Ever dreamt of connecting with family in Tokyo, sealing a crucial business deal with a Kyoto company, or simply sharing your travel adventures with friends back home from a bustling Osaka market? Making an international call might seem daunting, but fear not! Calling Japan from anywhere in the world is easier than you think, and understanding the process can save you time, money, and potential frustration.
In an increasingly globalized world, reliable communication is paramount. Whether it’s for personal connections, professional collaborations, or even emergency situations, knowing the correct steps to dial internationally is a vital skill. Misdialing can lead to wasted time, incorrect charges, and missed opportunities. This guide provides a clear and concise breakdown of how to successfully call Japan from anywhere, covering everything from exit codes to time zone differences.
What number do I dial, and when is the best time to call?
What’s the international dialing code to call Japan?
The international dialing code to call Japan is +81. You’ll need to dial this code before the area code and phone number when calling from outside of Japan.
Calling Japan from abroad requires a specific sequence of numbers. First, you need the exit code for the country you are calling from. This code signals to your phone network that you are making an international call. For example, in the United States and Canada, the exit code is 011. After the exit code, you enter the international dialing code for Japan, which is +81. Following the +81, you’ll need to dial the area code for the specific region within Japan you are trying to reach. It’s crucial to remember to drop the leading ‘0’ from the area code when dialing internationally. For example, if you’re calling Tokyo, which has an area code of 03, you would dial 81 3 followed by the local phone number. Finally, enter the local phone number of the person or business you are trying to contact. The entire sequence would look something like this (using a hypothetical Tokyo number): 011 81 3 1234 5678 (if calling from the US).
Are there cheaper ways to call Japan than using my phone plan?
Yes, there are significantly cheaper alternatives to calling Japan than relying on your standard phone plan, which often charges high per-minute rates for international calls. These alternatives primarily leverage Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology or utilize calling apps.
Several popular options offer lower costs and sometimes even free calls to Japan. Calling apps like WhatsApp, Skype, Viber, and LINE (which is especially popular in Japan) allow you to make voice and video calls to other users of the same app completely free of charge, provided you and the person you’re calling both have internet access. If you need to call a landline or mobile phone number in Japan, these apps usually offer competitive rates that are much lower than traditional phone plans. Another avenue to explore is international calling cards or services specifically designed for cost-effective calls to Japan. These services often require you to purchase credits upfront, and they can provide significant savings, particularly if you make frequent or lengthy calls. Comparing the rates and features of different calling apps, services, and international calling cards will help you identify the most affordable option tailored to your specific calling habits and needs.
What’s the time difference between my location and Japan?
The time difference between your location and Japan depends entirely on where you are located in the world. Japan Standard Time (JST) is UTC+9, meaning Japan is 9 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). To calculate the difference, determine your local time’s offset from UTC and then subtract that offset from Japan’s (UTC+9).
To illustrate, if you are in New York City (Eastern Standard Time, EST), which is UTC-5 during standard time and UTC-4 during daylight saving time, the time difference is either 14 hours (9 - (-5) = 14) or 13 hours (9 - (-4) = 13) ahead of New York, respectively. This means if it’s noon in New York during standard time, it would be 2 AM the next day in Japan. Keep in mind Japan does not observe daylight saving time, so the time difference remains constant throughout the year. To easily find the exact time difference, you can use online time zone converters. Simply enter your current location and “Tokyo, Japan” to see the precise difference and the current time in both locations. This will automatically account for any daylight saving time adjustments in your location, giving you the most accurate information for planning your call to Japan.
Do I need to drop the leading zero from the Japanese phone number?
Yes, when calling Japan from outside the country, you typically need to drop the leading zero from the area code. This is a common practice when dialing international numbers, as the international dialing code replaces that initial zero.
When you dial internationally to Japan, you will first dial your country’s exit code (often “011” from North America or “00” from Europe), then Japan’s country code (81). After that, you dial the area code and the subscriber number. The trick is, the area code in Japan often starts with a zero. You must omit this leading zero. For example, if a Japanese phone number is 03-1234-5678, and the area code is “03,” you would dial it as +81 3 1234 5678 from outside Japan. However, it’s important to remember that this rule *only* applies when calling from *outside* of Japan. If you are calling a Japanese phone number *from within* Japan, you *must* include the leading zero. The zero is necessary for the domestic phone network to correctly route the call. So, if you are already in Japan, dial the number exactly as it is written.
Are there any apps I can use to make free or low-cost calls to Japan?
Yes, several apps enable free or low-cost calls to Japan by leveraging Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. These apps typically use Wi-Fi or cellular data to connect you to Japanese phone numbers, often at significantly cheaper rates than traditional phone carriers, and sometimes even for free depending on the app’s offerings and any promotional credits.
Many popular apps provide this functionality. WhatsApp, Viber, and Facebook Messenger allow free calls to Japan if the person you’re calling also uses the same app. These are great options if you frequently communicate with specific individuals. For calls to landlines or mobile phones in Japan regardless of whether the recipient uses the same app, consider services like Skype, Google Voice, or specialized international calling apps like Rebtel or Talkatone. These services usually offer competitive per-minute rates or monthly subscription plans for international calls. When selecting an app, consider factors such as call quality, ease of use, reliability, and cost structure. Some apps may offer free trial periods or promotional credits, allowing you to test the service before committing. Also, pay attention to data usage, especially if you’re calling over a cellular network, as international calls can consume a significant amount of data. Finally, be mindful of potential privacy concerns and ensure the app you choose has a reputable privacy policy.
Alright, you’re all set to give your friend (or your favorite ramen shop!) a ring in Japan. Thanks for stopping by, and hopefully, this cleared up any confusion. We’re always adding new tips and tricks, so feel free to swing back anytime you’re planning your next international call! Happy chatting!