How to Call Saudi Arabia

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Plus the best times to call to respect Saudi waking & working hours
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If you need to call someone in Saudi Arabia, it might seem complicated if you're not used to making international calls. Once you know the steps, though, it's actually very easy. First, dial the exit code for the country you're calling from, followed by 966, which is the country code for Saudi Arabia. Then, dial the area code, followed by the phone number. Just remember to check what time it is before you call!

Calling Saudi Arabia from the US

To call Saudi Arabia from the U.S, dial the U.S. exit code (011) followed by Saudi Arabia's country code (966). Enter the recipient's 7-digit phone number, and then start the call. You can also use a VoiP service and call from your computer or download a digital calling app like WhatsApp.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

From a Phone

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  1. In order to make an international call, you must first dial the exit code for your country. This code, also known as a dial-out code or international access code, lets the carrier know that you will be calling another country. In the United States, Canada, and parts of the Caribbean, for instance, the exit code is 011, while in Mexico, the code is 00. [1]
  2. After you dial the exit code for your country, you must then dial the prefix for the country you’re calling. Saudi Arabia's country code is 966.
    • For example, if you’re in the U.S. and you want to call Saudi Arabia, you would dial 011 966.
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  3. Once you’ve dialed the country code, you have to enter the city code, which may also be called an area code or a zone code. If the person gave you a 9-digit phone number, the city code is the first 2 numbers, so you don’t need to do anything special to find it. Otherwise, you’ll need to know the city you’re calling in order to find the city code. [2]
    • If you know the city you’re calling, you can find the city code by visiting this website, then scrolling down to click on “Saudi Arabia City Codes:” https://countrycode.org/saudiarabia .
    • For instance, if you’re in the U.S. and the person you're calling is in Riyadh, you would dial 011 966 11.

    Tip: If you're calling a mobile number, dial 5 instead of the city code, followed by an 8-digit number.

  4. After you’ve entered in all of the prefix information, you can dial the phone number you’re trying to call. This will either be a 7-digit number if you’re calling a landline, or an 8-digit number if you’re dialing a mobile number.
    • For the call from the U.S. to Riyadh, this number would be 011 966 11 xxx-xxxx.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Over the Internet

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  1. VoIP, which stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, works much the same way as a telephone, but it uses an internet connection instead of a phone line or cell service. To use a VoIP, you'll have to download the program offered by the service you choose, and the other party may need to install the same program. You'll also need a microphone and a speaker or headset, and some VoIP services require you to use a special phone that plugs into your computer. [3]
    • The main advantage of VoIP is that you can make calls for free or for a low monthly fee. However, the call quality may not be as high as calling from a traditional phone. Also, there may be an additional charge if you use the service to call a cell phone or land line.
    • Popular VoIP services include Vonage, Google Voice , and Skype.
  2. There are a number of different apps that you can use to make international calls from your tablet or phone. Ask your family, friends, and social media contacts to recommend their favorite, and play around with a few to find the features you like the most. These apps are generally free, although you may incur charges from data use if you don't have an unlimited plan or wi-fi. [4]
    • If the other person needs to use the same app, make sure they know which one to install!
    • Internet calling services were banned at one time in Saudi Arabia, but that ban was lifted in late 2017. However, you should keep in mind that phone calls made over the internet in Saudi Arabia may still be recorded and monitored, and some apps may not work properly. [5]
    • Some popular calling apps include WhatsApp, Viber, and FaceTime.

    Tip: Calls made over the internet consume a lot of bandwidth. To make sure you have the connection you need, make sure you're connected to a stable wi-fi connection before you place your call.

  3. 3
    Use email or instant messaging for a quick and easy way to get in touch. Depending on where you live, it can sometimes be hard to get in touch with someone in Saudi Arabia, due to the differences in time zones and their Sunday-Thursday work week. If you're having trouble finding the time to meet up for a phone call, try sending them a message or an e-mail instead. That way, they'll be able to respond at their leisure.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Following Cultural Guidelines

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  1. Saudi Arabia goes by Arabia Standard Time, or +0300 UTC/GMT. Depending on where you live, this could mean a drastic difference in the time of day. Before you place a call, calculate what time it will be there; otherwise, you might accidentally call and wake someone up in the middle of the night! [6]
    • AST is 8 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time (EST) and 7 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), which lasts from April to October.
    • For example if it's 11:00 a.m. EST in New York, it will be 7:00 p.m. the same day in Saudi Arabia.
  2. In Saudi Arabia, the work week goes from Sunday through Thursday, as opposed to the Monday-Friday week used in much of the Western world. This is because many businesses are closed each week on Friday to observe the Muslim day of prayer.
    • Avoid calling someone in Saudi Arabia on a Friday for either business or personal reasons. Of course, it's fine if the person specifically asks you to call.

    Tip: If you'll be calling Saudi Arabia often, you may be able to save money on your phone bill by purchasing an international calling card.

  3. Many businesses open in the morning, then close for a 3-hour break at about 12:00 p.m. local time. They then re-open from 3:00 p.m. until about 6:00 p.m., or later in some cases. If you call between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. AST and don’t reach your party, they may be available in the afternoon.
    • If you're making a personal call, try calling between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. AST, or after 6:00 p.m.
  4. In Saudi Arabia, many government offices close at either 2:30 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. during the week. To place a call to one of these offices, it's best to call early in the day. [7]
    • Typically, government offices open around 8:00 a.m. AST.
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  • Question
    How can I call Saudi Arabia for free?
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    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
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    Your best option is to use a free video or voice calling app that you can use on your phone or computer, such as Skype, WhatsApp, or FaceTime. While many of these apps have a history of being banned on and off over the years in Saudi Arabia, users can get around the ban by using a VPN (virtual private network). You’ll need to confirm with the person you’re communicating with that they have the app and are able to use it.
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    How do I call Saudi Arabia from Australia?
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    Dial 0011 + 699 + the area code and phone number for the person you are trying to reach.
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    Can I use WhatsApp in Saudi Arabia?
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    WhatsApp’s calling function has been intermittently banned in Saudi Arabia, but you may be able to use other features of the app (such as text chat). You can also frequently get around internet calling bans by installing a VPN (virtual private network), which conceals your geographic location.
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      Tips

      • To ask for your party when someone else answers the phone, say "hal li 'an 'atahadath 'iilaa," then the person's name. For instance, you might say, "marhabaan, hal li 'an 'atahadath 'iilaa liwakas Omar?" This means, "Hello, may I speak to Omar?"
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      Warnings

      • To avoid any surprises on your phone bill, be sure to call your service provider to ask about your international calling plan if you're calling from a land line or cell phone.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.howtocallabroad.com/codes.html
      2. ↑ https://countrycode.org/saudiarabia
      3. ↑ https://techterms.com/definition/voip
      4. ↑ https://www.androidauthority.com/best-android-apps-voip-sip-calls-wi-fi-calling-internet-calling-87396/
      5. ↑ https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-41332743
      6. ↑ https://www.worldtimeserver.com/current_time_in_SA.aspx
      7. ↑ https://sa.nepalembassy.gov.np/office-hours/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To call Saudi Arabia from a regular or mobile phone, start by dialing your country's 3-digit exit code, which can be found easily online if you don't already know it. Next, dial Saudi Arabia's country prefix, which is 966. Then, dial 5 followed by the 8-digit cell phone number if you're calling a mobile phone. If you're calling a land line, enter the 2-digit city code followed by the 7-digit phone number. For tips on using a VoIP service or app to place your call, read on!

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