Whether you’re reaching a client in Berlin, a supplier in Hamburg, or a friend studying abroad in Cologne, having the right dialing sequence ensures your call connects clearly and without extra costs. A single misplaced digit can be the difference between a seamless conversation and a failed connection.
This guide breaks down exactly how to call Germany from the US, step by step. You’ll learn the correct codes to dial, see examples for both landlines and mobile numbers, and discover the most affordable and reliable ways to stay in touch. And with VoIP technology, you’ll see how modern internet-based calling makes staying connected across continents easier and cheaper than ever.
Understanding the basics of calling Germany from the US
Before you dial a number in Germany, it helps to understand how international calling formats work. Every successful call requires a few key components: the US exit code, the German country code, a city or area code, and finally, the local number. Missing or misplacing one of these parts is the most common reason calls fail to connect.
German phone numbers also differ slightly between landlines and mobiles.
- Landlines use area codes that start with a 0, which you’ll drop when dialing from abroad.
- Mobile numbers usually begin with 015, 016, or 017, and are always dialed after the country code without the leading 0.
Finally, note that call rates and connection quality can vary depending on how you make the call. Traditional carriers often charge higher per-minute rates, while VoIP services route calls through the internet for clear, reliable connections at a fraction of the cost.
Step-by-step guide to dialing Germany from the US
Once you understand the components of an international phone number, calling Germany from the United States is straightforward. Follow these four simple steps to ensure your call connects correctly.
Step 1 – dial the US exit code (011)
Every international call made from the United States starts with the exit code 011. This tells your phone carrier to route the call outside the U.S. telephone network.
Tip: If you’re using a mobile phone, you can replace “011” with a plus sign (+) — simply hold down the 0 key until “+” appears. For example: +49 [area code] [local number].
Step 2 – enter Germany’s country code (49)
Next, dial 49, the official country code for Germany. This connects your call to the German telephone system.
At this stage, your number will look like this: 011 49 or +49 (if using the plus symbol).
Step 3 – add the German area code
After the country code, include the area code for the city or region you’re calling — but drop the leading zero used within Germany.
Examples of major German area codes:
| City | Local area code | Dial from the US as… |
| Berlin | 030 | 30 |
| Munich | 089 | 89 |
| Hamburg | 040 | 40 |
| Frankfurt | 069 | 69 |
| Cologne | 0221 | 221 |
Step 4 – dial the local phone number
Finally, enter the local number of your contact. German phone numbers vary in length:
- Landlines: Typically 5–11 digits (including the area code).
- Mobiles: Usually start with 15, 16, or 17, followed by 8–9 digits.
Examples:
- To call a Berlin landline: 011 49 30 1234567
- To call a mobile phone in Germany: 011 49 171 1234567
Guidelines for calling Germany
When calling Germany from the United States, you have several options, each with its own benefits and limitations. Whether you’re staying in touch with family or managing cross-border business, choosing the right method can help you balance cost, quality, and convenience.
Use VoIP for cost-effective and high-quality calls
If you make frequent or long international calls, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is the best choice for both quality and affordability. Instead of relying on traditional phone lines, VoIP connects your call through the internet, dramatically lowering costs while maintaining clear, reliable audio.
With a platform like Voiso, you can make and receive calls from anywhere in the world using your computer, tablet, or mobile device. All you need is a stable internet connection.
Advantages of using Voiso include:
- Consistent call quality, even across long distances.
- Lower per-minute rates than standard phone carriers.
- CRM and contact center integration, ideal for businesses managing client calls.
- Transparent billing and analytics, so you always know your costs
Mobile and landline carrier international calling
If you prefer traditional calling methods, you can place international calls through your mobile or landline provider. Most major US carriers — including AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile — offer international calling plans or per-minute options.
Pros:
- No additional setup required.
- Reliable connection through your existing carrier.
Cons:
- Typically more expensive than VoIP options.
- Rates vary by time, destination, and plan.
