Reaching out to loved ones or conducting business across borders can be seamless with the right knowledge. If you’re wondering how to make calls to the United States from Italy, this comprehensive guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or simply need to stay connected while abroad, understanding the process will ensure your calls are clear, affordable, and hassle-free.
Before making your call, it’s important to gather the necessary information. You’ll need the phone number you want to call, as well as the country code and area code. You should also check if your phone plan offers international calling and if there are any additional charges. Once you have everything ready, you’re ready to start dialing. The general format for calling the US from Italy is: 00 + 1 + Area Code + Phone Number. For example, if you want to call a number in New York City, you would dial 00 1 212 555 1212. Remember to replace the “555 1212” with the actual phone number you want to reach.
Once you’ve dialed the number, you should hear a ringing tone. If you don’t hear anything, check to make sure you’ve entered the correct number. If you’re still having trouble, you can try using a different phone or calling during a different time of day. If you’re using a landline, you may need to dial an additional “0” before the country code. Additionally, some phone providers may require you to dial a specific prefix before making international calls. If you’re unsure, consult your phone provider for more information. With these tips in mind, you can now confidently make calls to the US from Italy, ensuring you stay connected with friends, family, and business associates back home.
International Calling Codes
To call the United States from Italy, you will need to use the international calling code for the USA, which is 001. This code is followed by the country code for the USA, which is 1. After that, you will need to dial the area code for the city in the USA you are calling. The area code is typically a three-digit number. Finally, you will need to dial the phone number of the person you are calling.
<table>
<tr>
<th>Country</th>
<th>Calling Code</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Italy</td>
<td>00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>United States</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
</table>
Example: To call a phone number in New York City, you would dial the following:
- 001 (international calling code for the USA)
- 1 (country code for the USA)
- 212 (area code for New York City)
- 555-1212 (phone number)
Here are some additional tips for calling the United States from Italy:
- Some phone numbers in the USA have a one-digit prefix, such as 9. If you encounter a phone number with a prefix, you will need to dial the prefix before the area code.
- When dialing a phone number in the USA from Italy, you do not need to include the country code (001) or the area code (1) if you are using a mobile phone.
- Some VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) providers may require you to dial a different prefix when calling the United States from Italy. Please consult your VoIP provider for more information.
Dialing from a Landline
To call the United States from a landline in Italy, follow these steps:
1. Dial the international access code:
This is the prefix that allows you to make international calls from Italy. Dial “00” before the US country code.
2. Dial the US country code:
The US country code is “1”.
3. Dial the area code:
This is the three-digit number that identifies the geographic region within the United States. For example, the area code for New York City is “212”.
4. Dial the local number:
This is the seven-digit number that identifies the specific phone line you are calling.
Example:
To call a landline number in New York City from Italy, you would dial the following:
| Step | Number |
|---|---|
| 1 | 00 |
| 2 | 1 |
| 3 | 212 |
| 4 | 123-4567 |
| Total | 00 1 212 123-4567 |
Calling from a Mobile Phone
Making calls from your mobile phone while in Italy is relatively straightforward. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to ensure you’re getting the best possible rates and avoiding any unexpected charges.
1. Unlock your phone. If your phone is locked to a specific carrier in your home country, you’ll need to have it unlocked before you can use it in Italy. This can be done by contacting your carrier and requesting an unlock code.
2. Choose a local SIM card. Once your phone is unlocked, you can purchase a local SIM card from any Italian mobile phone provider. This will give you a local Italian phone number, which you can use to make calls within Italy at a much lower rate than you would if you were using your home country’s SIM card.
3. Dial the correct number. When calling from Italy to the US, you will need to dial the following:
| To call a landline: | 011 + 1 + area code + phone number |
|---|---|
| To call a mobile phone: | 011 + 1 + area code + phone number |
For example, to call a landline in New York City, you would dial 011 + 1 + 212 + 555-1212.
Using a Calling Card
Calling cards are a convenient and cost-effective way to make international calls. They can be purchased online or at convenience stores, and are prepaid in increments of minutes. To use a calling card to call the US from Italy, follow these steps:
1. Dial the access number
First, dial the access number for the calling card you purchased. This number will be printed on the card itself.
2. Enter your card number and PIN
After you’ve dialed the access number, you’ll be prompted to enter your calling card number and PIN. This information is also printed on the card.
3. Dial the US phone number
Once you’ve entered your card number and PIN, you’ll be prompted to dial the phone number you’re calling in the US.
4. Stay on the line
It’s important to stay on the line until the call is connected. If you hang up before the call is connected, you’ll be charged for the call even if it doesn’t go through.
