code helps route your call to the correct region, as each area code is assigned to a specific city, state, or geographic area.
   
   Below are some of the most commonly used area codes for telephone numbers in the USA.

   Area Code	City	Area Code	City
   212	New York City, NY	213	Los Angeles, CA
   312	Chicago, IL	305	Miami, FL
   415	San Francisco, CA	202	Washington, D.C.
   617	Boston, MA	702	Las Vegas, NV
   206	Seattle, WA	404	Atlanta, GA
   515	Austin, TX	303	Denver, CO
   410	Baltimore, MD	504	New Orleans, LA
   313	Detroit, MI	215	Philadelphia, PA
   407	Orlando, FL	614	Columbus, OH
   816	Kansas City, MO	314	St. Louis, MO

4. Subscriber Number: The last part of the sequence is the local seven-digit subscriber number, which completes the routing to the exact person or business you want to contact. When combined with the area code, it forms the full US subscriber number.

To dial the US from Germany, enter the Germany exit code, the US country code, the area code, and the subscriber’s phone number. Once the full sequence is entered, press the call button to connect.

• Step 1: Dial 00 or +, the international exit code of Germany.

• Step 2: Enter 1, which is the country code of the United States.

• Step 3: Add the three-digit area code for the US city.

• Step 4: Dial the seven-digit telephone number of the person or business you’re calling.

Example 1:

Dialing a New York landline number from Germany:

If you want to call someone in New York on their landline number, you need to dial 00 1 917 555 1234 or +1 917 555 1234.

Where,

• 00 (or +) - International exit code for Germany.
• 1 - Country code for the United States.
• 917 - Area code for New York City.
• 555 1234 - Local landline number of the recipient.

Example 2:

Dialing a Los Angeles mobile number from Germany:

If you want to reach someone in Los Angeles on their mobile phone, dial 00 1 310 555 6789 or +1 310 555 6789.

Where,

• 00 (or +) - International exit code for Germany.
• 1 - Country code of the US.
• 310 - Area code for Los Angeles.
• 555 6789 - Cell phone number of the person you’re calling.

To call a toll-free number in the USA from Germany, dial the Germany exit code, the US country code, then the toll-free prefix, along with the subscriber’s phone number.

• Step 1: Dial “00” or “+”, Germany’s international exit code.
• Step 2: Enter 1, the USA country code.
• Step 3: Add the US toll-free prefix.
• Step 4: Dial the 7-digit subscriber’s toll-free number.

Example: If the US toll-free number is 866 123 4567, then when calling from Germany, you need to dial: 00 1 866 123 4567 or +1 866 123 4567.

Where,

• 00 (or +) - Germany’s exit code.
• 1 - US country code.
• 866 - US toll-free prefix.
• 123 4567 - Subscriber’s phone number.

US toll-free numbers begin with specific three-digit prefixes such as 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, and 833, and they are only free to call within North America. In many cases, these numbers may not connect at all when dialed from Germany. If the call does connect, international calling charges may apply depending on your phone carrier.

The best time to call the United States from Germany is between 2:00 PM and 11:00 PM German time, which aligns with 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM in most US time zones. For personal calls, it’s advisable to check the local US time first to avoid ringing too early in the morning or late at night.

The United States spans six major time zones, from Eastern Time (UTC -5) to Hawaii-Aleutian Time (UTC -10), while Germany follows Central European Time (UTC +1) or Central European Summer Time (UTC +2). Depending on the region and daylight saving adjustments, the time gap can vary from 6 to 11 hours.

Below is a table showing the recommended times to call the US from Germany based on regular working hours in each American time zone:

Note: The time differences shown above are approximate and may vary by 1 to 2 hours depending on daylight saving time in either Germany or the United States.

On average, calling the United States from Germany costs between €1.12 ($1.30) and €1.99 ($2.15) per minute, depending on your mobile carrier and plan. The exact rate can vary based on whether you’re calling a landline or mobile number, as well as your tariff or international calling package.

Below are the average per-minute calling rates charged by major German mobile carriers for calls to the United States:

Cheaper options for calling the US from Germany include using virtual phone numbers, social media calling apps, or prepaid calling cards. These options let you place internet-based or low-cost access-number calls instead of paying standard provider fees.

A virtual number is an online phone number that isn’t tied to a specific SIM card or location, letting you make and receive calls over the internet at lower rates. For example, if you’re in Germany and get a US virtual number, you can call anyone in the US while paying only local rates. Providers such as Calilio, RingCentral, and Nextiva offer affordable plans and let you use your number on any device, such as a mobile or a laptop.

Social media and internet-based apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Messenger, Telegram, and Viber allow you to make voice and video calls to US contacts using Wi-Fi or mobile data. As long as you’re connected to the internet, these calls are free of international charges. However, to complete the call, both you and the recipient must be using the same app.

Calling cards are another cost-effective alternative for making international calls from Germany to the US. With a calling card, you pre-purchase credit and then dial an access number, followed by a PIN or account code and the US number you wish to call. Calling cards often offer per-minute rates lower than those charged by German landline or mobile providers.

Calling the US from Germany is straightforward because countries using the North American Numbering Plan follow a unified format for both mobile and landline numbers. This means you can use the same simple dialing pattern regardless of the type of phone you’re reaching. By dialing Germany’s exit code, the US country code, and the local subscriber number, you can easily connect with anyone in the US.

Beyond the basic dialing steps, it’s also important to consider the cost and quality of international calls. Traditional carriers can be expensive, and alternatives like calling cards or social apps come with limitations, hidden fees, expiration dates, or the need for both parties to use the same platform. A more reliable and flexible option is using a virtual number.

Among the leading virtual number providers, Calilio stands out for its combination of affordability, reliability, and feature-rich communication tools. It offers high-quality HD voice calls, flexible plans, and advanced call management features suitable for both personal and professional use.