Ever found yourself needing to reach a loved one, a business partner, or even just technical support back home while traveling in Turkey, only to be met with confusion about international dialing codes and potential calling charges? It's a frustrating experience! Navigating international calls can feel like decoding a complex puzzle, especially when time is of the essence. Knowing the proper procedures and potential costs can save you significant money, prevent connection errors, and ensure you can communicate effectively when it matters most.
Whether you're a tourist exploring the historical sites of Istanbul, a business professional closing a deal in Ankara, or an expatriate making Turkey your new home, understanding how to make international calls is crucial. This guide aims to demystify the process and provide you with clear, concise instructions on how to call different countries from Turkey, considering both mobile and landline options, along with helpful tips to minimize expenses.
What dialing codes do I need and what are my best options?
What's the international dialing code to reach you from Turkey?
To call a phone number outside of Turkey, you first need to dial Turkey's international access code, which is 00. Then, you'll need to dial the country code for the country you're trying to reach, followed by the area code (if applicable) and the local phone number. So, the general format is: 00 + Country Code + Area Code + Local Number.
To make an international call from Turkey, understanding the dialing sequence is crucial. First, the "00" informs the Turkish telephone network that you are about to dial an international number. Without this prefix, the call will be interpreted as a local or national call within Turkey. Following the "00," you enter the specific country code of the destination you are calling. For example, the country code for the United States is "1," the United Kingdom is "44," and Germany is "49." Therefore, if you want to call a specific country, make sure you look up the correct country code beforehand. Incorrect country codes will result in your call failing to connect. Many websites and online resources provide comprehensive lists of country codes to help you dial correctly. Once you have the country code, followed by the area code and then the local phone number, you can dial the complete string of numbers to connect internationally.Do I need a Turkish exit code before dialing your number?
Yes, when calling a number outside of Turkey, you absolutely need to dial the Turkish exit code before dialing the destination country code and phone number. The Turkish exit code allows the Turkish phone network to recognize that you are making an international call.
To successfully call us from Turkey, you will need to dial the Turkish exit code, which is `00`, followed by the destination country code, then the area code (if applicable), and finally our phone number. Omitting the exit code will result in your call not being routed internationally, and you will likely receive an error message or a busy signal. Essentially, the exit code tells the Turkish phone system to direct your call out of the country. Here's a simple breakdown of the dialing format: `00` (Turkish Exit Code) + `Country Code` + `Area Code` (if applicable) + `Phone Number`. Make sure to double-check the correct country code for the destination you are calling, as using the wrong code will connect you to a different country altogether. Also, confirm whether you need to remove a leading zero from the area code depending on the international dialing rules of the destination country.Will I incur international calling charges when calling from Turkey?
Yes, you will almost certainly incur international calling charges when calling a number outside of Turkey from within Turkey. Your mobile provider or landline service will treat the call as an international call, and you will be billed according to their international calling rates.
The exact cost of an international call from Turkey will depend on several factors, including your specific phone plan, the country you are calling, and the length of the call. Some providers offer international calling packages or add-ons that can reduce the per-minute cost. It is always advisable to check with your mobile or landline provider before making an international call to understand their rates and any available options for reducing costs. Alternatively, you can explore other communication methods that may be cheaper or even free. Utilizing VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services such as WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime, or Viber can often bypass traditional international calling charges, as these services rely on internet connectivity rather than traditional phone networks. Keep in mind that both you and the person you are calling will need to have the app installed and a reliable internet connection for these services to work effectively.What's the best way to call you from Turkey to avoid high fees?
The cheapest way to call someone outside of Turkey is generally to use internet-based calling apps and services rather than making direct calls through a mobile or landline provider. These methods leverage Wi-Fi or mobile data to bypass international calling rates, often resulting in significantly lower or even free calls.
