Ever dreamt of sharing that exciting news with your family in Lisbon, or maybe sealing a crucial business deal with a partner in Porto? Reaching out to Portugal from the United States is simpler than you might think, but navigating the international dialing codes and potential costs can feel a little daunting. With a thriving Portuguese-American community and increasing business ties between the two countries, knowing how to reliably and affordably connect with Portugal is more important than ever.
Whether you're planning a family vacation, catching up with loved ones, or conducting international business, having the right information at your fingertips can save you time, money, and frustration. Incorrect dialing can lead to failed calls, unexpected charges, and missed opportunities. Mastering the process ensures smooth and successful communication, allowing you to bridge the distance and stay connected.
What's the best way to dial Portugal, and what are the common mistakes to avoid?
What's the correct dialing code to call Portugal from the US?
To call Portugal from the United States, you'll need to dial the following sequence: 011 (the exit code for the US) + 351 (the country code for Portugal) + the nine-digit Portuguese phone number.
Calling internationally can seem daunting, but it's a straightforward process once you understand the components involved. The "011" acts as an exit code, signaling to the US telephone network that you're making an international call. Following that, "351" is the unique country code assigned to Portugal, routing your call to the Portuguese telecommunications network. Finally, you need the specific nine-digit phone number of the person or business you are trying to reach in Portugal. Therefore, the complete dialing format looks like this: 011-351-XXXXXXXXX. Remember to double-check the specific phone number you are dialing to avoid misdials. Also, be mindful of the time difference between the US and Portugal to ensure you're calling at an appropriate hour.Do I need to dial an exit code before the country code?
Yes, when calling Portugal from the US, you typically need to dial the US exit code, which is "011", before the country code for Portugal, which is "351". So, the beginning of your call should look like this: 011 351.
The exit code (011 in the case of the US) is necessary to signal to your US telephone carrier that you are making an international call. Without it, the system will interpret the subsequent numbers as a domestic call, and your call will not be routed correctly to Portugal. Think of it as dialing "9" to get an outside line from an office phone system, but on a global scale.
However, the way you dial internationally can vary depending on your phone service provider, particularly if you are using a mobile phone or a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service like Skype or Google Voice. Many mobile phones and VoIP services automatically recognize that you are dialing an international number when you use the "+" symbol in place of the exit code. So, you could potentially dial "+351" followed by the Portuguese number. Check with your specific provider if you are unsure.
What's the cheapest way to call Portugal from the US?
The cheapest way to call Portugal from the US is generally by utilizing Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services or apps that leverage internet connectivity instead of traditional phone lines. These services drastically reduce or eliminate per-minute charges, often offering very competitive rates or even free calls under certain conditions.
Calling Portugal doesn't have to break the bank. While direct dialing via traditional landlines or mobile carriers can be expensive, several alternatives offer significantly lower rates. VoIP services like Google Voice, WhatsApp, Skype, Viber, and other similar apps offer calling features that dramatically cut costs. These services typically operate using your existing internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data). Many offer free calls to other users within their platform, or very low per-minute rates to call Portuguese landlines or mobile numbers. The specific rates will vary, so it's a good idea to compare a few different services to see which one offers the best deal for the types of calls you'll be making. For example, if you're calling a friend who also uses WhatsApp, calls are usually free. Another option is to look into international calling plans offered by your mobile carrier or by prepaid calling card providers. While these might not be as consistently cheap as VoIP services, they can sometimes offer competitive rates, especially for users who prefer the simplicity of using their existing phone and number. Be sure to scrutinize the terms and conditions, paying attention to connection fees, minimum call durations, and any hidden charges that could inflate the final cost. Comparing all of these options will help you secure the lowest rate for your calls to Portugal.How do I call a Portuguese cell phone from the US?
To call a Portuguese cell phone from the US, you'll need to dial the US exit code (011), followed by the Portugal country code (351), and then the nine-digit Portuguese mobile number. So, the complete format is: 011 + 351 + (Portuguese cell phone number).
