How to Call the Netherlands: A Comprehensive Guide
Calling internationally can seem daunting, especially with varying country codes, exit codes, and time zone differences. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the exact steps you need to take to call the Netherlands from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re calling a business, a friend, or a family member, this article will provide you with the information you need to connect successfully and affordably.
Understanding the Basics: Country Codes, Exit Codes, and Area Codes
Before diving into the specific steps, it’s crucial to understand the fundamental components involved in making an international call.
* **Exit Code (International Access Code):** This is the code you dial *from* your current location to indicate that you’re making an international call. The exit code varies depending on the country you are calling *from*. For example, the exit code for the United States and Canada is 011. For the United Kingdom, it’s 00. You *must* look up the exit code for the country you are currently in.
* **Country Code:** This is a specific number assigned to each country. The country code for the Netherlands is +31. You’ll always dial this after the exit code.
* **Area Code:** The Netherlands, like many countries, uses area codes to specify different regions within the country. These are typically two or three digits long. When dialing, you’ll usually drop the leading ‘0’ from the area code if you are calling from outside the Netherlands. *However, this is not always the case, and it is crucial to understand when and when not to drop the leading ‘0’.* We’ll cover this in detail later.
* **Local Number:** This is the specific phone number of the person or business you are trying to reach. It usually consists of seven or eight digits.
Step-by-Step Guide to Calling the Netherlands
Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to help you make a call to the Netherlands:
**Step 1: Find the Exit Code for Your Country**
This is the most crucial first step. You *cannot* make an international call without knowing the correct exit code for the country you are calling *from*. Here are some common exit codes:
* United States & Canada: 011
* United Kingdom: 00
* Australia: 0011
* New Zealand: 00
* European Union Countries: Generally 00, but check the specific country.
* Japan: 010
* South Africa: 09
**Important:** Always verify the exit code for your specific country before making the call. You can easily find this information by searching online for “exit code for [your country]”. Using the wrong exit code will result in the call not going through.
**Step 2: Dial the Exit Code**
Using your phone, dial the exit code for your country. For example, if you are calling from the United States, you would dial 011.
**Step 3: Dial the Country Code for the Netherlands**
After the exit code, dial the country code for the Netherlands, which is 31.
**Step 4: Dial the Area Code (with or without the leading ‘0’ – This is CRITICAL!)**
This is where things can get a little tricky. Dutch area codes typically start with a ‘0’. The rule of thumb is generally to drop the leading ‘0’ when calling from outside the Netherlands. However, there are exceptions to this rule, *particularly when calling mobile numbers*. **It is strongly recommended that you confirm the correct procedure for the specific number you are calling.**
* **Landline Numbers:** For landline numbers, the *general* rule is to omit the leading ‘0’ of the area code. For instance, if the area code is 020 (Amsterdam), you would dial 20.
* **Mobile Numbers:** For mobile numbers, the area code is usually 06. **You almost always omit the leading ‘0’ when calling a Dutch mobile number from abroad, dialing just 6.** Dialing ’06’ after the international code will likely result in an error. So, for a mobile number like 06-12345678, from the US, you’d dial 011-31-6-12345678.
**Double-Check:** *Before* proceeding, VERIFY if you need to drop the zero or not! Look up the specific instructions online or ask the person you’re calling directly. A simple message asking “When calling from the US, do I dial the 0 in your area code?” can save you frustration.
**Step 5: Dial the Local Number**
After the area code (without the leading ‘0’ if applicable), dial the local number. This is typically a seven or eight-digit number.
**Example Call from the United States to a Landline in Amsterdam:**
Let’s say you want to call a landline number in Amsterdam (area code 020) with the local number 1234567. Here’s how you would dial:
1. **Exit Code (US):** 011
2. **Country Code (Netherlands):** 31
3. **Area Code (Amsterdam – 020, drop the ‘0’):** 20
4. **Local Number:** 1234567
The complete number you would dial is: 011-31-20-1234567
**Example Call from the United Kingdom to a Mobile Number:**
Let’s say you want to call a Dutch mobile number 06-98765432 from the UK. Here’s how you would dial:
1. **Exit Code (UK):** 00
2. **Country Code (Netherlands):** 31
3. **Area Code (Mobile – 06, drop the ‘0’):** 6
4. **Local Number:** 98765432
The complete number you would dial is: 00-31-6-98765432
Troubleshooting Common Calling Issues
Even with the correct steps, you might encounter issues when calling the Netherlands. Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them:
* **Call Not Going Through:**
* **Incorrect Exit Code:** Double-check the exit code for your country. This is the most common cause of the problem.
* **Incorrect Country Code:** Make sure you are dialing the correct country code for the Netherlands (31).
* **Incorrect Area Code:** Confirm whether you need to drop the leading ‘0’ from the area code.
* **Number Not in Service:** The number you are trying to reach may no longer be in service.
