Ever tried deciphering international dialing codes in a panic to call a loved one in Japan? Communicating across continents can feel daunting, especially when you’re facing a jumble of numbers and unfamiliar processes. Staying connected with friends, family, or business partners in Japan is more crucial than ever in our increasingly globalized world. Whether it’s for keeping in touch with relatives, coordinating important business deals, or simply sharing a life update, knowing how to make a phone call to Japan from the USA is a valuable skill.
This guide will break down the process of calling Japan from the United States into easy-to-understand steps, eliminating confusion and ensuring your calls connect seamlessly. We’ll cover everything from the necessary exit codes and country codes to time zone considerations and cost-effective calling options, enabling you to bridge the distance with confidence.
What are the most common questions about calling Japan from the USA?
What’s the correct dialing code to call Japan from the USA?
The correct dialing code to call Japan from the USA is 011-81. You must first dial the exit code for the US (011), followed by Japan’s country code (81), then the specific area code in Japan, and finally the recipient’s phone number.
Calling internationally can seem confusing at first, but breaking it down into steps makes it much simpler. The “011” is the exit code that tells the US phone network you are making an international call. The “81” then routes your call to Japan. After that, you need the specific area code for the city or region you are trying to reach within Japan. Be sure to find the correct area code, as it can vary significantly within the country. For example, if you were calling a phone number in Tokyo, which has an area code of 3, and the local number was 123-4567, you would dial: 011-81-3-123-4567. Omitting any of these steps or using incorrect codes will prevent your call from going through. Remember to double-check the area code and local number before dialing to avoid errors.
Are there cheaper alternatives to calling Japan from the US than using my cell phone?
Yes, there are significantly cheaper alternatives to using your cell phone’s direct dialing service to call Japan from the US. These options often leverage Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) or other technologies to reduce costs.
Directly dialing Japan from a US cell phone, especially without an international calling plan, can result in surprisingly high per-minute charges. VoIP services, like Skype, Google Voice, WhatsApp, Viber, and others, offer substantially lower rates, particularly when calling other users of the same service. Many of these services allow free calls to other users within their network, and very competitive rates for calling landlines and mobile phones in Japan. These services utilize the internet to transmit your voice, so you need a stable Wi-Fi or data connection.
Another option to explore is purchasing an international calling card. These cards provide a prepaid amount of calling time at a fixed rate. While the rates can be attractive, it’s essential to carefully review the fine print, as some cards have hidden fees or expiration dates. Always compare the per-minute rate, connection fees, and any other potential charges before purchasing a calling card. Finally, consider using international calling plans offered by your cell phone provider. These plans may offer a monthly fee for a certain amount of calling time to Japan or reduced per-minute rates, which could be more cost-effective if you make frequent calls.
How do I account for the time difference when calling Japan?
To account for the time difference when calling Japan from the USA, you need to determine the current time in Japan relative to your own time zone. Japan Standard Time (JST) is 13 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time (EST) and 16 hours ahead of U.S. Pacific Standard Time (PST). During daylight saving time (DST) in the USA, this difference shrinks by one hour.
The easiest way to manage the time difference is to use an online time zone converter or a world clock. These tools allow you to enter your current location and desired location (Tokyo, for example) and instantly see the corresponding times. This helps you avoid calling at inconvenient hours in Japan, such as late at night or early in the morning when people are likely to be sleeping. Popular search terms include “time difference between [your city] and Tokyo” or “current time in Tokyo.”
Before making your call, double-check if either location observes daylight saving time. Japan does not observe daylight saving time, so the time difference remains constant throughout the year. However, the USA does observe DST, so you need to adjust your calculations accordingly during those months (typically from mid-March to early November). If the USA is observing daylight saving time, then JST is 12 hours ahead of EDT and 15 hours ahead of PDT. Planning your calls based on this awareness helps ensure you reach your recipient at a reasonable and respectful hour.
What is the best app for making international calls to Japan?
The “best” app depends on your individual needs and priorities, but generally, WhatsApp, Skype, Google Voice, and Viber are excellent choices for making international calls to Japan from the USA due to their competitive rates, reliable call quality, and widespread use in Japan.
WhatsApp is a popular choice if the person you’re calling also uses WhatsApp, as calls between WhatsApp users are free over Wi-Fi or mobile data. Skype and Google Voice offer competitive international calling rates to landlines and mobile phones in Japan. They provide the option to purchase calling credits or subscribe to monthly plans depending on your calling volume. Viber is similar, offering both free Viber-to-Viber calls and paid calls to phone numbers, often with reasonably priced Japan-specific calling plans. Consider testing a few apps with trial periods or by purchasing small amounts of credit to compare call quality and ease of use before committing to a specific service.
When choosing an app, consider factors beyond just price. Call quality is paramount; a slightly more expensive app with clearer audio might be preferable to a cheaper one with frequent dropped calls or static. Ease of use is another key factor, particularly if you’re setting up the app for someone who is less tech-savvy. Finally, research the app’s privacy policy and security measures to ensure your conversations are protected. Checking user reviews on app stores can provide valuable insights into real-world experiences with these services.
Is it necessary to drop the leading zero from a Japanese phone number?
Yes, when calling a Japanese phone number from the USA (or any country outside of Japan), you must drop the leading zero from the area code. This is because the initial zero is only used for dialing within Japan.
When dialing internationally, you need to follow a specific format: your country’s exit code (011 for the USA), followed by Japan’s country code (81), then the area code without the leading zero, and finally the local phone number. For example, if you were calling a Japanese phone number that’s normally written as 03-1234-5678 (with ‘03’ being the Tokyo area code), you would dial 011-81-3-1234-5678. It’s crucial to remove the leading zero from the area code; otherwise, the call will not be routed correctly. Failing to drop the zero will either result in a failed call attempt or, potentially, connect you to a wrong number. Remember to double-check the number and the dialing sequence before initiating the call to avoid errors and ensure a successful connection.
Are there any restrictions on what I can discuss on a phone call to Japan?
Generally, you can discuss most topics on a phone call to Japan from the USA, but it’s crucial to be aware of Japanese laws and cultural sensitivities. While freedom of speech exists, certain topics might lead to misunderstandings or even legal repercussions if they involve defamation, incitement to violence, or the violation of privacy laws.
Legally, avoid discussions that could be interpreted as inciting violence, promoting illegal activities, or defaming individuals or organizations. Japanese law, like US law, prohibits defamation, and the threshold for what constitutes defamation can differ. Disclosing private information about individuals without their consent could also have legal ramifications, depending on the nature of the information and the context. Remember that while you’re physically in the US, the recipient is in Japan, and Japanese laws may apply to their actions or interpretations of your words. Culturally, certain topics might be considered impolite or inappropriate, even if they are not illegal. For example, avoid making disparaging remarks about the Japanese Imperial Family or engaging in overtly critical discussions of sensitive historical events without a deep understanding of the nuances involved. Direct criticism, especially in a business context, should generally be avoided, and more indirect and polite communication is preferred. Always be mindful of your tone and language to avoid causing unintentional offense. Finally, if you are discussing sensitive business matters, proprietary information, or personal details, always consider using secure communication methods and avoid mentioning anything confidential on an unsecured line. While this is good practice regardless of the location, it is doubly important when dealing with international communications, as there may be different laws governing data privacy in Japan compared to the USA.
Alright, there you have it! Hopefully, you’re now feeling confident and ready to connect with friends, family, or colleagues in Japan. Thanks for reading, and we hope this guide helped you out. Come back and visit us again for more helpful tips and tricks!