How to Make an Overseas Phone Call

You may need to make an overseas phone call to make travel arrangements or to stay in touch with family, friends, and business contacts. If you simply pick up the phone, dial the given number and wait, your call will fail. In order to be successful, you must first enter a series of codes to signal that you are placing an international phone call from your home country.

Things You'll Need

• Phone
• International calling plan

Instructions

1. Dial your country's access code to indicate that you will be dialing an overseas phone number. In the United States, the access code is "011."

2. Dial the country code. For instance, the United Kingdom's country code is "44," while France's country code is "33." See The Telephone Tips page on the Rick Steves' Europe website for a list of international country codes.

3. Dial the city or area code if applicable. Note that some city or area codes may begin with a "0." Always drop this initial "0" when dialing the code.

4. Dial the phone number.

Tips & Warnings

• Reduce your calling costs by purchasing an international phone card.

• Remember that the person you are calling may live in a country that is several time zones ahead or behind yours. It's a good idea to arrange a time to call in advance.

References

• Rick Steves' Europe: Telephone Tips

Resources

• Country Calling Codes