Ever tried making an international call and felt like you were deciphering a secret code? Connecting with loved ones, conducting business, or simply staying in touch with friends in Israel shouldn't be a frustrating guessing game. Knowing the proper dialing sequence and considering time zone differences is crucial for a seamless and successful call. Missteps can lead to failed connections, unexpected charges, or worse, missing an important moment. Whether it's a happy occasion you want to share or urgent news you need to relay, having the correct information at your fingertips ensures you can connect with Israel effortlessly.
From understanding the international exit code to factoring in daylight saving time, numerous factors influence the ease and cost of calling Israel from the United States. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the process, helping you navigate the complexities of international dialing. We aim to equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to confidently make your call, saving you time, money, and unnecessary stress.
What are the common questions about calling Israel from the USA?
What is the dialing code to call Israel from the USA?
The dialing code you need to call Israel from the USA is 011-972. You first dial 011, which is the exit code for the United States. Then you dial 972, which is the country code for Israel.
Therefore, the complete dialing sequence to reach an Israeli phone number from the US always starts with 011 972. After dialing these digits, you will need to enter the local area code in Israel (dropping the leading zero if there is one) and finally the specific phone number you wish to reach. For example, to call a Tel Aviv number, which might look like 03-123-4567 within Israel, you would dial 011-972-3-123-4567.
Keep in mind that international calling rates apply when calling Israel from the USA. These rates can vary significantly depending on your phone service provider and your specific calling plan. It's a good idea to check with your provider beforehand to understand the charges you may incur. Also, consider using VoIP services such as Skype, WhatsApp, or Google Voice, which often offer cheaper rates for international calls, especially if calling another user of the same service.
How much does it typically cost to call Israel from the US?
The cost of calling Israel from the US can vary significantly depending on the method you choose, ranging from essentially free to upwards of several dollars per minute. Factors influencing the price include whether you use a traditional landline, mobile carrier, VoIP service, or calling app, as well as the specific plan or rates associated with each option.
Traditional landline and mobile phone providers typically have the highest per-minute rates for international calls to Israel. These rates can fluctuate, so it’s essential to check with your specific provider for their current charges. Often, they offer international calling plans that bundle a certain amount of minutes to specific countries for a fixed monthly fee, which can drastically reduce the per-minute cost if you call frequently. Before making a call, verify if you’re automatically enrolled in a costly per-minute plan or if you need to subscribe to a more affordable option. VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services like Skype, Google Voice, and WhatsApp offer significantly cheaper alternatives. Skype, for example, lets you call Israeli landlines and mobile numbers for a fraction of the cost compared to traditional carriers. WhatsApp, Viber, and other similar apps allow free calls to other users of the same app, provided you both have an internet connection. These apps typically use your data plan, so calls over Wi-Fi are usually free beyond your internet service costs. Keep in mind that call quality on VoIP services can be affected by internet connection strength and speed. Calling apps, such as those offering discounted international calling rates, are another popular choice. These apps often work by routing calls through the internet and using local phone numbers to connect, reducing costs. Some apps may have hidden fees or require a subscription, so thoroughly review the terms of service before committing. Always compare rates from multiple providers to find the most cost-effective option for your calling needs.Are there cheaper alternatives to calling Israel directly?
Yes, there are significantly cheaper alternatives to directly dialing an Israeli phone number from the USA using your regular landline or mobile carrier. These alternatives leverage Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology and competitive international calling plans.
Calling Israel directly through your phone company can incur high per-minute charges and potential roaming fees if calling from a mobile phone. Fortunately, several cost-effective options exist. VoIP services like Skype, WhatsApp, Viber, and Google Voice allow you to make calls over the internet. These services typically offer lower per-minute rates or even free calls if you are calling another user of the same service. Many of these services have app-based platforms that are easy to use on your smartphone. Another option is to purchase an international calling plan from your existing mobile carrier or a specialized international calling card. These plans often bundle a certain number of minutes to specific countries at a discounted rate. Comparing the rates and features of different providers is crucial to finding the best deal for your needs. Be sure to check for hidden fees and the validity period of any purchased minutes. The best option often depends on how frequently you call Israel. For occasional calls, a pay-as-you-go VoIP service might be best, while frequent callers would benefit more from a dedicated international plan.Do I need to remove the leading zero from the Israeli number?
Yes, when calling Israel from the USA, you must remove the leading zero from the Israeli phone number after the country code. Israeli phone numbers typically include a leading "0" for domestic calls, but this is not needed and must be omitted when dialing internationally.
