How to Call Italy From the US?

Do you have a business meeting in Italy? Or maybe you may have a family member who has just moved to Rome.

In any situation, you might be looking for ways to make a phone call from the USA to Italy.

In this case, understanding international dialing codes and procedures of the calling process can be a bit challenging.

So, we have brought this blog to cover everything you need to know about calling Italy from the America. It includes various dialing formats and area codes of different locations and provides some solutions to reduce the cost of calling.

Moreover, we will cover the etiquette and challenges that any US caller might face while calling an Italian phone number. 

Let’s start with how to call Italy from the USA.

How to Call Italy from USA?

To call Italy from the USA, Dial:

• 011-39-Area Code- Landline Number (For Italy’s- Landline Phone Number)
• 011-39-10 digit Mobile Number (For Italy’s Mobile phone Numbers).

Here are the detailed steps for calling Italy from the USA.

1. Go to the dial-up mode of your phone.
2. Dial 011, the US exit code.
3. Next, dial 39, Italy’s country code.
4. Dial the 2-4 digit area code.
5. Dial the 8-10-digit phone number.

For example, your number should look like this: 011-39-06-01234567

Where, 

• 011 is the exit code of the US, 
• 39 is the country code of Italy,
• 06 is the local area code of Rome,
• And 01234567 is a local phone number.

1. How to call a Landline number in Italy?

Calling from the US to a landline phone number in Italy is a simple process. All you need to know is the exit code, area code, and local phone number.

Here is an example of calling a landline phone number in Italy from the US. Here, we are calling a local resident in Rome. 

• Step 1: Go to the dial-up mode of your phone.
• Step 2: Dial the US exit code, i.e. +011.
• Step 3: Dial the Italy country code, i.e., 39.
• Step 4: Dial the area code (6 for Rome)
• Step 5: Dial the mobile number: 98765432

Your number will look like this when calling an Italian landline: +011-39-06-98765432

2. How to Call a Mobile Phone Number in Italy?

Calling an Italian mobile numbers from the USA is a simple process but quite different from the Landline process. To call, you will need a three-digit prefix that begins with the number “3.” Following the prefix is a 6-7 digit number. There is no need to add area codes when dialing mobile phones. If you know the numbers, you can follow these simple steps to make a call.

• Step 1: Go to the dial-up mode of your phone.
• Step 2: Dial the Italy country code, i.e., 39.
• Step 3: Dial the Prefix, i.e., 300
• Step 4: Dial the phone number: 9876543

Your number will look like this: +011-39-300-9876543

3. Using Non-traditional Method

The traditional method of calling Italy from the US can be costly and bothersome. So, you might want to consider a non-traditional method of making the call. One of the best non-traditional methods is using VoIP services like KrispCall. 

KrispCall is becoming one of the favorite VoIP services, given its wide range of features, integration capabilities, pricing, and compatibility. KrispCall is a comprehensive cloud phone solution. It enables users to place cost-effective phone calls cheaply and easily from the America to Italy.
KrispCall offers a large number of virtual phone numbers for more than 100 countries, including Italy phone number. This means you can handle inbound and outbound calls from Italy using the USA virtual phone numbers as long as you have an active internet connection.

KrispCall Features

• Unified Callbox
• Call monitoring
• Intelligent Call Forwarding
• Interactive Voice Response(IVR)
• Call recording
• Sales automation
• CRM integration
• Call Center software
• Salesdialer

KrispCall pricing plan

Starts from USD 15 per month

What are the Different Types of Italy Telephone Codes?

Before dialing an Italian phone number, you should be aware of the following Italian dialing codes:

US Exit Code

You must dial the US Exit Code when placing an international phone call from the US. This code signals that you want to call outside the US.

Italy Area Codes

Area codes in Italy differ based on the country’s geographical regions. You will need the area code to identify the phone number of the location you wish to contact. Here is a list of Italy’s area codes. Here is a list of Italy’s area codes.

Italy’s Country Code/ ISD Code

The Italy country code or usually known as the International Standard Dialing (ISD) code for Italy, is +39. You need to dial this code before entering the local area code and phone number when making international calls to Italy. For example, +39 02-XXXXXXX,

Where +39 is the ISD for Italy,

02 is the area code for Milan, and the

Remaining X are the random local phone numbers

Italy Emergency Codes

Italy is one of the few countries where there is a unified phone number for any kind of emergency. It does not matter what you need; it can be the police, medical assistance, or fire; you can dial 912.

How much does it cost to make a call to Italy from the US?

There is no specific cost for making a call to Italy from the US, and it usually depends on the phone service provider and the phone plan that you currently have. There are some options, like using VoIP apps, which can be totally free of cost. However, there are also plans which might have a hefty bill. 

When talking about the minimum and maximum cost of a phone call from the US to Italy, the cost can range from as less as 1 cent per minute to 49 cents per minute. 

But wait! That‘s not all; there are service providers that offer unlimited calls from the USA to Italy on a subscription basis, which usually starts from $15 per month.

What is the Right time to call Italy from the US?

The time difference between Italy and the United States varies depending on the specific locations within each country. Italy is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST) and 9 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time (PST).