Utilizing Voice over IP (VoIP) Services
VoIP services provide a cost-effective way to make calls to the US from Italy by utilizing internet connections for voice transmission. Here are the key details about using VoIP:
Popular VoIP Providers:
* Skype: Widely used with high-quality calls and affordable rates.
* Rebtel: Offers competitive rates for calls to the US and a user-friendly platform.
* Google Voice: Provides international calling services at a reasonable cost.
Types of VoIP Calls:
*
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| PC to PC | Free calls between computers with installed VoIP software. |
| PC to Phone | Calls from a computer to a landline or mobile phone. |
| Phone to Phone | Calls between two landlines or mobile phones using VoIP services. |
Advantages of VoIP:
* Lower costs compared to traditional phone calls.
* Convenience of calling from any internet-connected device.
* Clear and reliable call quality.
Steps to Use VoIP:
1. Create an account with a VoIP provider.
2. Download and install the VoIP software or app on your device.
3. Add contacts and purchase credits or a calling plan.
4. Dial the US phone number using the VoIP software or app.
5. Tips for Optimizing VoIP Calls:
– Use a wired internet connection for stable call quality.
– Connect to a high-speed internet network for smoother calls.
– Consider using a VoIP-optimized router or modem.
– Use noise-canceling headphones or a quiet environment for clear audio.
Area Codes for Major U.S. Cities
| City | Area Code |
|---|---|
| Atlanta | 404 |
| Chicago | 312, 773 |
| Dallas | 214 |
| Denver | 303 |
| Detroit | 313 |
| Houston | 713 |
| Los Angeles | 213, 310, 323, 818 |
| Miami | 305 |
| New York City | 212, 347, 646, 718, 917 |
| Philadelphia | 215, 267 |
| Phoenix | 602 |
| San Antonio | 210 |
| San Diego | 619 |
| San Francisco | 415 |
| Seattle | 206 |
| Washington, D.C. | 202 |
6. Prefix “011” for International Calls from Italy
To make an international call from Italy to the United States, you must prefix the U.S. area code with the number “011.” For example, to call a number in Los Angeles, you would dial “011-1-310-555-1212.” The “011” prefix indicates that the call is being placed from Italy, and the “1” prefix indicates that the call is being placed to the United States.
It’s important to note that the prefix “011” can only be used for international calls from Italy. If you attempt to dial the prefix from another country, your call will not be connected.
Time Difference Considerations
When making a call from Italy to the USA, it’s important to consider the time difference between the two countries. Italy is located in Central European Time (CET), while the USA spans across four different time zones: Eastern Time (ET), Central Time (CT), Mountain Time (MT), and Pacific Time (PT).
Calculating the Time Difference
To calculate the time difference, simply subtract the number of hours between the two time zones. For example:
- Italy (CET) to New York (ET): CET – ET = -5 hours
- Italy (CET) to Chicago (CT): CET – CT = -6 hours
- Italy (CET) to Denver (MT): CET – MT = -7 hours
- Italy (CET) to Los Angeles (PT): CET – PT = -9 hours
Example Time Difference Chart
Here’s a table summarizing the time differences between Italy (CET) and major cities in the USA:
| City in USA | Time Difference (CET – US) |
|---|---|
| New York (ET) | -5 hours |
| Chicago (CT) | -6 hours |
| Denver (MT) | -7 hours |
| Los Angeles (PT) | -9 hours |
Dialing from Italy to the USA
When dialing from Italy to the USA, follow these steps:
- Dial the international access code for Italy: 00
- Dial the USA country code: 1
- Dial the area code of the city in the USA
- Dial the phone number
Emergency Call Procedures
In an emergency, call the following numbers from Italy:
| Emergency | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 112 |
| Fire | 115 |
| Ambulance | 118 |
You can also call the following numbers for non-emergency assistance:
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Tourist Police | 06 468656 |
| British Embassy (Rome) | 06 42200001 |
| US Embassy (Rome) | 06 46741 |
8. Additional Information
- When calling an emergency number, be prepared to provide the following information:
- Your name and location
- The nature of the emergency
- The number of people involved
- If possible, stay on the line until help arrives
- If you are unable to speak Italian, try to find someone who can help you make the call
- Remember to remain calm and provide clear and concise information
- If you are calling from a mobile phone, be aware that coverage may vary depending on your location
Cost Comparisons for Different Calling Methods
The cost of calling the USA from Italy varies depending on the method used. Here is a comparison of the most common options:
Landline to Landline
Calling a landline in the USA from an Italian landline typically costs around €0.05-€0.10 per minute. This can vary depending on the time of day and the specific provider.
