What’s the correct exit code to call Italy from the USA?
The correct exit code to call Italy from the USA is 011. This code signals to the US telephone network that you are about to dial an international number.
Calling Italy from the United States involves a specific sequence of numbers. First, you dial the exit code, which as mentioned is 011. This alerts the US phone system that you are making an international call. Next, you must dial the country code for Italy, which is 39. Finally, you dial the Italian phone number you are trying to reach, remembering to omit the leading zero if it exists in the Italian number.
For example, if you are trying to call an Italian phone number +39 06 1234567 (where 06 is the area code for Rome), you would dial 011-39-6-1234567. Note that the leading zero in the “06” area code is dropped when dialing internationally. Different regions may also have specific considerations depending on the phone service provider, so consulting the provider’s website or customer service may be helpful if issues arise.
What’s the Italy country code?
The country code for Italy is +39. This code is essential when dialing a phone number in Italy from outside the country.
To call Italy from the USA, you’ll first need to dial the exit code for the United States (011), then the Italy country code (+39), followed by the Italian phone number. The Italian phone number will vary in length and structure depending on whether it’s a mobile number or a landline, and the geographical area. Omitting the country code will result in your call not connecting. The typical format for calling an Italian number from the US is: 011 + 39 + [Italian phone number]. For example, if the Italian number is 333-123-4567, you would dial 011393331234567. Remember that mobile numbers in Italy usually start with a “3,” while landline numbers include an area code. Ignoring these details will result in the call failing or connecting to the wrong number.
Do I need to drop the leading zero of the area code when calling an Italian mobile number?
Yes, when calling an Italian mobile number from the USA, you absolutely need to drop the leading zero from the area code. Italian area codes, including those for mobile numbers, typically include a leading zero when dialed within Italy. However, when calling internationally, this leading zero must be omitted for the call to be routed correctly.
When dialing an Italian mobile number from the United States, you would follow this general format: 011 (the exit code for the US) + 39 (Italy’s country code) + the Italian mobile number *without* the leading zero. For example, if the Italian mobile number is 0347 1234567, you would dial 011 39 347 1234567. Including the leading zero will most likely result in your call failing to connect. Remember that mobile numbers in Italy will always start with a ‘3’ followed by two digits, such as 328 or 349. This is a helpful identifier when trying to discern if a number is indeed a mobile number, though this doesn’t change the rule of dropping the leading zero when calling internationally. Always double-check the number format to ensure you are dialing correctly and avoiding any potential misdials.
How much does it typically cost per minute to call Italy?
The cost to call Italy from the USA can vary widely, ranging from as low as $0.01 per minute to upwards of $1.00 or more, depending on the method you choose. Factors influencing the price include whether you’re using a traditional landline, a mobile phone plan, a VoIP service, or a calling card, as well as whether you’re calling a landline or a mobile phone in Italy.
The cheapest options generally involve using internet-based services. VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services like Skype, Google Voice, WhatsApp, and Viber often offer very competitive rates, especially when calling other users of the same service, where calls can often be free. Many mobile phone providers also offer international calling plans that bundle a certain number of minutes for a flat monthly fee, which can significantly reduce the per-minute cost if you make frequent calls to Italy. Conversely, using a traditional landline or mobile phone plan without an international package can be the most expensive option, as standard international rates often apply. Calling cards can offer lower per-minute rates than standard plans, but it’s crucial to carefully compare the fine print for connection fees, maintenance charges, and expiration dates, which can quickly inflate the actual cost. Also, note that calling mobile phones in Italy is usually more expensive than calling landlines, regardless of the method used.
Are there any free apps I can use to call Italy?
Yes, there are several free apps you can use to call Italy from the USA, provided both you and the person you’re calling have the app installed and a stable internet connection. These apps typically use VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology, meaning they transmit voice data over the internet instead of traditional phone lines.
Many popular apps offer free calling between users, regardless of location. Some of the most well-known options include WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, FaceTime (for Apple users), Viber, and Telegram. The “free” aspect applies when calling another user of the same app; you’re only using your data or Wi-Fi connection. These apps generally offer both audio and video calling capabilities, making them a versatile choice for staying in touch. However, it’s important to be aware of potential limitations. While the app itself may be free to download and use for calls between users of the same platform, data charges from your mobile carrier or internet service provider may still apply. Also, calling landlines or mobile numbers in Italy directly from these apps usually requires purchasing credits or a subscription, which would no longer be considered “free”. It’s also worth noting that call quality can be heavily dependent on the strength and stability of your internet connection. A weak Wi-Fi signal or a slow data connection can lead to dropped calls or poor audio quality. Before relying on a specific app for important calls, it’s wise to test it out with a short call to ensure it meets your needs.
What are the time differences between the USA and Italy?
The time difference between the USA and Italy varies depending on the specific location in the USA and the time of year, due to daylight saving time (DST) observances in both countries. Generally, Italy is 6 to 9 hours ahead of the continental United States. For example, during standard time, Italy is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST) and 9 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time (PST).
The variability stems from the fact that the USA has multiple time zones (Eastern, Central, Mountain, Pacific, Alaskan, and Hawaiian-Aleutian) and both countries observe daylight saving time, although on slightly different schedules. Italy follows Central European Time (CET) during standard time and Central European Summer Time (CEST) during DST. The USA’s DST schedule can differ from Italy’s, leading to periods where the time difference is temporarily shifted by an hour. Therefore, it’s crucial to check the current time in both locations before placing a call to avoid inconveniently waking someone up. To accurately determine the time difference, you can use online time zone converters or check the current time in a specific Italian city (like Rome or Milan) and compare it to your local time. Keep in mind that Arizona (except for the Navajo Nation) does not observe DST, so the time difference remains constant year-round. Similarly, Hawaii and some US territories don’t observe DST. These exceptions further complicate the calculation, emphasizing the need for verification before calling.