Finding the Dialing Codes You’ll Need
Look up the country calling code for the country you will be calling. This is a 1- to 3-digit number that you will need to dial in order to direct your call to the right country. Look up international calling code lists to find the code that applies to your situation, like this one: https://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/international-calling-codes.htm#tip-international-calls. Try using an online tool to help you determine exactly what numbers you will need to dial depending on the country you want to call, like, https://countrycode.org/.
Find out if you need an additional code to call to a mobile phone outside of Thailand. If you need to call a mobile phone in another country, you may need to dial an additional mobile-phone code. Some countries, though not all, require this. These codes vary from country to country, and may cost more depending on your service provider. A list of codes for mobile phones can be found here: https://www.sprint.com/en/support/solutions/international/international-mobile-dial-codes.html For example, if you are trying to call a mobile phone in Mexico, you must add a 1 to the end of the country code. For Mexico the country code is 52, so you would dial 521. These codes generally alert phone service providers to charge you a higher rate per minute than if you are calling a landline.
Determine the correct city or area code. This code should be given to you as the first several digits in the phone number you wish to dial. In some countries it is a 2-digit number, in others it is 3-digits. In the US, the area code is a 3-digit number that precedes the 7-digit phone number. For example, to call Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, you would need to dial the area code 412 or 878. If you are calling a number in Sydney, Australia, you need to dial the area code 02. If you do not know the area code, you can search for it online or ask the person you are calling to send it to you in an email.
Calling from a Mobile or Landline
Dial Thailand’s exit code, which is 001. To call internationally from Thailand, you must first dial the correct exit code, also called the International Direct Dialing code (IDD) or the International Subscriber Dialing code (ISD.) In this case, it is 001. If you are calling from a mobile phone, try using the “+” sign located on the same key as the 0 in your number pad. This can be used most of the time instead of dialing the exit code. For assistance from an international operator, dial 110.Tip: Dial 007 or 008 instead of 001 to get a lower rate. These codes will route you through less expensive communications channels, but the quality of the call may be lower.
Dial the country code after the exit code. Next, type in the 1- to 3-digit country code you looked up. This number is a unique identifier for each country in the world. For example, if you are calling Switzerland, the country code you need to use is 41.
Dial the mobile phone digit if necessary. Enter the mobile phone code you obtained from your service provider if you are calling a mobile phone. These numbers can vary based on the service provider you are using, so it’s important to find out this information in advance through their website or by calling them directly. Foreign service providers may charge additional fees when you call a mobile phone internationally.
Dial the area code and phone number. Now, enter the phone number you wish to call as you normally would. Dial the area or city code first, followed by the phone number. If you are calling a landline in London in the UK from Thailand, for example, you would dial: 001-44-20-7946-0772. If dialing from a mobile phone, you can try substituting the + so that the number you dial looks like: +44-20-7946-0772.
Press the call button to complete your call. Once you have entered all of your numbers, you can begin dialing by pressing the call button. Always read over your numbers to make sure you have entered them correctly before dialing to avoid calling the wrong number. Be aware of what time it is where you are calling. Check the time zone difference online before you accidentally call someone in the middle of the night!
Paying for an International Call
Purchase a travel plan for your cell phone. Cell phone service providers offer a variety of plans and options that you can purchase in advance of a trip. Check their coverage maps and rates for these plans before purchasing so that you know in advance how much your calls will cost per minute. This can end up being the most expensive option for making international calls because of the additional charges your home service provider may impose. Read online reviews and all the fine print of any international travel plan before choosing this option.
Bring an unlocked cell phone to Thailand and purchase a Thai SIM card. Purchase a SIM card at a Thai phone shop or convenience store. Bring your passport with you to as you will need to register your phone number when you purchase the card. These typically cost around $5 and come with 15-30 minutes of phone time on them. This will allow you to skip out on any additional fees your home cell service provider might charge you for an international plan.
Use a calling card to purchase minutes. Enter the access code listed on the back of your calling card to connect to the calling card company. When prompted, enter the pin number listed on the back of your calling card. Proceed with dialing the international number as you normally would. Purchase a calling card at a grocery store, convenience store, or online. Review the terms and conditions for your calling card so that you know how much you will be charged per minute.
Consider using an internet-based app like WhatsApp, Skype, or Viber. These free apps must be downloaded and installed on your phone, laptop, or tablet and they require a connection to a Wi-Fi network. The person who you are calling must also be connected to Wi-Fi and must also use the same app. Some free internet phone services, like Skype, may charge a small fee for international calls. Make sure you read all the service agreements for these apps before agreeing to the terms. In addition to being low-cost, these apps will allow you to use video chat to see the person you are calling. Because these apps require a Wi-Fi connection to work, it’s important to make sure you have access to a good internet connection if you plan to rely on this communication method.
Use an internet voice call provider like Skype or VYKE to call a landline. While in Thailand, you can find online service providers who will allow you to call a landline number for a fee. Read their rates and make sure understand the charges and fees before agreeing to their terms. Calling internationally from Thailand is notoriously expensive when done via mobile or landline, so using internet services like these can be a cheaper option.
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