Ever dreamt of calling up your yiayia in Athens to hear her latest gossip, or perhaps need to finalize a business deal with a partner in Thessaloniki? While connecting with the world feels easier than ever, dialing internationally can still be a bit of a puzzle. Misdialing even one digit can lead to frustration and wasted money, not to mention the potential for missing that crucial connection. Getting the dialing sequence right is paramount, whether you're planning a family visit, discussing a business opportunity, or simply catching up with friends.
The process of dialing Greece from the USA isn't complicated, but it does require following a specific format. Knowing the correct exit codes, country codes, and area codes ensures your call goes through smoothly. Understanding these steps not only saves you time and money but also empowers you to easily connect with anyone in Greece, fostering stronger personal and professional relationships across continents. This knowledge is especially important given the growing globalized world.
What are the Common Questions about Dialing Greece?
What's the correct exit code to dial Greece from the US?
The correct exit code to dial Greece from the US is 011. This code is necessary to signal to the US telephone network that you are making an international call and need to be routed outside of the country.
When dialing internationally, you generally need three components: an exit code, a country code, and the local number. The exit code, in this case 011, tells the US phone system to route the call internationally. The country code identifies the specific country you are calling – in the case of Greece, it's 30. Finally, you need the local Greek phone number, which will likely include an area code. Therefore, to dial a Greek number from the United States, you would dial: 011 + 30 + [Greek area code] + [Greek local number]. For example, if you were calling a number in Athens (area code 210) with the local number 1234567, you would dial 011 30 210 1234567. Remember to drop any leading zeros that might be present in the Greek area code when dialing internationally.Do I need a special international plan to call Greece?
Whether you need a special international plan to call Greece from the USA depends on your current phone plan and how often you plan to make calls. Many major carriers offer international plans or add-ons that can significantly reduce the cost per minute, while others might charge high per-minute rates without one.
Without an international plan, your standard mobile or landline plan will likely charge you a substantial per-minute rate for international calls to Greece. This can quickly become expensive if you plan to make frequent or lengthy calls. Check with your carrier's customer service or website to determine their specific rates for calls to Greece from the USA if you don't subscribe to any international calling plan.
Consider alternatives if you don't want to pay for a dedicated plan. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like Skype, WhatsApp, Viber, or Google Voice can be significantly cheaper, often using your internet connection to make calls. These services typically require both the caller and receiver to have the app installed. Many of these apps offer the ability to call directly to a Greek landline or mobile number for a minimal fee that is much less than standard carrier international rates. Another option could be purchasing an international calling card.
Here's how to dial Greece from the USA, regardless of which method you choose:
- Dial the exit code: 011 (This is the exit code for the USA. It tells your carrier you are making an international call.)
- Dial the country code for Greece: 30
- Dial the local number: This will vary depending on if it's a landline or mobile. Typically, it will be a 10-digit number including the area code for landlines, or the 10-digit mobile number.
What is the country code for Greece?
The country code for Greece is 30.
To dial a Greek phone number from the United States, you'll need to follow a specific sequence. First, dial the exit code for the US, which is 011. This tells your phone carrier that you're making an international call. Following the exit code, enter the country code for Greece, which as stated above is 30. Finally, you dial the Greek phone number you're trying to reach. Remember to drop any leading zeros that might appear in the Greek phone number after the country code, as these are usually only used within Greece itself.
For example, if you wanted to call a Greek phone number that is written as 69xxxxxxxx (where the 'x' represents the remaining digits), you would dial 011-30-69xxxxxxxx. Note that mobile numbers in Greece typically start with '69'. Landline numbers usually have different prefixes. It's always a good idea to double-check the number you're dialing, as incorrect dialing can result in misdirected calls or charges.
How do I dial a Greek mobile number from the USA?
To dial a Greek mobile number from the USA, you'll need to follow a specific format: first dial the exit code for the US (011), then the country code for Greece (30), followed by the Greek mobile number itself, omitting the leading '0' if there is one. So, the complete format is: 011 + 30 + Greek mobile number (without the initial zero).
