Ever tried dialing a number overseas only to be met with a confusing series of beeps and then silence? Calling Thailand from America might seem like a daunting task, filled with unfamiliar codes and potential international fees. But with the increasing interconnectedness of the world, whether it's for keeping in touch with family, conducting business, or planning your next exotic vacation, knowing how to reliably connect with Thailand is more important than ever. Incorrect dialing can lead to frustration, wasted time, and unnecessary expenses.
This guide will demystify the process, breaking down the exact steps you need to take to successfully call Thailand from the United States. We'll cover everything from the exit code and country code to time zone differences and helpful tips for saving money on international calls. By understanding the simple procedures, you can ensure clear and cost-effective communication with friends, family, and colleagues in Thailand.
Frequently Asked Questions About Calling Thailand?
What's the Thailand country code and exit code from the US?
To call Thailand from the United States, you'll need to dial the US exit code, the Thailand country code, and then the Thai phone number. The US exit code is 011, and the Thailand country code is 66.
Calling internationally can seem complicated, but it's quite straightforward once you understand the components. The exit code, also known as the international access code, signals to your US phone provider that you're about to dial an international number. Without it, the call won't be routed correctly. The country code then tells the phone system which country you're trying to reach – in this case, Thailand (66). So, the general format you'll use is: 011 + 66 + [Thai phone number]. Remember to drop the leading '0' from the Thai phone number if it has one (which most do) when dialing from abroad. For instance, if the Thai number is 081-234-5678, you would dial 011-66-81-234-5678. Calling costs vary depending on your phone provider, so checking with them for rates and international calling plans is always a good idea. You can also use online calling services, which may offer cheaper rates.What's the cheapest way to call Thailand from America?
The cheapest way to call Thailand from America is generally by using a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service or app that offers low international rates. These services leverage the internet to make calls, significantly reducing costs compared to traditional phone lines.
VoIP services like Google Voice, Skype, WhatsApp, Viber, and others offer various plans and pay-as-you-go options for international calls. Many allow free calls to other users of the same app. For calls to Thai landlines or mobile numbers, rates are typically much lower than traditional phone companies. Before committing to a service, compare the per-minute rates to Thailand and any connection fees associated with each call. Keep an eye out for promotional offers or subscription packages that might further lower the cost.
Another way to minimize costs is to encourage the person in Thailand to call you. This would, of course, require them to bear the international calling cost. If you have a reliable Wi-Fi connection, the recipient can use a VoIP service on their end to call your US number (if you have one with the service) or use a platform like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or Line for free audio/video calls.
Do I need to drop the leading zero from a Thai phone number?
Yes, when calling a Thai phone number from the United States, you must drop the leading zero that appears at the beginning of the Thai number. This is because the leading zero is only used for domestic calls within Thailand.
Think of it this way: the leading zero is like an area code used internally within Thailand. When you dial internationally, you're replacing the domestic trunk prefix (the zero) with the international access code for the US, then the country code for Thailand, and finally, the Thai number itself, *without* the zero. For example, if the Thai phone number is 081-123-4567, you would dial 011-66-81-123-4567. The "011" is the US exit code, "66" is the Thai country code, and "81-123-4567" is the Thai number, with the leading zero removed.
Therefore, the general format for calling Thailand from America is as follows: 011 (US exit code) + 66 (Thailand country code) + [Thai phone number without the leading zero]. Getting this right is crucial for the call to connect successfully, so double-check the number and ensure you've omitted that initial zero from the Thai number.
How does the time difference affect calling Thailand?
The primary effect of the time difference between the United States and Thailand is that you must carefully consider the time of day in both locations to ensure you're calling at an appropriate and convenient hour for the recipient in Thailand. A poorly timed call could reach someone in the middle of the night or during their work hours, leading to inconvenience or a missed connection.
Expanding on this, the time difference can range from 11 to 14 hours, depending on the specific location within the United States and the time of year due to Daylight Saving Time (DST) in the US. Thailand does not observe DST, so the time difference remains consistent throughout the year. For example, if it's 2:00 PM in New York City, it's 2:00 AM the next day in Bangkok during standard time (without DST). This significant gap necessitates careful planning to align your call with Thailand's business hours (typically 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday) or their evening hours if you're calling a personal contact. To mitigate the challenges posed by the time difference, it's helpful to utilize online time zone converters or smartphone apps that display the current time in multiple locations. Before making a call, double-check the current time in Thailand relative to your own location to avoid calling at inconvenient times. Consider whether the recipient is a morning person or an evening person as well. One tip is to plan your call for a time that is within the overlapping window of waking hours for both locations. For example, if you are on the West Coast of the U.S., calling during your late afternoon or early evening might align with Thailand's morning hours. Always confirm the time before dialing to prevent unintentionally waking someone up.Are there any apps that make calling Thailand easier or cheaper?
