In a world where global communication is essential, knowing how to make an international call from a landline is valuable. Whether you need to reach out to family, friends, or business associates abroad, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the simple steps to successfully make an international call from a landline.
How to Dial an International Call From A Landline
Step 1 – Dial 011
To get started, find the exit code of the country you are calling from. For example, if you are dialing overseas from the USA, you must first dial the exit code 011.
Step 2 – Enter the Country Code of the Person You're Calling
Next, enter the country code of the person you’re calling. You can place a quick Google search to find the calling code of the target user’s country. For instance, America’s calling code is +1, while the calling codes of Malaysia and China are +60 and +86, respectively.
Step 3 – Enter the Area/City Code
In this step, you’ll have to dig deeper into the target user’s location. First of all you must know their area/city code. Once you’re aware of it, enter this area/city code after dialing the prefix & country code. Google is again a good way around. But if you cannot find the exact area code of the target user’s location, consider asking them directly.
Step 4 – Dial the Rest of the Phone Number
Now that you’ve dialed your country code, the target user’s calling code & area code; it’s time to dial the rest of their phone number, also called the local phone number. The local number may consist of seven to eight digits.
Once you’ve dialed all 4 of these parts, the number would’ve shaped into a standard international number. Feel free to place a call on it over the landline.
As a reference, let's take a look at a standard international calling number example when dialing from the USA to a Mexico phone number:
Example:
Standard International Number: 011-52-423-324-4452
Parts of the Number:
- Country code: 011 (USA exit code)
- Receiver’s country code: 52 (Mexico Country Code)
- Receiver’s city/area code: 423
- Receiver’s local number: 324-4452
Can You Call Overseas From a Landline?
You can make international calls from a landline if your landline service allows it. However, international or long-distance calling over landline requires using the standard international calling format. This standard format contains an international dialing prefix followed by the country code, city code (also called the area code), and phone number.
International calling is similar to long-distance calling and comes with additional charges. These charges depend upon your landline provider but usually fall around a few cents for every minute. The location you’re calling may also impact the per-minute cost.
You can also opt for an international calling subscription for cheaper foreign calls. This way, you’ll be able to enjoy unlimited minutes (depending upon the plan) by paying a certain number of dollars every month.
International Call Providers
1. AT&T
Since Community Phone does not offer international calling at this time, using other landline service providers is an alternative way to call overseas from the US.
International Calling Charges
Calling overseas using AT&T requires you to sign up for its international calling plan, which starts from $15/mo. It lets you call 80+ countries from the US but requires an existing subscription to its regular landline plan.
Features
- Quick & easy setup
- Unlimited overseas calling with an international calling plan
- Fit for business needs as well as home use
- Offers neat & clean sound
2. Cox
Cox’s home phone plan starts from $20/month and offers limited calling with many extra features like Simultaneous Ring, automatic call blocking, and caller ID. What’s more, Cox offers unlimited nationwide calling.
International Calling Charges
Cox offers international calling and supports 200+ countries. The provider offers different foreign calling plans for different needs. However, their pricing is not revealed and requires you to contact their sales team.
Features
- Simultaneous ring, speed dial, and call forwarding
- Lets you keep your existing phone number
- Provides high-quality international calling
3. Frontier
Frontier is yet another landline provider that supports international calling. Its landline plans are based on VoIP and include an internet subscription to enable calls over the landline.
International Calling Charges
Frontier’s home phone plan comes at a monthly recurring cost of $63.99, with unlimited long-distance and local calling. The dedicated international calling plans are also available at an extra cost of $19.99.
Features
- Unlimited local & international calling
- Caller ID, call waiting, and voicemail
- Decent sound quality
4. Spectrum
Last but not the least, Spectrum also supports international calling on its landline plans, which start from an additional $14.99/month as part of an expensive bundle. This landline plan offers instant tracking to 911 services with unlimited nationwide calling. Moreover, it throws in 28 additional features like readable voicemail, simultaneous ring, and call waiting.
International Calling Charges
Spectrum’s international calling plan starts from $5/month and lets your landline phone connect to over 70 countries around the world. Alongside this subscription, each call costs a certain amount, depending on where you place the call.
Features
- 28 extra calling features
- Instant tracking to over 911 services
- Cost-effective solution
- Easy to set up and use
Frequently Asked Questions
Here we’ll answer the most popular questions regarding international calling over landline.
Do you get extra charged for calling internationally?
International calling comes at an extra price in most cases. How much additional you have to pay depends upon your landline service provider and is usually calculated per minute. However, most providers offer long-distance or international calling plans to allow cost-effective worldwide calling.
How much do international business calls cost?
International business call prices depend upon various factors like your landline provider and the country/region you’re calling. But generally, the charges fall around half a cent or less per minute. That rounds off to a couple of dollars for a 5-minute call.
Do I get charged for incoming calls on the landline?
You’ll be charged for incoming calls on your landline if you’re physically outside your landline’s local coverage area. The location of the caller doesn’t matter.