Ever tried calling the UAE and just heard a dial tone echo into the void? Communicating with family, friends, or business partners in the United Arab Emirates from the United States can feel daunting if you're unfamiliar with the correct dialing procedures. While seemingly simple, the intricacies of international calls, from exit codes to country codes, can easily trip you up and lead to failed attempts.
In today's interconnected world, maintaining contact across borders is more vital than ever. Whether it's for strengthening personal relationships, facilitating international business deals, or accessing crucial support services, knowing how to reliably and efficiently dial the UAE from the US is a valuable skill. Missing a crucial call due to dialing errors is simply unacceptable. A few simple steps can ensure that your conversations go as planned.
What's the Correct Way to Dial the UAE from the US?
What's the complete dialing code for UAE from the US?
The complete dialing code you need to call the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from the United States is 011-971, followed by the specific local number.
When making an international call from the US, you first need to dial the exit code, which is 011. This code tells the US telephone network that you're about to make an international call. Next, you dial the country code for the UAE, which is 971. This directs the call to the UAE's telephone network. Finally, you dial the local phone number, which might include an area code if you are calling a landline. Be sure to remove any leading zeros that might be present in the local number when dialing internationally. For example, if you were calling a number in Dubai, which often has the area code 04 (though this is usually omitted when dialing internationally from within the UAE), and the local number was 1234567, you would dial 011-971-4-1234567. With mobile numbers, which commonly start with '5', you would drop the zero and dial 011-971-5xxxxxxxx. Keep in mind that international calling rates can vary significantly depending on your phone plan. Contact your phone provider for specific details about international calling costs to the UAE. Some Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services may offer cheaper rates, so it's worth exploring those options as well.Are there cheaper alternatives to calling UAE from the US?
Yes, there are significantly cheaper alternatives to making international calls to the UAE from the US than using traditional phone companies. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, mobile apps, and international calling cards offer cost-effective solutions by leveraging internet connectivity or pre-purchased minutes.
Calling the UAE directly through your US mobile carrier or landline provider typically incurs high per-minute rates and additional fees. VoIP services like Skype, WhatsApp, Viber, and Google Voice use the internet to make calls, often charging substantially lower rates, or even offering free calls to other users on the same platform. These apps require both the caller and the recipient to have the app installed for free calls, but often provide affordable rates to call mobile and landlines in the UAE. Another option is using international calling cards. These prepaid cards allow you to purchase a certain amount of talk time at a reduced rate. You dial an access number, enter a PIN, and then dial the UAE number. While convenient, be sure to check for hidden fees, expiration dates, and connection charges before purchasing a card.Do I need to dial a different code for mobile phones in UAE?
Yes, you don't dial differently based on whether the number in the UAE is a mobile or landline. The dialing code sequence is the same: Exit Code (011 from the US) + Country Code (971 for UAE) + Area Code (if applicable and required) + Phone Number.
Dialing a mobile phone in the UAE from the US requires using the same international dialing prefix and country code as dialing a landline. The key is to ensure you have the correct UAE country code (971) and that you drop any leading zeros that might be part of the local UAE phone number. Sometimes, particularly with older instructions, you might see people stating different area codes must be used when calling a mobile number within the UAE, but that's no longer the case. The standard format for dialing a UAE number from the US is: 011 + 971 + Phone Number (without the leading zero). For example, if the UAE mobile number is 050 123 4567, you would dial 011 971 50 123 4567. Failure to follow this format will likely result in a failed call. Be sure to double check the specific phone number before dialing, as incorrect digits can still lead to issues.How does time zone difference affect when I should call UAE?
The time zone difference between the US and the UAE significantly impacts the optimal calling time. The UAE is generally 9 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST). Therefore, you need to consider the UAE's business hours and your recipient's availability to avoid calling at inconvenient times like late at night or early in the morning. Planning your call around these factors will increase the likelihood of a successful connection.
To effectively determine the best time to call, start by identifying your time zone. The US spans several time zones, including EST, Central Standard Time (CST), Mountain Standard Time (MST), and Pacific Standard Time (PST). Once you know your time zone, calculate the time difference with the UAE. For example, if it's 9 AM EST in New York, it's 6 PM in the UAE. Most businesses in the UAE operate from Sunday to Thursday, roughly between 8 AM and 5 PM Gulf Standard Time (GST). Friday and Saturday are generally weekends.
