Dreaming of croissants and cobblestone streets? Perhaps you need to finalize a business deal with a Parisian client, or simply want to hear the voice of a loved one across the Atlantic. Whatever the reason, bridging the distance between the United States and France requires understanding the specific steps involved in international dialing. Incorrect dialing can lead to frustrating connection errors, and figuring it out on your own can be time-consuming and confusing.
Knowing the proper procedure for calling Paris ensures you can connect quickly and efficiently. Whether you're using a landline, mobile phone, or even a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service, mastering the dialing code, exit code, and country code is crucial. With the right information, you can avoid costly mistakes and stay seamlessly connected to the City of Lights.
What country code and exit code do I need to call Paris from the USA?
What's the exact dialing code for calling Paris from the US?
The exact dialing code you need to call Paris, France from the United States is 011 33 1, followed by the 8-digit local number. The "011" is the exit code for the US, "33" is the country code for France, and "1" is the area code for Paris.
When dialing internationally, it's important to understand each component of the dialing code. The exit code (011 in this case) tells the US phone system that you are making an international call. Then, the country code (33 for France) directs your call to the correct country. The area code specifies the particular region or city within France. Paris always uses "1" as its area code when dialed internationally. After inputting the exit, country, and area codes, you'll need to enter the 8-digit local phone number of the person or business you are trying to reach. Therefore, the complete format for calling a Parisian phone number from the US is: 011 + 33 + 1 + the 8-digit local number. For example, if the Parisian phone number is 01 23 45 67 89, you would dial 011 33 1 01 23 45 67 89. Be sure to double-check that you have the correct local number to ensure your call goes through.Do I dial differently if it's a mobile or landline in Paris?
No, you do not dial differently based on whether you are calling a mobile or landline number in Paris, France, *from the United States*. The dialing sequence is the same once you have included the country code for France and removed the leading zero (0) that may appear in the French number as you would dial it within France.
When calling Paris (or any location in France) from the United States, you need to use the following format: 011 + 33 + [French number without the leading zero]. "011" is the exit code for the United States. "33" is the country code for France. Then you include the nine-digit French phone number, dropping the initial '0'. The French number you are calling will be the same format whether it's a cell phone or a landline. For example, if the French number you're calling is 01 45 55 66 77 from within France, you would dial it as 011 33 1 45 55 66 77 from the U.S. If the French number is 06 12 34 56 78 (a mobile number), from within France, you would dial it as 011 33 6 12 34 56 78 from the U.S.
The key thing to remember is to always remove the leading '0' from the French number and use the correct exit code for the U.S. (011) and the country code for France (33). Whether the number is for a mobile phone or a landline in Paris (or anywhere in France), the process remains the same.
What's the international exit code from the United States?
The international exit code from the United States is 011. This code is dialed before the country code of the country you are calling to indicate you are making an international call.
To call Paris, France from the United States, you'll need to dial a sequence of numbers that connects you internationally, directs your call to France, and then reaches the specific phone number in Paris. The initial "011" alerts your phone service that you're making an international call from the US. Then, the country code for France is "33," which directs your call to the French telecommunications network. Finally, you dial the local number in Paris, usually nine digits long. Therefore, the full sequence is: 011 (international exit code from the US) + 33 (country code for France) + [French phone number]. Note that the French phone numbers typically start with a zero, but you usually omit the leading zero when calling from abroad. For example, if the Paris phone number is 01 45 55 55 55, you would dial 011 33 1 45 55 55 55. Always ensure you have the correct number before dialing, and be mindful of potential time zone differences to avoid calling at inconvenient hours.Are there cheaper ways to call Paris than using a regular phone line?
Yes, there are significantly cheaper ways to call Paris, France from the United States than using a traditional landline or mobile phone's direct dialing feature. These alternatives primarily leverage Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, which transmits voice data over the internet, drastically reducing costs.
The primary reason these alternatives are cheaper is because they bypass the traditional telecommunications infrastructure, which involves complex routing and associated fees. Instead of being charged per minute by your phone company, you either pay a small fee for the service, use a subscription-based plan, or, in some cases, make calls entirely for free (with caveats). These cost savings can be substantial, particularly for frequent or long-duration calls to Paris.
