In the face of competition from instant messaging apps like WhatsApp and Messenger, traditional voice calls have seen a significant decline in recent years. Nevertheless, there are situations where it’s necessary, if not crucial, to make international voice calls from your iPhone. However, it’s essential to know how to connect with a recipient based abroad. Here are some handy tips for making international calls and avoiding surprises on your phone bill.
Everything You Need to Know Before Making an International Call
Making an international call from an iPhone might seem intimidating at first, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the rules of the international numbering system. However, with a few helpful tips, you can easily overcome these technical hurdles.
Before attempting to call someone living abroad, make sure your mobile plan allows for international calls. Most subscriptions do, but some carriers may charge extra for international calls.
Log in to your customer area on your carrier’s website to check the terms of your contract. If necessary, activate the International Calls option in your account settings. While you’re there, check the rates for international voice calls.
These types of calls can sometimes incur additional fees, so it’s better to be informed before ending up with a huge phone bill at the end of the month.
Note that some telecommunications companies offer unlimited calls to certain European and North American countries in their subscriptions. Be sure to inquire, as you might be pleasantly surprised. Also, see how to decline a call on your iPhone.
How to Dial an International Call from an iPhone
When you want to make a phone call to a foreign country, you need to dial the exit code. This code (usually the digits 00) informs the telephone operator that you want to establish communication with a number outside the calling country.
Next, enter the country code of the number you’re calling. Below is a non-exhaustive list of international telephone codes for a few countries.
- USA and Canada: 1
- France: 33
- Morocco: 212
- Algeria: 213
- Tunisia: 216
- Belgium: 32
- Italy: 39
- Spain: 34
You can find the complete list of international telephone codes on Wikipedia. Be sure to verify the code for the country where your contact is located before making the call.
Follow these steps to make the call:
- Pick up your iPhone
- Tap the phone icon to launch the Phone app
- Press the Keypad tab to bring up the dial pad
- Hold your finger on the 0 key until the + symbol appears on the screen
- Enter the country code where your contact is located
- Dial your contact’s number
- For example, for Greece, you would dial 00 (+) 30 followed by your contact’s number
- Tap the green icon to initiate the call
As you can see, making an international call from an iPhone isn’t particularly challenging. Don’t forget to save your contact’s number in your phone book to avoid entering the exit code and country code each time.
Why Are We Making More and More International Calls?
With economic and financial globalization, international exchanges have multiplied, and the need to communicate with people based abroad has become increasingly common.
Similarly, sometimes a friend or family member moves to another country. To stay in touch and catch up, you’ll need to know how to make an international call with your iPhone.
Unfortunately, between exit codes, international codes, and exorbitant rates charged by some carriers, making an international call from an iPhone can quickly become a headache.
Don’t worry. By following the tips and using helpful apps provided in this tutorial, you can communicate with someone living in another country without blowing up your phone bill.