Landline to Mobile
Calling a mobile phone in the USA from an Italian landline is generally more expensive than calling a landline. Costs can range from €0.15-€0.25 per minute.
Mobile to Landline
Calling a landline in the USA from an Italian mobile phone can be significantly more expensive than using a landline. Costs can range from €0.20-€0.40 per minute.
Mobile to Mobile
The cost of calling a mobile phone in the USA from an Italian mobile phone varies depending on the provider. Some providers offer special rates for international roaming, while others charge a high per-minute rate.
Using a Calling Card
Calling cards can offer a more cost-effective way to call the USA from Italy. Calling cards typically come with a set number of minutes that can be used for international calls. The cost per minute can vary depending on the card, but is generally around €0.05-€0.10.
Using a VoIP Service
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services allow you to make international calls over the internet. VoIP services are often significantly cheaper than traditional phone calls. The cost of calling the USA from Italy using a VoIP service can be as low as €0.01 per minute.
Using a Mobile App
There are a number of mobile apps that allow you to make international calls at a low cost. These apps typically use VoIP technology and can save you significant money on your international calling bill.
Using a Virtual Number
A virtual number is a phone number that is not associated with a physical location. You can purchase a virtual number for the country you are calling and have calls forwarded to that number. This can be a more cost-effective way to call the USA if you are making multiple calls.
Comparing the Costs
| Method | Cost per minute |
|---|---|
| Landline to Landline | €0.05-€0.10 |
| Landline to Mobile | €0.15-€0.25 |
| Mobile to Landline | €0.20-€0.40 |
| Mobile to Mobile | Varies |
| Calling Card | €0.05-€0.10 |
| VoIP Service | €0.01 and up |
| Mobile App | Varies |
| Virtual Number | Varies |
Dialing From Landlines
To call the United States from an Italian landline, follow these steps:
- Dial the international access code: 00
- Dial the United States country code: 1
- Dial the area code without the leading 0
- Dial the local phone number
For example, to call a landline in New York City, you would dial: 00 1 212 XXX XXXX.
Dialing From Mobile Phones
To call the United States from an Italian mobile phone, follow these steps:
- Dial the international access code: +
- Dial the United States country code: 1
- Dial the area code without the leading 0
- Dial the local phone number
For example, to call a mobile phone in Los Angeles, you would dial: +1 310 XXX XXXX.
Using a Calling Card
You can also use a calling card to call the United States from Italy. To do this, you will need to purchase a calling card from a company such as AT&T, Verizon, or Sprint. Once you have a calling card, follow these steps:
- Dial the access number for the calling card company.
- Enter your calling card number and PIN.
- Follow the instructions to dial the United States number.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
10. Other Useful Tips
Here are some other useful tips for calling the United States from Italy:
- When dialing from an Italian landline, you may need to wait for a dial tone before entering the international access code.
- If you are calling from a mobile phone, you may need to enable international calling on your account.
- The cost of calling the United States from Italy will vary depending on your service provider and the type of calling plan you have.
- You can use a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service to call the United States for free or at a reduced rate.
- There are also a number of apps that you can use to call the United States for free or at a low cost.
How to Call the USA from Italy
Calling the USA from Italy is a straightforward process that can be done in a few simple steps. Here’s how to do it:
- Dial the exit code for Italy, which is 00.
- Dial the country code for the USA, which is 1.
- Dial the area code for the city you’re calling in the USA.
- Dial the phone number you’re calling.
For example, to call a landline in New York City from Italy, you would dial: 00 1 212 555-1212.
To call a mobile phone in the USA from Italy, you would dial: 00 1 + phone number.
It’s important to note that when calling the USA from Italy, you will need to use the international dialing format, which includes the exit code and country code. You can also use a calling card or a VoIP service to call the USA from Italy, which may be more cost-effective than using a traditional landline or mobile phone.
People Also Ask
How much does it cost to call the USA from Italy?
The cost of calling the USA from Italy will vary depending on the service provider you use and the type of call you make. Generally speaking, landline calls to the USA from Italy will cost around €0.15-€0.25 per minute, while mobile phone calls will cost around €0.25-€0.40 per minute.
What is the time difference between Italy and the USA?
Italy is 6 hours ahead of the Eastern Time Zone in the USA and 9 hours ahead of the Pacific Time Zone in the USA.
Can I use my Italian phone in the USA?
Yes, you can use your Italian phone in the USA, but you will need to make sure that your phone is unlocked and compatible with US networks. You will also need to purchase a local SIM card for your phone in order to make calls and send texts.
