Ever tried calling a loved one in Israel only to be met with silence or a confusing error message? Connecting with friends, family, or business contacts in Israel from the United States requires a specific dialing sequence that, while straightforward, can be tricky to remember if you don't use it often. A missed digit or incorrect code can lead to frustration and wasted time, especially when you're eager to share important news or conduct time-sensitive business. Mastering this simple process ensures seamless communication, allowing you to stay connected with the people and opportunities that matter most in the Holy Land.
Whether you're planning a trip and need to confirm reservations, checking in with family back home, or collaborating with international colleagues, understanding how to properly dial from the USA to Israel is essential. Incorrect dialing can result in failed calls, unexpected charges, and unnecessary delays. By learning the correct procedure, you can confidently and efficiently reach your contacts in Israel, fostering stronger relationships and facilitating smoother business interactions. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to successfully make your call.
What are the most common questions about dialing from the USA to Israel?
What's the correct US exit code when calling Israel?
The correct US exit code when calling Israel is 011. This code signals to your US telephone carrier that you are about to dial an international number.
When dialing internationally from the United States, you must first dial the exit code, which allows you to make a call that goes outside of the US telephone network. Without the exit code, your phone will interpret the subsequent numbers as a domestic US or Canadian number. Following the exit code, you dial the country code for Israel, which is 972. Then, you dial the area code for the specific region in Israel you're calling, and finally, the local phone number of the person or business you wish to reach. Remember to remove any leading zeros that might be present in the Israeli area code when dialing from abroad.
So, to dial an Israeli number, the complete sequence is: 011 (US exit code) + 972 (Israel country code) + [Israeli area code without the leading 0] + [local phone number]. For example, if you were calling a Tel Aviv number (area code 03), you would dial 011 972 3 followed by the seven-digit local number. Different mobile networks might offer varying call rates, so checking with your provider beforehand is advised to avoid unexpected charges.
What is Israel's country code for dialing from the US?
Israel's country code is 972. When dialing from the United States, you'll need to use this code after the exit code for the US (011) to connect your call to Israel.
To successfully dial an Israeli phone number from the US, you must first dial the US exit code (011), then the country code for Israel (972), then the area code (omitting the initial '0' if there is one), and finally the local phone number. For example, if the Israeli number is 02-123-4567 (where '02' is the area code), you would dial 011-972-2-123-4567. It's important to remember to drop the leading '0' from the Israeli area code. This '0' is only used when calling within Israel. If you include it when dialing from the US, your call will not go through. With cellular phones, you can often replace the US exit code "011" with a plus sign "+". So, another way to dial the same number would be +972-2-123-4567.Do I need to dial a city code within Israel?
No, you do not need to dial a city code when calling a landline within Israel from the USA. Once you've dialed the exit code, Israel's country code, and the subscriber number, you're directly connected; there's no need for an additional area or city code.
When dialing from the USA to Israel, the entire dialing sequence is as follows: 011 (US exit code) + 972 (Israel country code) + the Israeli subscriber number (including its initial digit, typically a 2 for landlines or a 5 for mobile phones). You only need to add the city code if you are calling a landline from within Israel.
For example, to call a landline in Jerusalem (which from within Israel might include a "02" area code) from the USA, you would skip the "02" entirely and simply dial 011-972 followed by the 7-digit landline number. The Israeli system understands which region your call is intended for based on the initial digits of the subscriber number itself.
How do I dial a mobile number in Israel from the USA?
To dial an Israeli mobile number from the USA, you'll need to follow a specific sequence: first dial the exit code for the US (011), then the country code for Israel (972), and finally the Israeli mobile number, omitting the leading '0' that usually precedes the number when dialing within Israel. The whole sequence should look like this: 011-972-5X-XXX-XXXX, where 5X represents the Israeli mobile network code (e.g., 50, 52, 54, 55) and the remaining digits are the subscriber number.
