Ever tried to call your Dutch family or business partner only to be met with a frustrating dial tone? Connecting with the Netherlands from the United States might seem straightforward, but navigating international dialing codes and time zone differences can quickly turn into a confusing exercise. Whether you're calling Amsterdam to finalize a crucial deal, chatting with loved ones in Rotterdam, or simply booking a canal tour in Utrecht, knowing the correct procedure is essential for smooth and cost-effective communication.
In our increasingly interconnected world, maintaining strong international ties is vital for both personal and professional relationships. A successful phone call can bridge geographical gaps, foster collaboration, and strengthen bonds. Understanding the nuances of international dialing eliminates potential errors, saves time, and ensures you reach your intended recipient without unnecessary hassle. This guide will break down the process into easy-to-follow steps, guaranteeing clear communication with the Netherlands from the United States.
What do I need to know to call the Netherlands?
What's the correct country code for the Netherlands?
The correct country code for the Netherlands is 31.
Calling the Netherlands from the United States requires a specific dialing sequence. You'll need to dial an exit code, the country code, the area code (if applicable), and the local phone number. Incorrect dialing will result in a failed call. To call the Netherlands from the US, first dial 011, the exit code for the United States. Then, dial 31, the country code for the Netherlands. After that, dial the area code of the city you are calling (omitting any leading zero that may exist in the Netherlands area code when dialed domestically). Finally, dial the local phone number of the person or business you are trying to reach. For example, if you were calling a number in Amsterdam, the sequence would be: 011 + 31 + 20 + [local phone number].Do I need to dial an exit code from the US?
Yes, when calling the Netherlands from the United States, you absolutely need to dial the US exit code, which is 011. This code tells the US telephone network that you are about to dial a number outside of the country.
Without the exit code, the phone system will interpret the subsequent digits as part of a domestic US or Canadian number, and the call will not be routed internationally. Think of the exit code as the key that unlocks international dialing. It's always the first step in connecting your call to the Netherlands.
Therefore, the full sequence you will dial is: 011 (US exit code) + 31 (Netherlands country code) + Dutch area code (without the initial zero) + local number. For example, if you're calling a number in Amsterdam, where the area code is 020, you'd dial 011 31 20 followed by the local number.
How does the time difference affect when I should call?
The time difference between the United States and the Netherlands directly dictates when it's appropriate to call to avoid disturbing someone during their sleep or work hours. The Netherlands operates on Central European Time (CET), which is typically 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST), 9 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time (PST), and falls somewhere in between for other US time zones. This means you need to carefully calculate the corresponding hours to ensure you're calling during reasonable daytime hours in the Netherlands.
Calling at an unsuitable hour can be disruptive and perceived as impolite. To calculate the correct time, add the relevant number of hours to your current time. For example, if it's 2:00 PM EST in New York, it would be 8:00 PM in the Netherlands. A good rule of thumb is to aim for calls between 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM CET, which translates to early morning to afternoon in the US, depending on your location. Keep in mind that Daylight Saving Time (DST) or summertime can affect this calculation. The Netherlands observes DST from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October. During this period, CET becomes Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or UTC. If both the US and the Netherlands are observing DST, the time difference remains the same. However, there are periods when only one country observes DST, causing a temporary shift in the time difference by one hour. Always double-check the current time in both locations to avoid any confusion.Are there cheaper ways to call than using my cell phone?
Yes, there are significantly cheaper alternatives to using your cell phone's regular calling plan to call the Netherlands from the United States. These alternatives primarily leverage Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology or utilize calling cards.
Calling the Netherlands directly from your cell phone, especially if you don't have an international plan, can result in high per-minute charges. VoIP services like Skype, WhatsApp, Google Voice, and Viber allow you to make calls over the internet, drastically reducing costs. These services often offer very low per-minute rates to international landlines and mobile numbers or even free calls to other users of the same service. Consider that the person you are calling in the Netherlands may need to install the same app to receive calls for free. Another option is to explore international calling cards. These cards, available online or at many retailers, offer a pre-paid amount of calling time at discounted international rates. Be sure to compare the rates and fees of different calling cards before purchasing, paying close attention to connection fees, maintenance fees, and expiration dates. Also, WiFi calling is often free, but depends on whether your cell phone plan and carrier supports it. Finally, if you frequently call the Netherlands, consider subscribing to an international calling plan offered by your cell phone provider. While these plans might involve a monthly fee, they can provide significant savings if you make regular international calls.What's the area code I need to dial for Amsterdam?
To call Amsterdam from the United States, you don't actually dial an area code directly for Amsterdam. Instead, you dial the Netherlands' country code, which is 31, followed by the specific area code for Amsterdam, which is 020. However, you must drop the leading '0' from the Amsterdam area code when dialing internationally. So, after the country code, you would dial 20.
When making an international call from the US to the Netherlands, and specifically to Amsterdam, the process involves a few key steps. First, you need to dial the exit code for the United States, which is 011. This tells the US telephone network that you are about to make an international call. Next, you dial the Netherlands' country code, 31. Following the country code, you enter the Amsterdam area code, but remember to omit the leading '0', making it 20. Finally, you enter the local Amsterdam phone number. So, the entire dialing sequence will look like this: 011 + 31 + 20 + [local Amsterdam phone number]. Therefore, to reiterate, there isn't a single "area code" you dial specifically for Amsterdam from the US. You are dialing the Netherlands' country code (31) followed by the Amsterdam area code (20, without the leading '0'), and then the local number. Make sure you have the correct local number to ensure your call connects to the intended recipient in Amsterdam.Is there a difference calling a cell phone versus a landline?
No, there is generally no difference in the dialing process or cost when calling a cell phone versus a landline in the Netherlands from the United States. The same international dialing code, country code, and area code/mobile prefix sequence is used regardless of the type of phone you are calling.
When calling the Netherlands from the U.S., you'll always start with the exit code for the U.S. (011), followed by the country code for the Netherlands (31). Then, you'll dial the area code (for landlines) or the mobile prefix (for cell phones), and finally the local phone number. The cost of the call will depend on your phone service provider or calling plan, not on whether the receiving phone is a cell phone or a landline. Some providers may offer international calling plans that include the Netherlands, while others charge per-minute rates. However, it's worth noting that mobile phone numbers in the Netherlands are increasingly common, and some older area codes may no longer be in use for landlines. Therefore, it's always best to confirm the correct number before dialing to ensure your call goes through. You can usually find the correct format for dialing specific numbers on online resources, or by contacting directory assistance in the Netherlands.Will I be charged international rates?
Yes, you will almost certainly be charged international rates when calling the Netherlands from the United States. Calling another country always incurs international calling charges, whether you use a landline, mobile phone, or VoIP service.
The exact rate you pay depends on several factors, including your phone service provider, your calling plan, and the specific number you are calling in the Netherlands. Most major mobile carriers and landline providers offer international calling plans or add-ons that can significantly reduce the per-minute cost compared to standard international rates. It's always a good idea to check with your provider beforehand to understand their rates and options. Consider using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like Skype, WhatsApp, Google Voice, or Viber for potentially cheaper options. These services often charge lower rates for international calls, especially when calling another user within the same platform. Many even offer free calls to other users of the same service, regardless of location. Also, ensure you are dialing the correct exit code for the United States (011) and the country code for the Netherlands (31) before the Dutch phone number to ensure the call is routed correctly.Alright, you're all set to connect with the Netherlands! Hopefully, this guide has made the process nice and easy. Thanks for reading, and we hope you'll pop back by for more helpful tips and tricks in the future. Happy calling!