Ever felt the frustration of dialing a number repeatedly, only to be met with silence or an error message? Calling Israel from abroad can sometimes feel like navigating a maze, especially with varying country codes, area codes, and international dialing procedures. Staying connected with family, friends, or conducting business across borders is crucial in our interconnected world, and knowing the correct way to dial can save you time, money, and unnecessary headaches. Misdialing can lead to wrong numbers, connection failures, or unexpected charges, making a clear understanding of the process essential.
Whether you're planning a trip, need to contact someone urgently, or are simply keeping in touch with loved ones, mastering the art of dialing Israel is a valuable skill. This guide aims to demystify the process, providing a straightforward and easy-to-follow approach to ensure your calls connect seamlessly. We'll break down the essential steps, explain the different dialing codes, and offer helpful tips to avoid common pitfalls, so you can confidently reach anyone in Israel from anywhere in the world.
What are the area codes and specific dialing instructions I need to know?
What is the correct country code for calling Israel?
The correct country code for calling Israel is +972. You will need to dial this code before the Israeli phone number when calling from another country.
When dialing an Israeli phone number from abroad, the general format is: Exit Code + 972 + Area Code (without the leading zero) + Local Number. The exit code varies depending on the country you are calling *from*. For example, the exit code for the United States and Canada is 011, while the exit code for the United Kingdom is 00. Therefore, if you're calling from the US, you would dial 011 + 972 + Area Code (without the leading zero) + Local Number. It's important to remember to drop the leading zero from the Israeli area code when dialing from abroad. For instance, if the Israeli phone number is 03-1234567, and the area code is 03, you would dial 972-3-1234567 after the appropriate exit code from your location. Failing to remove the leading zero will likely result in your call not connecting. Always double-check the specific exit code for your country before placing the call.Do I need to dial an exit code from my country before the Israel country code?
Yes, you typically need to dial an exit code from your country before dialing the Israel country code (+972). The exit code allows you to dial out of your current country's telephone network and connect to the international network.
Think of the exit code as your country's "get out" button for phone calls. It informs your phone network that you're about to dial a number outside of your current location. The most common exit code is 011 (used in North America), but other countries use different codes. For example, most European countries use 00 as their exit code. You can easily find the correct exit code for your country by searching online for "[Your Country] Exit Code" or "[Your Country] International Dialing Code".
To make an international call to Israel, the general format is: **[Your Country's Exit Code] + 972 + [Israeli Area Code] + [Local Number]**. Remember to drop the leading '0' from the Israeli area code when dialing internationally. For example, if you are calling an Israeli mobile number that starts with 05X-XXX-XXXX, you would dial +972 5X-XXX-XXXX after your country's exit code.
What are the area codes for different regions in Israel?
When calling Israel, it's crucial to know the correct area code for the specific region you're trying to reach. Israel utilizes a system of geographical area codes, typically 2-3 digits long, that precede the local phone number. These area codes ensure your call is routed to the correct destination within the country.
Beyond the international access code (+ or 00 followed by 972 for Israel), you will need the specific area code. For example, the area code for Jerusalem is 02, while Tel Aviv is 03, and Haifa is 04. If you are calling a mobile phone, you will not use an area code. Instead, you will dial the mobile prefix (e.g., 050, 052, 054, 055, 058, 07x, etc.) followed by the mobile subscriber number. This structure is vital for successfully completing your call to an Israeli mobile phone. Remember to drop the leading '0' of the area code when calling from outside Israel. So, instead of dialing 02-xxxxxxx from abroad to reach Jerusalem, you would dial +972-2-xxxxxxx. This is a common point of confusion, but it is essential for correct dialing from international locations. Confirm the specific area code or mobile prefix with the person or business you are trying to contact to avoid dialing errors.How do I call a mobile phone in Israel?
To call a mobile phone in Israel from abroad, you need to dial the international exit code for your country, followed by the Israeli country code (972), then the Israeli mobile phone number, omitting the leading zero. For example, if you're calling from the US and the Israeli mobile number is 05X-XXX-XXXX, you would dial 011-972-5X-XXX-XXXX.
