How to Call Italy from the U.S

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: July 12, 2023 References

By understanding the right steps and gaining an understanding of the many calling options, you can call Italy easily without worrying about getting overcharged.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Dialing the Number

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1
Dial the U.S exit code "011" into your phone. Also known as the international direct dialing (IDD) code, the exit code is necessary for calling outside of the country. Note that Canada's exit code is also 011, but you still need to use it when calling from the U.S. ^{[1]
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- If you see a number with a "+" sign at the beginning, you don't need to input the exit code. These numbers are designated for international use and thus don't require call prefixes.
2
Input Italy's country code (39) after the U.S. exit code. Your phone should read "011" at the moment. Now, input "39," which is the country calling code for Italy. ^{[2]
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- Anytime you are making a call from the U.S. to Italy, the first 5 digits should be "011 39."
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3
Input the city code of the region of Italy you're calling. After the country calling code—but before the Italy phone number—you must input Italy's city code. These codes are anywhere from 2 to 4 digits long. For example, if you're calling Bari, which has a city code of 80, you need to input "011 39 80." ^{[3]
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- Take a look at the following resource for Italy's city codes: https://www.howtocallabroad.com/italy/ .
4
Dial the Italy phone number into your phone. The final number you input into your phone must be ordered as follows: the U.S. exit code (011), the Italy country code (39), the city code, and the phone number. The phone number (minus all of the preceding codes) is typically 5 to 8 digits long, but may sometimes be shorter or longer.
- If you're calling "555-5555" from the U.S. to the city of Bari in Italy, the final number that you call should be "011-39-80-555-5555."
5
Keep the leading "0" at the beginning of landline Italy numbers. In many places of the world, you are told to drop the leading "0" in phone numbers when making calls from abroad. But in Italy, you need to keep it. For example, if the number is "089 852 6221," be sure to dial it as is. ^{[4]
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- If you see a phone number with a "0" inside brackets, don't drop the zero! For example, "+39 (0)89 123 4567" must be dialed with the "0," regardless of what you need to do when calling other countries.
- Don't add a leading "0" to mobile Italy numbers. All mobile numbers in Italy begin with a "3." When you see a number starting with "3," never add a "0" to it, as it might end up routing you to a landline in the northern region of Italy.
6
Remember that not all numbers can be called from the U.S. In Italy, some numbers are not reachable from aboard. For example, 199 and 800 numbers—which are typically used by call centers—cannot be dialed from the U.S. ^{[5]
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- If your number doesn't begin with "0" or "3," you might not be able to dial it.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using Alternative Calling Methods

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1
Use a calling card for a cheaper payment method. Calling cards are paper or plastic cards used to pay for phone services. Call your phone provider and ask about the cards that are viable with your plan. Afterward, check with your calling card provider and make sure they are compatible with your phone model, country (U.S.), and destination (Italy). ^{[6]
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- Don't call Italy from your address book or you will pay the standard international rate.
- Ask your provider about extra charges and fees so there are no surprises.
2
Call Italy through an operator using your credit card. To use your credit card, you must place your call through an operator. After contacting the operator, they will provide information on the call rates and phone company prior to placing your call—listen to or write down all of this information. Remember that the rates will likely be more expensive than other options, especially if you're calling from a payphone.
- To call the operator on a landline, dial "0." If you're in a dorm room or office building, dial "9."
3
Use Facebook Messenger to call Italy for free. Install Facebook Messenger on your PC, Mac, or Phone, open the app, and select your Italy contact. Now, hit the "Call" button in the top-right corner if it's blue. If it's not blue, the contact is either using an older version of Facebook or offline. ^{[7]
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- To use Facebook Messenger, both you and your contact must have version 4.0 or higher of the Facebook Messenger or the Facebook app.
4
Create a Skype account to call landline and mobile Italy numbers. Skype currently offers rates for international calling that don’t change based on the time of day. Either purchase Skype Credit and use it to call your Italy number, or purchase a subscription. ^{[8]
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- If your Italy connection has Skype, ask them to call Skype-to-Skype free of charge.
- View Skype calling rates here: https://www.skype.com/en/features/call-phones-and-mobiles/ .
5
Download WhatsApp to call Italy for free. Install WhatsApp on your phone, click the phone button at the top, and wait for the call to go through. Just keep in mind that WhatsApp connectivity isn't as reliable as long-distance phone plans. ^{[9]
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- To use WhatsApp, your Italy contact must also have WhatsApp along with an active internet connection.