Ever found yourself needing to quickly reach a friend or business contact back in the United States while in Saudi Arabia? Whether it's for an urgent family matter, closing a crucial business deal, or simply catching up with loved ones, knowing the correct procedure for international calls is essential. Navigating international dialing codes, time zone differences, and potential costs can feel daunting without the right information.
Making a successful call to the USA from Saudi Arabia hinges on understanding a few key steps. Correctly dialing the exit code, country code, and area code is crucial to getting connected. Furthermore, being aware of the time difference between Saudi Arabia and various regions of the United States can ensure you're not calling at an inconvenient hour. And of course, keeping an eye on the potential costs associated with international calls is important to avoid any unexpected charges on your phone bill.
What are the most frequently asked questions about calling the USA from Saudi Arabia?
What's the correct exit code to call USA from Saudi Arabia?
The correct exit code to call the USA from Saudi Arabia is 00. This code tells the Saudi Arabian phone network that you are dialing a number outside of Saudi Arabia.
When making an international call, you need to use specific codes to connect to the desired country. The process begins with the exit code (also known as the international access code), which varies depending on the country you are calling from. After dialing 00 from Saudi Arabia, you need to enter the country code for the United States (which is 1), followed by the area code, and finally the local phone number. Therefore, the complete format for calling a US number from Saudi Arabia would be: 00 + 1 + Area Code + Local Number. For example, to call the number (555) 123-4567 in the United States from Saudi Arabia, you would dial 00 1 555 123 4567. Omitting the exit code or using an incorrect one will result in your call not connecting.What's the USA country code I need from Saudi?
To call the USA from Saudi Arabia, you need to dial the exit code for Saudi Arabia (00), followed by the USA country code (1), and then the area code and local number.
In summary, the sequence you'll dial is: 00-1-XXX-XXX-XXXX, where XXX represents the area code and the local seven-digit phone number in the United States. For example, if you are calling a number with the area code 212 in New York City, you would dial 00-1-212 followed by the seven-digit number.
Remember to consider the time difference between Saudi Arabia and the specific location in the USA you are calling. Saudi Arabia Standard Time (AST) is GMT+3. The USA has multiple time zones, so the time difference could range from 7 to 10 hours depending on whether Daylight Saving Time is in effect and which part of the United States you are trying to reach.
Are there cheaper ways to call the US from Saudi?
Yes, there are significantly cheaper alternatives to making traditional direct calls from Saudi Arabia to the US. These methods primarily leverage internet-based communication technologies, bypassing the expensive international calling rates imposed by traditional phone companies.
The most cost-effective options usually involve using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services and mobile apps. Popular choices include WhatsApp, Skype, Viber, FaceTime (for Apple users), and Google Voice. These services allow you to make calls to US phone numbers using your internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data). Since you're using data instead of traditional phone lines, the cost is generally much lower, often limited to the price of your internet plan. Many of these services offer free calls between users of the same app, further reducing costs. Another potentially cheaper option is to purchase an international calling card specifically designed for calls from Saudi Arabia to the US. These cards offer pre-paid minutes at reduced rates, but be sure to carefully compare the per-minute rates, connection fees, and expiration dates of different cards. While calling cards can be cheaper than direct dialing, VoIP services are generally the most economical option, especially for frequent or longer calls, provided you have reliable internet access.How do I dial a US mobile from Saudi Arabia?
To call a US mobile phone from Saudi Arabia, you need to dial the Saudi Arabia exit code (00), followed by the US country code (1), then the US area code (3 digits), and finally the US mobile phone number (7 digits). The full format is: 00-1-Area Code-Phone Number.
To clarify the process, imagine you're trying to call the US mobile number (555) 123-4567, which is in the (212) area code. From Saudi Arabia, you would dial: 00 1 212 1234567. Always wait a moment after dialing each section of the number to ensure the connection is established correctly. Be mindful of the time difference between Saudi Arabia and the US to avoid calling at inconvenient hours. Calling internationally can sometimes be expensive, so it's worth considering alternative options. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like WhatsApp, Skype, or FaceTime allow you to make calls using an internet connection, which can be significantly cheaper, especially if calling someone else who uses the same service. Just ensure you and the person you are calling both have a stable internet connection.Is there a difference calling landlines vs. mobiles in the US from Saudi?
