5 Steps to Call the USA from Switzerland

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How to call the USA from Switzerland

Calling the USA from Switzerland can be daunting, but with the right tools and information, it’s a simple process. Whether you’re a business traveler, an expat, or just want to stay connected with friends and family back home, there are several affordable options for making international calls from Switzerland to the USA.

One of the most convenient ways to call the USA from Switzerland is to use a calling card. Calling cards can be purchased from kiosks, convenience stores, and online retailers. They typically come with a set number of minutes that you can use to make calls. The rates per minute vary depending on the calling card provider, so it’s important to compare prices before you buy. Once you have a calling card, simply dial the access number for the provider, followed by the country code for the USA (1) and the area code and phone number you want to reach.

Another option for calling the USA from Switzerland is to use a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service. VoIP services allow you to make calls over the internet, which can be much cheaper than using a traditional landline or mobile phone. There are several different VoIP providers to choose from, so it’s important to research and find one that meets your needs and budget. Once you have chosen a VoIP provider, you will need to create an account and download the provider’s software. Once you are set up, you can make calls to the USA by dialing the country code (1) followed by the area code and phone number you want to reach.

Dialing the Country Code

When calling the United States from Switzerland, the first step is to dial the country code, 011. This code indicates to the international telephone system that you are calling a number outside of Switzerland. Before dialing the country code, you should first dial the international access code, which is 00.

After dialing 00, you must dial the country code for the destination country. For example, to call from Switzerland to the United States, you would dial the following sequence of numbers:

Country

Country Code

Switzerland

00

United States

011

Entering the Area Code

To call a US number from Switzerland, you must first enter the country code for the United States, which is +1. Once you have entered the country code, you will need to enter the area code for the city or region you are calling. The area code is a three-digit number that is used to identify the geographic location of the phone number.

To find the area code for a particular city or region in the United States, you can use a search engine such as Google or a directory assistance service. You can also find a list of area codes on the website of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Here is a table of the most common area codes in the United States:

City Area Code
New York City 212, 347, 646, 718, 917
Los Angeles 213, 310, 323, 818
Chicago 312, 773, 847
Houston 281, 713, 832
Philadelphia 215, 267, 484

Dialing Toll-Free Numbers

To dial a toll-free number from Switzerland, follow these steps:

1. Dial the international access code for Switzerland: 0041

2. Dial the toll-free number, omitting the leading 1 or 800.

For example, to call the toll-free number 1-800-555-1212, you would dial 0041 800 555 1212.

Additional Information

The following table provides additional information about dialing toll-free numbers from Switzerland:

Dialing Code Description
0041 International access code for Switzerland
Omit 1 or 800 Do not dial the leading 1 or 800 when dialing a toll-free number from Switzerland

Dialing from a Landline

Dial the exit code for Switzerland (00), followed by the country code for the US (1), and the area code and phone number.

Dialing from a Mobile Phone

Dial the ‘+’ symbol, followed by the country code for the US (1), the area code, and the phone number.

Checking Your Call Rates

Contact your Swiss service provider to inquire about call rates to the US.

Using a Calling Card

Purchase a calling card from a local convenience store or online and follow the instructions provided.

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) Services

Consider using VoIP services such as Skype or Viber to make calls to the US with an internet connection.

Trouble Shooting Common Issues

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

1. Call not connecting

Check if you have dialed the correct country code, area code, and phone number. Ensure you are using the correct dialing format and exit code.

2. Call dropping

This could indicate a poor connection. Try reconnecting or using a different phone or calling at a different time.

3. Echo or feedback

Adjust the volume levels on both phones and ensure you are not placing the receiver too close to the microphone.

4. Busy signal

The recipient’s line may be busy. Try calling again later or at a different time.

5. No dial tone

Check if your phone line is working properly by trying to make a local call. If there is still no dial tone, contact your service provider.

6. Wrong number dialed

Double-check the phone number you are dialing, including the area code and country code, to ensure it is correct.

7. Call charges higher than expected

Verify with your service provider to ensure you are being charged the correct rates. Check if there are any additional fees or surcharges.

8. Difficulty understanding the conversation

Ask the recipient to speak more clearly or adjust the volume levels on your phone. Ensure you are in a quiet environment with minimal background noise.

9. Language barrier

If you or the recipient do not speak the same language, consider using a translation service or asking someone who speaks both languages to assist.

10. Emergency services

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or ambulance services in Switzerland. For US emergency services, dial 911.

How to Make a Phone Call to the US from Switzerland

When you’re traveling abroad, it’s important to stay connected with family and friends back home. If you’re traveling to Switzerland from the US, you’ll need to know how to make a phone call from Switzerland to the US. Here’s a quick and easy guide to help you get started:

  1. Dial the exit code for Switzerland. The exit code for Switzerland is 00.
  2. Dial the country code for the United States. The country code for the United States is 1.
  3. Dial the area code for the city you’re calling. You can find the area code for any city in the US by searching online.
  4. Dial the phone number. The phone number you’re calling should be a 10-digit number.

For example, to call a phone number in New York City from Switzerland, you would dial the following:

00 1 212 555 1212

People Also Ask About How to Call USA From Switzerland

How much does it cost to call the US from Switzerland?

The cost of calling the US from Switzerland will vary depending on your phone plan and the time of day you’re calling. However, you can expect to pay around $0.20 per minute for a call to a landline and $0.30 per minute for a call to a mobile phone.

Can I use my US phone in Switzerland?

Yes, you can use your US phone in Switzerland, but you may have to pay roaming charges. To avoid roaming charges, you can purchase a local SIM card from a Swiss mobile operator.

What is the time difference between Switzerland and the US?

The time difference between Switzerland and the US varies depending on the time of year. However, during the summer months, Switzerland is 6 hours ahead of the US Eastern Time Zone and 9 hours ahead of the US Pacific Time Zone.