Ever dreamt of sharing exciting news with family in Tokyo, confirming that crucial business deal with a partner in Osaka, or simply catching up with a friend across the Pacific? While technology has shrunk the world, figuring out the nuances of international calling can still feel like navigating a maze. Calling Japan from the United States requires more than just dialing a number; it involves understanding country codes, exit codes, time zones, and potential cost considerations.
This guide is designed to demystify the process, ensuring your call goes through smoothly and without breaking the bank. Whether you're using a landline, mobile phone, or internet-based service, we'll walk you through the necessary steps to connect with Japan. Incorrect dialing can lead to frustration and unnecessary charges, making a little preparation essential for successful communication. Knowing the right procedures will save you time, money, and potential embarrassment.
What do I need to know before calling Japan?
What's the exact dialing code for calling Japan from the US?
The exact dialing code you need to call Japan from the United States is 011-81. You must dial these digits, in this specific order, before entering the local Japanese phone number you are trying to reach.
To elaborate, "011" is the exit code for the United States. This tells the US phone network that you are making an international call. The "81" is the country code for Japan, indicating that the call should be routed to the Japanese telephone network. After dialing 011-81, you'll then need to dial the area code for the specific region in Japan you're calling (omitting the initial '0' if there is one) followed by the local phone number. For example, if you were calling a phone number in Tokyo, which has an area code of '03', you would dial 011-81-3 followed by the local number. Therefore, the complete sequence would be: 011 (US exit code) + 81 (Japan country code) + 3 (Tokyo area code without the leading 0) + [local phone number]. Remember that mobile phone numbers in Japan also have area codes, so you must include that as well, again dropping any leading '0'.How do I dial a Japanese mobile number from the USA?
To call a Japanese mobile number from the USA, you'll need to dial the US exit code (011), then the Japanese country code (81), then the Japanese mobile number, omitting the initial zero of the area code.
In practice, this means if the Japanese mobile number is 090-1234-5678, you would dial 011-81-90-1234-5678. The "0" that usually begins the Japanese mobile number must be removed when dialing internationally. So, instead of dialing the number as you normally would within Japan, you effectively treat the "90" (or other initial digits after the zero) as the beginning of the subscriber number.
Keep in mind that international call rates apply. These rates will vary depending on your phone carrier or VoIP service provider. It's advisable to check with your provider about their rates for calls to Japan before making the call. You may also find that using a calling app with international calling capabilities (like WhatsApp, Skype, or Viber) can be a more cost-effective solution, especially if the person you are calling also uses the same app.
Are there cheaper alternatives to direct dialing Japan?
Yes, several cheaper alternatives exist to direct dialing Japan from the States. These alternatives leverage Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology and competitive international calling plans to significantly reduce costs compared to traditional phone company rates.
Beyond direct dialing, which can be quite expensive due to per-minute charges imposed by traditional telephone providers, options like VoIP services (Skype, Google Voice, WhatsApp, Viber), international calling apps (Rebtel, Vonage Mobile), and pre-paid international calling cards offer substantial savings. VoIP services often allow free calls to other users on the same platform and very low rates to Japanese landlines and mobile phones. Calling apps typically negotiate bulk rates with international carriers and pass the savings onto users through competitive calling plans or pay-as-you-go rates. Pre-paid international calling cards can also be a cost-effective choice, especially if you anticipate making frequent or longer calls to Japan. These cards provide a set amount of calling time for a fixed price, allowing you to control your spending and avoid unexpected charges. Be sure to compare rates and fees before purchasing a calling card, as some may have hidden charges or expiration dates. Consider also if the service has good audio quality. Poor quality audio negates cost savings. Ultimately, the best alternative depends on your calling habits and needs. If you primarily need to call Japanese mobile phones or landlines, a dedicated international calling app or calling card might be the most economical choice. If you're primarily calling other people who also use a specific VoIP service, that service could provide the most cost-effective, even free, solution.What are the time zone differences to consider before calling?
Japan operates on a single time zone, Japan Standard Time (JST), which is GMT+9. When calling Japan from the United States, you must account for the significant time difference, which varies depending on the specific time zone you're calling from in the US. For example, if you're calling from New York (Eastern Time), JST is 13 hours ahead. From Los Angeles (Pacific Time), JST is 16 hours ahead. Careful consideration of these differences is crucial to avoid calling at inconvenient hours in Japan.
