How To Easily Call France From The Usa Using Your Cell Phone A Step By Step Guide

Making an international call from the United States to France might seem complicated, but with the right approach, it’s straightforward and often affordable. Whether you're contacting family, managing business affairs, or confirming travel plans, knowing the correct dialing sequence and understanding your calling options can save both time and money. This guide breaks down everything you need to know—from dial codes to cost-saving alternatives—so you can connect with confidence.

Understanding International Dialing Basics

To call France from the U.S., you must follow a specific number format that routes your call correctly through international networks. The process involves three components: the exit code, the country code, and the local French number.

The standard structure is:

1. Exit Code: 011 (used in the U.S. to initiate an international call)
2. Country Code: 33 (assigned to France)
3. Local Number: A 9-digit French phone number, typically starting with 0 (which you’ll drop when calling internationally)

For example, if the French number is 06 12 34 56 78, you would dial: 011 33 6 12 34 56 78. Note that the leading zero is omitted after the country code.

Tip: Save frequently called French numbers in your contacts with the full international format to avoid dialing errors.

Step-by-Step Guide to Calling France from Your U.S. Cell Phone

Follow these steps to place a successful call from your mobile device:

1. Verify the French phone number. Ensure it's written in the standard 10-digit format (e.g., 06 12 34 56 78). Mobile numbers in France usually start with 06 or 07; landlines may begin with 01 through 05.
2. Remove the leading zero. When dialing internationally, skip the first digit '0' of the French number.
3. Dial the U.S. exit code: 011. This signals your carrier that the call is going overseas.
4. Enter France’s country code: 33.
5. Input the remaining 9 digits of the French number. For example, convert 06 12 34 56 78 to 6 12 34 56 78.
6. Press call. Wait for the connection. You may hear a brief delay or routing tone before the line connects.

Alternatively, modern smartphones support the \"+\" symbol as a universal replacement for the exit code. Instead of dialing 011, you can press and hold \"0\" on your keypad to input \"+\", then enter [phone]. This method works across most carriers and devices and is especially useful when traveling.

Calling Options Compared: Carrier Rates vs. VoIP Apps

While traditional voice calling via your cellular provider works, costs can vary widely. Many U.S. carriers charge between $0.25 and $1.00 per minute for calls to France. However, several cost-effective alternatives exist.

Method	Avg. Cost to France	Audio Quality	Data Required
Major U.S. Carrier (Verizon, AT&T)	$0.30–$1.00/min	High (HD Voice)	Voice Network
Google Voice	$0.02–$0.08/min	Very High	Wi-Fi or Data
WhatsApp Call	Free	High	Wi-Fi or Data
Skype (to mobile/landline)	$0.10–$0.15/min	High	Wi-Fi or Data
iMessage Audio Call (iPhone to iPhone)	Free	Excellent	Wi-Fi or Data

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) apps like WhatsApp, Skype, and Google Voice use your internet connection instead of your cellular plan, making them ideal for frequent callers. Just ensure both parties have the app installed or that you’re calling a registered number (in the case of Google Voice).

Tip: Use Wi-Fi whenever possible when making internet-based calls to avoid data charges, especially if you're on a limited plan.

Real Example: Connecting with a Relative in Lyon

Sarah, a teacher from Chicago, needed to call her elderly aunt in Lyon every Sunday. Initially, she used her regular AT&T plan and was charged $0.45 per minute—adding up to nearly $20 a month. After researching alternatives, she switched to WhatsApp. She helped her aunt download the app and set up her account using her smartphone and home Wi-Fi. Now, Sarah makes weekly 30-minute video calls at no extra cost. The call quality improved, and her aunt enjoys seeing her face during conversations.

This scenario illustrates how a small adjustment—switching to an internet-based app—can significantly reduce costs while enhancing communication quality.

Expert Insight on International Communication Trends

“More than 70% of international calls from the U.S. are now made over data networks rather than traditional voice lines. Consumers are prioritizing affordability and clarity, and apps like WhatsApp and FaceTime meet both needs.” — Dr. Alan Torres, Telecommunications Analyst at MIT Media Lab

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting to drop the leading zero: Including the initial '0' in the French number will cause the call to fail.
• Dialing without checking roaming plans: If you're abroad or near borders, ensure your phone isn’t inadvertently roaming, which could lead to high charges.
• Using outdated dialing methods: Some older guides recommend prefixes like *011* for better rates—these are obsolete and unnecessary.
• Ignoring time zones: France is typically 6 hours ahead of New York (CET/CEST). Calling too early or late can disrupt recipients.

Checklist: Preparing to Call France from the U.S.

• ☐ Confirm the full French phone number (including area/mobile prefix)
• ☐ Remove the leading '0' from the number
• ☐ Choose your calling method (carrier, VoIP app, etc.)
• ☐ Check your data/Wi-Fi access if using an internet-based app
• ☐ Verify the current time in France to avoid inconvenient hours
• ☐ Save the international version of the number in your contacts (+33 X XX XX XX XX)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I text someone in France the same way I call?

Yes. Sending a standard SMS to a French number follows the same formatting: use +33 followed by the 9-digit number without the leading zero. However, SMS fees may apply unless you use messaging apps like WhatsApp, iMessage (over data), or Facebook Messenger.

Why did my call fail even though I dialed correctly?

Common reasons include incorrect number formatting, poor signal strength, blocked international calling on your plan, or the recipient’s phone being unreachable. Double-check the number and consider switching to a VoIP app as a troubleshooting alternative.

Are calls to France included in my unlimited plan?

Some carriers include international calling in premium unlimited plans. For example, T-Mobile offers limited international minutes to France on certain plans. Always verify with your provider whether your plan covers calls to country code +33.

Final Tips for Seamless Communication

Modern technology has made cross-border communication easier than ever. While traditional dialing still works, leveraging internet-based tools offers superior value. Consider setting up dual calling methods—one via your carrier for emergencies, and one via a free app for routine conversations.

If you're calling regularly, invest a few minutes in configuring your contacts properly and educating the person you're calling about app usage. A quick tutorial can open the door to free, high-quality communication for years to come.

🚀 Ready to make your next call to France? Try using +33 with WhatsApp or FaceTime today—save money and enjoy clearer conversations! Share this guide with friends planning international calls and help them stay connected without overspending.