Italy and the United States have long-standing cultural and economic ties. Whether you’re calling a friend, family member, or business partner in Italy, it’s important to know the proper protocol for making international calls. This article will guide you through the process of calling Italy from the US.
Things to Consider when Calling Italy from the US
Before making a call to Italy from the US, there are a few important things to consider. First, be mindful of the time difference between the two countries. Italy is six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST), which means if it’s noon in New York, it’s 6:00 pm in Rome.
Secondly, keep in mind the cost of international calls. Depending on your phone plan, international calls can be expensive. Check with your service provider to see if they offer any international calling packages that can help reduce costs.
Thirdly, be aware of the language and cultural differences between the US and Italy. While many Italians speak English, it’s always a good idea to learn a few basic phrases in Italian to help make communication easier.
Lastly, take into account the call etiquette. In Italy, it’s considered polite to greet the person you’re calling with a “Buongiorno” (good morning), “Buonasera” (good evening), or “Ciao” (hello) before beginning your conversation.
The Format of Italian Phone Numbers
Italy’s telephone numbering plan is flexible and open. To place a call to Italy from the US, you must include the country code +39. When dialing an Italian mobile number, it will typically start with the number 3 and always consist of either 10 or 9 digits (for some older mobile numbers). On the other hand, landline numbers begin with the number 0 and can range between 6 to 11 digits in length. Finally, VoIP numbers in Italy begin with the number 5.
Common Area Codes in Italy
In Italy, area codes are typically used for landline numbers.
- Rome – 06
- Milan – 02
- Florence – 055
- Naples – 081
- Venice – 041
How to Dial Italy Phone Numbers
To dial an Italian phone number from the US, follow these steps:
- Dial the exit code for the US, which is 011.
- Dial the country code for Italy, which is +39.
- Dial the local phone number, include the leading 0 when callin a landline. The leading 0 is not removed when dialed from outside Italy, because it is not a trunk code.
For example, if you’re calling a landline number in Rome, you would dial: 011 + 39 + 06 + XXXX XXXX.
How to Make Cheap Calls to Italy
If you plan on making frequent international calls to Italy, consider using a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service. There are many affordable options available, such as Skype, Google Voice, and Dingtone, which allow you to make calls over the internet rather than through traditional phone lines. This can significantly reduce the cost of international calls.
There are also pre-paid calling cards that you can use to make international calls. You can buy these cards online or at most convenience stores. Calling cards can be a cheap option for international calls, but make sure to compare rates from different providers and check for any hidden fees.
If you have a traditional landline or mobile phone plan, you can also check with your provider to see if they offer international calling plans. These plans typically offer discounted rates for international calls.
| Basic International Rate | International Plan | |
| AT&T | $3.00/minute | AT&T International Calling Plan: $15/month, Unlimited |
| Verizon | $1.99 /minute | Global Choice Italy: $10/month, 300 minutes Global Calling Plus: $15/month, Landline – Unlimited. Mobile – $0.36/minute Global Calling: $5/month, Landline- $0.07 /minute, Mobile – $0.36 /minute |
| T-Mobile | $3.00/minute | Stateside International Talk: $15/month, Unlimited |
| Sprint | $3.00/minute | Sprint International Connect: $15/month, Unlimited |
Conclusion
Calling Italy from the US is a straightforward process, as long as you follow the proper protocol. Remember to consider the time difference, cost, language and cultural differences, and call etiquette. By understanding the format of Italian phone numbers and knowing how to dial them correctly, you can easily connect with friends, family, and business partners in Italy.