How To Call Paris From United States

Dreaming of croissants in a Parisian cafe, or needing to reach a colleague in the City of Lights? Knowing how to dial internationally can feel like navigating a labyrinth, especially when you're eager to connect. The allure of Paris is undeniable, whether for business, leisure, or keeping in touch with loved ones, and understanding the nuances of international dialing ensures your call goes through smoothly.

Incorrect dialing can lead to frustrating failed attempts and potentially unnecessary charges. With the right knowledge, you can avoid these pitfalls and confidently connect with anyone in Paris from the comfort of your home in the United States. This guide will break down the process step-by-step, ensuring you're never lost in translation when it comes to making that crucial call.

Frequently Asked Questions About Calling Paris

What is the exit code for the United States when calling internationally?

The exit code for the United States when calling internationally is 011.

When you want to dial a phone number in another country from the United States, you must first dial 011. This code signals to the U.S. telephone network that you are about to make an international call, preparing it to route your call outside of the country. The exit code is followed by the country code of the destination country (e.g., 33 for France), the area code (if applicable), and then the local phone number. Therefore, if you are calling Paris, France, from the United States, you would dial: 011 (the exit code for the US) + 33 (the country code for France) + 1 (the area code for Paris) + the 8-digit local number. It is important to always include the exit code when calling internationally from the U.S. to ensure that the call is properly routed to the desired destination. In summary, the full sequence to call Paris from the United States is: 011 + 33 + 1 + (8-digit local number).

What is the country code for France when calling from the US?

The country code for France is 33. When calling Paris or any other location in France from the United States, you'll need to dial this code after the exit code for the US and before the local number.

To successfully call Paris from the United States, you'll follow a specific dialing sequence. First, you dial 011, which is the exit code for the US. This tells your phone network that you are making an international call. Next, you enter 33, the country code for France, which directs the call to the French telephone network. Finally, you dial the local Parisian phone number, remembering to drop the leading zero if there is one in the local number. For example, if the Parisian number is 01 xx xx xx xx, you would dial 011 + 33 + 1 xx xx xx xx. In summary, the entire dialing sequence looks like this: 011 + 33 + [French local number without the leading zero]. Keep in mind that mobile phone calls within France follow the same country code (33) dialing procedure as landlines. With this information, you should be able to easily connect with your contacts in Paris.

Do I need to dial a city code for Paris?

Yes, when calling Paris from the United States, you always need to dial a city code, which is part of the overall dialing sequence to connect your call internationally.

When dialing Paris, France, from the U.S., you'll need to follow a specific format to ensure your call goes through. The standard format is: 011 + 33 + 1 + [local Paris number]. The '011' is the exit code for the United States, which tells the U.S. telephone network that you are making an international call. The '33' is the country code for France. The '1' is the area code specific to the Paris region. Finally, the '[local Paris number]' is the eight-digit local number of the person or business you are trying to reach in Paris. It's important to note that mobile numbers in France do *not* use the '1' area code. If you're calling a French mobile number (which usually begins with '6' or '7'), you would dial 011 + 33 + [the 9-digit mobile number]. Make sure you have the correct number format to avoid any issues connecting your call. Incorrect dialing may result in your call not going through or being routed incorrectly.

How do I dial if I'm using a mobile phone versus a landline?

The dialing sequence for calling Paris from the United States is generally the same whether you are using a mobile phone or a landline: first dial the exit code for the US (011), then the country code for France (33), and finally the local number in Paris. The only real difference is that with a mobile phone, you can often use the "+" symbol instead of 011, which your phone will automatically convert to the correct exit code when you are dialing from outside your home country.

Specifically, the format is: **011 + 33 + [French phone number]**. The French phone number will typically be nine digits long and usually starts with a "0." However, when calling from abroad, you *must* drop the leading "0." So if the Parisian number is 01 45 55 66 77, you would dial 011 33 1 45 55 66 77 (or +33 1 45 55 66 77 from a mobile). Note the leading "1" after the country code, as this is part of the area code for Paris. Other areas of France may have different initial digits after the country code.

