How To Dial To Spain From Usa

Ever found yourself staring at a phone, completely baffled by international dialing codes? You're not alone! Connecting with friends, family, or business contacts in Spain from the USA might seem complicated, but it's actually quite straightforward once you understand the simple process. Whether you're planning a long-awaited vacation, need to collaborate with a Spanish colleague, or simply want to chat with loved ones across the Atlantic, knowing how to correctly dial Spain is essential for seamless communication.

Incorrect dialing can lead to frustrating errors, wasted time, and even unexpected charges. Ensuring you have the right steps down prevents these headaches and guarantees you'll reach your desired contact. This guide is designed to clearly explain the process, step by step, and answer common questions, allowing you to easily connect with Spain from the United States.

What number do I dial first?

What is the correct exit code when I dial to Spain from the US?

The correct exit code when dialing to Spain from the US is 011. You must dial this code before the country code for Spain and the Spanish phone number itself.

The exit code, also sometimes referred to as an international access code, instructs the US phone system that you are dialing a number outside of the country. It signals that the following digits represent an international phone number. Different countries use different exit codes; for example, many European countries use '00' as their exit code. Always verify the correct exit code based on your location when placing an international call.

Once you dial '011', you must then enter the country code for Spain, which is '34'. Following the country code, you will dial the Spanish phone number. Spanish phone numbers typically consist of nine digits. Therefore, the complete dialing sequence from the US to Spain would be: 011 + 34 + nine-digit Spanish phone number.

Do I need to add a "+" or "011" before the Spain country code?

Yes, when calling Spain from the USA, you typically need to dial "011" before the Spain country code (34). The "011" is the exit code for the United States, which tells your phone provider that you're making an international call. You can also use the "+" symbol in place of "011" – this is especially useful when calling from a mobile phone.

When dialing internationally, it's crucial to understand the exit code for the country you're calling from and the country code for the country you're calling to. The exit code signals to your local phone network that you are about to dial a number outside of your country. Using the "+" symbol automates this, as your mobile phone will automatically replace it with the correct exit code based on your current location. So, you can reliably use the "+" symbol instead of "011" regardless of where you are.

Here's a quick breakdown of what the full dial string looks like:

Therefore, a typical call to a Spanish number would be dialed as 011 34 followed by the Spanish phone number, or +34 followed by the Spanish phone number.

What's the country code for Spain when calling from the USA?

The country code for Spain is 34. When calling Spain from the USA, you will need to dial 011 (the exit code for the US), then 34 (Spain's country code), followed by the Spanish phone number.

To successfully call a Spanish phone number from the United States, remember this dialing format: 011 + 34 + Spanish phone number. It's important to note that Spanish phone numbers can vary in length, but typically consist of nine digits. You must include all nine digits *after* the country code. Before dialing, be aware of the time difference. Spain observes Central European Time (CET) during standard time and Central European Summer Time (CEST) during daylight saving time, which is typically several hours ahead of most US time zones. Calling at inappropriate hours could be disruptive.

How does dialing a Spanish mobile number differ from a landline?

When dialing a Spanish mobile number from the USA, the dialing code remains the same (+34), but you must always include the full 9-digit mobile number. There's no distinction in the dialing sequence itself; both landlines and mobiles use the same country code, area code (if any, though largely phased out), and subscriber number structure. The crucial difference lies in the number itself: mobile numbers always begin with a 6 or 7 in Spain (e.g., 6XX XXX XXX or 7XX XXX XXX) whereas landlines used to have area codes (e.g., 91 for Madrid) before the subscriber number, but now often start with a 8 or 9 directly followed by the subscriber number since the area codes have been integrated into the subscriber number.

