Example telephone numbers:

01144 xxx...

How to Place an International Call

To place a call between countries, you will need to know the local number for the person you are trying to reach as well as their Country Code and your own Exit Code.

You will need to dial the following:

Exit Code + Country Code + Area Code + Contact Number

The Exit Code is the number assigned to your country to dial an international number.
The Country Code is the number each country is assigned for incoming phone calls. In some cases, many countries share a single country code, such as Canada and the United States.
The City or Area Code is the number an area is assigned for incoming calls.
The Contact Number is the phone number for the person you are calling.

Note: Many countries have a 0 assigned to the beginning of phone numbers that is used for domestic calls. This is known as a Trunk Code. Leave the trunk code off when you are calling the number from outside the country.

Mobile Phone Instructions

If you are placing an international call from a mobile phone, you can replace your country's Exit Code with the (+) sign. Some phones require dialing (+) followed by (*) twice, then the Country Code, City/Area code, and the Contact Phone Number.

If you are calling an international mobile phone number, be aware that the calling codes may not be the same as for an international land line.

VoIP Instructions

When you are calling an international number with a VoIP service, you may not need to dial the Country Code or the Exit Code. Some services add these numbers automatically to your call. Check if this feature is turned on in the settings.

International Roaming Information

Most mobile carriers today allow international roaming, which allows you to use the mobile networks of another country. If you want to call a Contact Number in the country, dial as if you were calling from a local phone with no Country Codes or Area Codes. If you want to call outside of the country, you will need to add country and city codes.

If someone local needs to call you, they will need to dial the number as if they were calling outside the country, including the country and area code.

Keep in mind you may need to contact your carrier before traveling internationally to activate international roaming. International roaming rates are often high and they will be added to your bill.

Common Reasons an International Call Won't Go Through

If you are trying to make an international call that will not go through, verify the following.

1. Make sure the local number is correct.
2. Make sure you are dialing the right format: Exit Code + Country Code + Area/City Code (When necessary) + Local Number
3. Verify you are not dialing a (+) in the format above.
4. Make sure you leave off the trunk code or (0) at the beginning. Most countries require the use of this trunk code for domestic calls with a (0) added before the phone number. This code must be left out when dialing the number from abroad.
5. Make sure the mobile or land line number you are calling allows international calls.
6. If you are calling with VoIP service, you may need to leave the exit code off the number you are dialing.
7. If you are calling a mobile number outside of the United States, an area code may not be necessary.

How to Save on International Calls

Calls placed to mobile phones registered in another country are usually charged at a higher rate than phone calls to a land line. Always know what type of phone number you are calling, and use an alternate land line if you can to save on the cost of the phone call.

If you are using a calling card to place an international phone call, make sure you understand the rate will be charged. Some cards will have very low advertised international rates but hidden connection or maintenance costs.

You may also save money by placing your call using a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service. This technology allows you to place calls over the internet instead of the land line network. International calls with VoIP technology are often far cheaper at a few cents per minute. You may be able to buy an international number for a low fee, allowing you to make free or low-cost calls to contacts in another country.

Finally, consider an discounted international calling feature from your land line or mobile provider. Make sure the country or countries you plan to call regularly are included in the plan, as most providers limit the service to specific countries or cities. You may get unlimited international calls to many countries, with a limit of X minutes per month to others.