When dialing a US number from Jamaica, you must be familiar with the US phone number format for international calls, which includes prefixes like the exit code, the country and area codes, and the local number.

The exit code routes your call internationally. For Jamaica, this code is “011”, which signals you are calling outside Jamaica.

The international calling code (also known as the country code) for the United States is '+1'. This code connects your call to the US phone network.

Area codes identify specific regions within the country. The US has 335 area codes and usually contains a three-digit number. These area codes are part of the NANP (North American Numbering Plan) and are crucial in efficiently directing calls to the right place in the US.

Here are some popular US area codes.

A subscriber number is the unique number assigned to a phone user. In the US, these numbers are typically seven digits long.

To call the USA from Jamaica, dial the Jamaican exit code “011”, then “1” (the US country code), followed by the area code and the seven-digit number. Whether you’re calling a US landline or mobile number, both follow the same steps.

• Step 1: Dial Jamaica’s exit code, 011.
• Step 2: Dial the US country code, 1.
• Step 3: Dial the three-digit area code.
• Step 4: Dial the seven-digit number and press Call.

To call a US toll-free number from Jamaica, dial Jamaica's exit code “011”, the US country code ‘1’, the US toll-free prefix, and then the local subscriber number.

• Step 1: Dial Jamaica’s exit code, i.e, 011.
• Step 2: Dial the US country code ‘1’.
• Step 3: Dial the toll-free prefix (e.g., 800, 888).
• Step 4: Dial the seven-digit subscriber number and press Call.

Note: Toll-free calls generally have no charges for the caller, but make sure to check with your provider, as international calling rates may still apply depending on your service.

If you’re calling for business purposes, aim to call between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM US local time, Monday through Friday. For personal calls, early evenings are often a good time, but always confirm with the person you’re calling to ensure they’re available.

Remember, Jamaica and the USA operate on different time zones. Jamaica observes Eastern Standard Time (EST) year-round, which is UTC-5. The US, on the other hand, has six main time zones. Consider the time zone differences to avoid calling at inconvenient hours.

Calling the US from Jamaica typically costs between $0.079 and $2.50 per minute. The final rate depends on your mobile carrier and call plan. For prepaid customers, major carriers like Digicel and Flow offer competitive rates.

For affordable calling options when calling the US from Jamaica, consider using virtual phone numbers, online calling apps, or calling cards. They often provide much lower rates than standard international calls.

VoIP services like Calilio provide virtual phone numbers that let you make calls over the internet, avoiding the high fees charged by traditional carriers. Many services offer flat-rate plans or cheap per-minute rates for US calls, so you avoid the high costs of direct international calls from Jamaica.

Online calling apps, such as WhatsApp or Viber, let you make calls using an internet connection, reducing phone service fees. However, you and the person you’re calling must use the same app for the calls.

You can also buy prepaid international calling cards, which let you make calls to the US from Jamaica at a cheaper rate. These cards usually have a set amount of credit; you can use them from your mobile or landline.

Calling the US from Jamaica is simple when you follow the proper steps. Whether you're dialing a landline, mobile, or toll-free number, understanding the key phone prefixes helps you avoid errors.

Additionally, exploring cost-saving options like online calling apps, calling cards, and virtual numbers ensures you reach the US from Jamaica at low rates. Among these, virtual numbers offer the best balance of cost, convenience, and call quality.