Spain and the US have long-standing cultural and economic ties. Whether you’re calling a business partner, a friend or a family member in Spain, it’s important to know the proper protocol for making international calls. This article will guide you through the process of calling Spain from the US.
Things to Consider when Calling Spain from the US
Before making a call to Spain from the US, there are a few important things to consider.
First, be mindful of the time difference between the two countries. Spain is six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST), which means if it’s noon in New York, it’s 6:00 pm in Madrid.
Secondly, keep in mind the cost of international calls. Depending on your phone plan, international calls can be expensive.
Thirdly, be aware of the language and cultural differences between the US and Spain. While many Spaniards speak English, it’s always a good idea to learn a few basic phrases in Spanish to help make communication easier.
Lastly, take into account the call etiquette. In Spain, it’s considered polite to greet the person you’re calling with a “Hola” (hello) or “Buenos dias/tardes/noches” (good morning/afternoon/evening) before beginning your conversation.
The Format of Spanish Phone Numbers
Spain has a closed numbering plan with the trunk prefix ‘9’. Spanish phone numbers have a fixed nine-digit format. The country code for Spain is +34, which you’ll need to include when making a call from the US.
Spanish mobile numbers typically start with a 6 or 7, followed by 8 digits and are sually written as 6XX XXX XXX or 7YX XXX XXX, where Y cannot be zero.
Landline numbers start with 8 or 9, excluding ’90X’ and ’80X’. The first group is the area code with 2 or 3 digits. For example, 91 and 81 are for Madrid while 925 and 825 are for Toledo. When the first group is 2 digits long (as in Madrid), the number is usually written in XX XXX XX XX. When the first group is 3 digits long (as in Toledo), the number is usually written in XXX XXX XXX or XXX XX XX XX.
Common Area Codes in Spain
In Spain, area codes are not typically used, but there are a few exceptions. For example, in Madrid, the area code is 91, while in Barcelona, it’s 93.
How to Dial Spanish Phone Numbers
To dial a Spanish phone number from the US, follow these steps:
- Dial the exit code for the US, which is 011.
- Dial the country code for Spain, which is +34.
- Dial the nine-digit phone number, including the area code if applicable.
For example, if you’re calling a mobile number in Barcelona, you would dial: 011 + 34 + 93 + XXX XXXX.
How to Make Cheap Calls to Spain
If you plan on making frequent international calls to Spain, 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.
Besides, carriers typically offer international plans that include calling to Spain. The cost of these plans can vary depending on the carrier and the specific plan you choose. Some plans may offer unlimited calling to Spain, while others may charge per minute or offer a certain number of minutes per month.
| Basic International Rate | International Plan | |
| AT&T | $3.00 /minute | AT&T International Calling Plan: $15/month, Unlimited |
| T-Mobile | $3.00 /minute | Stateside International Talk: $15/month, Unlimited |
| Verzion | $1.99 /minute | Global Choice Spain: $10/month, 300 minutes Global Calling Plus: $15/month, Unlimited Global Calling: $5/month, Landline – $0.07 /minute, Mobile-$0.32 /minute |
| Sprint | $3.00 /minute | Sprint International Connect: $15/month, Unlimited |
Conclusion
Calling Spain 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 Spanish phone numbers and knowing how to dial them correctly, you can easily connect with friends, family, and business partners in Spain.