Several popular options offer excellent call quality and various features. WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime (if you're calling an Apple device), Viber, and Google Meet all allow voice and video calls over the internet. To use these, both the caller in Turkey and the recipient need to have the app installed and an active internet connection. If the person in Turkey has limited data, encourage them to connect to a Wi-Fi hotspot to avoid data roaming charges. Remember to factor in any potential data costs if they are using their mobile data plan. Also, consider the time difference before calling!
Another option is to use international calling cards that can be purchased in Turkey or online. While these might seem old-fashioned, some providers offer competitive rates. However, it's crucial to compare rates and hidden fees carefully before purchasing a calling card. Be sure to understand the per-minute charges, connection fees, and any expiry dates. Finally, always ensure the person in Turkey has a stable internet connection, ideally Wi-Fi, for optimal call quality when using app-based services.
Can I use a mobile app to call you from Turkey for cheaper rates?
Yes, using a mobile app that utilizes Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is generally the cheapest way to call someone from Turkey compared to using a traditional phone line or your mobile carrier's international calling plan.
VoIP apps like WhatsApp, Skype, Viber, and Google Voice rely on an internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data) to make calls, bypassing the expensive international calling rates imposed by traditional telecom companies. The cost is usually significantly lower, often just the cost of your internet data or a minimal per-minute charge depending on the app and the destination you are calling. Make sure the person you are calling also has the app installed for the call to be free or at the lowest cost. If you are calling a landline or mobile number that does not have the app installed, you will generally pay a low per minute rate.
Before making a call, compare the rates offered by different VoIP apps to see which one offers the best deal for calls to your specific destination. Some apps offer free calls to other users of the same app, while others have competitive international calling rates to regular phone numbers. Also, check the data usage of the app to avoid unexpected data charges, especially if you are using mobile data instead of Wi-Fi. If you are relying on mobile data, it’s a good idea to check the roaming data rates with your mobile service provider in Turkey, or consider purchasing a local SIM card to benefit from cheaper local data plans.
Do you have a local Turkish number I can call instead?
Unfortunately, we do not currently offer a local Turkish phone number that you can call directly. Our customer support is primarily handled through international numbers and online channels to ensure efficient and consistent service globally.
While we understand the preference for a local number to avoid international calling charges, establishing and maintaining local numbers in every country is a complex undertaking. We are constantly evaluating our support infrastructure and considering options to improve accessibility for our customers worldwide. Your feedback regarding a Turkish number is valuable and will be taken into consideration as we explore future improvements to our customer service.
In the meantime, to minimize costs, we recommend exploring alternative communication methods such as using VoIP services (like Skype or Google Voice) to call our international number, or contacting us through our online chat or email support, which are often free or significantly cheaper. These options allow you to reach our support team without incurring substantial international call charges. We strive to provide timely and helpful assistance regardless of the method you choose to contact us.
Is there a specific time zone difference to consider when calling from Turkey?
Yes, when calling from Turkey, you need to consider the time zone difference between Turkey and your destination. Turkey operates on Turkey Time (TRT), which is typically UTC+3. Therefore, you must calculate the difference between UTC+3 and the time zone where you are calling to determine the correct local time at the destination.
When planning your call, keep in mind that time zone differences can vary significantly depending on the location you are trying to reach. For example, if you are calling the Eastern Time Zone (ET) in the United States, which observes Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) during the summer (UTC-4), the difference would be seven hours (TRT being ahead). However, during Eastern Standard Time (EST), which is UTC-5, the difference would be eight hours. Always double-check the current time and daylight saving time status in both Turkey and your destination to avoid calling at inconvenient hours. To easily determine the time difference, you can use online time zone converters or world clock websites. These tools allow you to enter both locations and instantly see the current time and the difference between them. Be mindful of daylight saving time changes in both Turkey and your target location, as these adjustments can shift the time difference by an hour.And that's all there is to it! We hope this guide has made it super easy to connect with us from Turkey. Thanks so much for checking it out, and we look forward to hearing from you. Come back and visit us anytime you need a little help!