Are you planning a trip to Switzerland and wondering how to stay connected with friends and family back home in America? Making calls from Switzerland to the United States can be easy and affordable if you know the right methods. Whether you prefer using your mobile phone, a landline, or an internet-based calling app, this comprehensive guide will provide you with detailed instructions, tips, and cost comparisons to help you make informed decisions and stay connected during your travels.
Before making calls, it’s crucial to understand the different options available. If you’re using a mobile phone, you’ll need to enable international roaming and check with your service provider for rates and coverage. For landline calls, you’ll need to purchase a calling card or use a hotel phone, which may incur additional charges. Alternatively, internet-based calling apps like Skype, WhatsApp, and Viber offer cost-effective options for making calls over Wi-Fi or data.
To make a call from Switzerland to the United States, you’ll need to dial the exit code for Switzerland (00), followed by the country code for the United States (1), and then the area code and phone number. For example, to call a number in New York City, you would dial: 00 1 212 XXX-XXXX. Keep in mind that dialing codes may vary depending on the specific service or carrier you’re using, so it’s always best to check before making a call.
Dialing the Exit Code
To call America from Switzerland, you will first need to dial the exit code, which is 00. This is followed by the country code for the United States, which is 1. The next step is to dial the area code for the city or region you are calling in America. Finally, you will need to dial the local phone number.
It is important to note that if you are calling a mobile phone in America, you will need to dial the extra digit 1 before the area code.
For example, to call a landline in New York City, you would dial 00 1 212 xxx xxxx. To call a mobile phone in Los Angeles, you would dial 00 1 323 xxx xxxx.
| Country | Exit Code |
|---|---|
| United States | 00 1 |
Entering the Country Code
To make a call to America from Switzerland, you must first enter the country code for the United States, which is +1. You should write the plus sign (+) when you dial. The country code is used to identify the destination of your call.
With Switzerland Area Code
- Start with the exit code for Switzerland: +41
- Next, remove the leading zero from the Swiss area code to get the Switzerland area code. For example, Zurich’s area code is 044.
- Dial the Switzerland area code without the leading zero (e.g., 44 for Zurich).
- Enter the US country code: +1
- Finally, dial the US phone number, including the area code.
Example: If you are calling a number in California, USA, with the area code 408 and the local number 555-1212, you would dial:
**+41 44 +1 408 555-1212**
Without Switzerland Area Code
- Start with the exit code for Switzerland: +41
- Dial the US country code: +1
- Enter the US area code, including the leading 1 (e.g., 1-408 for California).
- Finally, dial the US phone number, excluding the area code.
Example: If you are calling a number in California, USA, with the area code 408 and the local number 555-1212, you would dial:
**+41 +1 1-408 555-1212**
Removing the Leading Zero
If you’re dialing a Swiss landline number, you’ll need to remove the leading zero from the area code. For example, if you’re calling Zurich (which has an area code of 044), you would dial +41 44 ####### instead.
| Swiss Landline Number | How to Dial from the U.S. |
|---|---|
| 044 12345678 | +41 44 12345678 |
| 021 98765432 | +41 21 98765432 |
| 056 34567890 | +41 56 34567890 |
Dialing from a Mobile Phone
If you’re calling from a mobile phone, you may need to enter an exit code before dialing the number. The exit code for Switzerland is 00. So, to call a Swiss mobile number from the U.S., you would dial 00 +41 79 #######.
Dialing from a Landline
If you’re calling from a landline, you may need to dial an international access code before dialing the number. The international access code for the U.S. is 011. So, to call a Swiss landline number from the U.S., you would dial 011 +41 44 #######.
Entering the Area Code
To call a specific location in the United States from Switzerland, you will need to enter the area code after the country code. The area code is a three-digit number that identifies a specific geographical region within the country. For example, the area code for New York City is 212. To call a number in New York City, you would dial:
| USA Country Code | Area Code | Local Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| +1 | 212 | 555-1212 |
It’s important to note that most area codes in the United States have 10-digit local phone numbers. These numbers consist of a three-digit prefix and a seven-digit suffix. To complete the call, you need to dial all ten digits of the local phone number, including the prefix.
For example, if you were calling a number in Los Angeles, California, with the area code 310, you would dial: +1 310 555-1212.
Completing the Phone Number
Once you have the Swiss exit code, you need to complete the phone number by adding:
- Country code: +1 for the United States
- Area code: The three-digit number that designates the specific geographic location within the United States (e.g., 212 for New York City)
- Local number: The seven-digit phone number of the person or business you’re calling
For example, to call a landline in New York City from Switzerland, you would dial the following:
| Swiss exit code | 00 |
|---|---|
| Country code | +1 |
| Area code | 212 |
| Local number | 555-1212 |
| Full phone number | 00 +1 212 555-1212 |
Using a Phone Card or App
Phone cards or apps can be convenient and affordable options for making calls to America from Switzerland. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use them:
- Purchase a phone card or download an app: You can purchase phone cards at convenience stores or online. App options include Skype, Viber, and WhatsApp.
- Dial the access number: To use a phone card, dial the access number provided on the card, followed by the area code and phone number in America.