Popular options include using VoIP services like Skype, WhatsApp, Viber, Google Voice, and dedicated international calling apps such as Rebtel or Vonage. Many of these services offer free app-to-app calls, meaning if both you and the person in Paris use the same app, the call is free over a Wi-Fi connection. Even when calling a landline or mobile phone in Paris using these services, the rates are typically far lower than traditional long-distance charges. Before making any calls, research the per-minute rates or subscription plans offered by each service to determine the most cost-effective option for your needs.
How do I factor in the time difference when calling Paris?
To factor in the time difference when calling Paris from the United States, you need to know that Paris is typically 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST). During Daylight Saving Time (DST), which both the US and France observe, this difference can be 5 hours. So, calculate the current time in Paris by adding 6 (or 5 during DST) hours to your local time. This will help you determine the appropriate time to call to avoid waking someone up in the middle of the night or catching them during work hours.
Daylight Saving Time (also known as Summer Time in Europe) impacts the precise time difference between the US and Paris. It is important to note that the US and Europe do not always switch to and from DST on the same dates, so there may be a few weeks each year where the time difference is temporarily different. Before making your call, it is always wise to quickly verify the current time in Paris to ensure you are calling at a reasonable hour. Consider using online time zone converters or smartphone apps that automatically calculate the time difference between your location and Paris. These tools eliminate the need for manual calculation and adjust automatically for DST, making it easier to determine the best time to call. Remember that business hours in France generally run from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, so adjust your calling time accordingly.What's the country code for France?
The country code for France is 33.
To call Paris, France from the United States, you'll need to follow a specific dialing sequence. First, dial the exit code for the United States, which is 011. This tells the US telephone network that you are making an international call. Next, dial the country code for France, which is 33, as stated above. Finally, dial the local number in Paris. Parisian phone numbers typically consist of nine digits (excluding the leading zero that's used within France). Therefore, the general format for calling Paris from the US is: 011 + 33 + [Paris phone number]. Remember to drop the leading zero if the Paris phone number you have includes one. For example, if the Parisian number is 01 45 55 55 55, you would dial 011 33 1 45 55 55 55. Keep in mind that international calling rates vary depending on your phone service provider. Check with your provider beforehand to understand the costs involved, or consider using VoIP services like Skype or WhatsApp for potentially cheaper call options. These services often allow you to call international numbers at significantly reduced rates compared to traditional phone services.Will my US mobile plan work in Paris, and how would I call another Paris number then?
Whether your US mobile plan will work in Paris depends entirely on your specific carrier and plan. Many major US carriers offer international plans or roaming options that will allow you to use your phone in France, but these often come with additional charges. To call a Paris number from your phone while in Paris, you will likely not need to use the international exit code (011) or the French country code (+33). You can usually dial the local Paris number directly as you would a local US number.
Before traveling, it’s crucial to contact your mobile carrier to understand their international roaming policies, data rates, and any available international plans. Some plans offer daily or monthly international packages that can significantly reduce costs compared to pay-as-you-go roaming. Alternatively, you could consider purchasing a local SIM card in Paris. This can be a more cost-effective solution, especially if you plan to make many local calls or use a significant amount of data. You can find SIM cards at airport kiosks, mobile phone stores, and even some tobacco shops. Once you have a plan that works in Paris, calling a local number is straightforward. Because you are already in France, you won't need to dial the international access code (011) or the French country code (+33). Simply dial the Paris number as if it were a local call. For example, if the Paris number is 01 xx xx xx xx, you would dial that entire number directly. Be aware that mobile numbers in France usually start with 06 or 07, while landlines often start with 01.Alright, that's all there is to it! Calling the City of Lights from the US isn't so complicated after all. Hopefully, you're now ready to dial those digits and connect with whoever you're trying to reach in Paris. Thanks for checking out this guide, and be sure to come back anytime you need a little help navigating the world of international calls!