Ever felt that pang of longing to connect with family, friends, or even business partners across the ocean in South Korea? Maybe it's to wish someone a happy birthday, discuss important matters, or simply bridge the distance. Whatever the reason, making that international call can feel daunting if you're not familiar with the process. It doesn't have to be a challenge, though! With a few simple steps, you can easily reach anyone in Korea from the comfort of your home or office in the United States.
Knowing how to properly dial international numbers is crucial in today's interconnected world. Incorrect dialing can lead to failed calls, unnecessary charges, and frustration. Mastering the correct dialing sequence ensures a smooth and successful connection, allowing you to communicate effectively with loved ones, conduct business, or handle urgent matters without any technical hiccups. This guide will walk you through the process, eliminating any confusion and empowering you to make those important calls with confidence.
What are the dialing codes, best times to call, and affordable options for calling Korea?
What's the correct dialing code to call South Korea from the US?
The correct dialing code to call South Korea from the US is 011-82. You must first dial 011, the US exit code, then 82, South Korea's country code, followed by the South Korean phone number.
Calling internationally can seem tricky at first, but breaking it down into steps makes it simple. The "011" is the exit code for the United States. This code tells the US phone network that you're about to dial a number outside of the country. Next is "82," which is the country code specifically assigned to South Korea. Every country has its own unique code, ensuring that the call is routed correctly across international telecommunications networks.
After the 011-82 prefix, you'll need to enter the South Korean phone number. Note that South Korean phone numbers typically consist of an area code followed by the local number. When calling from the US, you usually need to drop the leading '0' from the South Korean area code. For example, if the South Korean number is 02-1234-5678 (where 02 is the Seoul area code), you would dial 011-82-2-1234-5678 from the US.
How much does it typically cost to call Korea from the US?
The cost to call South Korea from the US can vary widely, ranging from a few cents per minute to over a dollar, depending on the method you use. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $0.01 to $0.20 per minute using internet-based calling services, while traditional landline or mobile carriers can charge significantly more, sometimes exceeding $0.50 per minute or even $1.00 for international calls without a special plan.
The exact cost depends on several factors, including the provider you choose (e.g., Google Voice, Skype, your mobile carrier), whether you have an international calling plan, and whether you're calling a landline or a mobile phone in Korea. Mobile phones often incur higher charges than landlines due to termination fees levied by Korean mobile networks. It's also worth noting that advertised rates might not include all applicable taxes and fees, so it's important to read the fine print before committing to a service or plan. To get the most accurate estimate for your specific needs, compare rates from different providers and consider your calling habits. If you make frequent international calls, an international calling plan or a subscription to a VoIP service like Skype or Google Voice might be the most cost-effective option. For infrequent calls, pay-as-you-go services can be a good alternative. Always check the latest pricing information on the provider's website or app before making a call.What are the best apps to use for calling Korea from the US?
Several excellent apps facilitate affordable or even free calls from the US to Korea. The top contenders include WhatsApp, KakaoTalk (if the recipient also uses it), Google Voice, and Skype. Each offers varying features, call quality, and pricing models, so the best choice depends on your specific needs and the calling habits of the person you're contacting in Korea.
WhatsApp and KakaoTalk are particularly advantageous for users who primarily contact other users within those ecosystems. Calls between users of the same app are typically free, leveraging internet data rather than traditional phone lines. This makes them ideal for frequent, long-duration conversations. However, if you need to call a landline or mobile number that isn't associated with these apps, you'll likely need to consider other options. Note, that KakaoTalk is the most popular messaging app in Korea so is more likely to be used there than WhatsApp.
For calls to Korean landlines or mobile numbers without relying on the recipient using a specific app, Google Voice and Skype are strong alternatives. These services typically offer competitive international calling rates, often significantly lower than traditional phone carriers. They also provide features like call forwarding, voicemail, and caller ID. Before committing to a service, compare their per-minute rates to Korea, investigate if a monthly subscription is a better value based on calling volume, and verify call quality by taking advantage of free trial offers or test calls.
