Ever tried deciphering a phone number that looks like a secret code? Calling internationally can feel that way, especially when trying to connect with loved ones, conduct business, or simply explore the vibrant culture of Colombia from the United States. A simple misdial can lead to frustration and wasted time, and understanding the correct dialing procedure is essential for a smooth and successful connection. Knowing the nuances of international calls allows you to bridge distances effortlessly and stay connected with the people and opportunities that matter most.
Whether you're calling a bustling city like Bogotá or a charming town nestled in the Andes, mastering the art of dialing to Colombia opens a world of possibilities. From confirming travel arrangements to sharing important family news, clear and reliable communication is paramount. Furthermore, businesses expanding into the Colombian market rely on efficient communication for success. So, let's unravel the mystery and equip you with the knowledge to call Colombia like a pro, ensuring your calls go through without a hitch.
What are the most common questions about calling Colombia from the USA?
What's the cheapest way to call Colombia from the USA?
The cheapest way to call Colombia from the USA is generally by using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like WhatsApp, Skype, or Google Voice, or by using calling apps that offer low international rates. These services leverage internet connections to make calls, bypassing traditional telephone company charges.
Making calls over the internet significantly reduces costs because you're primarily using your existing internet connection instead of relying on long-distance carriers. WhatsApp, for example, is completely free for calls to other WhatsApp users, regardless of location, only requiring an internet connection on both ends. Skype and Google Voice offer competitive international calling rates to landlines and mobile phones in Colombia, often significantly cheaper than traditional phone companies. Calling apps like Rebtel or Localphone specialize in providing low-cost international calls and often offer promotional rates or free trial periods. Before choosing a specific method, it's prudent to compare the rates and features of different VoIP services and calling apps. Consider factors such as call quality, ease of use, and the availability of the person you're calling in Colombia (do they have WhatsApp, for example?). Also, be mindful of potential data charges if you're using mobile data instead of Wi-Fi, as large amounts of calling over cellular data can incur charges from your mobile provider.What is the international dialing code for Colombia?
The international dialing code for Colombia is +57.
To call Colombia from the USA, you'll need to follow a specific dialing sequence. First, dial the exit code for the United States, which is 011. This tells the US telephone network that you're making an international call. Next, dial the international dialing code for Colombia, which is +57. After that, you’ll need to dial the city code (also sometimes referred to as an area code), which is a one- or two-digit number specific to the city you're calling in Colombia. Finally, enter the seven-digit local phone number you are trying to reach. In summary, the full sequence for dialing a Colombian number from the United States is: 011 + 57 + City Code + Local Number. For example, if you were calling a number in Bogotá, where the city code is 1, and the local number was 123-4567, you would dial 011 57 1 1234567. Remember to verify the correct city code for the specific location you are calling within Colombia to ensure your call connects successfully.Do I need to dial any exit code from the USA before the country code?
Yes, when calling Colombia from the USA, you need to dial the exit code "011" before the country code.
The exit code, in this case "011", signals to the US telephone network that you are making an international call. Without it, the system would interpret the subsequent numbers as part of a domestic US number, leading to a failed or misdirected call. This exit code is specific to the country you are calling *from*, not the country you are calling *to*.
Therefore, the complete dialing sequence when calling Colombia from the USA is: **011 (Exit Code) + 57 (Colombia Country Code) + City Code (if applicable) + Local Number**. For example, to call a number in Bogotá (city code 1) with the local number 123-4567, you would dial 011-57-1-123-4567. Always ensure you have the correct city code, as these can vary significantly within Colombia.
How do I call a Colombian mobile phone from the US?
To call a Colombian mobile phone from the US, you need to dial the US exit code (011), then the Colombian country code (57), followed by the 10-digit Colombian mobile number. The entire sequence will look like this: 011 + 57 + Colombian Mobile Number.
Calling internationally might seem daunting, but it's quite straightforward once you understand the components. The "011" is the exit code that tells the US phone system you're making an international call. The "57" is Colombia's specific country code, signaling that the call is intended for Colombia. After dialing these codes, you must enter the 10-digit Colombian mobile number. This number consists of a mobile code and the subscriber's individual number. For example, if the Colombian mobile number is 3XX-XXX-XXXX, the complete dialing sequence would be 011-57-3XX-XXX-XXXX. Remember to omit any leading zeros that might sometimes appear when the Colombian mobile number is displayed in a local context. It's also a good idea to double-check the number before dialing to ensure accuracy and avoid misdialed calls. Calling internationally can be expensive, so consider using calling apps that utilize internet protocols, which can offer lower rates than traditional phone services.Are there any calling apps that offer cheaper rates to Colombia?
