Ever found yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Peru, needing to connect with someone back home, or perhaps handle an urgent business matter, only to be stumped by the dialing process? Making international calls can be confusing, with different prefixes, area codes, and international access codes adding layers of complexity. A simple mistake can lead to a failed call, frustration, and even unnecessary charges.
Knowing how to dial correctly from Peru is crucial for staying connected with loved ones, managing business affairs, and accessing essential services while traveling or living in the country. This guide aims to demystify the process, providing clear and concise instructions to ensure you can make successful calls from Peru to anywhere in the world. No more guessing games or crossed wires!
Frequently Asked Questions About Calling From Peru
What's the international exit code to dial from Peru?
The international exit code you need to dial from Peru is 00. This code tells the Peruvian telephone network that you are about to dial a number outside of Peru.
To make an international call from Peru, you will first dial the exit code (00), then the country code of the country you're calling, followed by the area code (if applicable), and finally the local phone number. For example, if you were calling a US number, the format would be 00 + 1 (US country code) + area code + local number. Remember to check if your Peruvian mobile provider or landline service has any specific instructions or preferred prefixes for international calls, as occasionally there might be promotional rates or specific routing that requires an alternative prefix. Using the standard '00' should work in most cases, but verifying with your provider can sometimes result in better rates or more reliable connections.What's the country code for the US/Canada when calling from Peru?
The country code for both the United States and Canada is +1. When calling either country from Peru, you'll dial this code after the exit code for Peru to connect your call internationally.
Calling the US or Canada from Peru requires a specific dialing sequence. First, you must dial the international exit code for Peru, which is 00. This tells the Peruvian telephone network that you are making an international call. Following the exit code, you then dial the country code for either the United States or Canada, which, as noted, is +1. After the country code, you enter the area code (a three-digit number) and the local seven-digit phone number of the person you are trying to reach. For example, if you were calling a US number with area code 212 and phone number 555-1212, you would dial 00-1-212-555-1212.
Keep in mind that mobile phones often automatically insert the '+' symbol when you select a contact with an international number saved in that format. In these cases, you would still need to dial 00 before the +1. Furthermore, calling internationally can be expensive, so it's wise to check with your Peruvian phone provider for their international calling rates. Alternatively, you could use internet-based calling services such as WhatsApp, Skype, or Google Voice, which often offer significantly cheaper rates, especially if both parties have a stable internet connection.
Do I need to dial a 0 before the area code when calling the US from Peru?
No, you do not need to dial a 0 before the area code when calling the United States from Peru. You only need to dial the exit code (00), the US country code (1), the area code, and the local number.
When making international calls from Peru, you first need to dial the international exit code, which allows you to dial outside of Peru. This exit code is 00. Next, you dial the country code for the United States, which is 1. This tells the Peruvian phone system that you are trying to reach a number in the US. Finally, you dial the three-digit area code and the seven-digit local number of the person or business you're trying to call. Putting it all together, the dialing format would be 00 + 1 + area code + local number.
For example, if you were calling a number in the 212 area code (New York City), and the local number was 555-1212, you would dial 00 1 212 555 1212. Remember to wait a moment after dialing each part of the sequence to ensure the connection is properly established. Using a mobile phone or a landline, the process is the same.
How does calling a cell phone vs. a landline in the US from Peru differ?
The actual dialing sequence to call a US number from Peru is the same regardless of whether you are calling a cell phone or a landline. You will dial the exit code (00), the US country code (1), and then the ten-digit US phone number (area code + phone number). However, the cost associated with the call may differ, with calls to cell phones sometimes incurring higher charges depending on your Peruvian phone service provider's rates.
