How to Call the United States From France

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: March 24, 2023 References

Calling Direct

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Using a Calling Card

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Calling With Skype

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Q&A

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Tips

Whether you're an American traveling abroad or a French national conducting business with a colleague from the United States, calling the US from France requires that you dial a specific series of numbers in order. If calling direct, these include an exit code, country code, area code, and the phone number. However, if you are using a calling card, you will need to enter an access number, a pin, and then the phone number. If you know the numbers you need and the order they go in, calling from France to the US is simple and easy.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Calling Direct

1
Check with your local provider about the cost of making an international call. You may be charged a fee or be billed by the minute, depending on where you are calling from.
- If you are staying in a hotel, ask someone at the front desk about the cost of international calls.
2
Insert payment if you’re using a pay phone. If you are making your call on a pay phone, you will have to pay a set rate to start the call. This cost will be listed on the phone and typically only covers the first few minutes of the call.
- As your call progresses, you may be prompted to insert more money or, if you are using a credit card, you may be warned about additional costs that are accruing.
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3
Dial 00. This is the exit code that signals to your telephone provider that you're about to make an international call. This code, tells the service provider that the number that follows should be directed out of the country.^{[1]
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- Not all countries have the same exit code, but 00 applies in most of Europe and quite a few other countries as well. For example, if you were calling from the United States, Canada or any other country that participates in the North American Numbering Plan, the exit code would be 011 instead.^{[2]
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4
Dial 1. This is the United States country code. This number is universal, meaning you would dial this number to call the United States from any other country in the world.^{[3]
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- The country code 1 also applies to any country in the North American Numbering Plan.
5
Dial the 3-digit area code. All US area codes are three digits long and are most likely included when phone numbers are displayed or given. If an area code is not provided, you will need to look up the ZIP code of the person you are calling.^{[4]
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- There are many online resources that will help you calculate possible area codes for each US ZIP code.
- US mobile phones may be assigned to any area code. Usually a mobile phone's area code indicates the area in which service was first established. But an individual can keep the same cell phone number, including area code, when they relocate, so the cell phone's area code doesn't always match the geographical location of the user.
- If the 3-digit prefix is 800, 877, 866 or 888, this indicates that you're calling a toll-free number. The phone receiving a toll-free call could be anywhere in the country, or the call could even be routed to a call center in another country.
6
Dial the remaining 7 digits. In total, all United States phone numbers are exactly 10 digits long, including the area code. After you finish inputting these numbers, your call should start ringing and connect.
- Check the world times to ensure that whoever you are calling in the United States is available to take your call.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using a Calling Card

1
Find a calling card that can be used in France. You can purchase telephone cards that allow you to place international calls at a flat rate online or from stores. However, you need to be careful that you are getting a card that can be used from France to the US. To ensure this, you may want to purchase your card while you are in France.^{[5]
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- Many international calling cards sold in the US can only be used for international calls starting in the US.
2
Review the terms and fees of the calling card. Calling card terms and fees vary widely. In general they have a flat fee for each call and then an additional fee for each minute that the call lasts. The amount of these fees varies, so check the fine print.^{[6]
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3
Call the access number on the card. Each calling card will have a basic number that will connect you to the calling card company's network. Once you have dialed this number you should hear a recording that prompts you to continue with the process.^{[7]
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- This access number is typically located on the back of the calling card.
4
Enter your pin when asked for it. This number is unique to your card. The amount of numbers you will have in your pin varies. This number allows the calling card company to charge your specific account.^{[8]
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- On many calling cards this number will need to be exposed by rubbing over an area on the back of the card with a coin.
5
Dial your destination number. When calling from France to the United States, this will include the country code, area code, and local phone number. Once the number has been accepted, the phone should start ringing.^{[9]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Calling With Skype

1
Download the Skype app on your smartphone. Putting the app on your cell phone will allow you to talk naturally, as if you talking through the normal phone function. However, you will need an internet connection to download the app and to make your call.^{[10]
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- The Skype app is available for iPhone, Windows 10 Mobile, and Android.
2
Create a Skype account. When creating your account it will ask for your name, date of birth, county, and email address. After you have entered this information, you will be asked to create a username and password. Once this process is completed, you will be logged in to your account.^{[11]
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Enter your payment info. There is a small fee to use Skype to make international calls. You can either purchase call credits, which allows you to call anywhere internationally, or you can pay a monthly flat fee to be able to call to a specific country.^{[12]
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Enter the phone number you want to call. When the app is open there should be an area on the screen that you tap in order for your keypad to pop up. Type in the number you want to call or the username of the person you want to call that has a Skype plan as well.^{[13]
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- Wait to be connected to your number. It may take a few minutes for Skype to connect you to the number you are calling.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I dial the US from Paris on a US cell phone?

Community Answer

Dial 00 or "+" key, then 1 + area code and number. If you are using a French SIM card or if you are roaming in France, this pattern of dialing is required.
Question

How can I call an international mobile phone in the United States from a mobile phone in France?

Community Answer

To place a call to a destination outside of the US that can't be dialed direct using 10-digit dialing, you must start with 011. Next, you must use the country code, and then the number you wish to reach. For example, if you would like to call a number in France, dial 011, the country code 33, and then the phone number.
Question

What is the cheapest way to call mobile-to-mobile from France to the USA (using a USA smartphone)?

Community Answer

If your mobile phone is unlocked, then the best way to do that is to obtain a French SIM card and make calls from there. Most French carriers have international calling minutes to call most countries included in their prepaid tariffs.