How to Call the USA from Pakistan?

Before dialing a US number from Pakistan, it’s important to understand the US phone number format for international calls. The number structure includes the Pakistan exit code, the USA country code, and the local number.

Every international call made from Pakistan must start with the exit code, which is 00. This code tells your phone carrier that you’re placing a call outside of Pakistan. If you're calling from a mobile phone, you can replace it with a plus sign (+).

The US phone number format includes three parts: the country code, the area code, and the local number. The country code for the United States is 1, and this must come right after the exit code or plus sign. Next is the 3-digit area code followed by a 7-digit local number.

When combined, the structure looks like this: country code (1) + three-digit area code + seven-digit local number.

To call the US from Pakistan, dial the Pakistan exit code or the “+” sign, followed by the US country code, and the ten-digit local number. As stated above, the US uses the same format for both landline and mobile numbers.

• Step 1: Enter the Pakistan exit code “00” or the “+” sign.
• Step 2: Enter the US country code “1”.
• Step 3: Dial the ten-digit number of the recipient.

Note: US toll-free numbers are generally free only within the US. If you call a US toll-free number from Pakistan, the call may not connect, and if it does, international calling charges may apply.

To call the USA from Pakistan, first dial the Pakistan exit code (00 or +), then enter 1 for the US country code, followed by the area code and the 7-digit American number.

• Step 1: Dial Pakistan exit code (00 or +).
• Step 2: Dial the US country code (1).
• Step 3: Dial the area code for the US city or region you want to reach.
• Step 4: Dial the seven-digit US landline number.

To call a US mobile number from Pakistan, enter Pakistan's exit code 00 or the + sign, add the US country code 1, and then dial the 10-digit mobile number. Since area codes are already included in mobile numbers, you can simply dial the 10-digit US number.

• Step 1: Enter the Pakistan exit code “00” or the “+” sign..
• Step 2: Enter the US country code “1”.
• Step 3: Enter the 10-digit US mobile number.

To call a USA toll-free number from Pakistan, you need to enter the Pakistan exit code 00 or +, the US country code 1, the toll-free prefix, and then the 7-digit subscriber number.

• Step 1: Dial the US exit code (00 or +).
• Step 2: Dial the US country code (1).
• Step 3: Dial the toll-free prefix (such as 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, or 833).
• Step 4: Dial 7-digit subscriber number.

Disclaimer: US toll-free numbers are generally free only within the US. If you call from Pakistan, your carrier may apply international calling charges.

The best time to call the US from Pakistan for business purposes is generally between 7:00 PM and 11:00 PM Pakistan time, which corresponds to 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM in the US, aligning with US working hours. For personal calls, it is better to contact people at a time that is convenient for them.

The US has multiple time zones, while Pakistan follows Pakistan Standard Time (PKT, UTC+5). The time difference varies between 9 and 15 hours, depending on the US region you are calling from.

The following table outlines the time differences and the most effective calling windows from the US to align with Pakistan’s business hours (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM).

Note: The time difference may shift by one hour during daylight saving time in the United States.

Calling the US from Pakistan costs between PKR 3 ($0.011) and PKR 8 ($0.029) per minute using a traditional carrier. The exact rate depends on your service provider, calling method, and whether you are dialing a landline, mobile, or toll-free number. Without any subscription or plan, these calls can quickly become expensive if you need to make frequent or long calls.

Here are some popular Pakistani mobile carriers and their calling rates for calls to the US from Pakistan:

Affordable ways to call the USA from Pakistan include using internet calling apps, international calling cards, or virtual phone numbers. These options let you stay connected without paying high per-minute charges.

Internet calling apps, such as WhatsApp, Viber, Messenger, are one of the most affordable ways to call the USA from Pakistan. These apps use VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology, allowing you to make voice and video calls over a Wi-Fi or mobile data connection instead of traditional cellular networks.

Calling cards offer lower international call rates than direct dialing, and you are only charged for the minutes you use. These cards are easily available at convenience stores and mobile shops in Pakistan. You pay upfront, then use a PIN code to make calls to the USA at a set per-minute cost.

A virtual phone number is an online number that works over the internet. Services like Calilio, Google Voice, or Sonetel let you purchase a virtual number from different countries, including the USA. With a virtual US number, you can make and receive calls as if you are in the US at a local or lower call rate. Also, you don’t need any extra hardware to use these numbers; they can be set up directly on your current mobile phone.

Calling the United States from Pakistan may seem complicated at first, but once you understand the dialing format and time zone differences, it becomes simple. By dialing the correct exit code, country code, and local number, you can connect to both US landlines and mobile phones without issues.

However, to save cost on international calling, consider options like internet calling apps, international calling cards, or a virtual number.