The easiest way to determine the ideal calling time is to calculate the time difference. Keep in mind that the US observes Daylight Saving Time (DST) from March to November, which shifts the time difference by an hour. During DST, the difference between Eastern Time and JST becomes 13 hours, while the difference between Pacific Time and JST is 16 hours. Outside of DST, these differences revert to 14 and 17 hours, respectively. Before making your call, double-check whether DST is in effect in the US to ensure accurate timing.
To ensure you're calling at a reasonable hour, consider typical business hours or personal routines in Japan. Business hours generally run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM JST on weekdays. Calling during these hours is usually acceptable if your call is business-related. For personal calls, avoid very early morning or late-night hours in Japan (e.g., between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM JST) unless you know the recipient is awake or expects your call. Using online time zone converters can be invaluable for making these calculations quickly and accurately, eliminating any guesswork.
Do I need to drop the first zero of a Japanese phone number?
Yes, when calling Japan from the United States, you typically need to drop the leading zero (0) from the Japanese phone number after the country code. For example, if the Japanese phone number is 090-1234-5678, you would dial 011-81-90-1234-5678 from the US.
When dialing internationally, the leading zero in a domestic phone number is generally used within the country only. Think of it as an instruction for the Japanese phone system to route the call correctly within Japan. Once you're dialing from outside of Japan, you no longer need that instruction; instead, you use the international access code (011 for the US) and the country code for Japan (81). Therefore, always omit the initial zero when placing your call. Failing to do so could result in your call not going through, or potentially reaching a different, unintended number. Verify the full number, including the correct area code without the leading zero, before dialing to ensure a successful connection.How much does it typically cost to call Japan from the US?
The cost to call Japan from the US can vary widely, ranging from as little as $0.01 per minute to over $3.00 per minute, depending on the method you use. Factors influencing the price include your phone carrier, calling plan, whether you use a landline or mobile phone, and alternative calling services like VoIP apps.
Calling Japan can be surprisingly inexpensive if you leverage Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. Apps like Skype, WhatsApp, Viber, and Google Voice often offer significantly lower rates compared to traditional phone companies. Many even offer free calls to other users of the same app, provided both parties have an internet connection. However, be mindful of potential data charges from your mobile provider if you are not on a Wi-Fi network. Traditional landline or mobile phone providers often have international calling plans that can dramatically reduce per-minute costs. Before making a call, check with your provider to see if they offer a special rate for calls to Japan or an international plan that might be more economical than standard per-minute charges. Also, be aware that calling a mobile phone in Japan might cost more than calling a landline. Finally, keep an eye out for hidden fees. Some providers may add surcharges or connection fees, which can increase the overall cost of the call. Always review the terms and conditions before making a call to understand all potential charges. Comparing different options and plans is crucial to finding the most affordable way to stay connected with friends and family in Japan.Are there any apps that offer free calls to Japan?
Yes, several apps offer free calls to Japan, primarily leveraging Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. These apps typically allow free calls to other users of the same app, and often provide an option for calling Japanese phone numbers (landlines and mobile) at significantly reduced rates or, in some cases, free, depending on promotional offers or limited-time deals.
Many popular communication apps, such as WhatsApp, Viber, Skype, and Google Voice, offer free calls to Japan when both the caller and recipient are using the same app and connected to the internet. These apps use your data or Wi-Fi connection instead of traditional phone lines, eliminating international calling charges for app-to-app calls. Keep an eye out for promotions. Some services occasionally offer free international calling to specific countries as part of their marketing efforts, though these offers are usually temporary. When calling a Japanese phone number (not another app user), you'll often need to purchase credits or subscribe to a calling plan within the app. These plans are generally much cheaper than traditional international calling rates charged by mobile carriers. For instance, apps like Google Voice or Rebtel often provide competitive rates for calling international numbers. Always compare the rates and features of different apps to find the best option for your needs and call volume. Ensure a stable and fast internet connection for optimal call quality.Alright, you're all set! Armed with this knowledge, you can now confidently connect with your friends, family, or business contacts in Japan. Thanks for reading, and we hope this guide made the process clear and simple. Don't be a stranger – come back and visit us anytime you need a little international calling assistance!