How do I make international calls from my iPhone?

Ditch the Confusion: Effortlessly Make International Calls From Your iPhone

For many, the thought of making an international call conjures images of confusing exit codes, expensive charges, and a general sense of uncertainty. But if you’re an iPhone user, you can say goodbye to those worries. Your iPhone makes placing calls across borders surprisingly straightforward. Forget about hunting down the correct exit codes for your current location – your iPhone has a built-in shortcut that simplifies the entire process.

The secret lies within your iPhone’s Phone app and a simple long-press. Here’s the breakdown of how to make international calls directly from your iPhone, bypassing the need for complicated codes and making global communication a breeze:

The Simple ‘+’ Trick:

The key to seamless international calling is the “+” symbol. This symbol acts as a universal exit code, automatically adapting to your current location. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open the Phone App: Locate and open the standard Phone app on your iPhone.
2. Access the Number Pad: Tap the “Keypad” icon at the bottom of the screen.
3. Long-Press the ‘0’ Key: This is the magic step. Press and hold the ‘0’ key on the number pad for a second or two. You’ll see the ‘+’ symbol appear on the screen.
4. Enter the Country Code: Now, enter the country code of the country you’re calling. For example, for the United Kingdom, the country code is ’44’.
5. Input the Recipient’s Number: Following the country code, enter the recipient’s phone number, omitting the initial ‘0’ if required by the specific country’s dialing convention. For example, if you’re calling a UK number like 07700 900000, you would enter ‘447700900000’.
6. Tap the Call Button: Once you’ve entered the complete number, tap the call button (the green phone icon).

Example:

Let’s say you are in the United States and want to call a friend in Germany with the phone number 0176 12345678.

1. Long-press the ‘0’ key to get the ‘+’.
2. Enter Germany’s country code: ‘+49’.
3. Enter your friend’s number, omitting the leading zero: ‘+4917612345678’.
4. Press the call button.

Important Considerations:

• Call Charges: Before making an international call, be aware of the potential charges. Contact your mobile carrier or check your data plan for international calling rates. Many carriers offer international calling plans or add-ons that can significantly reduce costs.
• Wi-Fi Calling: If you have Wi-Fi calling enabled, your international calls might be routed through Wi-Fi, potentially saving you money. Ensure Wi-Fi calling is activated in your iPhone settings (Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling).
• Saved Contacts: If you have international numbers already saved in your contacts with the correct country code and ‘+’, you can simply select the contact and make the call directly without having to manually enter the number each time.

Conclusion:

Making international calls from your iPhone doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By leveraging the simple ‘+’ trick, you can bypass confusing exit codes and connect with friends, family, or colleagues across the globe with ease. Just remember to check your carrier’s rates and consider utilizing Wi-Fi calling to keep your costs down. With this knowledge, you’re ready to make international calls with confidence and simplicity, all from the convenience of your iPhone.