The procedure to call the US from Switzerland is very simple, even though the international dialing is different than what you might be used to. Calling from Switzerland to the USA requires different set of phone number structure, dialing specific exit code, followed by its country code and then finally the phone number. Switzerland uses easy to remember two digit country code of 41, and to dial to the US you need to use the country code 1, so overall the international dialing format to call USA from Switzerland is 001+Area Code+Local Phone Number. For example, if you wish to call New York, the area code for New York is 212, you would dial 001212 followed by the 7 digits of the phone number.
The cost of calling the US from Switzerland depends on the telecom service provider you are using, it can vary based on your plan. Typically, the cost can range from 0.10 CHF/min to 0.35 CHF/min, this might seem expensive but the major benefit with Swiss telecoms is the majority of them offer very stable, fast and reliable internet and phone services, it is also worth mentioning that the call quality is exceptional. Moreover, if you frequently call the US, it is recommended to get a calling card or use a VoIP service, which provides cheaper rates.
With today’s modern technology and applications, there are various ways you can make a call to the US. In addition to traditional phone calls, you can also use internet-based options such as Skype, Viber, and WhatsApp. These services allow you to make both voice and video calls over the internet, which can be significantly cheaper than traditional phone calls. However, the quality of the call may vary depending on the internet connection you are using.
Dialing the Exit Code
When making an international call from Switzerland to the USA, the first step is to dial the exit code. This code indicates to the phone network that you are calling from Switzerland and that the call should be routed to another country. For calls to the USA, the exit code is 001.
The exit code is followed by the country code for the USA, which is 1. So, to call a phone number in the USA, you would dial the following sequence of numbers:
001 1 [area code] [phone number]
For example, to call the White House in Washington, D.C., you would dial:
001 1 202 456 1111
Table of Exit Codes for Common Destinations
| Country | Exit Code |
|---|---|
| United States | 001 |
| Canada | 001 |
| United Kingdom | 0044 |
| France | 0033 |
| Germany | 0049 |
Entering the Country Code
The first step in calling from Switzerland to the USA is to enter the country code. The country code for the United States is 001. This must be entered before the area code and phone number.
Here are some examples:
| To call a landline in New York City: | 001 212 555 1212 |
|---|---|
| To call a mobile phone in Los Angeles: | 001 310 555 1212 |
| To call a toll-free number in the USA: | 001 800 555 1212 |
Note that you do not need to enter the + sign when dialing from Switzerland. The 001 prefix will automatically add the + sign for you.
Adding the Area Code
Once you have dialed the +1 country code for the United States, you will need to add the correct area code for the specific location you are calling. The area code is a three-digit number that identifies the geographical region within the country. For example, the area code for New York City is 212.
You can find the area code for any city in the United States using a search engine such as Google or by visiting the website of the United States Postal Service. Once you have found the area code, you will need to enter it after the +1 country code and before the local phone number.
Example:
To call a phone number in New York City, you would dial the following:
| +1 (212) 555-1212 |
The +1 is the country code for the United States, 212 is the area code for New York City, and 555-1212 is the local phone number.
Inputting the Phone Number
To call a phone number in the USA from Switzerland, you need to add the following prefixes to the phone number:
- 00: This is the international access code, which indicates that you are calling an international number.
- 1: This is the country code for the USA.
- Area code: This is the three-digit area code for the specific region in the USA that you are calling.
- Local number: This is the seven-digit local number.
For example, to call the White House in Washington, D.C., you would dial: 00 1 202 456 1111
Here is a table summarizing the phone number format for calling the USA from Switzerland:
| Prefix | Description |
|---|---|
| 00 | International access code |
| 1 | USA country code |
| Area code | Three-digit area code for the specific region in the USA |
| Local number | Seven-digit local number |
Once you have entered the phone number, you can press the “call” button to place the call.
Eliminating the “0” Prefix
When dialing from Switzerland to the United States, you must eliminate the “0” prefix that typically precedes area codes within Switzerland. This is because the international dialing format does not recognize this prefix.
For example, if you wish to call the number 041 123 4567 from Switzerland, you would instead dial +1 41 123 4567. The “+1” prefix indicates that you are calling the United States, and the “41” represents the area code for Switzerland.
How to Eliminate the “0” Prefix in Different Dialing Scenarios
| Dialing Method | Example |
|---|---|
| Landline to Landline | +1 (area code) (number) |
| Landline to Mobile | +1 (area code) (number) |
| Mobile to Landline | +1 (area code) (number) |
| Mobile to Mobile | +1 (area code) (number) |
| VoIP or Internet-Based Calls | +1 (area code) (number) |
Waiting for the Dial Tone
Once you have dialed the international access code, country code, and area code, you will hear a dial tone. This indicates that your call is being connected. The dial tone may sound different than the one you are used to in your home country, so be patient and wait until you hear a steady tone before speaking.
If you do not hear a dial tone after a few seconds, it is possible that you have entered the wrong number. In this case, hang up and try again.
If you continue to have problems connecting your call, you may need to contact your phone service provider for assistance.
| Country Code | Area Code | Example Number |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 212 | (212) 555-1234 |
| 1 | 312 | (312) 555-1234 |
| 1 | 415 | (415) 555-1234 |
| 1 | 617 | (617) 555-1234 |
Answering the Call
When you receive a call from Switzerland to the USA, you will see the number displayed as a +41 prefix, followed by the Swiss phone number. The plus sign (+) indicates an international call, and the 41 is the country code for Switzerland.
