Dreaming of Santorini sunsets or the ancient wonders of Athens? Perhaps you need to connect with family, handle business, or simply share travel plans. Whatever the reason, calling Greece from the United States requires a specific dialing procedure that can seem confusing at first glance. Misdialing can lead to frustration, wasted time, and even unexpected charges. Knowing the correct steps ensures a smooth and successful connection to the land of olives and mythology.
Understanding how to make international calls is essential in our increasingly interconnected world. Staying in touch with loved ones abroad, conducting international business, or simply making travel arrangements all rely on your ability to effectively navigate international dialing codes. This guide simplifies the process of calling Greece from the US, providing clear instructions and helpful tips to avoid common mistakes.
What area code do I use, and how much will it cost?
What is the correct dialing code to call Greece from the US?
To call Greece from the United States, you need to dial the exit code 011, followed by the country code for Greece, which is 30, and then the Greek phone number you wish to reach. So the full dialing sequence is 011 + 30 + Greek phone number.
When making an international call, understanding the correct dialing sequence is crucial for a successful connection. The "011" is the exit code that tells the US telephone network that you are about to dial a number outside of the United States. This is necessary for routing your call internationally. After dialing the exit code, you must enter the country code for the country you are calling, which in this case is "30" for Greece. Once you have dialed 011 and 30, you then enter the specific phone number in Greece you are trying to reach. This phone number will usually include an area code, if applicable, and the local number. Remember to drop any leading zeros that might be present in the Greek phone number when dialing from abroad, unless specifically instructed otherwise by your service provider.How do I find the Greek area code I need?
Finding the correct Greek area code is simple. You can use online resources, like country code websites or international dialing code directories, which allow you to search for area codes by city or region within Greece. Many mobile apps designed for international calling also have built-in area code look-up features.
When using these online resources, be specific with your search term. If you know the city you're trying to reach, search for "[City Name], Greece area code." If you only know the general region, try "[Region Name], Greece area code." Keep in mind that Greece has a standardized numbering plan, so knowing the specific city is usually necessary for accurate results. These websites and apps are regularly updated to reflect any changes in the Greek telecommunications system.
Alternatively, if you know someone in Greece or have a contact who has previously called the number you're trying to reach, you can ask them for the correct area code. They might be familiar with the specific region or city and can provide you with the necessary information. Remember, you will need the Greek country code (30) plus the area code before dialing the local number.
Are there cheaper ways to call Greece than using my cell phone?
Yes, there are significantly cheaper alternatives to using your cell phone's standard international calling plan to call Greece from the US. These options typically leverage Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology or other cost-effective international calling services.
Calling Greece directly through your cell phone carrier can be expensive, often incurring per-minute charges plus potential international roaming fees. VoIP services, like Skype, WhatsApp, Google Voice, and Viber, offer competitive rates for international calls, often using your existing internet connection (Wi-Fi or data) to bypass traditional phone networks. These services can be significantly cheaper, especially if you make frequent or longer calls. Many even offer free calls to other users within the same platform. Another cost-effective option is using international calling cards. These cards, available online or in stores, provide a prepaid balance for making international calls at a discounted rate. The per-minute rates are usually lower than those charged by major cell carriers. Be sure to carefully read the terms and conditions, including any connection fees or expiration dates, before purchasing a calling card. Finally, consider researching international calling plans offered by smaller telecom companies that specialize in providing affordable international rates. Comparing rates and features across different providers can help you find the most cost-effective solution tailored to your calling habits.What time is it in Greece compared to the US when I'm calling?
Greece is significantly ahead of the United States in time. Specifically, Greece observes Eastern European Time (EET), which is GMT+2 during standard time and GMT+3 during Daylight Saving Time (DST), known as Eastern European Summer Time (EEST). The time difference can range from 7 to 10 hours ahead of the US, depending on which US time zone you're calling from and whether either location is observing DST.
Because the US spans multiple time zones – Pacific (PST/PDT), Mountain (MST/MDT), Central (CST/CDT), and Eastern (EST/EDT) – the exact time difference varies. For example, if you're calling from New York (EST/EDT), the difference is usually 7 hours during standard time (Greece is 7 hours ahead) and 7 hours during the period both locations are on DST. Keep in mind that the US and Greece may switch to and from DST on different dates. Therefore, you should always double-check the current time in both locations to avoid calling at inconvenient hours. Using online time zone converters or your smartphone's world clock feature is a reliable way to determine the precise time difference before placing your call.Will I be charged international rates when calling Greece from the US?
Yes, you will almost certainly be charged international rates when calling Greece from the US. Calls to Greece are considered international calls and will not be covered by standard domestic US calling plans.
When you dial a phone number in Greece from the United States, you're connecting to a telecommunications network in another country. This requires routing your call through international phone networks, which incurs costs. Your mobile carrier or landline provider will pass these costs on to you in the form of international calling rates. The specific rates can vary greatly depending on your provider, your calling plan (if any), and whether you're calling a landline or a mobile phone in Greece. Before making a call, it's prudent to check with your provider for their specific rates for calls to Greece. Some providers offer international calling plans or add-ons that can significantly reduce the cost per minute. Alternatively, consider using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like Skype, WhatsApp, or Google Voice, which often offer much lower rates for international calls, especially if you are calling another user of the same service. Bear in mind that even with VoIP services, you may still encounter charges if calling a traditional phone number rather than another user of the VoIP application.Can I use WhatsApp or another app to call Greece for free?
Yes, you can use WhatsApp or similar apps to call Greece for free, provided both you and the person you're calling in Greece have the app installed and are connected to the internet via Wi-Fi or a cellular data plan.
The beauty of using apps like WhatsApp, Viber, Facebook Messenger, Signal, or Skype for international calls is that they leverage Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. Instead of using traditional phone lines which incur charges based on distance and call duration, these apps transmit your voice data over the internet. As long as you are on Wi-Fi, the call is completely free. If you're using cellular data, the call uses your data allowance, which might result in charges from your mobile provider depending on your data plan. Keep an eye on your data usage, especially if you don't have an unlimited plan.
Before making the call, ensure that the person in Greece also has the app installed on their phone or device and that they are connected to the internet. You'll only be able to call other users of the same app; you can't use WhatsApp to call a standard Greek phone number directly for free. If you need to call a landline or mobile number in Greece that *doesn't* have the app, you'll need to use a service that offers international calling at a reduced rate, such as Skype Credit, Google Voice, or other VoIP providers. These services usually require you to purchase credit or pay a small fee per minute.
Do I need to drop the leading zero when calling a Greek mobile number?
Yes, you must drop the leading zero from the Greek mobile number when calling from the US. When dialing internationally, the '0' that prefixes domestic Greek phone numbers is omitted.
When calling Greece from the United States, you'll need to dial the US exit code (011), followed by the Greek country code (30), and then the Greek phone number without the initial zero. For example, if the Greek mobile number is 069XXXXXXXX, you would dial 011 30 69XXXXXXXX. Failing to drop the leading zero will result in your call not connecting. It's also helpful to be aware that mobile and landline numbers in Greece can vary in length. After the '30' country code, mobile numbers typically begin with '69', while landline numbers will begin with other digits (often varying by region). Always double-check the number you are dialing to ensure accuracy and avoid misdialing.And that's all there is to it! Calling Greece from the US is easier than ouzo-ing a plate of saganaki. Thanks for stopping by, and we hope these tips help you connect with friends and family in Greece without any frustrating phone call fails. We hope to see you back here again soon for more helpful travel and communication tips!