- Calls may not include advanced features like recording or analytics.
These plans can be convenient for occasional calls, but if you contact Germany regularly, a strong VoIP platform will significantly cut costs over time.
International calling cards
Calling cards can be a practical option if you don’t have access to reliable internet or need a quick, pay-as-you-go solution. They’re available online and in most convenience stores.
You’ll dial a local access number, enter the card’s PIN, and then the international number. However, be aware that many cards include hidden connection fees, minute rounding, or expiration dates that can make them less cost-effective.
Understanding German time zones before you call
Before placing your call to Germany, it’s important to consider time zone differences. Germany operates on Central European Time (CET), which is six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST) and nine hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time (PST) in the United States.
Germany also observes Daylight Saving Time, switching to Central European Summer Time (CEST) from late March to late October, which adjusts the difference by one hour during those months.
Tip: For the best results, aim to schedule your calls between 9 AM and 6 PM in Germany — that’s early morning to late morning in the US, depending on your time zone.
For international teams, platforms like Voiso simplify coordination by displaying time zones and scheduling options directly within your call management tools. That means you’ll always connect at the right time, no mental math required.
Tips for successful international calls to Germany
Even when you know the correct dialing sequence, a few extra steps can make your calls smoother, clearer, and more professional. Follow these best practices to ensure every conversation with your German contacts goes perfectly.
1. Check your device’s international calling capabilities
Before making the call, confirm that your phone, VoIP platform, or business communication system supports international calling. For example, some mobile carriers require enabling international access in your account settings. Meanwhile, the best VoIP services are ready for global connections out of the box.
2. Save numbers in the correct international format
When storing German contacts, always use the +49 format instead of local versions with leading zeros. For example, a Berlin number listed as 030 1234567 should be saved as +49 30 1234567.
Saving numbers in international format ensures calls and texts connect correctly, even when traveling or switching devices.
3. Test your connection before important calls
If you’re calling through a VoIP platform, run a quick connection and audio test beforehand.
- Check your Wi-Fi or Ethernet stability.
- Use a wired headset or quality microphone for clearer sound.
- Close unnecessary apps or browser tabs to preserve bandwidth.
4. Avoid peak calling hours to save money
International carriers often raise rates during evenings and weekends — especially in European time zones. Whenever possible, make calls during off-peak hours or switch to VoIP to eliminate rate fluctuations entirely.
FAQs
What is the country code for Germany when dialing from the US?
The country code for Germany is 49. To call from the United States, dial 011 (the US exit code), then 49, followed by the area code (without the leading zero) and the local number.
How do I call a German mobile number from the US?
To reach a mobile number in Germany, use the following format:
011 + 49 + [mobile prefix] + [subscriber number].
Mobile prefixes in Germany typically start with 15, 16, or 17.
Are VoIP calls to Germany reliable?
Yes — with a stable internet connection, VoIP calls are highly reliable and often provide better audio quality than traditional international phone networks. Platforms like Voiso use advanced routing and global infrastructure to ensure crystal-clear connections, minimal delay, and lower per-minute rates for both business and personal calls.
How can I find the area code for a specific city in Germany?
You can look up area codes online or through local directories. Here are a few common ones:
- Berlin: 30
- Munich: 89
- Frankfurt: 69
- Hamburg: 40
- Cologne: 221
What is the cheapest way to call Germany from the US?
The most affordable way to call Germany is through VoIP services like Voiso, which route calls over the internet instead of traditional phone lines. With Voiso, you can enjoy:
- Low international rates with no hidden fees.
- High-quality audio and dependable uptime.
- Professional tools like call analytics and CRM integration for businesses.
Can I call Germany for free using internet-based apps?
Yes — if both you and your contact use the same VoIP or messaging app, you can often call for free over Wi-Fi or mobile data. Popular examples include Voiso, WhatsApp, and Skype.
However, calling from an app to a landline or mobile number in Germany usually comes with a small fee, which is still far cheaper than standard carrier rates.