Therefore, the best time to call Italy from the US would be during the afternoon and evening hours in Italy, which would correspond to the morning and early afternoon hours in the US. Suppose if you are in the Eastern Time Zone, the best time to call Italy would be from late afternoon to late evening, while for the Pacific Time Zone, it would be from late morning to early afternoon.

It’s important to consider the time zone differences to ensure that you are calling at an appropriate time for the recipient.

Business Phone Call Etiquette in Italy: Dos and Don’ts

Dos

1. Warm Greeting: Start the call by greeting the person with phrases like ” Good morning” or “Good afternoon.”  You can walk the extra mile by using Italian greetings like “Buongiorno or Buonasera,” which can build a good impression. It’s important to use their title and last name unless they specifically ask you to use their name.

2. Learn Basic Italian Phrases: There is a high chance that the receiver might communicate with you in English. However, English is not widely spoken in Italy, so it is a good idea for you to learn some basic Italian phrases to show professionalism. 

3. Speak Clearly and Keep the Message Short: Italians are known to value their time. So, while communicating in a business environment, try to speak clearly and concisely. Concisely does not mean speaking at a fast pace, as they might have trouble understanding you. So, use a moderate speaking speed. 

4. Engage in Small Talks: Italians value their time; however, they love engaging in small talk before driving straight into business. So, communicate something other than the main business agenda at the start of the phone call. 

5. Be Prepared and Organized: Be prepared about what you will talk about during the calls. Moreover, anticipate questions and prepare for these questions as well, which will show your effort and competency. 

Don’ts

1. Don’t Rush the Greetings: Never rush the greetings while on a business phone call in Italy. Take some time to exchange proper greetings, as rushing it might seem impolite and rude. 

2. Don’t Interrupt: When engaging in a call, always let the other party finish speaking first, even if you do not completely agree with them. Interrupting them can also be perceived as impolite and unprofessional. 

3. Don’t Assume they Speak English: There is a good chance that the other party will speak English during the business call. However, don’t assume they speak English, as most people in Italy speak Italian as their first language. So, be prepared to adjust your tone and speaking speed to align with them. Moreover, include some kind of translation service if feasible. 

4. Don’t be too Direct: While it is important to prioritize efficiency, it’s also crucial to consider the impact of being too direct without incorporating greetings in your call. Remember, striking a balance between cultural sensitivity is key.

5. Be Mindful of Call Timing: The time zone between the USA and Italy is 6 hours, whereas Italy is six hours earlier than America. So, consider the time before making a call. Don’t call too early or too late, and also avoid calling during Siesta (afternoon lunch and rest typically from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM).

What are the Challenges of calling Italy from the US?

Calling Italy from the US is generally a simple process. However, there are a few challenges that you might encounter while calling Italy from the US, some of which are: 

• The Difference in Time Zones:  Italy is in a different time zone than the United States, i.e., Italy is 6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, USA. So, ensure you are considering the time in Italy if you are making a business or any important call. 

• Language Barriers: If you do not speak Italian and the person receiving the call does not speak English, there might be communication issues. So, you can use some translation services. 

• Complex Dialing Method: The complex dialing method can sometimes be troublesome. You must use +39, Italy’s international dialing code while calling from the United States. Ensure that this code is included before contacting the local Italian number.

• Mobile Roaming Charges: If you’re making the call on a mobile device, be careful of any possible roaming fees. Inquire about international roaming prices and options with your mobile provider to avoid unforeseen fees.

These etiquettes can be beneficial during your Italy travel, too. 

Conclusion

To sum up, there are a few things you should know and consider before making a call from the US to Italy. You must know factors like exit code, country code, area code, and phone number. You can simply cover the steps mentioned above to make a successful call in Italy.

The traditional methods of making calls can be both troublesome and expensive. So, we suggest you try making calls using untraditional methods like using VoIP like KrispCall. This method will be easy for you and your pocket. 

Making the call is the first step of the communication process, so go through the do’s, don’ts, and challenges of making a phone call from the US to Italy.

FAQs

How to call Italy from the US for free of cost?

You can call Italy from the US for free of cost by following the given methods:

• Use VoIP Apps like WhatsApp and Skype
• Use a calling card that offers a certain amount of minutes to use
• Use a free calling service like Google Voice 

Is calling Italy from the US is expensive?

Yes, calling Italy from the US is expensive if you are using a traditional phone system or mobile plan. You can mitigate this cost by using VoIP apps or using free calling services. 

What is the best method to call Italy from the US?

The best method to call Italy from the US highly depends upon the use case and need of the call. However, based on the pricing, call quality, and number of features, using VoIP apps is the best and most reliable method of making international calls.

Can I use my US cell phone to call Italy?

Yes, you can use your US cell phone to call Italy. You can dial the Italian number in the following format to make the call.

011-39-Italian phone number, where 011 is the international dialing code for Italy and 39 is the area code for Italy.

List out the tips for saving money on international calls to Italy.

You can save money on international call to Italy by

• Using VoIP apps
• Using free services like Google Voice 
• Make the call as short as possible
• Using Wi-Fi instead of a mobile plan and data whenever possible
• Consider using international SIM cards

Arun Chaudhary

Arun is SEO Analyst at KrispCall. He has written in extensively in the field of cloud telephony and call center solutions.