When you call the US from Peru, your Peruvian phone company doesn't inherently know if the number you're calling is a landline or a mobile phone. The dialing process remains consistent: 00 (exit code for Peru) + 1 (US country code) + area code + phone number. The distinction in cost, if any, isn't a technical difference enforced by the phone network during the call setup. Rather, it's a pricing decision made by your Peruvian telephone provider. Some providers may implement different pricing structures, believing that calls to mobile phones might route through different international carriers, potentially leading to higher operational costs on their end. Therefore, it's always a good idea to check with your Peruvian phone company regarding their rates for international calls to the US, and specifically inquire if they have separate charges for calling landlines versus mobile phones. You might also explore alternative calling methods such as using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services like Skype, WhatsApp, or Google Voice, which generally offer more competitive rates for international calls, irrespective of whether you're calling a mobile or a landline number in the US. These services leverage internet connectivity to bypass traditional telephone networks, resulting in lower costs.Are there cheaper alternatives to direct dialing from Peru, like using apps?
Yes, absolutely. Using apps that leverage Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is almost always a significantly cheaper alternative to direct dialing from Peru, especially for international calls.
Many apps offer vastly reduced calling rates compared to traditional phone companies because they transmit voice data over the internet rather than using traditional telephone networks. This eliminates many of the per-minute charges and international access fees imposed by telecom providers. Popular options include WhatsApp, Skype, Viber, Google Voice, and FaceTime (for Apple users). All these apps allow you to call other users of the same app for free, and many offer inexpensive rates for calling mobile or landline numbers. To take advantage of these cheaper alternatives, you will need a stable internet connection, either through Wi-Fi or a mobile data plan. Before making a call, compare the rates offered by different apps for calling the specific number you're trying to reach. Some apps may have better rates for certain countries or regions. Also, consider whether the person you're calling also uses the same app, as app-to-app calls are typically free. Be mindful of data usage if using a mobile data plan, as prolonged calls can consume a significant amount of data.What are the time zone differences to consider before calling from Peru?
When calling from Peru, it's crucial to consider the time zone differences between Peru and your destination to avoid calling at inconvenient hours. Peru operates on Peruvian Standard Time (PET), which is equivalent to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) minus 5 hours (UTC-5). Therefore, you need to calculate the time difference between UTC-5 and the time zone of the person or business you are calling.
To accurately determine the best time to call, first identify the time zone of the location you are trying to reach. For example, if you're calling the East Coast of the United States, which observes Eastern Standard Time (EST) during standard time and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) during daylight saving time, the time difference will vary. During EST (typically November to March), the difference is 0 hours (both UTC-5). However, during EDT (typically March to November), the East Coast is at UTC-4, making the difference +1 hour. This means that if it is 10:00 AM in Peru, it would be 11:00 AM on the East Coast during EDT. Failing to account for these differences can result in calls being made late at night or very early in the morning for the recipient. Using online time zone converters or checking the current time in the recipient's location before placing your call is highly recommended to ensure your call is well-received.How much does it typically cost per minute to call the US from Peru?
The cost per minute to call the US from Peru can vary widely, ranging from a few cents to several dollars. The exact price depends on the method you use to make the call, such as through a traditional landline, a mobile phone, a VoIP service, or a calling app.
The most expensive option is usually calling directly from a Peruvian mobile phone using your local carrier. These rates can easily reach $1-$3 per minute, and often come with connection fees. Using a Peruvian landline might be slightly cheaper but is generally still more costly than alternative methods. Calling cards purchased in Peru, while seemingly offering low per-minute rates, often come with hidden fees and short validity periods, potentially making them more expensive in the long run. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like Skype, Google Voice, or WhatsApp offer significantly cheaper options. If both the caller in Peru and the recipient in the US have the app, calls can be made for free over a Wi-Fi or data connection. Even calling a US phone number (landline or mobile) through these services is usually much more affordable, often costing just a few cents per minute. The best way to determine the precise cost is to check the rates of the specific VoIP or calling app you plan to use. Remember that using mobile data for VoIP calls can incur data charges from your Peruvian mobile provider, so connecting to Wi-Fi is usually the most economical approach.And that's all there is to it! We hope this guide makes connecting with us from Peru a breeze. Thanks for taking the time to read this, and we look forward to hearing from you soon. Don't hesitate to check back in if you have any other questions!