Yes, numerous calling apps offer significantly cheaper rates to Colombia from the USA compared to traditional phone services. These apps leverage Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to transmit calls over the internet, bypassing the expensive infrastructure of traditional phone companies, resulting in lower costs for international calls.
Several factors contribute to the lower rates offered by these apps. Firstly, VoIP technology relies on the internet, which generally has a flat monthly fee, eliminating per-minute charges for the connection itself. Secondly, competition among various calling apps is intense, driving down prices to attract customers. Many apps also offer features like free app-to-app calls and messaging, creating added value and incentivizing users to adopt their services for all their communication needs. Finally, some apps partner directly with telecommunication providers in Colombia to negotiate favorable rates, which they then pass on to their users. Popular calling apps known for competitive rates to Colombia include WhatsApp, Skype, Viber, Google Voice, and various specialized international calling apps like Rebtel or Boss Revolution. The best option often depends on individual calling habits, required features (such as call quality or the need for a dedicated phone number), and the specific rates offered at the time of calling, as prices can fluctuate. It's always advisable to compare the rates of different apps and consider any additional fees or charges before making a call.Will my US mobile plan work in Colombia, and what are the roaming charges?
Whether your US mobile plan works in Colombia depends entirely on your provider and your specific plan. Most major US carriers (like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile) offer international roaming options, but these usually come with significant charges for calls, texts, and data. Roaming charges can be quite high, often several dollars per minute for calls and dollars per megabyte for data.
Before traveling to Colombia, contact your mobile carrier to inquire about their international roaming plans and associated costs for Colombia. Many carriers offer temporary international packages that provide a certain amount of data, talk time, and text messages at a fixed price, which can be much more cost-effective than pay-as-you-go roaming. Understand the coverage area, the data speeds you can expect (3G, 4G/LTE, or 5G), and how to activate the plan before you leave the US. Also, confirm if there are any daily or monthly caps or limitations on your usage. If your phone is unlocked, consider purchasing a local Colombian SIM card upon arrival. This is often the cheapest option for making calls, sending texts, and using data within Colombia. You can buy a SIM card at the airport, mobile phone stores, or authorized retailers. Ensure your phone is compatible with the local network frequencies. However, using a local SIM card means your US phone number won't be active, so inform contacts that you'll be using a different number while in Colombia.What's the time difference between the US and Colombia when calling?
Colombia observes Colombian Standard Time (COT), which is UTC-5. Therefore, the time difference between the US and Colombia depends on which time zone the US caller is in. For example, there is no time difference between Colombia and the US Eastern Standard Time (EST) during the winter months. However, during Daylight Saving Time (DST) in the US, Colombia will be one hour behind US Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). The difference can range from no difference to 3 hours depending on the specific location in the US and the time of year.
To be more precise, consider these scenarios: If the US caller is in the Eastern Time Zone (EST/EDT), the time difference is either 0 hours (EST) or -1 hour (EDT, during US Daylight Saving Time). For callers in the Central Time Zone (CST/CDT), the difference is +1 hour (CST) or 0 hours (CDT). For Mountain Time (MST/MDT), the difference is +2 hours (MST) or +1 hour (MDT), and for Pacific Time (PST/PDT), the difference is +3 hours (PST) or +2 hours (PDT). Note that Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time, and this will affect the comparison for areas that are otherwise Mountain Time. Therefore, before calling Colombia from the US, it's important to determine the current time zone of both locations. Using a time zone converter or a quick online search for the current time in Colombia and the specific location in the US can help avoid calling at inconvenient hours. Keep in mind that US Daylight Saving Time typically begins in March and ends in November, so the time difference shifts during these months.And there you have it! Calling Colombia from the USA doesn't have to be a headache. We hope this guide made things clear and easy for you. Thanks for reading, and be sure to stop by again for more helpful tips and tricks!