How to Call Saudi Arabia from the USA

Whether you’re staying in touch with family, closing a business deal, or coordinating with a team in the Gulf, calls between the USA and Saudi Arabia are increasingly common. 

Two problems trip up most callers: not knowing the correct dialing format and paying far more than necessary.

This guide covers the exact dialing steps for landlines and mobiles, a full Saudi Arabia area code reference, a cost breakdown by method, and the cultural considerations that make the difference between a call that connects and one that doesn’t. 

International dialing to Saudi Arabia also requires awareness of time zones, prayer schedules, and cultural etiquette.

How to dial Saudi Arabia from the USA 

How to call a landline in Saudi Arabia from the USA

To make a direct call to a Saudi landline, begin with 011, the international exit code for the USA, then enter 966, Saudi Arabia’s country code, followed by the area code for the specific region, and finally the local landline number. The Saudi Arabia dialing code +966 must be preceded by the US exit code 011 on every call.

Full format: 011 + 966 + Area Code + Local Number

Step-by-step:

1. Dial 011 (US international exit code)
2. Dial 966 (Saudi Arabia country code)
3. Dial the 2-digit area code (drop the leading 0 used domestically)
4. Dial the 7-digit local phone number

Example 1 – Riyadh (area code 11): To call a landline in Riyadh with the local number 1234567, dial 011-966-11-1234567.

Example 2 – Jeddah (area code 12): 011-966-12-XXXXXXX

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How to call a mobile phone in Saudi Arabia from the USA

To call a Saudi Arabian mobile number from the US, dial the US exit code (011 or +), Saudi Arabia’s country code (966), the mobile prefix, and the subscriber’s number. 

The KSA mobile phone number format is always 9 digits, starting with 5. All mobile numbers begin with 5 — drop the leading 0 when dialing internationally.

Full format: 011 + 966 + Mobile Number (starting with 5, no leading 0)

Step-by-step:

1. Dial 011 (US international exit code)
2. Dial 966 (Saudi Arabia country code)
3. Dial the mobile number starting with 5 (omit the leading 0)

Example: To call the Saudi mobile number 0555123456, dial 011-966-555123456.

Pro tip: On a smartphone, long-press the “0” key to get the “+” symbol. Then dial +966 5XXXXXXXX, it’s faster and works everywhere.

Related 👉: US Phone Number Format Guide (2026): Country Code & Examples

Major Saudi Arabia area codes (city codes)

When calling internationally, always drop the leading 0 from the area code. Saudi Arabia uses two-digit area codes for all regions.

Note: Some regions share area codes. The local number determines the specific destination.

How to call Saudi Arabia affordably from the USA

Calling Saudi Arabia from the USA usually call costs vary widely depending on your method. Major carriers without an international add-on are the most expensive option; a 10-minute call can easily cost $15–$30. Here’s a full breakdown:

Key factors to watch: 

• Landline vs. mobile: Calling a Saudi mobile number (starting with +966 5) is typically more expensive than calling a fixed landline.
• Connection fees: Some prepaid calling cards or apps charge a per-call connection fee. Look for services that advertise no hidden fees.
• Wi-Fi calling: If both parties use WhatsApp, Telegram, or Signal, the call is completely free over a Wi-Fi or data connection.
• Minute bundles: If you call frequently, look for minute bundles in Saudi Arabia. Some services offer 100 minutes for roughly $9.50, which stabilizes your monthly costs.

Related 👉: International Phone Number Format – Examples & Use Cases 

Things to consider when calling Saudi Arabia

International dialing to Saudi Arabia requires careful attention to time zones, work weeks, and local customs to ensure successful communication.

1. Time zone difference

Saudi Arabia operates on Arabia Standard Time (AST), which is UTC+3. Saudi Arabia does not observe Daylight Saving Time, but the USA does — so the gap shifts seasonally.

Note: All times refer to Saudi Arabia (AST, UTC+3) relative to the US time zone.

The best time to call Saudi Arabia from the US is between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM Saudi time. 

During US Daylight Saving Time, that corresponds to approximately 3:00 AM–9:00 AM Eastern. 

Outside DST, it’s 2:00 AM–8:00 AM Eastern. If calling for business, aim for the Saudi morning (10 AM–1 PM AST) to catch people before lunch.

2. Prayer times & Friday work week

Saudi Arabia observes five daily prayer times, and Friday is a holy day, the equivalent of Sunday in the West. The Saudi work week runs Sunday through Thursday. Avoid scheduling calls on Fridays, and be aware that prayer times (especially midday Friday) can briefly affect availability throughout the week.

3. Language 

Arabic is the official language of Saudi Arabia. While English is spoken by some, particularly in business settings, it is not universally understood. Common greetings include “As-salamu alaykum” (Peace be upon you) and the response “Wa alaykum as-salam.” Even knowing a few basic phrases goes a long way in building rapport.

4. Cultural Sensitivity

Saudi Arabia is a conservative society with strong Islamic values. Be mindful of cultural norms and avoid topics that could be considered offensive, such as religion or politics. During Ramadan, working hours are often reduced, so factor this into your scheduling.

5. Roaming settings

If traveling to Saudi Arabia, confirm your mobile plan supports international roaming and check roaming charges with your provider. Prepaid SIM cards, eSIMs, or virtual numbers are often more affordable alternatives.

6. Dial format accuracy

Double-check every number before calling. The most common mistakes are forgetting to drop the leading 0 from Saudi area codes or mobile numbers and using the old single-digit area code format (e.g., “1” for Riyadh) instead of the correct 2-digit format (“11”).