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How do I Dial International Telephone Numbers?

A Kaminsky
A Kaminsky

Although e-mail and text messaging often facilitate communication worldwide, there is still a need to dial international telephone numbers occasionally. The process to make an international call is different from dialing long distance in the United States, as each country has it's own country code. These are different from the three-digit area codes used in the United States, Canada and Caribbean countries and, even if the call has a three-digit area code, if it is outside the U.S., international rates will apply. To dial international telephone numbers outside these areas, the caller needs to know the country code, the city code and the local telephone number.

Many local phone books have instructions to help a person dial international telephone numbers, and these include lists of country codes and city codes. Some phone books even have maps to help a person determine which city he needs to call.

Local phone books may contain instructions on how to dial international telephone numbers.
Local phone books may contain instructions on how to dial international telephone numbers.

It is not difficult to make an international call when a person knows the routine. He dials 011 plus the country code, plus the city code, then the local phone number. If he needs operator assistance, the person dials 01 plus the country code, plus the city code, plus the local number and then holds for the operator to come on the line.

The procedure to dial international telephone numbers differs a bit with cell phones. Service providers may vary, so a person always needs to check on roaming rates and the correct dialing method with his own service provider.

The procedure to dial international telephones differs with cell phones.
The procedure to dial international telephones differs with cell phones.

Some phone companies provide special rate plans for customers who must make overseas calls on a regular basis. These rate plans may include a set number of minutes or a special per-minute rate, either or international calls in general or to certain countries in particular. A customer should always compare rate plans on land lines versus those with cell phone service providers to make sure he is getting the best rates for his international calling.

Discussion Comments

PelesTears

@ Overreactor- I agree that calling cards and prepaid international plans are the cheapest option, especially if you primarily use a cell phone. I have family in Jamaica and Japan, and making calls to these family members can be quite expensive. I can usually make the same number of calls for $5 with a prepaid card as I can for $30 on my cellular plan.

I would like to point out that making some international calls is as simple as making a domestic long distance phone call. When I call family in Jamaica, I simply dial 1 for the country code, 876 for the country code, and the seven digit local number. It connects just the same as if I were calling New York City or Los Angeles.

overreactor

There are various programs, one can shop around and find the best rates when calling internationally. I usually prepay and buy a fixed number of minutes. But in order to use the service i have to dial a 800 number, followed by a pin number, only than i dial the country exit number, new country's entry number, regional number and local number.

Yes it is somewhat longer to dial, but much cheaper. Once you get used to it, it is not a big deal, and if you have family in a different country and you talk a lot, it is worth it.

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    • Local phone books may contain instructions on how to dial international telephone numbers.
      By: GVictoria
      Local phone books may contain instructions on how to dial international telephone numbers.
    • The procedure to dial international telephones differs with cell phones.
      By: Maridav
      The procedure to dial international telephones differs with cell phones.
    • An operator may be able to assist individuals who are trying to make international calls.
      By: auremar
      An operator may be able to assist individuals who are trying to make international calls.