How to Call Israel from the US

18 Sept

Step-by-Step Guide calling Israel from the US

In today’s interconnected world, staying in touch across continents has become more important than ever. If you're looking to call Israel from the US whether for personal, business, or travel related reasons it’s essential to understand the international dialing process. This guide will take you through the step-by-step process of how to call Israel, including specific examples for major cities such as Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, and others.

Calling Israel: Table of Contents

Understanding International Dialing Codes
Step-by-Step Guide to Call Israel from the US
Examples of How to Call Major Cities in Israel
- A. Tel Aviv
- B. Jerusalem
- C. Haifa
- D. Eilat
- E. Be'er Sheva
Tips for Using Mobile Phones and Calling Services
Costs and Tips for Saving on International Calls
Common FAQs
Conclusion
Property Management In Israel

1. Understanding International Dialing Codes

When calling Israel from the US, you will need to familiarize yourself with a few key dialing codes. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:

International Dialing Prefix (IDD): This is the code used to dial out of the US. The IDD code for the US is 011.
Country Code for Israel: Israel's country code is 972.
City/Area Codes: Israeli cities and regions have unique area codes, typically one or two digits (e.g., Tel Aviv is 3, Jerusalem is 2).
Local Phone Number: Israeli local numbers are usually 7 digits long.

Basic Format for Calling Israel from the US:

011 + 972 + [Area Code] + [Local Number]

2. Step-by-Step Guide to Call Israel from the US

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the steps involved in making an international call to Israel from the US:

Dial the US Exit Code (IDD):
This is the first number you must dial when making an international call from the US.
Dial: 011
Dial Israel’s Country Code:
Israel’s country code is 972, which you must dial after the exit code.
Dial: 972
Enter the Area Code of the Israeli City:
Each major city in Israel has its own area code. For instance, Tel Aviv's area code is 3, and Jerusalem's is 2.
Dial: [Area Code]
Enter the Local Phone Number:
The local phone number in Israel is 7 digits long. Combine it with the area code to complete the call.
Dial: [Local Number]

Example for Calling Tel Aviv:

To call a Tel Aviv number (e.g., 123-4567), you would dial:
011 + 972 + 3 + 123-4567

3. Examples of How to Call Major Cities in Israel

Let’s look at how to call several major cities in Israel from the US using the steps outlined above.

A. How to Call Tel Aviv

Area Code: 3
Example:
To call a Tel Aviv number (456-7890), dial:
011 + 972 + 3 + 456-7890

B. How to Call Jerusalem

Area Code: 2
Example:
If the Jerusalem number is 234-5678, dial:
011 + 972 + 2 + 234-5678

C. How to Call Haifa

Area Code: 4
Example:
To call a Haifa number (678-1234), dial:
011 + 972 + 4 + 678-1234

D. How to Call Eilat

Area Code: 8
Example:
To call an Eilat number (555-4321), dial:
011 + 972 + 8 + 555-4321

E. How to Call Be’er Sheva

Area Code: 8
Example:
If the Be’er Sheva number is 987-6543, dial:
011 + 972 + 8 + 987-6543

4. Tips for Using Mobile Phones and Calling Services

If you're calling Israel from your mobile phone, you can often replace the international dialing code (011) with a "+" symbol. Most modern smartphones allow you to hold down the zero button to access the “+” symbol, which automatically inserts the appropriate international code.

Example for Calling Tel Aviv from a Mobile Phone:

Instead of dialing 011 + 972 + 3 + Local Number, you can dial:
+972 3 Local Number

Many mobile carriers in the US also offer international calling plans or apps that let you make international calls at a discounted rate. Additionally, there are online services that allow you to make calls via Wi-Fi, such as:

WhatsApp: Free international voice and video calls over Wi-Fi or mobile data.
Skype: Allows calls to Israeli landlines or mobile numbers for a fee.
Google Voice: Provides affordable rates for international calls.
Viber: Another popular app for making calls to both landlines and mobile phones.

5. Costs and Tips for Saving on International Calls

Calling Israel from the US can range in cost depending on whether you use a landline, mobile phone, or internet-based service. Here are some tips to reduce costs:

Check Your Phone Plan:
Some mobile providers offer international calling plans that can save you money. These plans typically include a certain number of minutes per month or reduced rates for overseas calls.
Use Calling Cards:
Prepaid international calling cards are an option for cheap calls. These cards provide a specific balance of minutes that can be used to call Israel at lower rates.
Consider VoIP Services:
Internet-based calling services like Skype, Google Voice, and Viber are cost-effective alternatives to traditional calling. These platforms usually charge much lower rates per minute and sometimes even offer free calls.
Off-Peak Hours:
Some service providers offer discounted rates for international calls during off-peak hours (late nights or early mornings). Check your carrier’s international rate sheet for specific details.

6. Common FAQs

Q1: How do I call an Israeli mobile number from the US?
Israeli mobile numbers typically begin with 05. To call an Israeli mobile phone, drop the leading “0” when dialing internationally. For example, if the mobile number is 052-345-6789, you would dial:
011 972 52 345 6789

Q2: Do I need to add a "0" before dialing the area code?
No. When dialing Israel from the US, you should drop the leading “0” from the area code. For example, Tel Aviv’s area code is 03, but when dialing internationally, you would drop the “0” and dial 972 + 3.

Q3: Are there free ways to call Israel from the US?
Yes! You can use internet-based services like WhatsApp, Skype, or Viber to make free international calls if both the caller and recipient have internet access.

7. Conclusion

Making an international call to Israel from the US may seem complicated at first, but with the right dialing codes and steps, it’s simple and straightforward. By following this guide, you can easily connect with people in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, and other cities across Israel.

Whether you're calling for business, family, or personal reasons, understanding the dialing format, knowing the area codes, and using cost-effective services will ensure that your international calls are smooth and affordable.

By optimizing your calling method and exploring options like VoIP or international calling plans, you can maintain strong ties with your loved ones or business contacts in Israel, no matter the distance.

Adam Kushner