Calling friends, family, or business contacts overseas from the United States is easier than ever but only if you know the correct steps and codes. Whether you’re dialing a number in Europe, Asia, or South America, understanding how to make an international call from the USA is essential to avoiding call failures, extra charges, or confusion.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to dial international numbers from the USA, explain the proper American phone number format, and help you choose smarter options like using a virtual mobile number USAvirtual for affordable international communication.
1. Understanding the Basics of International Calling
Before making an international call, it’s important to understand how global dialing works. Every international call from the USA requires:
- The USA exit code (011)
- The country code of the destination
- The area code or city code (if applicable)
- The local phone number
Knowing the proper sequence is key to successfully completing your international call.
2. How to Dial an International Number from the USA (Step-by-Step)
Here’s how to dial out internationally from the USA:
Step 1: Dial the USA exit code 011
This tells your phone carrier that you’re making an international call.
Step 2: Dial the country code
Each country has a unique code. For example:
– UK: 44
– India: 91
– Australia: 61
Step 3: Dial the city/area code
Some countries require an area code before the local number.
Step 4: Dial the local phone number
This is the actual number of the person or business you’re calling.
Example: Calling a UK landline number (020 1234 5678)
Dial: 011 44 20 1234 5678
3. What Is the United States Country Code Phone Number?
The USA country code is +1. If someone is calling a USA number from another country, they would dial their country’s exit code followed by +1 and the rest of the number in the American phone number format.
Example:
Calling a USA number (555-123-4567) from abroad:
Dial: [International exit code] + 1 555 123 4567
4. Understanding American Phone Number Format
A standard USA phone number includes:
- A 3-digit area code (e.g., 212, 415)
- A 3-digit exchange code
- A 4-digit subscriber number
Format: (XXX) XXX-XXXX
Full international format: +1 XXX XXX XXXX
Using the proper format helps ensure international SMS and call delivery.
5. Dialing Internationally from a Mobile Number USA
When dialing from a USA mobile phone:
- You must still use the full international format, beginning with 011 (or just + on most smartphones).
- Most USA carriers support international dialing but may charge high rates.
Tip: Use the + symbol on smartphones as a shortcut to dial internationally. Example: +91 9876543210 (India)
If you’re frequently calling overseas, using a virtual number may be more cost-effective than your standard carrier.
6. Use a Virtual Mobile Number USA for Affordable International Calls
A virtual mobile number USA lets you make and receive calls using the internet (VoIP). These numbers are not tied to SIM cards and are accessible via apps or desktops, making them ideal for international calling.
Benefits:
- Avoid long-distance carrier fees
- Use local caller IDs in international regions
- Make calls from any country using your USA-based virtual number
- Stay accessible globally
7. Tips to Avoid Issues with International Calling
- Double-check the number format and country code
- Remove any trunk prefix (like 0) in the destination number
- Ensure your plan allows international calling
- Use reliable calling apps or virtual number providers
8. Recommended Apps & Services for International Calls
For cheaper and more reliable international calling from the USA, consider:
- WhatsApp (for Wi-Fi voice/video calls)
- Google Voice
- Skype
- Viber
- Calilio (VoIP with international number support)
Each has its own pros and cons based on your needs (voice quality, rates, features).
FAQs:
- What is the exit code to call internationally from the USA?
The USA exit code is 011. It must be dialed before the country code of the destination when making international calls.
- Can I call international numbers directly from a USA mobile phone?
Yes. Just dial the + symbol (long press 0), followed by the country code, area code, and local number.
- What is the American phone number format for international calls?
The format is: +1 (area code) (subscriber number). For example: +1 212 555 6789
- Are international calls from the USA expensive?
They can be especially via mobile carriers. To save money, use VoIP services or a virtual mobile number USA to avoid high charges.
- What is a virtual mobile number and how does it help?
A virtual number lets you make and receive calls via the internet, often at much lower rates. It’s ideal for businesses and frequent travelers.
- Can I call international numbers without using 011?
Yes, if you’re using a smartphone, you can replace 011 with a “+” symbol for easier dialing.
- Do I need to remove the leading 0 from international numbers?
Yes. If the destination number starts with a 0, you usually omit it when dialing internationally.
