How To Call Uae From Usa

Ever tried dialing a number to the UAE only to be met with a frustrating series of beeps or an automated message you can't understand? Connecting with family, friends, or business partners in the United Arab Emirates from the United States doesn't have to be a confusing experience. With the right information, you can easily bridge the geographical gap and stay connected.

Whether you're calling to catch up with loved ones, conduct important business negotiations, or simply make travel arrangements, understanding the correct dialing procedure is crucial. Incorrect dialing can lead to failed calls, unnecessary charges, and wasted time. Knowing the international calling codes, exit codes, and even alternative communication methods can save you money and ensure seamless connections. Getting it right avoids embarrassment and ensures your message gets through.

What do I need to know before I call the UAE?

What is the UAE country code when calling from the USA?

The country code for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is 971. You'll need to dial this code before the area code and local number when calling the UAE from the USA.

When making an international call from the USA to the UAE, the dialing sequence is as follows: 011 (the exit code for the USA), followed by 971 (the country code for the UAE), then the area code (without the leading zero, if there is one), and finally the local phone number. For example, if you are calling a number in Abu Dhabi with the area code 2, the full dialing sequence would be: 011-971-2-xxxx-xxxx.

Remember that international calling rates apply when calling the UAE from the USA. These rates can vary significantly depending on your phone service provider and plan. It's advisable to check with your provider about their international calling rates before making the call to avoid unexpected charges. You may also consider using alternative methods such as VoIP services (e.g., Skype, WhatsApp, or Google Voice) to make the call, as these options often offer significantly lower rates or even free calls depending on the service and your location.

How do I dial a UAE mobile number from the US?

To call a UAE mobile number from the US, you need to dial the US exit code (011), followed by the UAE country code (971), then the mobile number itself, omitting the leading zero if it exists. The full dialing format is: 011-971-followed by the mobile number.

Here's a breakdown of why this works. The "011" is the exit code for the United States. This tells the US phone network that you are dialing an international number. "971" is the country code for the United Arab Emirates. This code directs the call to the UAE's telecommunications network. Finally, you'll dial the recipient's mobile number. UAE mobile numbers are typically 9 digits long, and often begin with a zero. Remember to drop the leading zero from the mobile number when dialing internationally. For example, if the UAE mobile number is 050 123 4567, you would dial 011-971-501234567. Some VoIP services or mobile apps may offer slightly different methods for international dialing, but this standard format is generally applicable when using traditional phone lines or mobile carriers. Keep in mind that international call charges will apply when calling the UAE from the US. Check with your phone provider about their international calling rates and any available international calling plans to minimize costs. You can also explore using calling apps or VoIP services that often offer cheaper international rates.

Are there cheaper alternatives to calling UAE from USA than traditional phone service?

Yes, significantly cheaper alternatives to traditional phone service exist for calling the UAE from the USA. These alternatives leverage Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology and mobile apps, offering much lower rates and sometimes even free calling options.

Traditional phone services often charge high per-minute rates for international calls. VoIP services, on the other hand, route calls over the internet, dramatically reducing costs. Popular VoIP services like Skype, Google Voice, WhatsApp, Viber, and FaceTime allow you to call UAE phone numbers at significantly lower rates or, if calling another user of the same app, often for free. These services typically require an internet connection for both the caller and the recipient, or in some cases, the caller only.

Mobile apps like those listed above generally offer better value, particularly if calling frequently or for extended durations. Many have subscription-based plans for international calls, providing a set number of minutes each month for a fixed fee, which can be considerably more economical than pay-as-you-go rates from traditional phone companies. Before committing to any service, it's always recommended to compare rates, features (like call quality and reliability), and user reviews to find the best option for your specific needs.

What's the time difference between the USA and UAE when placing a call?

The time difference between the USA and the UAE (United Arab Emirates) varies depending on the specific location within the USA and the time of year, due to Daylight Saving Time (DST) in the US. The UAE maintains a single time zone, Gulf Standard Time (GST), which is UTC+4. Generally, the time difference ranges from 8 to 12 hours.

