How to Call Italy from the USA: Complete Dialing Guide

Calling Italy from the USA is simple once you know the formula. This guide will walk you through the correct dialing format, explain Italian phone numbers, and show you the cheapest ways to connect.

Quick Answer: How to Dial Italy

Need to make a call right now? Here's the exact format you need. The key is to use Italy's country code, +39, followed by the complete local number, including the area code.

• Dialing Format: +39 Area Code Phone Number
• Example (Rome Landline): +39 06 1234 5678

A common mistake is dropping the leading zero from the area code on landlines—don't do it! Unlike many other countries, Italy requires you to dial it.

Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions

Placing an international call comes down to a simple formula. Whether you're using a cell phone or a landline, the process is slightly different at the start.

How to Call Italy from a US Mobile Phone

Using a mobile phone is the easiest method. The plus (+) symbol automatically handles the international exit code for you, no matter where you are in the world.

1. Open your phone's dialer and press and hold the 0 key until the + symbol appears.
2. Enter Italy's country code: 39.
3. Dial the complete Italian phone number, including the area code (e.g., 06 for Rome).

Your screen will look like this: +39 06 1234 5678

How to Call Italy from a US Landline

If you're using a landline, you must manually dial the US international exit code, which is 011. This tells your provider that you're making a call outside of North America.

1. Start by dialing the US exit code: 011.
2. Next, enter Italy's country code: 39.
3. Finish with the full Italian number, including the area code and its leading zero.

The complete number you dial will be: 011 39 06 1234 5678

For a broader overview, our guide on how to dial Europe from the USA offers additional tips.

Understanding the Italy Phone Number Format

Getting the Italian phone number format right is crucial for a successful call. Italy has two main types of numbers—landlines and mobile numbers—and they follow different rules.

Landline vs. Mobile Numbers

Here’s the most important rule: when dialing an Italian landline, you must never drop the leading zero from the area code. That 0 is a required part of the number for both local and international calls.

• Landline Example (Florence): +39 055 123 4567. Dialing +39 55... will fail.
• Mobile Example: +39 347 123 4567. Mobile numbers always start with a 3 and do not have a leading zero.

Common Italian Area Codes

Recognizing the area code can help you confirm you have the right number. Here are a few for major cities:

City	Area Code
Rome	06
Milan	02
Florence	055
Naples	081
Venice	041

For a deeper dive into how numbers are structured, see our detailed guide on Italy's +39 country code.

Time Zone Considerations for Calling Italy

Calling at a respectable hour is just as important as dialing the correct number. Italy runs on Central European Time (CET), which is six hours ahead of US Eastern Standard Time (EST) for most of the year. Accidentally waking someone up at 3 AM is an easy mistake to make.

Best Times to Call Italy from the USA

To avoid calling too early or too late, aim for your morning. This will catch people in Italy during their afternoon.

• For Business Calls: The best window is between 9 AM and 12 PM EST. This translates to a perfect 3 PM to 6 PM in Italy, right before their business day ends.
• For Personal Calls: You have more flexibility. Calling in the late morning or early afternoon (US time) usually lands in their evening, which is ideal for a relaxed chat.

Cheapest Ways to Call Italy

Traditional phone plans can make calling Italy expensive, with per-minute rates often exceeding $1.00. Fortunately, modern technology offers much more affordable solutions.

1. VoIP Apps (like CallSky)

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services route your call over the internet instead of traditional phone lines. This dramatically reduces costs without sacrificing quality. A provider like CallSky offers clear, reliable calls to Italy for just a few cents per minute on a pay-as-you-go basis, giving you maximum flexibility.

2. Carrier International Plans

Major carriers like Verizon and AT&T offer international calling plans. While convenient, they often come with a high monthly fee, making them less cost-effective if you don't make frequent calls. Always check the fine print for per-minute rates on top of the subscription cost.

3. WiFi Calling

Most modern smartphones have a built-in WiFi calling feature that can be used for international calls, sometimes for free. However, call quality depends entirely on the strength and stability of your WiFi connection. A poor signal can lead to dropped calls and choppy audio, making it unreliable for important conversations. For more options, explore these apps for cheap international calls.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to the most common questions about how to call Italy from the USA.

Do I dial 011 or +39 to call Italy?

It depends on the phone you are using.

• Use 011 (the US exit code) when calling from a landline.
• Use +39 when calling from a mobile phone. The + symbol automatically acts as the correct exit code from any country.

Do I drop the 0 from Italian numbers?

No, never drop the leading 0 when dialing an Italian landline. The 0 is a required part of the area code (e.g., 06 for Rome). If you drop it, the call will fail. This rule does not apply to Italian mobile numbers, which start with the digit 3 and do not have a leading zero.

How much does it cost to call Italy?

Costs vary widely. Standard mobile carrier rates can be over $1.00 per minute. International calling plans reduce this but add a monthly fee. The most affordable option is typically a VoIP service like CallSky, which offers rates as low as a few cents per minute for high-quality calls to both landlines and mobile phones in Italy.

---

Ready for crystal-clear calls without the high cost? With CallSky, you get premium quality and transparent pricing. Check CallSky's low rates to Italy and start calling in minutes.