A Complete Guide to Make International Calls to USA in 2023

Individuals face a lot of dilemmas when making international calls, whether to the USA or any other country. But international calling is not as complex as hyped. On the contrary, it has gotten way easier than earlier. Multiple applications and systems are available for making international calls swiftly.

Different applications are available for different kinds of usage; for example, applications like WhatsApp, Telegram, etc., are mainly used for making international calls and messages for personal use. Whereas applications like DialerHQ provide virtual phone numbers and solutions for small businesses, providers like CallHippo offer international calling solutions to medium and large-scale businesses.

 

According to a study, 67% of businesses can handle calls effectively with a VoIP or virtual phone system. So, day by day, it is getting easier for businesses and individuals to make international calls to the USA from any country.

How to Make An International Call to the USA?

You need to dial the number when making an international call to the USA in a specific format. When calling the USA from another country, there are specific aspects that you shant miss when dialing internationally. Below is a detailed explanation of making international calls to the USA.

Note: The process mentioned below will be similar for most countries.

Let’s understand the process step by step.

Step 1: Enter the country’s exit code (source country)

The initial step when conducting any international call is to enter the country’s exit code from where you are dialing. Also called International Access Codes (IAC) they are a form of a number without which international calling is impossible. The most prevalent exits codes are ‘00’ and ‘011’. Also, whenever you call from a cell phone, you need to add the exit code, but before that, you must add ‘+.’

Step 2: Enter the country code (destination country)

When making international calls to the USA, you must add the USA country code after dialing the exit code, i.e., ‘+1.’ Note that, unlike the exit code, every country has a different country code, and without dialing that country code, you won’t be able to connect the call in that specific country.

Step 3: Enter the area code

After entering the exit code and country code, now, according to the international calling format, you need to add the area code of the region you want to call. Like country codes, every area/region in any country has been assigned a separate code. These area codes consist of 2-3 digits.

There can be some regions that will have many area codes. For example, California has 36 area codes. It depends on the size of the region the larger the area more area codes will be assigned. But generally, most of the areas have a single code.

Step 4: Enter the cell number

After entering the exit code, country code, and area code, all you need to do is enter the recipient’s landline or cell number, and your call will be connected. Let’s understand it with an example.

Suppose you are calling from India to Los Angeles, US, then the complete format of the number will be ‘00 (IAC) – 1 (US Country Code) – 213 (Area Code) – 256 8479 (Phone number).’

Hence, to successfully make international calls to the USA, you must accurately follow the steps mentioned above. You just need to ensure that the details entered are correct.

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How to Get a US Virtual Phone Number?

Getting a US virtual phone number is smart as it is cost-effective, advanced, and pretty straightforward. Unlike traditional telecom carriers that are way more costly and don’t provide appropriate services, going for a virtual phone number provided is a far better option. Many providers offer the US virtual phone number at different prices with different services. Based on your requirement and budget, you can choose a provider.

Once you have chosen a provider, you need to follow a few steps and start making and receiving calls. The steps are as follows:

Step 1: Create an account and enter all the relevant information.

Step 2: Select a plan from the options that best fit your requirements.

Step 3: After choosing a plan, select the USA as a country, and you’ll be provided a list of numbers available. Select a number from that list.

Step 4: After selecting a phone number, complete the verification process and configure the forwarding and voicemail settings.

Step 5: Start making and receiving calls and messages from that virtual phone number.

Hence, this is how you can get a US virtual phone number without any major hassle, and you’ll be able to make international calls to the USA easily. Now, let’s look at the international calling rates in the USA.

International Calling Rates to the USA

International calling rates to the USA can vary depending on the country you are calling from and the service provider you are using. Basically, there are three methods through which you can make international calls to the USA, they are as follows –

1. Phone carrier
2. Calling applications
3. Virtual phone number providers

From the methods stated above, it depends on the frequency of calls you make to the US. Based on the frequency, you can choose a method with effective international calling rates that won’t drain your budget.

1. Phone Carrier

Phone carrier is a better option when you have to make international calls occasionally, as this is the costliest method compared to other methods. Also, their services are basic, and high calling rates are levied on making international calls to the USA.

2. Calling Applications

Another popular method of making international calls to the USA in a cost-effective manner that phone carrier is through international calling applications. With these applications, you can make international calls over Wifi. All you need is an internet connection and a cell phone, and you are good to go. 

But this method is effective for personal purposes or small businesses. For large-scale businesses, this method might not be that effective. Some famous calling applications are WhatsApp, Skype, Telegram, Zoom, DialerHQ, etc.

3. Virtual Phone Number Providers

This is the most popular international calling method in the business fraternity. Virtual phone number providers, also known as VoIP services. It operates on a technology where users can make calls via the internet, and no sim card or carrier plans are required. A plan and a virtual number must be purchased from the provider, and you are ready to make calls.

This is the best method for businesses to conduct their calling operations and have a seamless international calling experience. There are VoIP providers like CallHippo that offer free virtual phone numbers with advanced functionalities.

Hence these are the methods through which you can make international calls to the USA at different rates. However, you can choose a method based on your budget and the frequency of calls.

Benefits of Virtual Phone Number

Getting a virtual phone number greatly benefits a business looking to expand or reach out to potential customers. With virtual phone numbers, businesses can streamline their international calling operations and get a seamless calling experience. Let’s look at the benefits of a virtual phone number.

1. Cost-effective

Virtual phone numbers can be availed by all kinds and sizes of businesses based on their budget. Also, virtual phone numbers don’t come with sim cards; as a result, you don’t need hardwired resources to make or receive calls. All that is required is an internet connection, and you are good to go.

2. Provides Flexibility

With a virtual phone number, you are tied with the traditional telephony system. You can make and receive calls from anywhere and on any device you prefer. Many virtual phone providers provide mobile and web-based applications to conduct calling operations.

3. Enhanced Productivity

As virtual phone numbers are easy to adapt. The calling process can be scaled quickly, which leads to achieving the desired results. Virtual phone numbers come with advanced reporting and analytics features that offer important insights to organizations. With these insights, organizations can amend the strategies of the processes and enhance productivity.

4. Offer Local Presence

By choosing a virtual phone number, the organization can get the country’s local presence. For example, if you are taking a USA virtual number when you call the recipient, it will seem that you are calling from the USA itself. This is highly advantageous for business.

5. Seamless Connectivity

The virtual phone number providers leverage advanced technologies, so there is little to no downtime. So, the calling operations can be conducted seamlessly without any hassle. Moreover, It offers automation and pliability so that the employees can make and receive calls from remote locations by just connecting to the internet.

Hence, there are many advantages of a virtual phone number for all kinds and sizes of businesses. In the next section, we’ll look at the most commonly used US area codes.

Most Commonly Used US Area Codes

The geographical area size of the US is massive. As a result, the states in the country possess a large area size, and due to that, many states possess more than one area code. Here is the list of some of the commonly used US area codes.

Hence, these are the most prevalent US area codes that are most commonly used for calling internationally.

Wrapping Up

VoIP systems is essential for having a seamless and effective international calling experience. According to a study, one-third of businesses, i.e., almost 31%, use VoIP systems. This is because VoIP solutions streamline the business process and enhance efficiency, enabling organizations to achieve determined goals.

So, getting a virtual phone system will make your business calling process more effective, and you’ll be able to handle international phone calls effectively. All in all, getting a virtual phone number is the best for your business as they are cost-effective and offer many other features.