To accurately calculate the time difference, consider the following: The continental US spans several time zones: Eastern (EST/EDT), Central (CST/CDT), Mountain (MST/MDT), and Pacific (PST/PDT). During Standard Time (typically November to March), the time difference can be greater. For example, when the US East Coast is on Eastern Standard Time (EST), the time difference with the UAE is 9 hours. When the US East Coast switches to Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), the time difference becomes 8 hours. Similarly, on the West Coast, the difference can range from 11 to 12 hours depending on whether Pacific Standard Time (PST) or Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) is in effect.

Therefore, it's crucial to check the current time zone in both the specific US location you're calling from and the UAE to determine the exact time difference before making your call. Online time zone converters are readily available to assist in this calculation. Remember that the UAE does not observe daylight saving time, which simplifies the calculation on the UAE side.

Do I need to dial an exit code from the USA before the UAE country code?

Yes, you absolutely need to dial an exit code from the USA before the UAE country code when making an international call. The exit code tells the US phone network that you are about to dial a number outside of the country.

The exit code for the United States is 011. This must be dialed first. Following the exit code is the country code for the United Arab Emirates, which is 971. Then you will dial the area code (if applicable) and the local phone number of the person you are trying to reach in the UAE. Therefore, the general format is: 011 + 971 + Area Code + Local Number.

For example, if you were calling a landline in Dubai with the area code 4 and a local number of 1234567, you would dial 011 971 4 1234567. If you are calling a mobile number in the UAE, it typically begins with the prefix 50, 52, 54, 55, 56 or 58 so you would include that as part of the local number following the country code.

Will my US mobile plan work when calling UAE, and what are the charges?

Whether your US mobile plan will work when calling the UAE depends entirely on your specific carrier and plan. Many plans offer international calling, but often at significantly higher per-minute rates. You will likely be charged for each minute you speak, and these rates can range from a few cents to several dollars per minute. It is crucial to check with your provider beforehand.

Calling the UAE from the US typically incurs international calling charges because the UAE is outside your provider's standard domestic coverage area. Even if your plan advertises "unlimited" calling, this usually only applies to calls within the US, Canada, and Mexico. Calling the UAE will likely trigger a separate charge. Check your carrier's website or app, or contact their customer service to find the specific per-minute rate for calls to the UAE. Look for an "International Calling" or "Global Roaming" section. Alternatives to using your regular mobile plan might be more cost-effective. Consider using calling apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or FaceTime, which use internet data instead of traditional cellular networks. If both you and the person you are calling have these apps, and you are both connected to Wi-Fi, calls are typically free. Other options include purchasing an international calling card or a temporary international SIM card for your phone, which may offer better rates than your current US plan. Always compare prices and features before making a decision.

Are there any free apps for calling UAE from the USA?

Yes, several free apps allow you to call the UAE from the USA, primarily leveraging Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. These apps typically use Wi-Fi or mobile data to facilitate calls, meaning the calls themselves are free, though you might incur data charges depending on your internet plan.

Many apps offer free calls to the UAE through a combination of methods. Some provide completely free calls to other users of the same app, similar to how you can call another WhatsApp user for free regardless of their location. Others offer limited-time free trials or credits that can be used to call international numbers. Keep in mind that while the app itself might be free to download and use, making calls to landlines and mobile phones in the UAE often requires purchasing credits within the app, although these can still be significantly cheaper than traditional long-distance calling plans. Popular apps that offer calling features to the UAE from the USA include WhatsApp, Skype, Viber, Google Voice, and various other VoIP services. It's always a good idea to compare the calling rates and features of different apps before choosing one. Also, always check for any hidden fees or restrictions associated with free trials or promotions to ensure a transparent calling experience. Remember that the call quality will depend on the strength and stability of your internet connection.

So there you have it! Calling the UAE from the USA doesn't have to be a headache. With these tips and tricks, you'll be chatting with your friends and family in no time. Thanks for reading, and we hope you found this guide helpful. Feel free to pop back anytime you need a little international calling guidance!