Ever tried to call a loved one in Israel only to be met with frustrating beeps and silence? Connecting with family, friends, or business associates in Israel from the United States is easier than you might think, but understanding the proper dialing sequence is crucial to avoid dropped calls and wasted time. Whether you're planning a trip, staying in touch with family abroad, or conducting international business, knowing how to successfully dial Israel ensures smooth and reliable communication.
Incorrectly dialing an international number can lead to frustrating situations, especially when you're trying to make an important call. Mastering the process not only saves you time and potential charges, but also ensures you can easily reach your contacts in Israel whenever you need to. This guide will break down the exact steps required to dial Israel from the USA, covering everything from the exit code to the specific area codes within Israel.
What do I need to know to call Israel from the US?
What's the exit code for calling Israel from the US?
The exit code for calling Israel from the US is 011. This code is necessary to signal to the US telephone network that you are about to dial an international number.
When making an international call from the US to Israel, you need to follow a specific sequence of numbers. This sequence begins with the exit code, followed by the country code for Israel, and then the local phone number. Dialing the exit code correctly is crucial; otherwise, the call will not be routed internationally and will likely result in an error message. Therefore, to call Israel from the United States, you would dial: 011 (the exit code), then 972 (Israel's country code), then the area code (if applicable) and the local number. For example, if you were calling a mobile number in Israel, the format might look like this: 011-972-5X-XXXXXXX. Remembering the exit code is the first essential step in connecting your call.Do I need a special international plan to dial Israel?
Yes, in most cases you will need an international calling plan or an international add-on to your existing phone plan to dial Israel from the USA without incurring very high per-minute charges. While it's technically possible to dial Israel without such a plan, the standard rates for international calls can be quite expensive.
Calling internationally without a specific plan designed for it typically means your phone carrier will charge you their standard international per-minute rate. These rates can vary significantly between carriers and can be surprisingly high, quickly adding up to a large bill, even for relatively short calls. It's best to proactively check with your mobile provider about their international calling rates to Israel and explore available options for reducing those costs. Many providers offer specific plans or add-ons focused on particular countries, or general international calling packages that offer discounted rates. Consider exploring alternative calling methods that may be cheaper or even free. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like WhatsApp, Skype, Google Voice, and FaceTime allow you to make calls to Israel using an internet connection. If the person you are calling also uses the same service, the call is often free. Furthermore, many mobile carriers offer international day passes that provide unlimited calls to certain countries for a set daily fee. Weighing the cost of each option against your expected call volume will help you determine the most economical approach.How do I dial a cell phone in Israel from the US?
To call an Israeli cell phone from the United States, you need to dial the US exit code, the Israeli country code, and the Israeli cell phone number. The complete format is: 011 + 972 + Cell Phone Number (without the leading '0').
Breaking it down: '011' is the exit code you need when dialing out of the US. '972' is the country code for Israel. The Israeli cell phone number will typically start with a '0', but you must omit this '0' when calling from abroad. For example, if the Israeli cell phone number is 050-123-4567, you would dial 011-972-50-123-4567.
It's also important to consider the time difference between the US and Israel to avoid calling at inconvenient hours. Additionally, be aware of international calling rates from your phone provider, as these calls can be more expensive than domestic calls. You might want to consider using VoIP services like Skype, Google Voice, or WhatsApp for potentially cheaper calling options.
What is the country code for Israel?
The country code for Israel is 972.
When dialing Israel from the United States, you'll need to follow a specific sequence of numbers to connect your call. First, dial the exit code for the United States, which is 011. This code tells the U.S. telephone network that you are making an international call. Following the exit code, you enter the country code for Israel, which, as mentioned, is 972. Finally, you dial the local number in Israel, remembering to drop the leading '0' if it's part of the local area code.
For example, if the Israeli phone number you're trying to reach is 02-123-4567 (assuming 02 is the area code), you would dial 011-972-2-123-4567. Note that the leading '0' from the area code '02' has been removed. Remember to double-check the area code and local number for accuracy to ensure your call connects successfully. Using a calling app might also change the dialing pattern; check the app's instructions for international calls.
Is there a cheaper way to call Israel than a regular phone call?
Yes, there are significantly cheaper ways to call Israel from the USA than making a regular phone call through your mobile carrier or traditional landline service. These alternatives primarily leverage Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology or international calling plans to bypass standard long-distance charges.
The high cost of traditional international calls stems from the complex infrastructure and agreements required between phone companies in different countries. VoIP services, on the other hand, transmit voice data over the internet, significantly reducing costs. Popular VoIP options include services like WhatsApp, Skype, Viber, Google Voice, and dedicated VoIP providers like Vonage or MagicJack. Many of these offer either very low per-minute rates or even free calls to Israel if the recipient also uses the same service. For example, WhatsApp calls between users are free, provided you both have a data connection.
Another cost-effective method is to explore international calling plans offered by your mobile carrier. These plans typically bundle a certain amount of international calling minutes to specific countries, including Israel, for a fixed monthly fee. This can be a good option if you make regular calls to Israel and find that a plan offers better value than paying per-minute rates. Finally, consider using international calling cards. These prepaid cards offer discounted rates, but be sure to compare rates and check for hidden fees or expiration dates before purchasing.
How long is the number I need to dial after the exit and country codes?
The Israeli phone number you dial after the exit code (011 from the US), and the country code (972) is typically 9 digits long.
It's important to remember that Israeli phone numbers, like those in many countries, can vary slightly depending on whether you're calling a landline or a mobile phone. While the total length remains 9 digits after the country code, the initial digit can indicate the type of line. Mobile numbers often start with a '5', while landlines have different prefixes depending on the geographic area.
For example, after dialing 011 972, you would then dial a 9-digit number such as 5X-XXX-XXXX (mobile) or 2-XXX-XXXX (landline in Jerusalem; the '2' is the area code). Always confirm the specific number you're dialing, as incorrect digits will prevent the call from connecting.
Are there different dialing codes for different regions within Israel?
No, there are no different area codes or dialing codes for different geographic regions within Israel when calling from the USA. All landlines and mobile phones within Israel share the same country code (+972). After dialing the country code, you will dial the specific phone number, which will begin with a digit (usually 2-9) that identifies the type of number (landline or mobile) but not a specific region.
When calling Israel from the USA, the process is straightforward: First, dial the exit code 011 (the exit code for the US). Next, dial Israel's country code, 972. Finally, dial the local Israeli phone number. It's important to omit the leading '0' that often appears at the beginning of Israeli phone numbers when they are written in the local format. For example, if the Israeli number is written as 05X-XXX-XXXX, you would dial 011-972-5X-XXX-XXXX. Keep in mind that mobile phone numbers in Israel typically start with the digit 5, followed by other digits specifying the mobile network operator. Landline numbers generally start with other digits like 2, 3, 4, 8, or 9 depending on the services. Regardless of the number type, remember that the dialing sequence from the US remains constant: 011 + 972 + the Israeli phone number (without the leading '0').Alright, you should be all set to call Israel now! Thanks for reading, and I hope you have a wonderful conversation. Feel free to pop back anytime you need a little international dialing guidance. We're always happy to help you connect!