- Enter your PIN: If using a phone card, you’ll need to enter the PIN printed on the card to activate the call.
- Dial the recipient’s number: Enter the full phone number of the person you’re calling in America, including the area code.
- Wait for connection: The call will be connected once the other person answers.
- Monitor your usage: Keep track of your phone card balance or app usage to avoid running out of minutes or incurring additional charges.
Dialing from a Landline
Making a call from a landline to the US requires a few simple steps:
- Dial the international access code for Switzerland, which is 00.
- Enter the US country code, which is 1.
- Dial the area code of the recipient’s phone number.
- Input the recipient’s local phone number.
Example Dialing Format
| Call from Switzerland to the US |
|---|
| 00 1 [area code] [local number] |
Additional Notes
- When dialing from a landline, the area code always has seven digits.
- If you are calling a mobile phone in the US, you will need to dial the area code followed by the mobile number.
- Some landlines may require you to dial an exit code before the international access code. This code typically consists of one or two digits, such as 9 or 07.
Dialing from a Mobile Phone
To call America from Switzerland using a mobile phone:
- Dial the international access code for Switzerland, which is +41.
- Dial the country code for the United States, which is 1.
- Dial the area code for the city or region you are calling in the United States.
- Dial the local phone number.
For example, to call a landline in New York City, you would dial:
Sample Phone Number:
| Dialing from a landline | Dialing from a mobile phone |
|---|---|
| +41 1 212 555 1212 | +41 79 123 45 67 |
Note: When dialing from a mobile phone, you may need to add an exit code before the international access code. This code varies depending on your mobile carrier.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
When calling America from Switzerland, there are a few common pitfalls to avoid in order to ensure a successful call. These include:
9. Dialing the wrong exit code
The exit code for Switzerland is 00 or +. If you forget to dial the exit code, your call will not go through. When dialing from a mobile phone, you may also need to dial the international prefix, which is typically 00 or 011.
Here is a table summarizing the dialing codes you need to use when calling America from Switzerland:
| To dial a landline | To dial a mobile phone |
|---|---|
| 00 + 1 + area code + number | + 1 + area code + number |
For example, to call a landline in New York City, you would dial 00 1 212 555 1212. To call a mobile phone in California, you would dial + 1 415 555 1212.
If you are unsure of the area code for the number you are calling, you can look it up online or in a phone book.
1. Dial International Access Code
Begin by dialing 00, the code for international access calls from Switzerland.
2. Enter Country Code
For the United States, the country code is 1.
3. Drop the Leading “0”
Remove the leading zero from the area code in the U.S. phone number (if any).
4. Dial Area Code
Enter the three-digit area code of the U.S. phone number.
5. Dial Phone Number
Finish by dialing the seven-digit phone number.
6. Example
To call a number in New York City (area code 212), dial: 00 1 212 555-1212
7. Local Time Difference
Switzerland (CET) is six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST) in the U.S. Consider the time difference when calling.
8. Cost of Calls
Call rates vary depending on your phone service provider. Check with your carrier for specific charges.
9. Using a Calling Card
Purchase a pre-paid calling card that connects to the U.S. from Switzerland. Dial the access number and follow the instructions.
10. Troubleshooting Tips
- Check Dialing Sequence: Ensure you dial the correct sequence: 00, 1, area code, and phone number.
- Drop Leading “0”: Verify that you remove any leading “0” from the U.S. area code, except for numbers starting with “011”.
- Replace “+” with “00”: Some phones may require you to replace the “+” sign with “00” for the international access code.
- Disable Call Blocking: Check if call blocking is enabled on your phone or on the U.S. line you’re calling.
- Ensure Good Signal: Make sure you have a strong mobile or Wi-Fi signal for stable calling.
- Use International Roaming: If you’re using a Swiss phone in the U.S., activate international roaming to connect calls.
- Contact Your Carrier: If you encounter persistent issues, seek assistance from your Swiss phone service provider.
- Alternate Call Methods: Consider using VoIP apps like WhatsApp or Skype for cost-effective calling.
- Use a Public Phone: If other methods fail, locate a public phone in Switzerland and use an international calling card or pay phone.
- Check Carrier Coverage: Verify that your phone service plan includes international calling or if additional charges apply.
How To Call America From Switzerland
To call America from Switzerland, you must first dial the international access code, which is 00. Then, you must dial the country code for America, which is 1. Finally, you must dial the area code for the city you are calling, followed by the local phone number.
For example, to call a landline in New York City, you would dial the following:
00 1 212 555 1212
To call a mobile phone in America, you would dial the following:
00 1 555 1212
People Also Ask About How To Call America From Switzerland
How much does it cost to call America from Switzerland?
The cost of calling America from Switzerland depends on the phone plan you have. However, most major phone providers offer international calling plans that can help you save money.
Can I call America from Switzerland using a mobile phone?
Yes, you can call America from Switzerland using a mobile phone. However, you should check with your phone provider to make sure you have an international calling plan that includes America.
What is the time difference between Switzerland and America?
The time difference between Switzerland and America varies depending on the time of year. However, it is typically 6 hours behind America’s Eastern Time Zone.