Yes, numerous apps can significantly reduce the cost and simplify the process of calling Thailand from America. These apps primarily leverage Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, allowing you to make calls over the internet rather than using traditional phone lines, which typically incur higher international calling rates.
Many factors contribute to the reduced cost of using VoIP apps. Firstly, most offer competitive international calling rates, often significantly lower than traditional phone companies. Some operate on a subscription basis, providing a fixed amount of calling time for a monthly fee. Others utilize a "pay-as-you-go" model, where you purchase credits and are charged per minute. Secondly, if you are calling another user of the same app, the call is often free, regardless of location, as it's simply data being transferred over the internet. Popular apps for calling Thailand include: WhatsApp, Skype, Viber, Google Voice, and Rebtel. Each app has its strengths; for example, WhatsApp and Viber are excellent choices if the person you're calling also uses the same app, making the call free. Google Voice offers competitive rates and integration with other Google services. Rebtel is known for its "local access numbers," which can provide higher call quality by connecting your call through a local phone number in both America and Thailand, minimizing reliance on a direct internet connection. When selecting an app, consider factors such as call quality, cost per minute, ease of use, and the features offered. Before making a call, be sure to check the specific rates and any applicable fees for calling Thailand from the US. Additionally, ensure both you and the recipient have a stable internet connection to ensure good call quality. Most apps are available for both iOS and Android devices.What's the dialing format for mobile phones in Thailand?
To call a Thai mobile phone from the United States, you'll need to dial: 011 + 66 + mobile number (without the leading zero). 011 is the exit code for the US, 66 is the country code for Thailand, and the mobile number should be the remaining nine digits of the recipient's mobile number.
When dialing internationally, understanding the correct format is crucial to ensure your call connects successfully. The process involves several steps: first, you need to dial the exit code for your country (011 for the US), which signals to your phone carrier that you are making an international call. Next, you dial the country code for Thailand (66). Finally, you enter the recipient's Thai mobile phone number, remembering to drop the leading '0' that usually precedes the mobile number when dialing within Thailand. For example, if a Thai mobile phone number is 081-234-5678, you would dial 011-66-81-234-5678 from the United States. Failure to include the exit code or country code, or failing to remove the leading zero from the mobile number, will result in your call not connecting. Some mobile phones may allow you to use the "+" symbol instead of the exit code. In this case, you would dial +66-81-234-5678.Are there any calling cards that offer good rates to Thailand?
Yes, several calling cards offer competitive rates for calling Thailand from the United States. The best option depends on your calling habits and priorities, such as call quality and ease of use. Researching and comparing different calling cards is crucial to finding one that suits your specific needs.
Many calling cards offer significantly lower per-minute rates compared to traditional phone service providers, especially for international calls. These cards often work by routing your call through alternative networks, leveraging volume discounts to lower costs. To find the best calling card, compare rates to both landlines and mobile phones in Thailand, as rates can vary significantly. Some cards also charge maintenance fees, connection fees, or have expiration dates, so carefully review the terms and conditions before purchasing. Online comparison websites and user reviews can provide valuable insights into the reliability and cost-effectiveness of different calling cards. Consider these factors when selecting a calling card: per-minute rate, connection fees, maintenance fees, expiration date, call quality, and ease of use. Some calling cards require dialing a specific access number followed by the destination number, while others offer features like speed dial or mobile apps for more convenient dialing. Also, be mindful of reload options; some cards can be easily refilled online or via phone, while others require purchasing a new card. Always test the card with a short call to ensure the call quality is acceptable before committing to a large balance.Alright, now you're all set to connect with your friends, family, or business associates in Thailand! Calling across the globe might seem daunting, but hopefully, this guide has made it a breeze. Thanks for reading, and we hope you have a wonderful conversation. Come back and visit us again soon for more helpful tips and tricks!