Calling an international number from an iPhone

It’s a common problem: You have contact info for a person or business overseas, but you don’t know how to give them a call from your iPhone. Here’s how to do it.

First, you’ll want to check your mobile phone plan for international service. Some mobile phone plans do not include international calling. If that’s the case, consider buying a prepaid international phone card from a vendor such as Amazon.com.

Also, some phone plans might add an extra charge for international calls. Be sure to understand any possible charges before you place a call.

When you’re ready to make a call, unlock your iPhone and launch the Phone app.

Start the Phone app

Tap the Keypad button to switch to keypad mode.

Tap on Keypad to switch to keypad mode

Tap and hold your finger on the “0” key.

Tap and hold your finger on the "0" key

As you hold your finger on the zero key, the 0 in the dialing area changes into a plus sign (“+”).

As you hold your finger down, the 0 in the dialing area changes into a plus sign

Enter the phone number on the keypad (starting with the country calling code), and then press the green call button.

International telephone numbers include a country calling code (much like an area code) that tells the phone system how to direct the call. Each country is assigned its own unique code (such as “49” for Germany, as shown in the example here), and it’s usually the first digit or group of digits at the beginning of the phone number.

Enter the phone number on the keypad

The call will now be placed. Speak as usual on the iPhone and enjoy your call!

The call will now be placed

Profile Photo for Benj Edwards Benj Edwards
Benj Edwards is a former Associate Editor for How-To Geek. Now, he is an AI and Machine Learning Reporter for Ars Technica. For over 15 years, he has written about technology and tech history for sites such as The Atlantic, Fast Company, PCMag, PCWorld, Macworld, Ars Technica, and Wired. In 2005, he created Vintage Computing and Gaming, a blog devoted to tech history. He also created The Culture of Tech podcast and regularly contributes to the Retronauts retrogaming podcast.
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