When dialing internationally, understanding the correct sequence is key. The "011" is essential as it tells your US carrier that you're placing an international call. Without it, the call will not be routed correctly. Similarly, the "972" identifies the call as intended for Israel. Remember to drop the leading '0' from the Israeli mobile number as that prefix is only used for domestic calls within Israel. For example, if the Israeli mobile number is 052-123-4567, you would dial 011-972-52-123-4567. It's also wise to double-check the specific Israeli mobile network code (the '5X' portion) if you are unsure. Incorrect network codes can lead to calls not connecting. Keep in mind that international calling rates may apply, so check with your phone service provider beforehand to understand the costs involved. You might also consider using VoIP services like Skype or WhatsApp to make calls internationally, which may offer more affordable rates, especially if calling frequently.Are there cheaper calling options besides direct dialing?
Yes, several cheaper calling options exist for calling Israel from the USA besides direct dialing, which typically involves your mobile carrier's international rates. These alternatives leverage Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, calling cards, or specific calling plans to offer significantly lower rates.
Calling cards, both physical and virtual, can offer competitive rates, especially for infrequent calls. You purchase a card with a certain amount of credit and use a specific access number to connect to the service, then dial the Israeli number. Be aware of potential connection fees and expiration dates. VoIP services, such as Skype, WhatsApp, Viber, Google Voice, and others, allow you to make calls over the internet using your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Calls to other users of the same service are often free, while calls to landlines and mobile phones in Israel are generally charged at much lower rates than direct dialing. Another cost-effective option is to explore international calling plans offered by your mobile carrier or a specialized international calling service. These plans often provide a fixed amount of calling time to specific countries, including Israel, for a monthly fee. Evaluate your calling volume to determine if a plan offers a better value than paying per-minute rates or using VoIP services. Remember to compare the rates, fees, and terms of different services and plans to find the best option that suits your individual calling needs and budget.Does it matter which US phone carrier I use to call Israel?
Yes, it can matter which US phone carrier you use to call Israel, primarily because international calling rates and plan inclusions vary significantly between providers. Some carriers offer competitive international plans that include calling to Israel at a reduced rate or even free, while others may charge high per-minute fees.
Different carriers have different agreements and infrastructure related to international calls. Major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile generally have established networks and may offer add-on international packages or reduced rates compared to smaller or regional carriers. Furthermore, some carriers are focused on specific markets, and their rates to Israel might be more competitive if they have partnerships in that region. Before making a call, it's wise to compare the rates and plan options offered by your current carrier with those of other providers. Look for plans that specifically cover calls to Israel to avoid unexpected charges. Consider alternatives to traditional carrier calls, such as using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like WhatsApp, Skype, Google Voice, or FaceTime, which utilize internet connections instead of traditional phone lines. These services often offer free or very low-cost calls to Israel, especially if the person you are calling also uses the same app. When using VoIP, ensure you and the recipient have a stable internet connection for optimal call quality.What's the full dialing sequence to reach an Israeli landline?
To call an Israeli landline from the USA, you need to dial the following sequence: 011 + 972 + area code + local number. Let's break that down: 011 is the exit code for the USA, 972 is the country code for Israel, the area code is a one- or two-digit number specific to the region within Israel, and the local number is the landline number itself.
When dialing internationally, it's crucial to use the correct exit code for the country you are calling from. The exit code signals to your phone carrier that you are making an international call. Without it, the call will not be routed correctly. Similarly, the country code is specific to the destination country, in this case, Israel. Israeli area codes can vary in length, so ensure you have the correct one before dialing. For example, Jerusalem has the area code 02, while Tel Aviv has the area code 03. After dialing the exit code, the country code, and the area code, dial the local landline number. This number typically consists of seven digits.And that's all there is to it! Hopefully, this guide has made calling Israel from the USA a breeze. Thanks for reading, and we hope you found it helpful. Feel free to come back anytime you need a quick refresher on international dialing!