How To Call Japan

Ever dreamt of connecting with family, friends, or business partners across the Pacific, but felt intimidated by the seemingly complex process of calling Japan? You're not alone! Many people hesitate, unsure of the correct dialing codes, time zone differences, and potential costs involved. However, with a little guidance, making international calls to Japan can be surprisingly straightforward and accessible.

In today's globalized world, clear and efficient communication is more vital than ever. Whether you're catching up with loved ones, negotiating a crucial business deal, or simply planning your dream vacation, knowing how to reliably and affordably connect with people in Japan is a valuable skill. Mastering the nuances of international dialing ensures your message gets through clearly, strengthens relationships, and opens doors to new opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Calling Japan

What's the correct country code for calling Japan?

The correct country code for calling Japan is +81.

When making an international call to Japan, you'll need to dial the exit code for the country you are calling from, followed by the country code for Japan (+81), then the area code (without the initial zero if there is one), and finally the local phone number. For example, if you're calling from the United States, the exit code is 011. A complete call to a Tokyo number might look like this: 011 + 81 + 3 + XXXX-XXXX.

It's crucial to remember to remove the leading zero from the area code when dialing internationally. For instance, if a Japanese phone number is (03) XXXX-XXXX, you would dial +81 3 XXXX-XXXX, omitting the zero from the (03) area code. Failure to do so will most likely result in your call not connecting. Always double-check the specific instructions provided by your phone service provider, as well as the details for the specific number you are calling, to ensure you dial correctly.

Do I need to dial an exit code before the country code?

Yes, generally you do need to dial an exit code (also sometimes called an international access code) before the country code when calling Japan from abroad. The exit code tells your local phone network that you are about to dial a number outside of your current country.

The specific exit code you need to use depends on the country you are calling *from*. For example, if you're calling from the United States or Canada, the exit code is 011. If you're calling from most European countries, the exit code is 00. Failing to dial the correct exit code will likely result in your call not going through, or even connecting to a local number instead of an international one. Therefore, it's crucial to determine the correct exit code for your location before dialing the country code for Japan (81).

However, if you are calling from a mobile phone, you can often use the '+' symbol as a universal exit code. Simply replace the exit code with the '+' symbol, and your mobile network will automatically use the correct exit code for your location. So, instead of dialing "011 81...", you could dial "+81...". This is especially convenient if you travel frequently, as you don't need to remember the specific exit code for each country.

How do I call a mobile phone in Japan versus a landline?

The process for calling a mobile phone in Japan is virtually identical to calling a landline. Both require you to dial the international exit code for your country (usually 011 from North America), followed by Japan's country code (81), then the area code (dropping the leading '0' if present), and finally the local number. The main difference is that mobile phone numbers in Japan always start with a '070', '080', '090' prefix after the initial '0', whereas landlines have varied prefixes, meaning that after dropping the initial 0, the prefix will vary, dependent on the city that the number is based.

When dialing a Japanese phone number, regardless of whether it's a mobile or landline, it's crucial to omit the leading '0' from the area code or mobile prefix when calling from abroad. For example, if a mobile number in Japan is 090-1234-5678, you would dial it as 011-81-90-1234-5678 if calling from North America. Similarly, if a landline number is 03-1234-5678 (Tokyo), you would dial 011-81-3-1234-5678. Remember that the area codes in Japan are typically one to three digits long, after the '0'. The similarity in dialing procedure simplifies international calls to Japan. Always double-check the number before dialing, and be aware of the time difference between your location and Japan to avoid calling at inconvenient hours. Using online time zone converters can be helpful for this. Also be aware of the costs of the call from your provider. Many mobile plans now offer reduced rates for international calls, so you may want to check with your operator.

What are the time zone differences to consider when calling Japan?

Japan Standard Time (JST) is GMT+9, meaning it is 9 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. Therefore, when calling Japan, you need to factor in this significant time difference to avoid calling at inconvenient hours for the recipient. For example, if it's 9:00 AM in London, it's already 6:00 PM in Japan. Also, Japan does not observe daylight saving time, so the time difference remains consistent throughout the year.