Bearing the above in mind, the best time to call the UAE from the US would generally be early in the morning in the US (EST) to catch them during their late afternoon business hours. A call around 7 AM to 10 AM EST would likely correspond to 4 PM to 7 PM in the UAE. Consider daylight saving time in both locations, as this can shift the time difference by an hour. Always double-check the current time difference and the UAE's observed holidays to ensure your call aligns with their working hours.
Will my US cell plan charge international rates for calling UAE?
Yes, your US cell plan will almost certainly charge international rates when you call the UAE. Calling a foreign country from the US is considered an international call and falls outside of the scope of typical domestic US calling plans.
When you dial the UAE from the US, your call is routed through international telecommunications networks. Your US carrier incurs costs to connect your call to the UAE's phone system. These costs are then passed on to you in the form of international calling rates. The exact rate will depend on your specific cell plan and carrier; some plans offer international calling add-ons or packages that provide discounted rates or a certain amount of free minutes to specific countries. Without such an add-on, you'll typically be charged a per-minute rate that can range from a few cents to several dollars. Before making an international call to the UAE, it's crucial to check with your cell phone provider to understand their international calling rates and any available options for reducing those costs. Consider exploring alternative methods like using VoIP services (e.g., Skype, WhatsApp, Google Voice) which often offer significantly cheaper rates for international calls, especially if the person you are calling in the UAE also uses the same service. These services utilize the internet rather than traditional phone lines, bypassing international calling charges from your cell provider.What's the difference between using a calling card vs. VoIP to call UAE?
The primary difference between using a calling card and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) to call the UAE from the US boils down to the underlying technology and associated costs: calling cards leverage traditional phone networks and pre-purchased minutes, typically incurring per-minute charges and potential connection fees, while VoIP uses an internet connection to transmit voice data, often offering lower per-minute rates or even unlimited calling plans.
Calling cards operate by providing you with an access number and a PIN. You dial the access number, enter your PIN, and then dial the international number for the UAE (011 + 971 + UAE number). The call is then routed through the calling card provider's network, often using a combination of landlines and cellular connections. While they can offer cost savings compared to direct dialing, calling cards often have hidden fees, such as maintenance charges, connection fees, or rounding up call durations to the nearest minute. Call quality can also be inconsistent depending on the card and network congestion. VoIP services, on the other hand, transmit your voice data over the internet. You typically use a VoIP app on your smartphone, computer, or a dedicated VoIP phone. This means that instead of relying on traditional phone lines, your call is converted into data packets and sent over the internet to the UAE. Popular VoIP providers include Skype, WhatsApp, Google Voice, and Viber, each offering different pricing models. The advantage of VoIP is generally lower per-minute rates or subscription-based unlimited calling plans to specific countries. However, VoIP call quality depends heavily on your internet connection speed and stability. A weak or unreliable internet connection can result in dropped calls or poor audio quality. Ultimately, the best option depends on your calling habits. If you make infrequent, short calls, a calling card might be sufficient. However, for frequent or longer calls to the UAE, VoIP is often the more cost-effective and convenient choice, provided you have a reliable internet connection.Is there a specific format for saving UAE phone numbers in my phone?
Yes, it's generally best practice to save UAE phone numbers in your phone using the international format: +971 followed by the phone number (without the leading zero of the area code or mobile prefix). This ensures you can call the number correctly from anywhere in the world, including the US, without having to manually add the country code each time.
Using the international format (+971 for UAE) is crucial because it includes the country code, which is necessary for your phone to correctly route the call through the international telecommunications network. When you dial a number directly from your contacts that is saved in the international format, your phone automatically recognizes the need for an international call and handles the routing without any extra steps from you. This eliminates confusion, especially if you're traveling or frequently call international numbers. Saving your contacts in this format also ensures compatibility across different phones and operating systems. While some phones might automatically recognize and adjust local formats, relying on this can lead to inconsistencies. Sticking to the universally accepted international format guarantees that the number will be dialed correctly, regardless of the device or location from which the call is being placed. For example, a UAE mobile number that might be written locally as 050 123 4567 should be saved in your phone as +971501234567. Note that the "0" from "050" is removed.Alright, you're all set to give your friends and family in the UAE a call! Hopefully, this guide made the process a little less confusing. Thanks for stopping by, and feel free to pop back in if you ever need a refresher or have any other international dialing dilemmas. Happy chatting!