The reason why you dial them similarly stems from a regulatory change in Spain. Previously, landline numbers required you to dial the specific area code even when calling within that same area. However, this requirement was eliminated to simplify dialing and create a more unified numbering system. Now, all calls within Spain, regardless of whether they are to a landline or mobile, utilize the full 9-digit number. This harmonization also extends to international calls from countries like the USA; the full 9-digit number, prefixed by the international dialing code (+34), is always required. So, to reiterate for absolute clarity: When calling Spain from the USA: 1) Dial 011 (the exit code for the US). 2) Dial 34 (the country code for Spain). 3) Dial the 9-digit Spanish phone number (whether landline or mobile). For example: 011-34-6XXXXXXXX or 011-34-9XXXXXXXX. The "6" or "9" at the beginning of the Spanish number dictates whether it was originally allocated as a mobile or landline number respectively, but the dialing procedure remains identical.

Are there any area codes I need to be aware of when dialing specific cities in Spain?

Yes, when dialing Spain from the USA, you need to be aware that Spain does not use traditional "area codes" like the US. Instead, they utilize a single-digit or two-digit prefix (similar to an area code) for geographical locations *followed* by a nine-digit phone number. These prefixes are integrated into the full phone number and must be dialed even when calling from within Spain.

Think of the Spanish prefixes as being part of the overall phone number. For example, a landline in Madrid might start with '91', while a mobile phone could start with '6'. When dialing from the USA, you'll dial the exit code (011), the country code for Spain (34), and then the *entire* nine-digit Spanish phone number, including the initial prefix. So, if a Spanish number is 912 345 678, you would dial 011 34 912 345 678.

Therefore, you don't need to worry about looking up specific "area codes" for cities like Barcelona or Valencia. Focus on obtaining the complete nine-digit phone number. Always dial the full number provided, starting after the country code (34). It is also worth noting that mobile numbers in Spain always start with the number '6' or '7', landlines start with '8' or '9'.

Will my US mobile plan work to call Spain, or will I need an international plan?

Whether your US mobile plan will work to call Spain depends entirely on the specific terms of your plan. Many standard US mobile plans do not include international calls, and attempting to call Spain without an international add-on or feature could result in significant per-minute charges. It's essential to check with your mobile carrier to confirm if international calling to Spain is included, and if not, to understand the associated costs or explore available international plans.

To determine the best course of action, contact your mobile provider (e.g., Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) directly. Ask them specifically about calling Spain from the US. They can tell you if your current plan includes international calling, what the per-minute rates are if it's not included, and what international plan options are available. Some providers offer daily or monthly international packages that might be more cost-effective than paying per minute, especially if you plan to make multiple calls. Consider alternative options, too. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like WhatsApp, Skype, Google Voice, and FaceTime can be used to call Spanish phone numbers or other users of the same app, often at significantly lower costs or even free (using Wi-Fi or your data plan). Ensure that the person you are calling in Spain also has the same application installed on their device. Calling via these applications can sometimes be a more economical and convenient way to stay connected.

Are there any apps that can help me dial Spain from the US more cheaply?

Yes, numerous apps can significantly reduce the cost of calling Spain from the US by leveraging Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology or offering international calling plans.

These apps bypass traditional phone company charges by routing your calls over the internet. Many of these apps offer calling plans specifically tailored to international calls, including those to Spain. The cost savings can be substantial, often significantly cheaper than using your mobile carrier's international calling rates. Some popular options include Skype, WhatsApp, Viber, Google Voice, and specialized international calling apps like Rebtel or Vonage Mobile. These apps typically offer pay-as-you-go rates, monthly subscriptions, or credits, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your calling needs and frequency. When selecting an app, consider the call quality, ease of use, features (such as video calling or messaging), and, of course, the cost per minute to call Spain. Also, remember that the person you are calling in Spain may need to have the same app installed for some apps to work, especially for free calls. Researching user reviews and comparing pricing structures before committing to a specific app is advisable to ensure you find the most cost-effective and reliable solution for your communication needs.

So there you have it! Calling Spain from the USA doesn't have to be a mystery. Hopefully, this guide has made the process clear and easy for you. Thanks for reading, and we hope you have a fantastic conversation with your friends, family, or colleagues in Spain! Feel free to pop back any time you need a quick refresher or have other international calling questions. ¡Hasta luego!