Understanding the specific time difference between your location and Japan is crucial. If you're on the East Coast of the United States (EST), Japan is 14 hours ahead. This means if it's noon in New York, it's 2:00 AM the next day in Japan. If you are on the West Coast (PST), Japan is 17 hours ahead; noon in Los Angeles equates to 5:00 AM the following day in Japan. Therefore, the best time to call Japan from the US is generally during the late afternoon or evening in the US, which corresponds to business hours in Japan. Consider using online time zone converters or world clock websites to calculate the exact time difference before making your call. These tools allow you to enter your current location and desired destination to accurately determine the current time in both places, ensuring you call at a respectful and appropriate time. Paying attention to these time differences shows respect for the recipient's time and increases the likelihood of a successful and well-received phone call.

Are there cheaper alternatives to direct dialing Japan?

Yes, many significantly cheaper alternatives exist to direct dialing Japan, primarily leveraging Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology or international calling cards. These options bypass traditional phone networks, reducing costs considerably.

Direct dialing, while straightforward, often incurs high per-minute rates and connection fees from your landline or mobile provider. VoIP services, like Skype, Google Voice, WhatsApp, and Viber, use internet connections to make calls, dramatically lowering costs. Most offer competitive international rates to Japan and some even provide free calls to other users on the same platform. Furthermore, these services often include features like video calling and messaging at no extra cost.

Another cost-effective option is utilizing international calling cards. These cards offer pre-paid calling time at discounted rates. Be sure to compare rates carefully as they can vary significantly between providers. Look for cards with no hidden fees or connection charges. Some cards work directly from your phone, while others require dialing an access number first. Both calling cards and VoIP offer a way to stay connected without breaking the bank.

Alternatively, consider these options:

What's the area code for Tokyo, Japan?

The area codes for Tokyo, Japan are 03 (for central Tokyo and surrounding areas) and 042 (for western Tokyo). However, when calling Japan from abroad, you must drop the initial '0' from the area code.

When making an international call to Tokyo, the complete dialing sequence includes the international access code (typically 011 from North America, 00 from many European countries, or "+" from mobile phones), then the country code for Japan (81), and then the area code without the leading zero, followed by the local phone number. For example, if you're calling a Tokyo number with the area code 03 and the local number is 1234-5678, you would dial +81 3 1234 5678. It's essential to verify the specific area code if you know the locality within Tokyo you're trying to reach, as the metropolitan area is quite large. Remember to always omit the leading zero from the area code when dialing internationally.

Will my phone plan charge me extra for international calls to Japan?

Yes, almost certainly. Unless your phone plan explicitly includes international calls to Japan or you have an international calling add-on, you will be charged extra for making calls to Japanese phone numbers. These charges can vary significantly depending on your provider and the specific plan you have.

Calling internationally is generally treated differently than domestic calls. Standard phone plans usually cover calls within your home country or region. To call Japan, your provider needs to route the call through international networks, incurring costs they typically pass on to you. These costs can be per-minute charges, connection fees, or both. Check your current phone plan details online or contact your provider directly to understand their specific international calling rates for Japan. There are alternatives to avoid high international calling charges. Consider using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like Skype, WhatsApp, Viber, or Google Voice. These apps often allow you to call international numbers at much lower rates, or even for free, if you're calling another user of the same service. Just ensure you and the person you're calling both have a stable internet connection. Another option is to purchase an international calling card, which provides a prepaid amount of calling time to specific countries. These can often be more economical than your standard phone plan's international rates.

Alright, that's all there is to it! Calling Japan might seem a bit daunting at first, but with these tips, you should be chatting with friends and family (or nailing that business deal!) in no time. Thanks for reading, and we hope this helped clear things up. Come back and visit us again soon for more helpful how-tos!