How to Call the USA from Anywhere in the World: A Comprehensive Guide
Calling the United States from another country might seem daunting, but with the right information and preparation, it’s a straightforward process. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring you can connect with friends, family, or business associates in the USA without any hassle. We’ll cover everything from dialing codes and time zone differences to cost-effective calling options and troubleshooting tips.
## Understanding the Basics: Key Components of an International Call
Before diving into the specifics, let’s break down the essential components of placing an international call:
1. **Exit Code (International Access Code):** This code allows you to dial out of your current country. It tells the phone network that you are about to make an international call. The exit code varies depending on the country you are calling from. Common examples include:
* **011:** From North America (USA, Canada, etc.)
* **00:** From most European and Asian countries
2. **Country Code:** Each country has a unique country code. The country code for the United States is **1**.
3. **Area Code:** The USA is divided into numerous area codes, each covering a specific geographic region. Area codes are three digits long (e.g., 212 for New York City, 310 for Los Angeles, 415 for San Francisco).
4. **Local Number:** This is the seven-digit phone number of the person or business you are trying to reach.
Therefore, the complete dialing sequence to call a US number looks like this:
**Exit Code + Country Code (1) + Area Code + Local Number**
For example, if you were calling a number in New York City (area code 212) from the UK (exit code 00), the complete number you would dial would be:
**00 + 1 + 212 + XXX-XXXX** (where XXX-XXXX represents the seven-digit local number).
## Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Call the USA
Now, let’s outline the precise steps to make a call to the USA:
**Step 1: Determine Your Country’s Exit Code**
The first step is to find the correct exit code for the country you are calling from. Here’s a list of exit codes for some of the most common countries:
* **Australia:** 0011
* **Brazil:** 00
* **China:** 00
* **France:** 00
* **Germany:** 00
* **India:** 00
* **Ireland:** 00
* **Italy:** 00
* **Japan:** 010
* **Mexico:** 00
* **Netherlands:** 00
* **New Zealand:** 00
* **Singapore:** 00
* **South Africa:** 09
* **Spain:** 00
* **Switzerland:** 00
* **United Kingdom:** 00
If your country isn’t listed above, you can easily find the exit code by searching online for “exit code for [your country]”.
**Step 2: Dial the Exit Code**
On your phone, dial the exit code for your country. For example, if you are calling from the UK, you would dial “00”.
**Step 3: Dial the US Country Code (1)**
After the exit code, dial the country code for the United States, which is “1”.
**Step 4: Dial the US Area Code**
Next, dial the three-digit area code for the specific region you are trying to reach in the USA. If you don’t know the area code, you can search online for “area code for [city, state]”. For instance, to call Los Angeles, you would dial “310” or “213”.
**Step 5: Dial the Local Number**
Finally, dial the seven-digit local phone number of the person or business you are calling.
**Example:**
Let’s say you are calling a number in San Francisco (area code 415) from Germany (exit code 00). The US phone number is 555-123-4567. You would dial:
**00 + 1 + 415 + 555-1234**
## Understanding US Area Codes: A Quick Guide
The United States has a complex system of area codes, and it’s essential to know the correct one to reach your intended recipient. Here’s a brief overview of some major US area codes:
* **New York City:** 212, 646, 917, 347, 718
* **Los Angeles:** 310, 213, 323, 424, 626, 818
* **Chicago:** 312, 773, 872, 847, 224
* **Houston:** 713, 281, 832, 346
* **Philadelphia:** 215, 267, 445
* **Phoenix:** 602, 480, 623
* **San Antonio:** 210
* **San Diego:** 619, 858
* **Dallas:** 214, 469, 972
* **San Jose:** 408, 669
* **San Francisco:** 415, 628
* **Seattle:** 206, 253
This is just a small sample. You can easily find the area code for any city or region in the US by using an online search engine.
## Dealing with Time Zone Differences
One of the biggest challenges when calling the USA from abroad is the time difference. The US spans multiple time zones, including:
* **Eastern Time (ET):** UTC-5 (UTC-4 during Daylight Saving Time)
* **Central Time (CT):** UTC-6 (UTC-5 during Daylight Saving Time)
* **Mountain Time (MT):** UTC-7 (UTC-6 during Daylight Saving Time)
* **Pacific Time (PT):** UTC-8 (UTC-7 during Daylight Saving Time)
* **Alaska Time (AKT):** UTC-9 (UTC-8 during Daylight Saving Time)
* **Hawaii Time (HST):** UTC-10 (no Daylight Saving Time)
Before making your call, determine the time zone of the person you are calling and calculate the time difference between your location and their location. This will help you avoid calling at inconvenient hours (e.g., in the middle of the night).
**Tips for Managing Time Zone Differences:**
* **Use a Time Zone Converter:** Online tools and apps can quickly convert times between different time zones.
* **Consider Daylight Saving Time:** Remember that the US observes Daylight Saving Time (also known as Summer Time) from March to November, which can affect the time difference.
