I need help from experienced travelers. We are getting conflicting information about how to call the US from Europe. The information we've received is
"Calling Home"
Whether dialing from a mobile phone or landline, this is how to call the US or Canada from Europe:
1. Dial 00, Europe's international access code, or enter + from any mobile phone.
2. Dial 1, the country code for the US and Canada.
3. Dial the phone number, including area code."
Which is correct? When I talked to Verizon, the rep said to call as usual which would be the latter choice. We are both using Verizon's $40/month international plan.
We have sick 97 y/o mother issues, husband/anniversary wishes, dog/horse problems that may need to be addressed while in Europe.
As always I appreciate your help.
Kathy
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5500 posts
The three steps are not mutually exclusive For example, +1 202 555 1212.
However, on my mobile overseas, I can just dial the same way that I do at home when calling a US number.
Posted by
midwest- Michigan
489 posts
Kathy, we have Verizon and just used that same plan last month (and on many other trips).
Just use your contact number, just like you would anywhere in the USA. No special additional numbers needed.
I always call my parents (in their 80's) and they always say .. Wow, sounds like you are next door. They get such a kick from getting a call from Europe. Haha!
Have a great trip!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16147 posts
What Laura said. Those are three steps, taken in sequence, not alternative options.
So you would dial 001 (or +1) then the number as usual, starting with the area code.
Posted by
OP
Phoenix🌵
2701 posts
Thank you all, especially Tgreen. I forwarded the information on to my travel buddy since it's her mom who is 97 y/o and who just fell and broke her arm.
Kathy
Posted by
Atlanta
4786 posts
We have Verizon, one smart phone, one older flip phone, and they both are quad band and have the capability of calling internationally. All we do is go to our contact list, highlight the number we want to call, and hit send. The phone takes care of the rest. Don't know if it will work for you, but it does for us. Verizon has a dedicated Global Customer Service department that actually knows what's what as opposed to the local stores or regular customer service department. Call them at 1-800-711-8300 and see it they can offer clarification.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16147 posts
Verizon phones (or their international plan) must work differently from AT&T. I must add the +1 when calling a US number from Europe---even if the person I am calling (or texting) is there with me. When in London with family members we kept in touch regarding meeting time and place by text. I had to re-enter each person's number with the +1 as an alternate number under Contacts.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32198 posts
To clarify one point, it doesn't matter whether one is using a Verizon phone or one from any other network. The protocols of the various cellular networks are the same regardless. My experience in using both roaming with my home cell network as well as using a U.K. SIM in various European countries is the same as Lola mentioned. The "+1" always works and I have some of my usual numbers entered that way in my directory. It's possible that some phones may be designed to add that automatically if that prefix is not entered by the user.
This may be helpful.....
https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/phones-tech/call-uk-europe