When dialing internationally, understanding the correct codes is crucial. The exit code, 011 in the US, signals to your phone provider that you're making an international call. Portugal's country code, 351, identifies the call's destination. Unlike some countries, Portugal does not have area codes within the nine-digit mobile number; the full nine digits should be dialed after the country code. Keep in mind that international call rates can vary widely depending on your phone plan. Contact your mobile provider beforehand to inquire about their international calling rates to Portugal and consider if they offer any international calling packages or add-ons that could save you money. Alternatively, you can explore using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like Skype, WhatsApp, or Google Voice, which often offer significantly cheaper international calling rates.Are there different area codes for Portugal I need to know?
Yes, Portugal uses different area codes, also known as district codes, depending on the geographic location you are calling. These area codes are essential for dialing the correct number when calling from the United States.
When calling a landline in Portugal from the US, you must dial the international access code (011), followed by the country code for Portugal (351), and then the two- or three-digit area code. Mobile numbers in Portugal also use the country code (351) but are then followed by a nine-digit mobile number, without a specific area code equivalent to landlines. Always ensure you know the correct area code for the specific city or region you are trying to reach. For example, Lisbon uses the area code 21, Porto uses 22, and Faro uses 289.
It's worth noting that some numbers in Portugal might be special service numbers or toll-free numbers. These may have different dialing instructions. It's always recommended to confirm the entire phone number format, including any area codes or prefixes, with the person or organization you are trying to call, especially if the number was provided without the full international dialing code. Misdialing or omitting the area code will result in the call not connecting, or potentially connecting to a wrong number.
Can I use WhatsApp or other apps to call Portugal for free?
Yes, you can absolutely use WhatsApp and other similar apps to call Portugal for free from the US, provided both you and the person you're calling in Portugal have the app installed and a stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular data). These apps use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, which transmits your voice as data over the internet instead of using traditional phone lines.
This means that instead of incurring long-distance charges from your mobile carrier, you're only using your internet data. Calling via WhatsApp or similar apps (like FaceTime, Viber, Skype, or Facebook Messenger) is generally free if both parties are using the same app. However, keep in mind that using cellular data for these calls can contribute to your monthly data usage, so it's best to connect to Wi-Fi whenever possible to avoid exceeding your data limits and incurring extra charges from your mobile provider. It's also worth noting that while app-to-app calls are free, some apps offer the option to call landlines or mobile phones that don't have the app installed. In these cases, you would typically need to purchase credits or subscribe to a plan within the app, and charges would apply. However, for simple communication between individuals who both have the app installed, using WhatsApp or similar services represents a completely free way to call Portugal from the US.Will my US cell phone work in Portugal if I call from there?
Yes, your US cell phone *will* likely work in Portugal for making calls, but it's essential to understand potential costs and limitations. Functionality depends on your phone's technology (GSM vs. CDMA, although most modern phones are GSM compatible), your carrier's international roaming agreements, and whether you have an international plan or add-on.
While technically possible, using your US cell phone in Portugal without a proper plan can lead to surprisingly high roaming charges. Your US carrier might charge per minute for calls, per text message, and per megabyte of data, quickly adding up to a significant bill. Before you travel, contact your carrier to inquire about their international roaming options specifically for Portugal. They may offer a daily or monthly plan that includes a certain amount of talk, text, and data at a much more reasonable rate. Inquire about both their standard roaming rates and any available travel packages. Consider alternatives to using your US cell phone's roaming. Options include purchasing a local Portuguese SIM card for your phone (assuming it's unlocked), using Wi-Fi for calls and messages via apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Skype, or relying on a temporary international eSIM. These options are often significantly cheaper than relying on standard roaming charges from your US carrier. Before activating any service in Portugal, disable data roaming on your US SIM to prevent accidental charges.And there you have it! Calling Portugal from the US doesn't have to be a mystery. We hope this guide made it simple and straightforward. Now go ahead and connect with your friends, family, or business contacts across the pond. Thanks for reading, and we hope to see you back here for more helpful tips and tricks soon!