Hey there! Ever found yourself needing to connect with family, friends, or business associates in the beautiful Emerald Isle from the comfort of your home in the U.S., only to wonder, "How exactly do I call Ireland from my Verizon Wireless phone?" You're not alone! International calling can seem a bit daunting with all those codes, but don't worry, we're here to break it down into simple, easy-to-follow steps.
Whether it's for a quick chat, a business conference, or just to say "hello" across the Atlantic, getting the dialing sequence right is crucial. Plus, understanding your Verizon international plan options can save you a pretty penny. So, let's get you connected to Ireland!
How to Call Ireland from the U.S. with Verizon Wireless: A Step-by-Step Guide
Calling Ireland from the United States with your Verizon Wireless phone involves a specific sequence of numbers. Let's walk through it, ensuring you hit every digit correctly.
Step 1: Engage with Your Phone's Dial Pad – It's Your Gateway!
Alright, before we dive into the numbers, grab your Verizon Wireless smartphone! Look at that screen, ready for action. This isn't just about punching in digits; it's about connecting with someone thousands of miles away. Feel that excitement? Now, let's make it happen.
Step 2: Dial the U.S. Exit Code (International Access Code)
The very first number you need to dial tells your phone that you're about to make an international call, meaning you're leaving the U.S. network.
The U.S. exit code is 011.
Pro Tip for Smartphones: On most smartphones, you can simply press and hold the "0" key until a "+" symbol appears. This "+" symbol automatically includes the correct international exit code for your current location, making it super convenient, especially if you ever travel abroad and need to call back home!
So, your screen should now show either 011 or +.
Step 3: Enter Ireland's Country Code
Every country has a unique code that directs your call to its telecommunications network. For Ireland, this code is 353.
After the U.S. exit code (011 or +), immediately dial 353.
At this point, your dialing sequence should look like: 011353 or +353.
Step 4: Input the Area Code (or City Code) in Ireland
Within Ireland, different cities and regions have their own area codes. It's crucial to include the correct area code for the specific landline or mobile you are trying to reach.
Here are some common Irish area codes (note that the leading '0' that might be used when dialing within Ireland is dropped when dialing internationally):
Dublin: 1
Cork: 21
Galway: 91
Limerick: 61
Belfast (Northern Ireland, which uses UK country code +44, not +353): Just a quick note! While geographically on the same island, Northern Ireland is part of the UK and uses country code +44. If you're calling Belfast, you'd use +44 28...
So, if you're calling a landline in Dublin, your sequence would become: 0113531 or +3531.
Important Note for Mobile Numbers: For Irish mobile numbers, you generally don't dial an area code after the country code. Irish mobile numbers typically start with an 8 (e.g., 08x, but you drop the leading '0' for international dialing, so it would just be 8x).
Step 5: Dial the Local Phone Number
Finally, after the exit code, country code, and area code (if applicable), enter the local phone number of the person or business you wish to contact. Irish local phone numbers are typically 7 digits long for landlines.
Let's put it all together with an example:
To call a Dublin landline number (e.g., 123 4567):
011 353 1 1234567OR+353 1 1234567To call an Irish mobile number (e.g., 087 9876543):
011 353 87 9876543OR+353 87 9876543(Remember to drop the initial '0' from the mobile number when dialing internationally!)
Step 6: Consider Verizon's International Calling Plans
Making international calls can add up quickly if you're paying per minute at standard rates. Verizon offers several options to help manage costs and make calling Ireland more affordable:
Verizon International Calling Plan Options
Standard Pay Per Minute: If you rarely make international calls, you might stick to the standard pay-per-minute rates. For Ireland, this can be around $1.99 per minute or more. This option can become very expensive very quickly.
Global Calling Plus: This is a popular option if you frequently call international numbers. For $15 per month per line, Global Calling Plus offers:
Unlimited calls from the U.S. to landlines in over 60 countries, including Ireland.
Discounted calls to mobile phones in Ireland and other countries (e.g., around $0.19 per minute to Irish mobile numbers).
Discounted calls to an additional 160+ countries.
Global Choice: For $10 per month per line, Global Choice allows you to select a specific country (like Ireland) and get up to 300 minutes per month to call that country. After using your allowance, you'll get reduced rates. This is ideal if Ireland is your primary international calling destination.
TravelPass: While primarily designed for using your phone while traveling abroad, TravelPass ($12/day in Ireland) includes unlimited talk, text, and data. If you are in Ireland and need to call back to the U.S. or within Ireland, this is a good option. However, for calling from the U.S. to Ireland, the Global Calling plans are more relevant.