What time do I need to call to reach someone in Korea during their daytime?
To reach someone in South Korea during their daytime hours (roughly 9 AM to 6 PM KST), you'll need to call between 8 PM and 5 AM Eastern Time (ET) or between 5 PM and 2 AM Pacific Time (PT) in the United States. This is because South Korea is 14 hours ahead of Eastern Time and 17 hours ahead of Pacific Time.
To calculate the best time to call, remember the significant time difference. South Korea operates on Korean Standard Time (KST), which is GMT+9. This means they are significantly ahead of most of the United States. Therefore, you need to call during your late evening or early morning to catch them during their business hours or regular daytime. Keep in mind that daylight saving time (DST) is *not* observed in South Korea, so the time difference remains constant year-round. Consider also the recipient's specific schedule. While "daytime" is generally 9 AM to 6 PM, some individuals may have different work hours or preferences. Checking their availability beforehand, if possible, can improve the chances of a successful and well-received call. You can use online time zone converters to double-check the exact time difference on the day you plan to call.Are there any free ways to call Korea from the US?
Yes, there are several free ways to call South Korea from the US, primarily relying on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services and apps that utilize internet connections instead of traditional phone lines.
VoIP services and apps like WhatsApp, Skype, Google Voice (with limitations), KakaoTalk (popular in Korea), and Viber allow free calls to other users of the same service. The key is that both you and the person you are calling in Korea need to have the same app installed and be connected to the internet via Wi-Fi or mobile data. These services essentially route your call over the internet, bypassing long-distance charges. Keep in mind that while the call itself is free using these services, data charges may apply if you are not connected to Wi-Fi. Also, some services like Google Voice might offer free calls to Korean phone numbers for a limited time or with certain restrictions, so it's crucial to check the specific terms and conditions. If you need to call a landline or mobile number directly without the recipient having the same app, some services may offer a limited amount of free calling credits or trial periods, but these are usually temporary.How do I call a Korean cell phone from my US phone?
To call a Korean cell phone from the US, you need to dial the US exit code (011), followed by the South Korean country code (82), then the South Korean mobile phone number (omitting the initial '0'). So, the format is: 011 + 82 + Korean mobile number.
To elaborate, understanding these components is essential for a successful call. The US exit code, "011," signals to your US phone provider that you are making an international call. The Korean country code, "82," directs the call to South Korea. The Korean mobile number typically starts with "010," but when dialing internationally, you must drop the initial "0". For example, if the Korean cell phone number is 010-1234-5678, you would dial 011-82-10-1234-5678. Keep in mind that international calling rates apply. These rates can vary significantly depending on your US phone carrier and calling plan. It's a good idea to check with your provider about their international calling rates to South Korea before making the call to avoid unexpected charges. Also consider using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services like Skype, Google Voice, or WhatsApp, which often offer significantly cheaper international calling rates, especially if the person you are calling also uses the same service.Do I need to dial an exit code when calling Korea from the US?
Yes, you absolutely need to dial the US exit code, which is '011', before dialing the Korea country code and phone number. This exit code tells the US phone network that you are making an international call.
When making an international call from the US to South Korea, you'll follow a specific sequence. First, dial the exit code '011'. Then, dial South Korea's country code, which is '82'. Finally, enter the Korean phone number, remembering to drop the leading '0' if there is one in the Korean number’s area code. For example, to call a Seoul number (area code 02) you would dial 011 + 82 + 2 + the local Seoul number.
For mobile phones, some carriers allow you to use the '+' symbol instead of the exit code '011'. The '+' symbol effectively tells the phone to use the appropriate exit code for the country you are currently in. So, instead of dialing '011 82...', you could dial '+82...'. However, using '011' is always a reliable method to ensure your international call connects successfully from a landline or a mobile device.
Alright, you're all set to make that call to Korea! Hopefully, this guide made the process feel a little less daunting. Thanks for reading, and we hope you have a wonderful conversation! Come back again soon if you need any more international calling tips and tricks.