When dialing internationally, the dialing sequence typically includes the exit code for your country (011 for the USA), followed by the country code for the destination country (972 for Israel), and then the Israeli phone number *without* the initial zero. For example, if the Israeli phone number is 05X-XXX-XXXX, you would dial 011-972-5X-XXX-XXXX. Removing the leading zero ensures the call is routed correctly through the international telecommunications network. It's easy to forget this step, so double-check the number you're dialing before placing the call. Some mobile phone contacts automatically remove the leading zero when you dial internationally, but it's best practice to confirm to avoid dialing errors and frustration. Always double check the complete number, exit codes, and country codes to be absolutely sure your call will go through properly.How do I call an Israeli mobile phone from the US?
To call an Israeli mobile phone from the US, you need to dial the US exit code (011), followed by the Israeli country code (972), then the Israeli mobile phone number (omitting the initial '0' of the Israeli number). Therefore, the format is: 011-972-XXXXXXXXX, where XXXXXXXXX represents the remaining digits of the Israeli mobile number.
To elaborate, the "011" is the exit code which tells the US telephone network that you are making an international call. Following this is the country code for Israel, "972", which routes the call to the Israeli telephone network. When dialing the Israeli mobile phone number itself, remember that Israeli mobile numbers usually start with a '0' (zero). This initial '0' *must* be dropped when dialing from outside of Israel. For example, if the Israeli mobile phone number is 05X-XXX-XXXX, you would dial 011-972-5X-XXX-XXXX. Keep in mind that international calls can be expensive, depending on your phone plan. It's wise to check with your mobile carrier about international rates before making the call to avoid unexpected charges. You might also consider using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services like Skype, WhatsApp, or Google Voice, which often offer significantly cheaper international calling options, especially if you and the person you are calling both use the same app. These apps use internet data instead of traditional phone lines, potentially saving you money.What's the time difference between the US and Israel?
The time difference between the United States and Israel varies depending on the time of year and the specific location within the US due to Daylight Saving Time (DST). Generally, Israel is 7 to 10 hours ahead of the mainland United States.
Because the US spans multiple time zones, the time difference with Israel fluctuates. During Standard Time (roughly November to March), Israel is typically 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST), 8 hours ahead of Central Standard Time (CST), 9 hours ahead of Mountain Standard Time (MST), and 10 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time (PST).
Daylight Saving Time complicates things slightly. Both the US and Israel observe DST, but the exact start and end dates can differ slightly between the two countries. During the periods when both countries are observing DST (typically from mid-March to late October), the time differences are reduced by one hour. Therefore, Israel might be only 6 hours ahead of EST, 7 hours ahead of CST, 8 hours ahead of MST, and 9 hours ahead of PST. Always double-check the current time in both locations before placing your call to avoid calling at inconvenient hours.
How to Call Israel from the USA
Calling Israel from the United States requires a specific dialing pattern. You must dial the exit code for the US, followed by Israel's country code, then the area code and local number.
Here's the step-by-step process:
- **Dial the US exit code:** This is 011. This code tells your phone carrier that you are making an international call.
- **Dial Israel's country code:** Israel's country code is 972.
- **Dial the area code:** Israeli area codes are typically one or two digits. Common area codes include 02 for Jerusalem, 03 for Tel Aviv, 04 for Haifa, 08 for the Southern District, and 09 for the Sharon region. Always include the leading zero when dialing from abroad.
- **Dial the local number:** This is usually a seven-digit number.
For example, if you were calling a number in Jerusalem (area code 02) with the local number 123-4567, you would dial: 011-972-2-1234567. Keep in mind that mobile phone numbers in Israel typically start with 05. When calling a mobile number, you would still include the leading 0 in the 05, so it would look like this: 011-972-5X-XXXXXXX. Some calling apps can simplify this process.
Can I use WhatsApp or other apps to call Israel for free?
Yes, you can often call Israel for free from the USA using WhatsApp, or other Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) apps, provided both you and the person you're calling in Israel have the app installed, a stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data), and an active account.
WhatsApp, along with other similar apps like Facebook Messenger, Viber, Telegram, and Signal, utilizes your internet connection to make voice and video calls. Instead of using cellular networks and incurring traditional phone call charges, these apps transmit data over the internet. This means that as long as you're connected to Wi-Fi, you won't be charged by your mobile carrier for the call itself. If you're using mobile data, the data usage will count against your monthly data allowance, and excessive use could lead to overage charges depending on your mobile plan. Keep in mind that while the app-to-app call is typically free, calling an Israeli landline or mobile number *directly* through these apps may incur charges. Some VoIP services offer the ability to call regular phone numbers for a fee, which is usually much cheaper than traditional international calling rates, but it's essential to check the app's pricing details before making such calls to avoid unexpected costs.Alright, you're all set to connect with friends, family, or business contacts in Israel! Hopefully, these simple steps have made the process clear and easy. Thanks for reading, and feel free to swing by again if you have any other questions about international calling. We're always happy to help you stay connected!