How to Call the United States From Portugal

Relaxing on the spectacular beaches of Lagos or riding ponies in Serra da Estrela may make you forget all about home, but if you have to call the United States, here are the instructions.

Things You'll Need

• Travel Clocks
• Travel Guides
• Telephone Calling Cards

Instructions

1. Determine what time it is in the United States. Portugal's time is equal to Greenwich Mean Time, which means it is 5 hours later in Portugal than it is on the East Coast of the United States and 8 hours later than it is on the West Coast.

2. Dial 00, the international access code for Portugal.

3. Dial the country code for the United States, which is 1.

4. Punch in the area code for the city you wish to call. Some examples include 310 for Los Angeles, 415 for San Franciso, 212 for Manhattan and 312 for Chicago.

5. Dial the personal seven-digit phone number.

Tips & Warnings

• Many telephones require credit cards or special phone cards, which can be purchased from news agents. A cheaper option can be to place your long-distance calls from local telephone offices or post offices.

• You may wish to use your own calling card to place international calls instead of dialing directly. In this case, you would dial the long-distance company's access code + the area code + the personal phone number. AT&T's access code from Portugal is 800-800-128; MCI's is 800-800-123; and Sprint's is 800-800-187.

• Although it may be more convenient, avoid making long-distance calls through your hotel. Hotels always add additional surcharges when placing the call for you.