Calling France: A Comprehensive Guide to Dialing Success

Connecting with friends, family, or business contacts in France can be essential, whether you’re planning a trip, maintaining long-distance relationships, or conducting international business. However, the intricacies of international dialing can sometimes feel daunting. This comprehensive guide will break down the process of calling France, providing you with clear, step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure your calls go through smoothly and cost-effectively.

Understanding the Basics: Essential Components of an International Call

Before we dive into the specifics of calling France, let’s familiarize ourselves with the fundamental components of any international phone call. These include:

• Exit Code (International Access Code): This is the code you dial to indicate you’re making an international call. The specific code varies depending on the country you’re calling from.
• Country Code: Each country has a unique country code. France’s country code is +33.
• Area Code (Optional): Some areas in France use area codes, especially for landlines. These codes typically range from 1 to 5 digits, but it’s important to note that there is not an area code for all French numbers. Mobile numbers will generally not have area codes.
• Local Number: This is the specific phone number of the person or business you’re trying to reach.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Call France

Now, let’s walk through the process of making a call to France, step by step.

Step 1: Determine Your Exit Code

The first step is identifying the correct exit code for your location. Here are some of the most common exit codes:

• United States and Canada: 011
• United Kingdom: 00
• Australia: 0011
• Most of Europe: 00
• Most of Asia: 00
• South Africa: 09
• Brazil: 00

If your country isn’t listed above, a quick online search for “[Your Country] exit code” will provide you with the accurate code.

Step 2: Dial the Country Code for France

After dialing your exit code, you need to enter the country code for France, which is +33. So, the string of numbers you’ve dialed so far would look like this (using the US as an example country):
01133

Step 3: Dial the Area Code (if applicable)

For landline numbers in France, you might need to include an area code. However, unlike in the United States, French area codes are integrated into the phone number. Here’s a breakdown:

• Landlines: Landline numbers in France will have a specific fixed format including area code, usually 2 digits for the area code followed by 8 digits for the local number. Note however, that all French numbers have 10 digits in total.
• Mobile numbers: Mobile numbers in France will typically begin with the digits 6 or 7, followed by 8 other digits, for a total of 10 digits and require no area code.

It is recommended to double check with the person you are calling, what exact phone number is best to use, to make sure that the phone number you are calling is the accurate one. If you don’t have an area code, you can proceed directly to the local number.

Step 4: Dial the Local Number

Finally, dial the local number of the person or business you’re trying to reach. Remember that the entire number, including any area code will be 10 digits long.

Putting It All Together: Examples

Let’s illustrate with a few examples:

Example 1: Calling a Landline in Paris from the United States

Suppose the full landline number in Paris is 01 12 34 56 78. (Note, the ‘0’ at the beginning is NOT used when making an international call). Here’s how to dial:

• Exit Code (US): 011
• Country Code (France): 33
• Landline Number: 112345678

The full dialed string would be: 011 33 112345678

Example 2: Calling a Mobile Number in Lyon from the UK

Suppose the full mobile number in Lyon is 06 12 34 56 78. (Note, the ‘0’ at the beginning is NOT used when making an international call). Here’s how to dial:

• Exit Code (UK): 00
• Country Code (France): 33
• Mobile Number: 612345678

The full dialed string would be: 00 33 612345678

Example 3: Calling a Landline in Marseille from Australia

Suppose the full landline number in Marseille is 04 12 34 56 78. (Note, the ‘0’ at the beginning is NOT used when making an international call). Here’s how to dial:

• Exit Code (Australia): 0011
• Country Code (France): 33
• Landline Number: 412345678

The full dialed string would be: 0011 33 412345678

Tips for Successful and Cost-Effective Calls

Making international calls can sometimes be expensive. Here are some tips to help you minimize costs and ensure successful connections:

Use VoIP Services (Voice over Internet Protocol)

VoIP services like Skype, WhatsApp, Google Voice, and FaceTime allow you to make calls over the internet, often at significantly lower rates than traditional phone carriers. Many of these services also offer video calling, which can enhance communication, especially when talking to family or friends.

Consider International Calling Plans

Most mobile carriers offer international calling plans. These plans often include reduced rates per minute, or a set number of minutes included for international calls each month. Check with your service provider to see if any of their international plans fit your needs. This option can be a more reliable option than using free apps, especially if you are calling from an area with poor internet service.

Be Mindful of Time Zone Differences

France observes Central European Time (CET) which is UTC+1 during standard time. During daylight savings time, this is then UTC+2. Remember to check the current time in France before making your call, to ensure you are calling at a reasonable hour for the recipient. Using a simple search engine query of the phrase “What time is it in France” should give you the correct time. Be mindful also that France observes daylight savings time, so the time difference between your location and France might change during the year. Always double check before making a call.

Double-Check the Phone Number

Before placing your call, carefully double-check that you have entered the phone number correctly. A single misplaced digit can prevent your call from going through. It may be useful to save the phone number as a contact on your phone, to avoid needing to copy the number in full each time you call.

Test Your Connection

If you’re using a VoIP service or a new method of calling, do a test call before attempting to make an important call to someone in France. This will ensure that your audio quality is good and your connection is reliable.

Be Patient

International calls can sometimes take a little longer to connect than local calls. Be patient and don’t hang up too quickly. Also, be mindful of potential language barriers if the person you are calling does not speak your language.

Using an International Calling Card

While less common now, international calling cards can still offer competitive rates for international calls. These cards can be purchased from convenience stores and are used by dialing an access number, then the full international number you wish to call. Check the small print, to see if the phone numbers you plan to call are included in the options, to avoid additional costs.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Even with careful planning, you might encounter issues when making international calls. Here are a few common problems and how to address them:

“Number Not Recognized” Error

If you hear this message, double-check that you’ve entered the correct exit code, country code, and area code (if required). It’s also possible that the number you’re trying to reach is no longer in service. If you have double checked the number and it is correct, it may be worth trying to make a call again at a later time.

Poor Audio Quality

Poor audio quality can be due to a weak internet connection, network congestion, or the service provider’s reliability. Try switching to a more stable network, or a different calling platform. This may resolve the issue.

Call Dropping

If your call keeps dropping, it’s likely caused by a poor internet connection or a problem with your service provider. Try switching to a different connection or restarting your calling device.

Cost Concerns

If your international calls are becoming expensive, explore cheaper alternatives like VoIP services or different calling plans. Regularly review your phone bill to understand your international call charges.

Conclusion

Calling France doesn’t have to be a confusing or costly endeavor. By understanding the necessary components of an international call, following the steps outlined in this guide, and utilizing cost-effective calling methods, you can connect with friends, family, and business associates in France with ease. Always take the time to double check the phone number you are calling, and the time of day, to ensure your calls go as smoothly as possible. And, as technology improves, be sure to research new apps and techniques that could help you communicate across borders. We hope this comprehensive guide has made calling France less daunting and more straightforward for you!