When dialing internationally, it's crucial to first dial your country's exit code, sometimes called the international access code. This code tells your phone network that you're about to make an international call. The most common exit code is 011 (used in North America), but it varies depending on your location. You can easily find your country's exit code with a quick online search. Following the exit code, you'll dial the Israeli country code, which is 972. This tells the phone network that you are calling a number in Israel. Then, Israeli mobile numbers typically start with a zero. This zero is omitted when calling from abroad. The remaining digits of the mobile number follow the country code and should be dialed exactly as they are written. Be sure to double-check all the digits before placing your call to avoid any errors.Are there any time differences to consider when calling Israel?
Yes, you absolutely must consider the time difference when calling Israel. Israel Standard Time (IST) is GMT+2, and Israel observes daylight saving time (IDT) from the Friday before the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October, shifting to GMT+3 during that period. Failing to account for this will likely result in you calling at inconvenient hours, such as the middle of the night.
The time difference between your location and Israel can vary significantly depending on where you are calling from. For example, if you're in New York (EST, GMT-5), Israel is typically 7 hours ahead. During daylight saving time in both locations, this difference remains the same. However, it's critical to remember that the US and Israel do not switch to and from daylight saving time on the same dates. This means there can be a period of a week or two in March and October when the difference is 6 hours. Similarly, for someone in Los Angeles (PST, GMT-8), the time difference is usually 10 hours. To avoid awkward or disruptive calls, always check the current time in Israel before dialing. Many websites and apps provide real-time information on time zones and daylight saving time conversions. A quick online search for "current time in Israel" will give you the accurate time. Consider using a world clock converter to easily calculate the difference between your local time and the time in Israel, particularly if you are calling frequently or scheduling meetings. This extra step will ensure your calls are well-received and conducted at appropriate times.Is it cheaper to use a calling card or VoIP service to call Israel?
Generally, VoIP services are cheaper than calling cards for calling Israel, especially for frequent or longer calls. While calling card rates might appear low initially, hidden fees, connection charges, and short validity periods can quickly inflate the overall cost, making VoIP a more economical choice in most situations.
The cost-effectiveness of VoIP stems from its leveraging of the internet for call transmission. Services like Skype, WhatsApp, Google Voice, and others offer competitive rates to call Israeli landlines and mobile phones, often significantly lower than traditional calling cards. Many also offer subscription plans that provide unlimited or substantial calling minutes for a fixed monthly fee, further reducing costs for those who make regular calls. Furthermore, many VoIP apps allow free calls to other users of the same app, which can be beneficial if you frequently contact people in Israel who also use the same platform. Calling cards often advertise very low per-minute rates, but these can be misleading. Connection fees, maintenance fees (that are taken from the card balance simply for having the card), and expiration dates can eat away at the prepaid balance quickly. Additionally, calling cards often have a high markup on the per-minute rate charged, which can change without notification. The convenience of a calling card can be appealing, but the potential for hidden costs makes VoIP a more transparent and typically cheaper option for calls to Israel.What are some common phrases to know in Hebrew for phone calls?
Knowing a few basic Hebrew phrases can significantly improve your phone calls in Israel. Key phrases include "Shalom" (hello), "Ani medaber/medaberet…" (I am speaking - male/female), "Efes chamesh…" (zero five… - used to state a phone number), "Mi ze?" (Who is this?), "Efshar ledaber im…" (Is it possible to speak with…), "Regah" (one moment), "Ken/Lo" (yes/no), "Bevakasha" (please/you're welcome), "Toda raba" (thank you very much), and "Lehitraot" (goodbye). Mastering these will allow you to initiate, understand, and conclude basic conversations.
Expanding upon these foundational phrases, consider the context of your call. If you're calling a business, phrases like "Ani rotzeh/rotzah le'hazmin…" (I want to order - male/female) or "Ma shearot ha'ptiha shelchem?" (What are your opening hours?) might be useful. If the person you're trying to reach isn't available, you could ask "Eimatai hu/hi yehole lachzor elai?" (When will he/she be able to call me back?). Being able to understand these context-specific phrases will lead to more efficient communication. Also, remember that politeness is always appreciated. Using "Bevakasha" and "Toda raba" generously, even if you're struggling with the language, will create a positive impression. Don’t be afraid to ask the person on the other end to speak slowly ("Le'at bevakasha") or to repeat something ("Efshar lachzor, bevakasha?"). Israelis are generally understanding and willing to help those who are making an effort to speak Hebrew.So, there you have it! You're now armed with the knowledge to call Israel with ease. Thanks for reading, and we hope this guide makes connecting with your friends, family, or colleagues a breeze. Come back anytime you need a little help navigating the world of international calling!