Placing an international call requires the correct dialing format so the phone network can connect your call to the right country. When calling Italy from the United States, you need to use the US exit code, the Italian country code, and the full phone number in the correct order.
This guide explains how to call Italy from USA, including the dialing structure, how Italian phone numbers work, and common mistakes to avoid when placing international calls.
1. What to Know Before Calling Italy from the USA
International calls require a specific dialing format so the phone network can correctly route the call between countries. Before learning how to call Italy from USA, it helps to understand the basic elements that make up an international phone number.
First, calls placed from the United States to another country require the US international exit code, which signals that the call is leaving the country. After that, the dialing sequence continues with the destination country code and the full phone number.
Second, you need the country code for Italy, which directs the call to the Italian phone network. Once the call reaches Italy, the system then connects it to the correct local number.
Finally, it is important to dial the complete Italian phone number, including the area code or mobile prefix. Unlike some countries, many Italian phone numbers keep the leading zero even when dialing internationally.
Understanding these details helps ensure the call connects successfully when placing a call from the United States to Italy.
2. Italy Country Code and International Dialing Format
The most important step in learning how to call Italy from USA is using the correct country code and dialing sequence. International calls follow a structured order of numbers that allows the phone network to identify the destination country and connect the call properly.
The country code for Italy is +39. This leads to a common question: Do I need to dial 011 to call Italy?
The answer is yes. If you are calling from a U.S. landline or mobile phone, you typically need to replace the “+” with the U.S. international exit code 011, followed by Italy’s country code and the full phone number.
The typical dialing format looks like this: 011 + 39 + Italian phone number
For example, if an Italian number is written as: 06 1234 5678
You would dial it from the United States as: 011 39 06 1234 5678
Using the correct dialing format helps ensure the call is routed correctly through the international telephone network when calling Italy from the United States.
3. How to Call Italy from the USA Step by Step
Placing an international call becomes straightforward once you understand the dialing sequence. Learning how to call Italy from USA mainly involves entering the correct exit code, country code, and destination number in the proper order.
Many smartphone users also ask how do I dial +52 on my iPhone when placing international calls. On most smartphones, including iPhones, the plus symbol (+) automatically replaces the international exit code used by your country. This means that dialing +39 on a mobile phone often works the same as dialing 011 39 from the United States.
Step 1: Dial the US Exit Code
Start by dialing 011, which is the international exit code used in the United States. This number tells your phone carrier that the call is leaving the country and must be routed through international networks.
On smartphones, you can sometimes replace 011 with the + symbol. To enter the plus symbol on an iPhone, press and hold the 0 key on the dial pad.
Step 2: Enter the Italy Country Code
After dialing the exit code, enter 39, which is the country code for Italy. This number directs the call to the Italian national telephone system.
At this point, your dialing sequence should look like: 011 39 or +39
Both formats typically connect to the same destination when dialing internationally from a mobile phone.
Step 3: Dial the Italian Phone Number
Finally, dial the complete Italian phone number. In Italy, the leading zero is usually kept, even when calling internationally.
For example, if the number in Italy is: 06 1234 5678
You would dial it from the United States as: 011 39 06 1234 5678
Following this structure ensures the call connects correctly when calling Italy.
4. Understanding Italian Phone Numbers
Italian phone numbers follow a specific structure that includes area codes for landlines and prefixes for mobile networks. Understanding this structure can help avoid dialing mistakes when learning how to call Italy from USA.
Landline Numbers in Italy
Italian landline numbers typically include an area code followed by the local number. The area code identifies the city or region.
Some examples include:
- 06 for Rome
- 02 for Milan
- 081 for Naples
- 055 for Florence
Unlike many other countries, Italian landline numbers keep the leading zero when dialed internationally. This means the zero should remain part of the number when calling from the United States.
Italian Mobile Numbers
Italian mobile phone numbers usually begin with the digit 3, followed by additional digits that identify the mobile network and subscriber number.
Examples of Italian mobile numbers include:
- 320 123 4567
- 347 987 6543
When calling an Italian mobile number from the United States, you simply dial: 011 + 39 + mobile number
For example: 011 39 320 123 4567
Using the correct format helps ensure your call reaches the intended mobile number in Italy.
>>> Also read: How to Make an International Call on iPhone: Easy Step-by-Step Guide for Calling Abroad
5. Common Mistakes When Calling Italy
Even when you understand the basic dialing format, small mistakes can prevent your call from connecting. Avoiding these common errors can help ensure success when learning how to call Italy from USA.
Using the Wrong Exit Code
International calls from the United States must begin with the exit code 011. This code tells your phone carrier that the call is leaving the country.
Some people mistakenly dial 00 because many other countries use this prefix. However, calls from the United States require 011 before entering the destination country code.
If the exit code is incorrect, the call may not connect at all.
Removing the Leading Zero Incorrectly
In many countries, the leading zero in area codes is removed when dialing internationally. However, Italy is different.
Italian landline numbers usually keep the leading zero even when dialing internationally. For example:
Domestic Italian number: 06 1234 5678
Correct dialing format from the United States: 011 39 06 1234 5678
Removing the zero can prevent the call from reaching the correct number.
Entering the Wrong Country Code
Another common mistake is using the wrong country code. Each country has a unique international dialing code.
The correct country code for Italy is 39. Entering the wrong code may route the call to another country or prevent the call from connecting.
6. Better Ways to Stay Connected With Friends or Family in USA
International calls can become expensive when they are billed per minute by traditional carriers. For people who regularly stay in touch with friends or family abroad, choosing the right communication method can make a big difference when learning how to call Italy from USA.
Several options are commonly used for international communication:
- Traditional mobile carrier international calling: Many carriers allow international calls, but they may charge per-minute rates depending on the destination.
- Internet calling apps: Messaging or video calling apps can work when both people have internet access, though call quality depends on network stability.
- International calling cards: Some people use prepaid calling cards that allow international dialing, but the process can involve multiple access numbers and PIN codes.
- Mobile plans that support international calling directly: Certain phone plans allow users to dial international numbers directly from their phone without additional apps or calling cards.
One example is AirTalk Wireless, a Lifeline service provider in the United States that offers phone plans designed to help eligible households stay connected through reliable mobile service.
AirTalk provides several features that can make international communication easier:
- Direct international calling from your mobile phone without needing separate apps
- The ability to call many destinations worldwide from a single phone plan
- A built-in international country code lookup tool that helps users quickly find dialing codes before placing a call
- Access to everyday calling features such as Caller ID, Call Waiting, Voicemail, and 3-Way Calling
- Monthly mobile service designed to support essential communication needs
With these features available through the same mobile service, users can place international calls directly from their device instead of switching between different communication tools.
>>> Read more: Get Free International Calls to 200+ Countries and Territories: Only Available on AirTalk Wireless
Conclusion
International calls are much easier once you understand how to call Italy from USA and follow the correct dialing format. Using the US exit code, the Italian country code, and the correct phone number structure helps ensure the call connects successfully.
With the right dialing steps and a phone service that supports international communication, staying in touch with people in Italy can be simple and reliable.