How to Call Japan From the United States

Calling abroad can sometimes be a hassle, especially if your calling a time zone that is several hours ahead or behind where you are. Calling Japan, for example, can require some planning if you are in New York because of the huge time difference. Country code and other important dialing instructions can also come in handy and you will find that information below.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Foreign Language Phrase Books
• Travel Guides
• Telephones
• Clocks
• Telephone Calling Cards

1. Determine what time it is in Japan before you call. It will be 14 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time in the United States; nine hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
2. Dial 011, the international access code.
3. Dial 81, the country code for Japan.
4. Dial the city code for the city you wish to call. Some codes of major cities in Japan include 82 for Hiroshima, 3 for Tokyo and 78 for Kobe.
5. Dial the rest of the telephone number.

Tips & Warnings

• If you follow these steps but still can't connect, dial 00 and ask the international operator to help you place the call.
• It can be very expensive to call long-distance during business hours, so try to make your phone calls in the evenings and on weekends.