Step-by-Step Guide on How to Call the USA from Overseas

Senior Writer: Paras Kela

Reading Time: 7 Minutes

Published : September 30, 2022

People often get confused when it comes to calling the US from abroad or from one country to another. And rightly so, because most of us don’t make international calls every morning, right?! Making international calls may appear to be a difficult task, but it is not. All you need to remember is the country code, area code, and phone number.

In this comprehensive guide on how to dial a US number from abroad, we will attempt to answer all your questions about international calling to the USA. We will learn the steps to call the US, popular ways to call the US, and tips to follow when making international calls to the US, among other things.

Let’s dive in.

How to Make an International Call to the USA?

Below is the detailed process for making an international call to the USA from any other country. Remember that this process will be similar for most countries. However, the number format may differ from one country to another.

Step 1: Dial the Source Country’s Exit Code

The first step to remember when making an international call to the USA is to dial your country’s exit code. Exit codes, also known as International Access Codes (IAC), are a string of numbers used to place international calls. The most common exit codes are “00” and “011.”

Also, if you’re calling from a mobile phone, replace the exit codes “00” or “011” with a “+” sign. The “+” sign has the same meaning as the exit codes.

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Step 2: Enter the Destination Country Code

Following the exit code, dial the country code of the destination country or region you are dialing to. According to Wikipedia, country codes are short alphabetic or numeric geographical codes (geocodes) created to represent countries and dependent areas.

The country code comes before the area code, followed by the phone number. Remember that, unlike exit codes, country codes are unique for each country. For example, if you are making an international call to the USA, the country code will be +1, followed by the area code.

The table below lists some of the most popular country codes.

Step 3: Enter the City or Area Code

After dialing the international dialing code and the country code, enter the city or area code. Area codes, like country codes, are used to identify the specific area you are dialing to. Typically, area codes are 2-3 digits long.

Also, remember that big cities or regions may have more than one area code. For example, California has the highest area codes in the United States– 36. At the same time, some states, such as Alaska (907), Hawaii (808), Montana (406), and others, have only one area code.

The following are some of the most commonly used area codes in the United States.

Popular USA Area Codes

Step 4: Enter the Phone Number

The fourth and final step to making an international call to the USA from other countries is to enter the recipient’s phone number. US phone numbers are typically seven digits long.

Assume you’re in Mexico and calling your friend Steven in Los Angeles, California. In this scenario, the number format will then be: +1 213 555 5555, where “+” represents the exit code, “1” represents the country code for the US, “213” represents the area code, and “555 5555” represents the phone number.

So these are the steps you must consider when calling the US internationally. As previously stated, making an international call to the USA from overseas is an easy task if you remember the USA phone number format and area codes correctly.

How to Call the United States from India?

To call the US phone number from India, follow the steps outlined below:

Step 1: Dial the exit code for India, which is 0.

Step 2: Enter the country code +1 for the United States.

Step 3: Dial the recipient’s area code. For example, if your friend or customer lives in Denver, dial 303. Similarly, to reach Austin, dial area code 512.

Step 4: Enter the phone number of the person you’re calling. Remember that standard phone numbers in the United States are 7 digits long.

This means that the final number displayed on your mobile screen will be 11-13 digits long and contain the exit code, country code, area code, and telephone number.

This is how you make an international call to the USA from India. Keep in mind that this process will be similar in most other countries. However, as previously stated, the country code, area code, and number format may vary.

Popular Methods to Call the US From Overseas

In addition to calling the US internationally using a mobile phone service, there are several other ways to call the United States from overseas at low rates. Let’s take a look at the three most popular methods one by one.

A. Online Calling Apps

One of the popular ways to call the US from overseas is via online calling apps. Online calling apps are mobile apps that allow you to make free WiFi calls all over the world. These apps rely on an internet connection to send messages or make phone calls. Some popular online calling apps are WhatsApp, Skype, Telegram, DialerHQ, and Google Voice.

The calling process via these apps is simple, as outlined below:

Step 1: First, save the recipient’s phone number to your device.

Step 2: Next, open the app and navigate to that person’s chat box.

Step 3: Look for the “Call” icon on the top-right panel.

Step 4: Click that icon to make the call.

Note that this process will be nearly similar to all online calling apps. However, steps 3 – 4 may differ slightly from app to app due to different layouts.

B. International SIM Card

Another popular method to make an international call to the USA is to use an international SIM card. If you make an occasional international call to the United States, regular plans are more than sufficient. There is no need to purchase an international card or a VoIP phone number for this purpose.

However, if you need to make regular international calls to the US, you will certainly require an international SIM card.

An international SIM card will offer lower call rates than your local provider. Furthermore, most popular telecom service providers offer international SIM card services. This means you will have a variety of options to choose from.

Besides that, these cards function similarly to regular local cards. Simply insert it into your mobile phone. Configure the settings as needed and start making international calls to the USA from any country.

C. VoIP Phone Number Services

The third most popular method of calling the United States from other countries is to use a VoIP phone number service. VoIP, which stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, is a technology that allows you to make international phone calls over the internet. Besides, most of the top VoIP phone service providers, such as CallHippo, offer a free virtual phone number with the service.

A VoIP business phone system will be an excellent choice if you are looking for a business solution that allows you to make hundreds of international calls to the United States daily at a low cost.

The major benefit of VoIP calling service is that, in addition to allowing you to make low-cost calls, the solution encompasses a variety of innovative business communication features that improve your efficiency and outcomes.

Choose one of the three options listed above to make an international call to the USA from other countries, based on your needs.

Tips To Follow When Calling USA From Other Countries

In addition to this knowledge, there are some etiquettes or tips to follow when calling the US internationally, as listed below.

A. Consider the Time Zone Difference

When calling the United States from Mexico, you don’t have to worry about time zones because both are neighboring countries. However, you must consider the time zone difference when calling the US from India or any other far country on another continent.

B. Do Not Call too Early or Too Late

Except in an emergency case, you should avoid calling friends and family too early or too late. However, when it comes to customers, you must strictly adhere to this etiquette because, according to the Federal Communications Commission, making business calls before 8 AM or after 9 PM is illegal and considered an abusive business practice.

C. Always Personalize your Greetings

Another thing to remember when making an international call to the USA from abroad like Canada, Germany, China is to personalize your greetings. Understandably, you are not expected to greet customers the same way you greet your friends and vice versa. Also, keep in mind the cultural differences. Some phrases that are morally acceptable in your country may not be accepted in the United States.

Image source

Always follow all three etiquettes and tips when calling the US internationally. Also, keep in mind the steps to call the United States from abroad, as well as the area codes and country codes detailed above.

Paras Kela

Paras Kela is an accomplished IT professional with 7+ years of industry experience, including 4+ years as a dedicated content writer. His expertise lies in crafting informative blogs on VoIP and cloud telephony, among other technical subjects. Outside his professional pursuits, he cherishes quality time with loved ones, indulges in watching documentaries, and finds solace in gardening.

Updated : November 28, 2023

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