Yes, there can be a price difference when calling landlines versus mobile phones in the US from Saudi Arabia, although this difference has diminished significantly in recent years with many calling plans and apps.
Historically, calling mobile phones internationally was more expensive due to higher termination rates charged by mobile carriers in the destination country. Termination rates are fees that the originating carrier (in this case, the Saudi Arabian carrier) pays to the destination carrier (the US carrier) for completing the call on their network. Mobile termination rates were typically higher than those for landlines. Because these costs were passed on to the consumer, calls to mobile phones were often priced higher. However, the proliferation of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, flat-rate international calling plans, and mobile-to-mobile calling plans in the US have largely eroded this price disparity. Many US mobile plans now offer unlimited calling, meaning the carrier doesn't differentiate between landline or mobile destinations within the US.
Therefore, while some traditional phone companies might still reflect a minor difference in price, most modern calling options, such as using apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Viber, or subscribing to an international calling plan, will not differentiate between US landlines and mobile phones. The cost will typically be the same, as these services bypass traditional termination rate structures and often offer flat-rate pricing regardless of the type of phone being called. It's always best to check the specific rates with your chosen service provider to confirm.
What's the best VoIP app to use calling US from Saudi Arabia?
The best VoIP app for calling the US from Saudi Arabia largely depends on current network conditions and personal preferences, but WhatsApp and Skype are generally reliable and widely used options due to their strong encryption and user-friendly interfaces. However, it's crucial to be aware that VoIP service availability can fluctuate in Saudi Arabia, so having a backup app or method is always wise.
While WhatsApp and Skype are popular choices, the "best" app can vary based on factors like call quality, data usage, and pricing for premium features (if applicable). Some users may find that other apps, such as Google Voice, Viber, or Telegram, offer better performance or meet their specific needs, especially for features beyond basic voice calls, such as video conferencing or international texting. Testing a few different apps with free trial periods or free calling credits is a recommended approach to determine which performs most consistently and provides the best user experience on your specific network in Saudi Arabia. Ultimately, the key is to have flexibility and be prepared to switch apps if one consistently experiences connection issues or poor call quality. Furthermore, consider researching any potential government regulations or restrictions regarding VoIP usage in Saudi Arabia, as these can change and affect the availability and reliability of different services.How much does it cost per minute to call the US from Saudi?
The cost per minute to call the US from Saudi Arabia varies greatly depending on several factors, including the method used (landline, mobile, VoIP), the service provider, and any specific calling plans you have. It can range from as little as a few halalas per minute using VoIP services to several riyals per minute when using a traditional mobile carrier without an international calling plan.
The most cost-effective way to call the US is generally through Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like Skype, WhatsApp, Viber, or Google Voice. These services often charge significantly lower rates for international calls, sometimes even offering free calls between users. These applications require a stable internet connection. In contrast, directly dialing the US from a Saudi mobile phone without a dedicated international package can be quite expensive. These calls typically involve high per-minute charges levied by the Saudi mobile operators (like STC, Mobily, or Zain). Landline calls, while sometimes offering slightly better rates than mobile calls, are becoming less common as landline usage declines. To get the most accurate estimate, it's best to check the specific rates offered by your mobile carrier or VoIP provider. Many providers offer international calling plans or bundles that can significantly reduce the per-minute cost. Before making a call, always verify the current rates to avoid unexpected charges on your bill. Comparing different service options and understanding the associated fees is crucial for minimizing the cost of calling the US from Saudi Arabia.And that's all there is to it! Hopefully, you now feel confident and ready to connect with your friends and family back in the USA. Thanks for reading, and we hope this guide made the process a little easier. Feel free to come back anytime you need a refresher or have more questions about international calling!