* **Schedule Calls in Advance:** If possible, schedule your calls in advance to ensure both parties are available and alert.
* **Use Email or Messaging Apps:** For non-urgent communication, consider using email or messaging apps, which allow you to send messages at any time and avoid the need for real-time coordination.
## Cost-Effective Calling Options: Saving Money on International Calls
International calls can be expensive, especially if you are calling from a landline or mobile phone using your regular carrier’s international rates. Here are some cost-effective alternatives:
1. **Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Services:**
* **Skype:** One of the most popular VoIP services, Skype allows you to make calls to US phone numbers at very low rates. You can purchase Skype Credit or subscribe to a monthly plan.
* **Google Voice:** Google Voice offers free calls to the US and Canada from anywhere in the world, as long as you have an internet connection. It also provides features like voicemail transcription and call forwarding.
* **WhatsApp:** WhatsApp allows you to make free voice and video calls to other WhatsApp users. If the person you are calling in the US also uses WhatsApp, this is a great option.
* **Viber:** Similar to WhatsApp, Viber offers free calls and messaging to other Viber users.
* **Zoom:** While primarily known for video conferencing, Zoom also allows you to make phone calls to US numbers.
2. **Mobile Apps with International Calling Features:**
* **Rebtel:** Rebtel offers international calling plans at competitive rates. It uses a combination of local phone lines and internet connections to provide high-quality calls at a lower cost.
* **Lycamobile:** Lycamobile is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that offers low-cost international calling plans.
* **Tello:** Tello is another MVNO that provides affordable international calling options.
3. **International Calling Cards:**
* Calling cards can be a cost-effective option for making international calls, especially if you don’t have access to a reliable internet connection. You can purchase calling cards online or at local stores. Be sure to compare the rates and fees of different calling cards before making a purchase.
4. **Using Your Mobile Carrier’s International Plan:**
* Many mobile carriers offer international calling plans or add-ons that can significantly reduce the cost of calling the USA. Check with your carrier to see what options are available.
5. **Wi-Fi Calling:**
* Most modern smartphones have a Wi-Fi calling feature. When enabled, your phone will use a Wi-Fi network instead of the cellular network to make and receive calls. This can be a cost-effective way to call the USA, especially if your mobile carrier charges high rates for international calls. Check with your carrier to see if Wi-Fi calling is supported and how to enable it.
## Troubleshooting Common Calling Problems
Even with careful planning, you might encounter problems when trying to call the USA. Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:
* **Incorrect Dialing Sequence:** Double-check that you have dialed the correct exit code, country code, area code, and local number. A single digit error can prevent the call from going through.
* **Network Issues:** Sometimes, network problems can interfere with international calls. Try calling again later or using a different calling method (e.g., VoIP instead of a landline).
* **Blocked Numbers:** If you are calling a business number, it’s possible that your number is blocked. Try calling from a different phone or asking a friend to call on your behalf.
* **Poor Audio Quality:** Poor audio quality can be caused by a weak internet connection or a problem with the phone line. Try moving to a location with a stronger signal or using a different calling method.
* **International Calling Restrictions:** Some mobile carriers have restrictions on international calling. Check with your carrier to ensure that you are able to make international calls.
* **Incorrect Area Code:** Ensure that you are using the correct area code for the location you are trying to reach. Using the wrong area code will result in the call not connecting or connecting to the wrong location.
* **Number Disconnected or Changed:** The phone number you are trying to reach might be disconnected or changed. Verify the number with the person or business you are trying to call.
## Additional Tips for Successful International Calls
* **Speak Clearly and Slowly:** When talking to someone in the USA, speak clearly and slowly, especially if English is not your first language. This will help the other person understand you better.
* **Be Patient:** International calls can sometimes be subject to delays or interruptions. Be patient and try to remain calm if you encounter any technical issues.
* **Consider Using Video Calls:** Video calls can be a great way to connect with people in the USA, especially if you haven’t seen them in a while. Services like Skype, WhatsApp, and Zoom offer high-quality video calls.
* **Be Mindful of Cultural Differences:** Be aware of cultural differences when communicating with people in the USA. For example, Americans tend to be more direct and informal than people in some other cultures.
* **Confirm the Number Before Dialing:** It is a good practice to confirm the phone number with the person or business you are trying to call, especially if you haven’t called them in a while. This will help you avoid dialing the wrong number and wasting your time and money.
* **Use a Reliable Internet Connection:** If you are using a VoIP service or mobile app to make international calls, make sure you have a reliable internet connection. A weak internet connection can result in poor audio quality or dropped calls.
## Conclusion
Calling the USA from abroad is a relatively simple process once you understand the basic components of an international call and the various options available. By following the steps outlined in this guide and considering the cost-effective alternatives, you can easily connect with friends, family, and business associates in the USA without breaking the bank. Remember to double-check the dialing sequence, be mindful of time zone differences, and troubleshoot any common calling problems that you might encounter. With a little preparation, you can make successful and affordable international calls to the USA from anywhere in the world.