How to Call Long Distance Overseas
Making international phone calls is a straightforward process. In order to call long distance overseas, you will usually need the exit code for the country you are in and the calling code for the place you are calling. However, if you are placing a call from a nation that is a member of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) to another member country, exit and calling codes are unnecessary.
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Instructions
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Determine if you are in a NANP country and if the location you are calling is as well. If so, you can make the call long distance overseas using the same format you use for a long distance call inside the United States: Dial 1, plus the area code, plus the seven-digit local number. All NANP countries use this standard, so there is no need for exit codes or country calling codes for calls made within the NANP system.
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Find the exit code for your location and the country code for the place you are calling if either is not a member of the NANP. For example, if you want to call Germany from the United States, you'll need the US exit code (011) and the country code for Germany, which is 49. There are several good websites such as CoutryCallingCodes.com where you can look up codes.
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Check the required format for your call. Non-NANP countries frequently set up their numbering systems differently. In some, the area code and local number can have different numbers of digits. Some countries also require that you dial an extra digit before the area code if the number you are calling is a cell phone. Most websites that list calling codes also provide information on local numbering rules.
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Place your call using the correct format and codes. For instance, if you want to call Wiesbaden, Germany, you would dial 011 (exit code) + 49 (country code) + 611 (Wiesbaden area code) + your party's local number.
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Tips & Warnings
Always check the time in the location you are calling so that you don't inadvertently call someone in the middle of the night.
Shop around for international calling plans. Many major providers (AT&T, for example) have discount plans for their existing customers. Alternatively, you can purchase discount minutes or calling cards from a number of telecommunications companies.
The best calling rates are usually during the evening or on weekends. Overseas calls made during business hours will often cost you two or three times as much.
