Dialing One US Cell Phone to Another in France

You dial +1 and then the area code and number. The "+" is achieved by holding down the "0" until the 0 change into the +. Not a cheap call unless you have a deal like the one T-Mobile is pushing right now.

This is one of those issues that was once complicated but not its so simple that people have trouble comprehending it. It's all about the origin of the phone number and the amount of money you want to pay.

As crazy as this sounds, even if your friend is only two streets away from you in Paris, you'll need to make your call as if you're calling the USA. You'll have to dial 00+1 etc. Verizon will receive your call in the USA, recognize that your friend's mobile is now in France, and will then forward your call to your friend in Paris. If you're going to call each other very often, both of you might consider buying a prepaid SIM in Paris that gives you a French mobile number - then you can make local calls to each other.

Huh???

Somebody better tell me how come when I hit the 'Herself' button her voice magically appears whether she's home, in Japan or Argentina , or at the other end of the Roissy terminal.

Maybe smartphones are smart. In any case, an international plan has nothing to with it - - that's just money.

In France I received a phone call at 2:00 a.m. from a relative who had no idea I was in Europe. She called my regular number (including area code) and my phone rang. She didn't have to call any special country codes.

You might want to take a look at the extensive information on using cell phones in Europe right on this very website: http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/cell-phone-europe.htm.

Andrea,

That is because your caller was in the US. The post was about someone in France calling a US number.

I seem to recall 7 or 8 years ago calling from a U.S. phone to a U.S. phone while both phones were in Europe, and not having to dial country codes, etc. Maybe I'm misremembering.

Jackson,

As other replies have indicated, you'll dial +1 and then the normal 10 digit U.S. phone number. The "+" sign replaces the need to dial 00 or other codes, as shown on THIS website (note the information in the box on the right side).

A lot of steps take place in the background to make the call happen since you'll be roaming, but the simple explanation is that your outgoing call will first be directed back to the U.S. The network there will determine the location of the other phone and will then re-direct the call back to France. You will pay for an outgoing call and your friends will pay for an incoming call, at the applicable rates on both Verizon calling plans. Using text messages will be a less expensive option than voice calls.

If you're making calls to a number based within France, you'll have to dial the appropriate country codes. You may find it helpful to have a look at Rick's website on the topic.

I normally program phone numbers in the directory of my phone with the +1 prefix, and that makes it a simple matter to call my regular contacts using one-button dialing. If you plan on making calls to local numbers, print out the chart shown on the above web link and pack it along on your trip.

If the phones you're both using are Smartphones, be VERY careful when using cellular data as the costs can be astronomical! Unless you're paying for a data roaming plan, it would be prudent to leave cellular data switched OFF during your trip. Also, be sure to check the Chargers for your phones to ensure they're designed for use on 220 VAC electrical systems, and you will of course need Plug Adaptors to connect the Chargers in France.

Happy travels!