* **International Calling Block:** Your phone plan may have international calling blocked. Contact your provider to enable it.
* **Poor Call Quality:**
* **Weak Signal:** Ensure you have a strong cellular or Wi-Fi signal.
* **Internet Connection Issues:** If using VoIP, a poor internet connection can cause call quality problems.
* **Distance:** Long distances can sometimes affect call quality.
* **Unexpected Charges:**
* **High International Rates:** International calls can be expensive. Consider using a VoIP service or international calling plan (explained below).
* **Roaming Charges:** If calling from a mobile phone while traveling, be aware of roaming charges.
Tips for Saving Money on International Calls
Calling internationally can be costly, but there are several ways to save money:
* **VoIP Services (Voice over Internet Protocol):**
* **Skype, WhatsApp, Google Voice, Zoom, Viber:** These services allow you to make calls over the internet, often at significantly lower rates than traditional phone calls. Many offer free calls to other users of the same service. WhatsApp is very common in the Netherlands.
* **Considerations:** Requires a stable internet connection. The person you are calling may need to have the same app installed.
* **International Calling Plans:**
* **Mobile Providers:** Many mobile providers offer international calling plans that include a set amount of calling time to specific countries, including the Netherlands.
* **Landline Providers:** Some landline providers also offer international calling plans.
* **Considerations:** Compare the costs of different plans and choose the one that best suits your needs.
* **Calling Cards:**
* **Prepaid Calling Cards:** These cards allow you to make international calls at discounted rates. You purchase a card with a specific value and use it to make calls until the value is depleted.
* **Considerations:** Check for hidden fees and expiration dates.
* **Best Time to Call:**
* **Time Zone Differences:** Be mindful of the time difference between your location and the Netherlands to avoid calling at inconvenient hours. The Netherlands is in the Central European Time (CET) zone, which is GMT+1 in the winter and GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time (DST), which runs from late March to late October.
* **Off-Peak Hours:** Some providers offer lower rates during off-peak hours.
Understanding Dutch Phone Number Format
It’s helpful to understand the standard format of Dutch phone numbers to ensure you’re dialing correctly. A typical Dutch phone number consists of the following parts:
* **+31:** Country code for the Netherlands.
* **Area Code:** Two or three digits (e.g., 010 for Rotterdam, 020 for Amsterdam, 070 for The Hague).
* **Subscriber Number:** A seven or eight-digit number.
Dutch mobile phone numbers always start with ’06’. When written, Dutch numbers are commonly formatted with hyphens or spaces for readability (e.g., +31 6 1234 5678 or +31-6-12345678).
Specific Area Codes in the Netherlands
Here are some of the major area codes in the Netherlands:
* **010:** Rotterdam
* **020:** Amsterdam
* **030:** Utrecht
* **040:** Eindhoven
* **070:** The Hague
* **071:** Leiden
* **073:** ‘s-Hertogenbosch
* **050:** Groningen
* **06:** Mobile numbers (national, no specific location)
This list is not exhaustive, but it covers some of the most frequently called areas.
Making Calls to Specific Types of Numbers
Here’s some more detailed information about calling different types of numbers in the Netherlands:
* **Calling Landlines:** As noted before, generally drop the leading ‘0’ of the area code when calling from abroad. Double-check though.
* **Calling Mobile Numbers:** Almost always drop the leading ‘0’ of the ’06’ area code when calling from abroad. This is very important.
* **Calling Toll-Free Numbers:** The Netherlands has toll-free numbers, usually starting with 0800. Check if these are accessible from outside the Netherlands, as some may only work within the country.
* **Calling Premium Rate Numbers:** Be cautious when calling numbers starting with 0900 or similar prefixes, as these are premium rate numbers and can be very expensive. Check the rates before calling.
Staying Connected Beyond Phone Calls
While this guide focuses on making phone calls, remember that there are many other ways to stay connected with people in the Netherlands:
* **Email:** A reliable and convenient way to communicate, especially for non-urgent matters.
* **Messaging Apps:** WhatsApp is hugely popular in the Netherlands, as are other messaging apps like Telegram and Signal. These allow you to send text messages, voice messages, and make video calls for free over Wi-Fi.
* **Social Media:** Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn can help you stay in touch and share updates.
* **Video Conferencing:** Services like Zoom, Google Meet, and Skype are great for video calls and virtual meetings.
Conclusion
Calling the Netherlands doesn’t have to be a complicated process. By following these steps, understanding the country and area codes, and being mindful of time zone differences, you can connect with friends, family, and colleagues with ease. Remember to verify the correct dialing procedure (especially regarding the leading ‘0’ in area codes!) and explore alternative communication methods to find the most convenient and cost-effective solution for your needs. Staying connected is easier than ever with the range of options available, from traditional phone calls to modern messaging apps and video conferencing services. With a little planning and the right information, you can bridge the geographical gap and maintain strong relationships with people in the Netherlands.