How to Place an International Call from the USA?

The key things to be aware of before calling an international number from the USA are the exit code, country code, mobile prefix/area code, and the cost of international calls.

The exit code of the United States is 011, which indicates that a call is being placed outside the country. On many modern devices, such as smartphones, you can use the “+” symbol instead of dialing 011.

You must dial this code before the destination country code when making an international call from the US, or else the call will not be routed to an international network.

A country code identifies the country you are calling and is required for all international calls. Each nation has a unique country code, which must be dialed after the US exit code or the “+” symbol. So, you must know the code of the nation you are calling.

For example, the United Kingdom uses 44, India uses 91, and Australia uses 61 as the country code.

Area codes or mobile prefixes are used to route calls within the destination country. These prefixes represent certain geographical areas or a specific mobile network.

Some countries use specific area codes for landlines and different prefixes for mobiles, while others use the same prefixes for both. Additionally, if an area code starts with a zero (a trunk code), you usually drop that zero when calling from abroad. But in some countries like Italy, you have to keep the trunk code even when calling from the US.

So, before dialing internationally, always check if you need a prefix and whether to omit the leading zero or not.

International calling costs can vary widely depending on how you place the call and the destination country. Traditional mobile carriers often charge per-minute rates that can be high without an international calling plan. Rates may also differ for landline and mobile numbers in the same country.

Alternative options such as VoIP services, calling cards, and internet-based calling apps often provide lower rates or even free calls when using Wi-Fi or mobile data. Understanding these cost differences before calling helps you choose the most affordable option and avoid unexpected charges on your phone bill.

To make an international call from the USA, start by entering the US exit code or using the “+” sign, then add the destination country’s code. Next, dial the regional or mobile code followed by the full local phone number to place the call. Here are the detailed steps:

1. Dial the Exit Code - Enter 011 to signal an outgoing call from the US, or use the "+" sign on a smartphone.
2. Enter the Country Code - Input the specific calling code for the country you are reaching to route the call correctly.
3. Add the Area Code/Mobile Prefix - Dial the area code or mobile prefix, but remove the initial 0 (the trunk code) if required.
4. Input the Local Number - Type in the remaining digits of the subscriber's number to complete the connection.

Note: Countries like Canada, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica use country code 1 because they are part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), allowing calls from the USA to be dialed as domestic long-distance calls without 011. For other countries, 011 can be replaced by the “+” symbol.

Using traditional carrier calling, subscribing to VoIP services, and using calling cards or Wi-Fi calling apps are the best ways to call overseas from the US.

Traditional carrier calling uses your mobile or landline provider to place international calls directly. This method is convenient because it requires no additional setup, but it is often the most expensive option. Without an international calling plan, per-minute rates typically range from $0.50 to $3.00 per minute, depending on the destination. Some carriers offer monthly international plans starting at around $5 to $15, which can help reduce costs.

VoIP services allow you to make international calls over the internet using apps or virtual numbers. These services usually offer much lower rates than traditional carriers. Average VoIP calling rates often range from $0.01 to $0.10 per minute. Moreover, some VoIP services also offer monthly plans with bundled minutes that generally cost between $5 and $20, depending on the destination and service features.

International calling cards let you prepay for calling credits to specific countries. They are widely used for frequent international calls and can be cost-effective. Calling card rates typically range from $0.02 to $0.20 per minute, depending on the country and provider. Some cards may include additional fees, so reviewing the terms before use is recommended.

Internet-based calling apps like Viber, Messenger, and WhatsApp allow you to make international calls using Wi-Fi or mobile data. Many apps offer free app-to-app calling, but both you and the person you’re calling must be using the same app with a proper internet connection for the call to work. This makes them a cost-effective option for international communication, though call quality depends on internet speed and network stability.

Making an international call from the USA becomes much easier when you understand the correct dialing process. Knowing the US exit code, country codes, local number formats, and when to omit leading zeros helps ensure your calls connect successfully without errors.

Among the available options, VoIP services are the most reliable and cost-effective solution for international calling. And, a trusted choice is Calilio, which offers affordable international rates, clear call quality, and an easy-to-use app for seamless calling across devices. Plus, you can buy virtual numbers from different countries while living in the US to avoid high international calling rates.