How To Call The Us From New Zealand

Ever tried to call your family back in the States from New Zealand, only to be met with confusion about international codes and frustrating connection errors? You're not alone! Communicating across continents can seem daunting with different dialing codes, time zones, and potential costs involved. But staying connected with loved ones, conducting business, or even just making a quick inquiry shouldn't feel like rocket science.

Knowing the correct procedure for dialing from New Zealand to the United States is crucial for avoiding expensive mistakes and ensuring a smooth connection. Whether you’re a Kiwi expat calling home, a business professional coordinating with American counterparts, or a tourist trying to reach family, understanding the nuances of international dialing will save you time, money, and a whole lot of frustration. A clear, step-by-step guide can empower you to confidently make those calls and bridge the geographical gap.

What do I need to know before calling the USA from New Zealand?

What's the US exit code when calling from New Zealand?

The exit code you need to use when calling the United States from New Zealand is 00.

This exit code, often referred to as an international access code or international direct dialing (IDD) code, tells the New Zealand telephone network that you are about to dial a number outside of New Zealand. Dialing "00" tells the system to connect you to the international network for outbound calls. After dialing 00, you'll then need to enter the country code for the United States, which is 1, followed by the area code and the recipient's local number.

Therefore, the complete dialing sequence when calling a US number from New Zealand is: 00 + 1 + area code + local number. For instance, if you were calling a number in the 212 area code (New York City), you would dial 00 1 212 followed by the seven-digit local number.

Do I dial any different numbers for cell phones vs landlines in the US?

No, when calling the US from New Zealand, you dial the same number format regardless of whether you are calling a cell phone or a landline. The North American Numbering Plan (NANP), which includes the US, does not differentiate between phone types in its numbering structure.

When calling the US from New Zealand, the general format is: 00 (international access code for New Zealand) + 1 (US country code) + area code (3 digits) + phone number (7 digits). Whether the recipient uses a cell phone or a landline is irrelevant to the dialing sequence. Both types of phones are assigned numbers within the same system.

Think of it this way: the area code and the subsequent seven digits identify a specific location within the US numbering system. This location is connected to a particular subscriber, and it doesn't matter to the caller whether that subscriber receives calls via a copper wire (landline) or radio waves (cell phone). The underlying network handles the routing based on the assigned number, without requiring any special prefixes or codes based on phone type.

What's the cheapest way to call the US from New Zealand?

The cheapest way to call the US from New Zealand is generally by using a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service or app that leverages Wi-Fi or mobile data. These services often offer significantly lower per-minute rates compared to traditional landline or mobile carrier international calling plans, and some even offer free calling to the US.

Many VoIP services and apps provide competitive international calling rates. Services like Skype, Viber, WhatsApp (for calls to US users who also have the app), Google Voice, and others allow you to make calls to US phone numbers using your internet connection. Some of these services offer free calling to the US under certain conditions, such as calling another user of the same app or using a promotional offer. Even when there's a charge, the per-minute rate is often far cheaper than direct dialing. Make sure you compare the rates and any potential connection fees before committing to a specific provider. Consider also the data usage of these apps if you're using mobile data instead of Wi-Fi. While VoIP calls generally don't consume a massive amount of data, frequent or lengthy calls can add up. If you're concerned about data usage, try to make calls over Wi-Fi whenever possible. Furthermore, investigate whether your mobile carrier offers any international calling add-ons or plans. Although VoIP solutions are usually cheaper, occasionally a special promotion or package from your mobile provider might offer a competitive rate, especially if you already have a generous data allowance.

Will my New Zealand mobile plan work for calling the US?

Whether your New Zealand mobile plan works for calling the US depends entirely on the specifics of your plan. Most NZ mobile providers offer international calling options, but these often come at an additional cost or require a specific add-on. Check your plan details carefully or contact your provider to confirm if international calls to the US are included and what the associated rates are.

Calling the US from New Zealand generally involves dialing the international access code (00), followed by the US country code (1), then the area code, and finally the phone number. So, the full format is: 00-1-Area Code-Phone Number. Be aware that without an international plan or sufficient credit, you may not be able to make the call, or you could incur very high charges. Instead of relying solely on your mobile plan's international calling feature, consider using alternative methods to call the US, especially if you plan to make frequent or lengthy calls. VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services like Skype, WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Google Voice often offer significantly cheaper rates for international calls, as they utilize internet data rather than traditional phone networks. Just ensure both you and the person you are calling have the necessary app and a stable internet connection.

How does daylight savings time in both countries affect calling times?

Daylight Saving Time (DST) in both New Zealand and the United States significantly complicates calculating the optimal calling window. Because both countries observe DST, but on different schedules, the time difference between them shifts throughout the year, creating periods of greater and lesser overlap between business hours and waking hours.

When both countries are observing standard time (neither is in DST), the time difference is more predictable. However, New Zealand's DST typically begins in late September and ends in early April, while the US DST starts in March and ends in early November. This creates periods where the time difference is altered by an additional hour (or even two hours, depending on the specific states in the US). To find the best time to call, you must first determine whether either country is observing DST, and then adjust the standard time difference accordingly. This involves understanding which US time zone you're targeting (e.g., Eastern, Central, Mountain, or Pacific) because each zone experiences different standard to DST conversions.

To calculate the appropriate call time, consider using online time zone converters that automatically account for DST changes in both New Zealand and the specific US location you are trying to reach. These tools are the most reliable way to determine the correct time difference and find a suitable overlap between your waking hours in New Zealand and the business or waking hours of your contact in the US.

Here's a simplified concept:

What is the international dialing code for the US from New Zealand?

The international dialing code to call the United States from New Zealand is 001.

To call the United States from New Zealand, you must first dial the exit code for New Zealand, which is 00. This tells the New Zealand phone network that you are making an international call. Following the exit code, you enter the country code for the United States, which is 1. After the country code, you will need to enter the area code of the specific location in the US you are trying to reach, followed by the local phone number. Therefore, the complete dialing sequence to call a US number from New Zealand is: 00 (New Zealand exit code) + 1 (US country code) + Area Code (3 digits) + Local Phone Number (7 digits). For example, to call a number with area code 212 and local number 555-1212, you would dial 00 1 212 555 1212. Keep in mind time zone differences when making your call to avoid contacting someone at an inconvenient hour.

Are there any apps I can use to call the US from NZ?

Yes, there are numerous apps that allow you to call the US from New Zealand, often at significantly lower costs than traditional phone services. These apps leverage Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, using an internet connection instead of a traditional phone line.

Many popular and reliable apps offer calling services to the US from New Zealand. These apps often offer competitive rates, sometimes even free calls to US numbers (though this usually depends on the specific app's terms and if the US number also uses the same app). Some may require a paid subscription or credit purchase, but the costs are generally much lower than direct dialing. When choosing an app, consider factors such as call quality, ease of use, features (like video calling or messaging), and cost structure. Popular apps include WhatsApp, Skype, Viber, Google Voice, and Facebook Messenger. WhatsApp, Skype, and Facebook Messenger are particularly useful for calling other users who also have the same app installed, as calls between users of the same platform are often free. Google Voice offers a free US phone number which can be used to make and receive calls, and Viber is also a widely used option for international calls. It is always a good idea to check the current rates and terms of service for each app before making calls, as these can vary.

Alright, you're all set to connect with the US! Hopefully, this guide made dialing across the globe a little less daunting. Thanks for reading, and feel free to pop back anytime you need a quick how-to on navigating the world of international calls!