How to Add an International Plan:
You can easily add an international calling plan to your Verizon line:
Via My Verizon App or Online: Log in to your My Verizon account, go to the International plan page, and select "Add new plan."
By Text Message: Text the relevant keyword to 4004.
For Global Calling Plus, text "PLUS" to 4004.
For Global Choice, text the name of your selected country's keyword (e.g., "Ireland") to 4004.
For Global Calling, text "GLOBAL" to 4004.
It's highly recommended to check Verizon's official website or contact their customer service for the most up-to-date rates and plan details, as these can change.
Step 7: Check the Time Difference
Ireland operates on Irish Standard Time (IST), which is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) +1 during daylight saving. The U.S. has multiple time zones. This means there's a significant time difference, typically 5 to 8 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time.
Example: If it's 10:00 AM Eastern Time in the U.S., it's 3:00 PM in Ireland (assuming both are observing daylight saving).
Always double-check the current time in Ireland before placing your call to avoid waking someone up in the middle of the night!
Step 8: Troubleshooting Tips
Sometimes, international calls can encounter issues. Here are some quick troubleshooting steps:
Double-check the number: Even a single digit error can prevent your call from connecting.
Ensure International Dialing is Enabled: While generally enabled by default, sometimes international dialing might be restricted on your account. Contact Verizon customer service (*611 from your Verizon phone or 1-800-922-0204 from any phone in the U.S.) to verify your account settings.
Restart your phone: A simple reboot can sometimes resolve minor network glitches.
Try Wi-Fi Calling: If you have a strong Wi-Fi connection, enabling Wi-Fi Calling on your Verizon phone can sometimes improve call quality and reliability for international calls, especially if your cellular signal is weak.
Consider VoIP Apps: Apps like WhatsApp, Skype, and Google Voice offer internet-based calling, which can be significantly cheaper or even free if both parties use the app and have an internet connection.
Related FAQ Questions
How to check my current Verizon international calling plan?
You can check your current Verizon international calling plan by logging into your My Verizon account online or through the My Verizon app. Navigate to the "Plans" or "International" section to view your active services.
How to activate international calling on my Verizon account?
International calling is often enabled by default on most Verizon accounts, but you can confirm or activate specific international calling plans (like Global Calling Plus or Global Choice) via the My Verizon app, My Verizon online, or by contacting Verizon Customer Service at *611 from your Verizon phone or 1-800-922-0204.
How to find the correct area code for an Irish city?
You can find the correct area code for an Irish city by doing a quick online search for "Ireland area codes" or "Irish dial codes." Remember to drop the leading '0' if it appears in the listed Irish domestic area code when dialing internationally.
How to call an Irish mobile number from the US with Verizon?
To call an Irish mobile number from the U.S. with Verizon, dial 011 (or +), then 353 (Ireland's country code), followed by the Irish mobile number without its leading '0' (e.g., if the mobile number is 087 1234567, you would dial +353 87 1234567).
How to reduce costs when calling Ireland from the US on Verizon?
To reduce costs, consider adding a Verizon international calling plan like Global Calling Plus ($15/month for unlimited landline calls and discounted mobile calls to Ireland) or Global Choice ($10/month for 300 minutes to a specific country). Alternatively, use Wi-Fi calling or VoIP apps like WhatsApp or Skype.
How to troubleshoot if my Verizon international call to Ireland isn't connecting?
First, double-check the dialing sequence (exit code, country code, area code, local number). Ensure international calling is enabled on your account. Try restarting your phone. If issues persist, contact Verizon's Global Customer Support at +1-908-559-4899 (toll charges may apply).
How to know the time difference between my U.S. location and Ireland?
You can easily determine the time difference by using a quick online search for "current time in Ireland" and comparing it to your local time. Ireland is typically 5 hours ahead of Eastern Time (U.S.) and adjusts for daylight saving.
How to access Verizon customer support while outside the U.S.?
If you are in Ireland and need Verizon support, you can dial their International Support Team at +1-908-559-4899. This is a toll number, but it connects you to specialized international support.
How to use Wi-Fi Calling for international calls to Ireland?
Ensure Wi-Fi Calling is enabled in your phone's settings and your Verizon account. When connected to a strong Wi-Fi network, your phone will prioritize calls over Wi-Fi. The standard international calling rates or plan rates will apply, but the call quality might be better in areas with weak cellular signal.
How to send an international text message to Ireland from Verizon?
To send an international text message to Ireland, open your messaging app and enter the recipient's number in the international format: 011 (or +), followed by 353, and then the Irish mobile number (dropping the leading '0'). For example, +353871234567.