How To Call Israel

Ever tried calling Israel and ended up with a dial tone of frustration? Connecting with friends, family, or business contacts in Israel shouldn't be a guessing game. Whether you're calling for personal matters, business negotiations, or simply staying in touch, understanding the proper dialing procedures is crucial to ensuring your call goes through smoothly and avoids unnecessary charges.

International calls can be tricky, with different country codes, exit codes, and area codes to navigate. A single misdialed digit could mean your call doesn't connect, or worse, you might end up dialing the wrong number entirely! Knowing the correct steps for calling Israel will save you time, money, and potential embarrassment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Calling Israel

What is the country code for Israel?

The country code for Israel is +972.

To call Israel, you need to dial the exit code for the country you are calling from, followed by Israel's country code (+972), and then the Israeli phone number. It's crucial to drop the leading '0' from the Israeli area code or mobile phone number when dialing from abroad. For example, if you are calling an Israeli mobile number that starts with '050', you would dial +972 50 followed by the remaining digits. Before making the call, be aware of time zone differences. Israel Standard Time (IST) is generally GMT+2 and Israel Daylight Time (IDT) is GMT+3 during summer. Also, international calling rates can vary significantly depending on your service provider. Check with your provider for the exact rates and any applicable fees before placing your call to avoid unexpected charges.

How do I dial Israel from the US?

To call Israel from the US, you need to dial the exit code (011), then the country code for Israel (972), followed by the area code (usually 2, 3, 4, 8, or 9) and finally the local phone number. So the complete dialing format is: 011 + 972 + Area Code + Local Number.

Calling internationally can seem complicated at first, but it's fairly straightforward once you understand the components. The "011" is the exit code that tells the US phone system you are making an international call. After that, "972" is the specific country code that directs your call to Israel. It is essential to use the correct country code; otherwise, your call won't connect, or worse, you might unintentionally dial a different country. Before dialing the local number, you must know the area code for the specific region in Israel you are trying to reach. Major cities like Jerusalem (02), Tel Aviv (03), Haifa (04), and Beersheba (08) all have distinct area codes. If you're calling a mobile phone in Israel, the area code is typically "50", "52", "53", "54", "55", "58", or "77", and these are treated as part of the mobile number, so you include it directly after the country code. Finally, remember that international calls can be more expensive than domestic calls. Check with your phone provider about their international rates or consider using a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service like Skype, WhatsApp, or Google Voice, which may offer cheaper international calling options.

What's the area code for Tel Aviv?

The area code for Tel Aviv, Israel is 03.

When calling Israel from abroad, you first need to dial your country's exit code (often 011 in North America or 00 in Europe), then Israel's country code (972), and finally the area code (03 for Tel Aviv) followed by the local phone number. Remember to drop the leading '0' from the area code when calling from outside of Israel. So, if the local Tel Aviv number is 123-4567, you would dial it as +972-3-123-4567 from another country. Essentially, the full international dialing sequence is: Exit Code + 972 + Area Code (without the leading zero) + Local Number. Incorrectly dialing any of these components will prevent your call from connecting. It's always a good idea to double-check the specific exit code for your country, as it can vary. For instance, some mobile networks might require a '+' symbol instead of the exit code.

Is there a cheaper way to call Israel?

Yes, there are significantly cheaper ways to call Israel than using traditional landline or mobile phone services. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services and mobile apps leverage internet connections to make calls, drastically reducing costs compared to per-minute charges from traditional carriers.

The most cost-effective methods typically involve using internet-based communication platforms. Services like WhatsApp, Skype, Viber, and Google Voice allow you to call Israeli phone numbers at much lower rates, or even for free if the recipient also uses the same app. The key is that the call is routed over the internet instead of relying on the traditional telephone network for the international leg of the call, which avoids the high international calling fees. Many providers offer specific international calling plans or credits, which can further reduce the per-minute cost. Another option is to consider international calling cards, but these often come with hidden fees and expiration dates, so it's crucial to read the fine print carefully. Comparing different VoIP services and their rates for calls to Israel is always a good idea to find the best deal. Look for providers that offer competitive per-minute rates, low connection fees, and clear billing practices to ensure transparency and avoid unexpected charges.

Do I need an exit code before the country code?

Yes, you almost always need to dial an exit code (also called an international access code) before the country code when calling Israel from abroad. This code tells your local phone network that you are making an international call.

The exit code varies depending on the country you are calling *from*. For example, the exit code for the United States and Canada is 011, while in most of Europe it's 00. You must determine the correct exit code for your location to successfully connect to Israel. Attempting to dial the country code directly without the appropriate exit code will likely result in a failed call. Think of it like this: the exit code is your "departure" code, signaling that you are leaving your country's phone network. The country code is your "arrival" code, specifying which country you are trying to reach. Without the departure code, your phone system won't know where to direct the call. To make a call to Israel, you'll dial: [Your Exit Code] + 972 + [Israeli Phone Number]. Here's a small list of some common exit codes:

How do I call an Israeli mobile number?

To call an Israeli mobile number from abroad, you'll need to dial the international access code for your country, followed by Israel's country code (972), then the mobile number itself, omitting the leading '0' that is typically used when calling within Israel.

When dialing an Israeli mobile number from outside of Israel, the standard format is: International Access Code + 972 + Mobile Number (without the leading '0'). For example, if you're calling from the United States, the international access code is '011'. If the Israeli mobile number is '05X-XXX-XXXX', you would dial '011 972 5X XXX XXXX'. Remember to check with your mobile provider about international calling rates, as they can vary significantly. Using VoIP services or international calling apps may offer more cost-effective alternatives. Before making the call, ensure that you have the correct Israeli mobile number, confirm the international access code for your location, and be mindful of the time difference between your location and Israel to avoid calling at inconvenient hours. Israel observes Israel Standard Time (IST), which is GMT+2. During Daylight Saving Time (typically from late March to late October), Israel observes Israel Daylight Time (IDT), which is GMT+3.

Will my phone plan charge me extra to call Israel?

Yes, it is highly likely your phone plan will charge you extra to call Israel. International calls typically incur per-minute charges that are significantly higher than domestic rates. Whether these charges are considered "extra" depends on your plan; some plans may include limited international minutes, but calling Israel will almost certainly fall outside of any standard domestic or North American coverage.

Most mobile phone plans treat calls to Israel as international calls, subjecting them to specific international calling rates. These rates can vary dramatically depending on your provider and plan, so it’s crucial to check with your carrier to understand the exact per-minute cost. Factors influencing the cost include whether you have an international calling add-on, if Israel is included in any special international packages, and whether you're calling a landline or mobile phone in Israel (mobile calls are often more expensive). Before making the call, explore alternative options to potentially save money. Consider using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services like Skype, WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Google Voice. These services often have significantly lower rates for international calls, or may even be free if both you and the person you're calling are using the same app and connected to Wi-Fi. Remember to always check the data usage if you aren’t on Wi-Fi, as data charges might apply instead.

Alright, you're all set to give Israel a ring! Hopefully, this guide has made the process a little less daunting. Thanks for reading, and feel free to pop back anytime you need a refresher or have other international calling conundrums. We're always happy to help you stay connected!