To elaborate, the "011" is the exit code, necessary to signal that you are calling outside of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). The "30" is the country code for Greece, which tells the phone network that you want to connect to a number in Greece. Then, you enter the actual Greek mobile number. It's important to note that many Greek mobile numbers begin with a '0'. This leading zero is only used when calling within Greece and should be dropped when calling from abroad. For example, if the Greek mobile number is 069xxxxxxxx, you would dial 011 30 69xxxxxxxx. It's also a good idea to double-check the number before dialing to ensure you have the correct amount of digits, as incorrect dialing can lead to connection errors or unintended recipients. You might also want to check with your mobile carrier or VoIP provider for international calling rates, as these can vary significantly. Finally, be mindful of the time difference between the USA and Greece to avoid calling at inconvenient hours.Is it cheaper to use a calling card or VoIP to call Greece?
Generally, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is cheaper than using a calling card to call Greece from the USA. VoIP services leverage the internet to make calls, often resulting in significantly lower per-minute rates, especially for international calls. Calling cards, while sometimes offering seemingly competitive rates, often come with hidden fees and surcharges that can quickly inflate the overall cost.
While calling cards might initially seem attractive due to advertised low rates, they often include connection fees, maintenance fees, and surcharges for each call. These hidden costs can add up quickly, making them more expensive than they initially appear. Furthermore, calling card rates can fluctuate without notice, and unused balances may expire. VoIP services, on the other hand, typically offer more transparent pricing and often include unlimited international calling plans for a fixed monthly fee. Even without a specific plan, the per-minute rates are usually much lower than calling cards. Popular VoIP providers like Google Voice, Skype, or Vonage offer apps or software that allow you to make calls directly from your smartphone, tablet, or computer, making the process more convenient than finding and entering a calling card PIN each time you want to call. Ultimately, the best way to determine the cheapest option is to compare the per-minute rates and any associated fees of specific calling cards and VoIP providers, considering your expected call volume. But generally speaking, VoIP is a more modern and cost-effective option for international calling.How to dial Greece from USA
To dial Greece from the USA, you first need to dial the exit code, then the country code for Greece, followed by the local area code and the specific phone number you wish to call. In summary, the dialing format is: 011 (exit code) + 30 (Greece country code) + area code + local number.
The exit code, 011, signals to the US phone network that you are making an international call. The country code for Greece is 30. Next, you must dial the appropriate area code within Greece, which usually consists of two or three digits, depending on the location. Finally, you dial the recipient's local phone number. For example, to call a number in Athens (area code 21) with the local number 1234567, you would dial: 011 + 30 + 21 + 1234567. Ensure you dial the correct area code, as this is crucial for connecting the call to the intended recipient. Double-checking the area code with the person you are calling or a reliable online directory is always a good practice.How does the time difference affect when I should call Greece?
The time difference between the USA and Greece significantly impacts when you should call to avoid inconveniencing the person you're calling. Greece is generally 7 to 10 hours ahead of the USA, depending on the specific US time zone and whether Daylight Saving Time (DST) is in effect in both locations. This means calling during typical US business hours could be late at night or very early morning in Greece.
To find the optimal time to call, you need to consider the time zone you are calling from in the US and the time zone in Greece (Eastern European Time - EET or Eastern European Summer Time - EEST). For example, if you're calling from New York (Eastern Time), which is generally 7 hours behind Greece, a 2:00 PM call from New York would be 9:00 PM in Greece. Calling too late or too early in Greece could be disruptive, so planning is essential. Ideally, aim to call Greece during their working hours (typically 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EET/EEST) or early evening. This translates to calling from the US in the late morning or early afternoon if you are on the East Coast, or earlier in the morning if you're on the West Coast. Always double-check the current time in both locations using a reliable online time zone converter before making your call to ensure you're calling at a reasonable hour.What if the Greek phone number starts with a zero?
When dialing a Greek phone number from the USA, you must omit the leading zero from the area code or mobile number. So, if the Greek number is (0)XXX-XXXXXXX, you would dial 011-30-XXX-XXXXXXX, leaving out the initial zero.
The leading zero is a trunk prefix used only when dialing within Greece. It instructs the Greek phone network to route the call within the country. When calling internationally, the international access code (011 from the USA), followed by the country code (30 for Greece), effectively replaces the function of that leading zero. Including the zero would cause the call to fail because the international gateway does not recognize it.
Therefore, always remember this simple rule: before dialing the local Greek number, remove the zero if it's there. Doing so ensures that your call will be correctly routed through the international telecommunications network to its destination in Greece. For example, if a Greek mobile number is 069XXXXXXXX, you would dial 011-30-69XXXXXXXX.
And that's all there is to it! Hopefully, you're now ready to connect with friends and family in Greece without any trouble. Thanks for reading, and feel free to pop back anytime you need a little international dialing help!