How to Call Internationally from the US
Making an international call is straightforward once you understand the dialing format. This guide covers everything: exit codes, country codes, mobile vs landline differences, and how to avoid expensive carrier charges when calling abroad from the USA.
Quick Answer: International Dialing Format
US exit code (use + from mobile instead)
1-3 digit country code (e.g., 44 for UK, 91 for India)
Step-by-Step: How to Make an International Call
Follow these four steps to dial any international number correctly from the United States.
Dial the Exit Code (011 or +)
The exit code tells your phone carrier you're making an international call. From the US:
From a landline: Dial 011
From a mobile phone: Press and hold 0 until + appears (or tap the + key)
The + symbol is the universal international dialing prefix. Most smartphones recognize it and convert it automatically.
Enter the Country Calling Code
Every country has a unique 1-3 digit code. Here are the most commonly called countries from the US:
United Kingdom
India
Mexico
Philippines
Nigeria
Germany
Need more codes? The ITU maintains the official list of country calling codes.
Dial the Local Phone Number
Enter the full local number, including the area or city code. Important: drop any leading zero.
Common mistake: Many countries use a "0" as a trunk prefix for domestic calls. This zero must be removed for international calls.
Example: UK number 020 1234 5678 becomes +44 20 1234 5678
Press Call
Your complete international number should look like this:
Example: Calling a London, UK landline
International Dialing Examples by Country
Real examples showing how to format international calls to popular destinations.
Calling India
Country code: +91
Mobile number in Mumbai:
+91 98765 43210
Landline in Delhi:
+91 11 2345 6789
Indian mobile numbers are 10 digits. Landlines include a 2-4 digit area code.
Calling Mexico
Country code: +52
Mobile in Mexico City:
+52 55 1234 5678
Landline in Guadalajara:
+52 33 1234 5678
Since 2019, Mexico no longer requires "1" before mobile numbers. All numbers are 10 digits after +52.
Calling United Kingdom
Country code: +44
Mobile number:
+44 7911 123456
London landline:
+44 20 1234 5678
Drop the leading 0 from UK numbers. Mobile numbers start with 7, London with 20.
Calling Philippines
Country code: +63
Mobile number:
+63 917 123 4567
Manila landline:
+63 2 8123 4567
Philippine mobile numbers start with 9. Drop the leading 0 for international calls.
Ways to Call Internationally (Compared)
Understanding the dialing format is half the battle. The other half is choosing the right method to avoid excessive charges.
| Method | Cost (India) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carrier (AT&T, Verizon) | $1.99-3.00/min | No setup needed | Extremely expensive |
| Carrier Add-on Plans | $10/mo + $0.25/min | Unlimited to some countries | Monthly fee, limited countries |
| Calling Cards | $0.05-0.15/min + fees | No internet needed | Connection fees, PINs, expiry |
| WhatsApp/Messenger | Free (app-to-app) | Free if both have app | Can't call landlines/non-users |
| VoIP (InternationalCall) | $0.02/min | Call any phone, no fees, no expiry | Needs internet/WiFi |
Bottom line: If the person you're calling has WhatsApp, use that (it's free). If they only have a regular phone number, VoIP services like InternationalCall offer the best combination of low cost and convenience. See our comparison pages for Skype alternatives and best VoIP services.
Using WiFi Calling Abroad
WiFi calling lets you make international calls without roaming charges, even when traveling overseas.
Carrier WiFi Calling
Built into iPhone and Android. Uses your carrier account over WiFi.
- Uses your existing number
- Still uses carrier international rates
- May not work from all countries
VoIP WiFi Calling
Independent apps that work anywhere you have internet.
- Works from any country with internet
- Same low rates everywhere ($0.01-0.10/min)
- Your US number shows on caller ID
Traveling soon? Learn how to avoid roaming charges completely.
International Calling FAQ
Common questions about how to call internationally from the US.
What is the international dialing format from the US?
From the US, dial 011 + country code + local number. From a mobile phone, you can use + instead of 011. For example, to call the UK: 011-44-20-1234-5678 or +44 20 1234 5678.
What is a country calling code?
A country calling code is a 1-3 digit prefix that identifies the destination country. Examples: +1 (USA/Canada), +44 (UK), +91 (India), +52 (Mexico), +63 (Philippines), +234 (Nigeria). These codes are assigned by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
How much does it cost to call internationally?
Costs vary widely. US carriers charge $1-5/minute without a plan. Calling cards cost $0.05-0.20/minute plus connection fees. VoIP services like InternationalCall offer rates from $0.01/minute with no connection fees or expiration.
Can I use WiFi calling to call internationally?
Yes. WiFi calling through VoIP apps works anywhere you have internet. You can call international numbers from abroad without roaming charges, using the same low rates. This is ideal for travelers who want to call home without expensive roaming fees.
Do I need to dial 011 from a cell phone?
No. From a US cell phone, you can use + instead of 011. On most phones, hold the 0 key or tap + to insert it. The format becomes: + country code + local number. This is actually preferred because + works internationally.
Why do I need to remove the leading zero?
Many countries use a leading 0 as a "trunk prefix" for domestic calls. This zero tells the local network it's a domestic long-distance call. For international calls, the country code replaces this function, so the 0 must be dropped. Example: UK number 020 1234 5678 becomes +44 20 1234 5678.
Start Making International Calls Today
Now that you know how to dial internationally, skip the expensive carrier rates. InternationalCall offers pay-as-you-go international calling from $0.01/minute with no contracts or monthly fees.