To answer the call, simply press the “answer” button on your phone. If you are using a landline, you may need to dial the number 0 first, followed by the Swiss phone number.
Once you have answered the call, you will be connected to the person calling from Switzerland. The call quality will vary depending on your phone and the network you are using.
Table of Swiss Area Codes
| Area Code | Region |
|---|---|
| 01 | Zurich |
| 021 | Lausanne |
| 022 | Geneva |
| 031 | Bern |
| 041 | Lucerne |
| 044 | Zurich |
| 052 | Winterthur |
| 056 | Aarau |
| 061 | Basel |
| 071 | St. Gallen |
| 076 | Chur |
| 081 | Frauenfeld |
Keypad Differences
Swiss and American keypads differ in several ways:
8
Key
In Switzerland, the 8 key is located in the center of the number pad, while in the USA, it is on the bottom left corner. This difference can be confusing, especially when dialing a number quickly. To avoid mistakes, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the Swiss keypad layout before making a call.
| Swiss Keypad | US Keypad |
|---|---|
| 8 in the center | 8 on the bottom left |
International Calling Plans
How Do I Call from Switzerland to the U.S.?
There are several ways to make international calls from Switzerland to the U.S.:
Cable and Landline Phone
- Swisscom: 001 + country code (1 for the US) + area code + phone number
- Sunrise: 0031 + country code (1 for the US) + area code + phone number
Mobile Phone
- Swisscom Mobile: +41 (Switzerland’s country code) + country code (1 for the US) + area code + phone number
- Sunrise Mobile: +41 (Switzerland’s country code) + country code (1 for the US) + area code + phone number
VoIP Services
- Skype: Sign up for a Skype account and purchase Skype Credit or a subscription.
- Google Voice: Set up a Google Voice account and make calls using a Google Voice number.
- WhatsApp: Use the WhatsApp calling feature to make calls over the internet.
Calling Cards
- Purchase a calling card from a company like AT&T, Verizon, or Sprint.
- Dial the access number and enter the card number and PIN.
- Dial the U.S. phone number.
Rates and Costs
The cost of international calls varies depending on the carrier, calling plan, and time of day. Generally, calling during peak hours (Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm) is more expensive than calling during off-peak hours (weekends and evenings).
Steps to Dial from Switzerland to the US:
- Dial the international access code: 00
- Dial the country code for the U.S.: 1
- Dial the area code (3 digits)
- Dial the phone number (7 digits)
For example, to call a landline in New York City from Switzerland, dial:
00 1 212 555 1212
Cost Implications
The cost of calling the USA from Switzerland varies depending on the calling plan or service you use. Here are some general cost considerations:
1. Calling Plan Options
| Calling Plan | Cost per Minute |
|---|---|
| Swisscom Mobile Unlimited | CHF 0.49 |
| Salt Mobile Swiss Flat | CHF 0.79 |
| Sunrise Mobile Call Flex Plus | CHF 0.69 |
2. Pay-as-you-go Rates
If you don’t have a calling plan, you will be charged on a pay-as-you-go basis. The rates can vary depending on your service provider and the time of day. Typically, rates range from CHF 0.80 to CHF 1.50 per minute.
3. Callback Services
Callback services allow you to receive calls from the USA at local rates. When you call back, you will be connected to the USA number and charged the Swiss local call rate. Callback services usually cost around CHF 0.20 to CHF 0.50 per minute.
4. VoIP Apps
VoIP apps such as Skype, WhatsApp, and Viber allow you to make calls over the internet using Wi-Fi or data. These apps usually offer free calls within the app or have low-cost calling plans for international calls.
5. International Calling Cards
International calling cards can provide discounted rates for calls to the USA. You can purchase these cards from retail stores or online and call the toll-free number provided on the card to connect to the USA.
How To Call From Switzerland To Usa
To call from Switzerland to the USA, you will need to dial the following numbers:
**1. Exit code (00)**
This is the code for international calls from Switzerland.
**2. Country code (1)**
This is the code for the United States.
**3. Area code**
This is the code for the specific area in the United States that you are calling.
**4. Local number**
This is the phone number of the person or business that you are calling.
For example, to call a number in New York City, you would dial the following numbers:**
**00 1 212 555-1212**
You can also use a calling card or a VoIP service to call from Switzerland to the USA. Calling rates may vary depending on the service that you use.
People Also Ask About How To Call From Switzerland To Usa
What is the cheapest way to call from Switzerland to the USA?
The cheapest way to call from Switzerland to the USA is to use a VoIP service. VoIP services allow you to make calls over the internet, which can be much cheaper than calling through a traditional phone line.
Can I call from Switzerland to the USA using my mobile phone?
Yes, you can call from Switzerland to the USA using your mobile phone. However, you may be charged roaming charges by your mobile phone provider. You can avoid roaming charges by using a VoIP service on your mobile phone.
How do I dial an international number from Switzerland?
To dial an international number from Switzerland, you need to dial the following numbers:
- Exit code (00)
- Country code
- Area code
- Local number
