I need to call someone abroad urgently with my iPhone, but I’m unsure how to make the call. I want to know the steps I need to follow, including any codes or settings required. Any help would be great!
Alright, listen up, here’s the deal: making an international call on your iPhone ain’t rocket science, but it does need a bit of focus, so no multitasking right now. First, you need the exit code for your country, which is + (or 011 if you’re old-school). You can just press and hold the 0 key on the phone’s keypad, and it’ll turn into a +. Bam. Next, you follow that up with the country code of the place you’re calling. Google it if you don’t know (like, who memorizes those anyway?).
After that, drop any leading zero from the area code (if they have one), punch in the local number, and voilà, you’re set. For example, if you’re calling London, UK: press +44, skip the initial 0 for their number, and complete the rest. It should look like +44 20 XXXX XXXX.
One side note before you start dialing away: make sure your carrier supports international calling, or you might end up screaming into the void. You might also wanna check roaming rates unless you enjoy weeping when your bill arrives. Alternatively, Whatsapp call them or use FaceTime audio if the WiFi gods are on your side.
Hope you didn’t fall asleep reading this—go call already!
Okay, real talk, @viajantedoceu isn’t wrong with the whole “country codes and no-leading-zero” thing. That’s the backbone of it. BUT, let’s not overcomplicate life here. If you’re in a rush and your brain’s doing cartwheels, just use your contacts app. Seriously. Directly save the number with +[country code][number] if it isn’t already, and tap it like you’re calling anyone local. Done, no math-involved dialing needed.
Also, can we take a beat for iPhone settings? Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options and make sure “Roaming” is on if you’re abroad. Some carriers are weirdly sneaky, and your call might get blocked if roaming isn’t enabled, even for international calls.
Now, unpopular opinion alert: Skip the absurd carrier fees if possible. Use FaceTime audio, WhatsApp, or the bajillion other apps everyone and their grandma has. Yeah, relying on WiFi might feel unstable, but let’s face it—it’s probably more reliable than your carrier at this point. Plus, free beats $$$.
If you’re still determined to channel your inner 90s international caller, don’t forget to double-check time zones so you’re not waking someone up at 3am. Calling an infuriated, half-asleep person isn’t gonna be the bonding moment you want.
Step-by-step Guide to International Dialing with an iPhone:
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Start with the + symbol: Hold down the ‘0’ key on the numeric keypad until it transforms into a “+”. This replaces your country’s exit code (like 011 for the US).
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Country Code: Find the country code for the place you’re dialing (e.g., 44 for the UK, 33 for France). Quick Google search or a number saved in your contacts with the country code is your friend here!
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Local Number: Enter the complete local number you want to call, but skip any leading zero in the local area code. For example, to call Paris:
+33 1 XX XX XX XX. -
Ensure Carrier Supports International Calls: Open Settings > Phone > Calls and double-check that international dialing is supported through your carrier. Call customer service if in doubt.
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Turn on Roaming (if abroad): Toggle this by going to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options and enable “Roaming”. Without this, international calls might be restricted.
Options for Budget-Friendly International Calling:
- Use WiFi calling apps like Skype, WhatsApp, or FaceTime Audio if both parties have them. Free beats carrier fees, and the call quality is often better.
- Consider international calling plans if you’re frequently dialing abroad.
Pros of Carrier-Based Calls:
- Reliable in areas without stable WiFi.
- Works directly through the phone app without needing additional software or accounts.
Cons:
- Potentially high fees unless you have a special international plan.
- Call quality may vary, and roaming charges can surprise you.
Should you trust FaceTime, WhatsApp, or Skype instead of cellular? Definitely—unless your internet connection is spotty. The simplicity of dialing via your carrier, as detailed by others, is great for an urgent call—but ready access to apps avoids the fees you’d otherwise face.
PS: Props to @cazadordeestrellas and @viajantedoceu for breaking the process down. However, if you’re in a time crunch, save yourself the hassle and have those international contacts pre-stored with a ‘+’ and the country code. Instant one-tap solution! Skip the settings deep dive unless you run into issues.