Using the "+" symbol on a mobile phone is often more convenient, especially when traveling, as it ensures that the correct exit code is used regardless of your current location. Most mobile phones allow you to enter the "+" symbol by pressing and holding the "0" key. Whether you're using a landline or a mobile, double-check the number you are dialing before making the call to avoid dialing errors. Consider using a phone app or service that offers cheaper international rates than your standard phone plan.

Are there cheaper alternatives to direct dialing, like using apps?

Yes, absolutely! Direct dialing Paris from the United States can be quite expensive, but numerous apps and services offer significantly cheaper calling options, often leveraging Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology.

The most popular and cost-effective alternatives involve using apps that connect you to Paris via the internet. These apps often charge per minute rates that are far lower than traditional phone companies, and some even offer free calling options depending on the app and the receiver's setup. Many popular apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime (if the recipient has an Apple device), and Google Voice allow free calls if both parties are using the same app and connected to the internet. Other services like Skype, Viber, and specialized international calling apps typically offer very competitive rates, especially if you purchase calling credits or subscribe to a monthly plan. Beyond these apps, consider exploring international calling cards which, while a bit more old-fashioned, can still be a budget-friendly option. These cards usually offer a fixed amount of calling time for a set price. To maximize savings, compare rates from different providers, and pay attention to any hidden fees or connection charges. Wi-Fi calling from your mobile provider (if supported) can also reduce costs when you're connected to a Wi-Fi network, as it uses your internet connection instead of cellular minutes for the international portion of the call.

Will I be charged extra by my phone provider for an international call?

Yes, you will almost certainly be charged extra by your phone provider for making an international call from the United States to Paris. These charges vary depending on your provider, your plan, and the duration of the call. It's critical to understand these potential costs before dialing to avoid unexpected fees on your bill.

Calling internationally isn't typically included in standard domestic phone plans. Providers treat it as a premium service and thus levy additional charges. These charges can range from a few cents per minute to several dollars per minute. Factors influencing the cost include whether you're calling a landline or a mobile phone in Paris, the time of day you are calling, and any promotional rates your provider might offer at the time. Many providers offer international calling plans or add-ons that offer discounted rates or a certain allotment of international minutes for a fixed monthly fee.

Before placing your call to Paris, check with your phone provider about their international calling rates. You can often find this information on their website, through their customer service channels, or via your online account. Consider comparing their rates to those of other providers or exploring alternative calling methods like using VoIP services (Skype, WhatsApp, Google Voice), which often offer significantly cheaper rates for international calls. Remember to factor in any potential data charges when using VoIP over your mobile network.

Here are some common ways to make calls to Paris and their associated costs:

How does the time difference affect when I should call?

The time difference between the United States and Paris, France, significantly impacts when you should call to avoid inconvenient hours for the person you're contacting. Paris operates on Central European Time (CET), which is typically 6 to 9 hours ahead of most of the United States, depending on the time of year and daylight saving time observed in both locations. This means that if it's early morning in the US, it could already be afternoon or evening in Paris.

Planning your call around the time difference is crucial to ensure you're reaching someone during reasonable hours. Consider that a 9:00 AM call from New York (EST) translates to 3:00 PM in Paris, which is generally acceptable. However, a 6:00 AM call from Los Angeles (PST) becomes 3:00 PM in Paris, which is fine, but a 3:00 AM call from Los Angeles would be noon in Paris. Generally, avoid calling during typical sleeping hours in Paris (roughly 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM CET). To simplify this, a good rule of thumb is to calculate the time difference based on the specific US time zone you're calling from and consider the recipient's likely schedule in Paris. Factoring in lunch breaks (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM CET) and the end of the workday (around 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM CET) will further help you choose an appropriate calling window.

Alright, you're all set to connect with the City of Lights! Hopefully, this guide made calling Paris from the US a breeze. Thanks for reading, and feel free to pop back anytime you need a little help navigating the world of international calls. Bon voyage (and bon appétit)!