Ever dreamt of savoring authentic moussaka under the Athenian sun, or perhaps discussing ancient philosophy with a friendly local in Thessaloniki? Reaching out to Greece, whether for business, travel, or connecting with loved ones, shouldn't feel like navigating a labyrinth. Despite the digital age, understanding international calling codes and procedures remains crucial for ensuring a smooth and successful connection. A missed digit or incorrect exit code can lead to frustration, wasted time, and unnecessary expenses. So, before you dial that international number, it's worth taking a moment to understand the nuances of calling Greece.
Knowing the correct dialing procedure isn't just about convenience; it's about respecting the time and resources of the person you're trying to reach. Ensuring a clear and reliable connection allows for more meaningful and productive conversations, be it discussing business opportunities, coordinating travel plans, or simply catching up with family and friends. With just a little preparation, you can avoid common pitfalls and confidently connect to the land of olives and mythology.
What are the common questions people ask when calling Greece?
What's the country code for calling Greece?
The country code for calling Greece is +30.
When calling a Greek phone number from abroad, you must first dial your international access code (often "00" or "011," depending on the country you are calling from), followed by the Greek country code (+30), and then the Greek phone number itself. Remember to drop the leading zero of the Greek phone number if it has one when calling internationally.
For example, if you are calling a Greek mobile number that is normally dialed as 69XXXXXXXX within Greece, you would dial it as 003069XXXXXXXX (using "00" as the international access code) from most European countries. From the United States or Canada, you would dial it as 0113069XXXXXXXX. Always verify the correct international access code for the country you are calling from to ensure your call connects properly.
Do I need an exit code to call Greece from my country?
Yes, you absolutely need an exit code (also called an international access code or IDD - International Direct Dialing code) to call Greece from your country. This code tells your phone network that you're dialing a number outside of your current country.
To successfully dial a Greek phone number, you'll need to dial your country's exit code first. This exit code varies depending on where you are calling from. For example, the exit code for the United States and Canada is "011", while in many European countries it is "00". You can easily find your country's exit code by searching online for "exit code for [your country]". Once you have the exit code, you'll then dial Greece's country code (30), followed by the Greek phone number you're trying to reach. Therefore, the complete sequence for calling Greece is: Exit Code + 30 + Greek phone number. It is essential to always use the correct exit code to connect your call internationally. Without it, your phone network will not recognize that you are trying to dial an international number, and the call will not go through.What is the area code for Athens, Greece?
The area code for Athens, Greece is 21.
When calling a landline in Athens from outside of Greece, you will typically need to dial the international access code for your country (usually 00 or 011), followed by the country code for Greece (30), and then the Athens area code (21), and finally the local landline number. So the general format is: International Access Code + 30 + 21 + Local Number. Note that mobile phone numbers in Greece don't use area codes; they start directly after the country code.
For example, if you were calling an Athens landline number 210-123-4567 from the United States, you would dial 011-30-21-123-4567. It is important to remember to drop the trunk prefix (usually '0') that is used for domestic calls within Greece when calling from abroad.
How do I call a Greek mobile phone?
To call a Greek mobile phone from abroad, you'll need to dial the international access code for your country, followed by the Greek country code (30), and then the mobile phone number itself (which will begin with a '69' followed by eight digits). Therefore, the general format is: International Access Code + 30 + 69XXXXXXXX.
When dialing a Greek mobile number, it's crucial to omit any leading zeros that might be present in the locally formatted number. For example, if you see a Greek mobile number written as 069XXXXXXXX within Greece, you would drop the '0' and dial it as 69XXXXXXXX after the country code. Remember to replace the "International Access Code" with the appropriate code for the country you are calling from (e.g., 011 from North America, 00 from most European countries). Consider that international calling rates may apply, and these can vary significantly depending on your service provider and calling plan. Before making the call, it's a good idea to check with your provider to understand the costs involved, or explore alternative methods such as using VoIP services (like Skype or WhatsApp) to make the call potentially cheaper or even free if both parties are using the same app and have an internet connection.Are there cheaper ways to call Greece, like using VoIP?
Yes, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services and other alternatives offer significantly cheaper ways to call Greece compared to traditional landline or mobile phone calls. These options leverage internet connectivity to drastically reduce costs, often resulting in rates that are a fraction of standard per-minute charges.
Calling Greece using traditional methods, especially from international locations, can be expensive due to the infrastructure and international calling agreements involved. VoIP services, on the other hand, bypass these traditional phone networks. Instead, they transmit your voice data over the internet, which significantly lowers the costs. Many VoIP providers offer specific international calling plans or pay-as-you-go rates that are much more competitive than standard phone company rates. Beyond VoIP, consider mobile apps that facilitate international calls through data connections. WhatsApp, Viber, Skype, and similar applications allow you to call other users of the same app for free (using data), and often offer paid services to call landline or mobile numbers at reduced rates. Comparing the rates of different services is recommended, as prices fluctuate based on demand and promotional offers. Always check the fine print for any hidden fees or connection charges before making a call.What's the time difference when calling Greece from the US?
The time difference between the United States and Greece varies depending on the time of year and which part of the US you're calling from, due to daylight saving time. Generally, Greece is 7 to 10 hours ahead of the US.
Specifically, during Standard Time (which is generally observed from early November to mid-March in the US and late October to late March in Greece), Greece is typically 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST), 10 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time (PST), and so on. However, Greece observes Daylight Saving Time (DST) similarly to the US, but their start and end dates don't always align perfectly. This misalignment creates periods where the time difference can be 6 hours ahead of EST or 9 hours ahead of PST, for a few weeks each year.
To determine the exact time difference before making a call, it's best to consult a reliable time zone converter website or app. These tools will automatically account for Daylight Saving Time adjustments in both locations, ensuring you're calling at an appropriate hour in Greece. Remember to consider the recipient's schedule and local customs when planning your call.
Will I be charged international rates when calling Greece?
Yes, you will almost certainly be charged international rates when calling Greece from outside of Greece. Calling from a mobile phone or landline in another country will incur international charges as you are connecting to a phone network in a different country.
The specific cost of calling Greece depends on several factors, including your phone carrier, your calling plan, and whether you are calling a landline or a mobile phone in Greece. Some phone plans offer international calling packages that include calls to Greece at a reduced rate, or even unlimited international calls. It's always a good idea to check with your provider about international rates before making the call, or to research alternative methods like using VoIP services. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like Skype, WhatsApp, Viber, or Google Voice offer alternatives that can significantly reduce or even eliminate international calling charges. These services utilize the internet to make calls, so you'll primarily be using your data allowance or Wi-Fi connection rather than traditional phone networks. If the person you're calling in Greece also uses the same VoIP service, the call is often completely free.So there you have it! Calling Greece doesn't have to be a Herculean task. Hopefully, this guide has made the process a little clearer. Thanks for reading, and if you have any more international calling questions, be sure to come back and visit us!