Best Ways to Call Italy from the USA: A How-To Guide

So, you’ve got to make that call to Italy from the USA. Maybe it’s for business, catching up with family, or planning your next trip to the Amalfi Coast. Whatever the reason, you need a seamless and affordable way to stay connected. But where do you begin? International calling doesn’t have to be complicated (or expensive). Let’s walk through the best ways to call Italy from the USA, with easy-to-follow steps, helpful tips, and a couple of life hacks that’ll make you wonder why you didn’t do this sooner.

Understanding Your Options for Calling Italy

Before we dive into the specifics, it’s crucial to understand the different ways you can place a call to Italy. Each method has its own pros and cons, depending on your needs, budget, and how often you plan to make international calls.

Here are the most common methods to call Italy from the USA:

• Traditional Landline: The old-school approach. This involves dialing Italy directly through your home or office landline. While this option is reliable, it tends to be more expensive, especially for frequent calls.
• Mobile Phone: If you have an international plan, your mobile provider may offer competitive rates for calling Italy. However, these rates can still vary widely depending on your carrier.
• VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol): One of the most cost-effective and flexible solutions. VoIP services use the internet to make calls, making them perfect for both personal and business use.
• Calling Cards: While these offer an alternative, they often come with hidden fees or limited minutes, making them less attractive for frequent use.

How VoIP Can Help You Call Italy from the USA

If you’re looking for convenience and affordability, VoIP is hands down the best option. With VoIP, you can make calls over the internet instead of traditional phone lines. This means better call quality, lower rates, and access to more features that can improve your communication experience.

Here’s how VoIP stands out:

1. Affordable International Rates: Since VoIP uses the internet, it bypasses traditional phone networks, making international calling to Italy much cheaper.
2. Flexibility: With a VoIP system, you can call from anywhere using a mobile device, laptop, or desktop computer—perfect for remote workers or frequent travelers.
3. Crystal Clear Call Quality: No more dropped calls or crackling lines. As long as your internet connection is stable, you can expect top-notch audio.
4. Extra Features: From call recording to virtual numbers, VoIP gives you access to tools that go beyond just talking.

Why Telfon is the Best VoIP System for Calling Italy from the USA

When it comes to calling Italy from the USA, Telfon is a game-changer. Here’s why this VoIP solution stands out for both personal and professional use:

1. Ease of Use: Whether you’re an HR manager, sales executive, or someone looking to keep in touch with family abroad, Telfon’s interface is easy to navigate. You can install the app on your mobile device or desktop in just a few clicks and start making calls instantly.
2. Cost-Effective: Telfon provides international calls to over 170 countries, including Italy, at rates that are much lower than traditional phone services. You also get the option to use temporary numbers, so you don’t have to worry about giving out your personal phone number.
3. Great for Business: If you’re running a business and need to keep in touch with clients in Italy, Telfon offers a host of business-friendly features. This includes call recording, WhatsApp integration, and even support for multiple numbers—making it perfect for managing a high volume of calls.
4. Temporary Numbers for Flexibility: Need a short-term number for business or travel? Telfon’s temporary US virtual numbers allow you to call Italy without sharing your main number, offering added security and privacy.

The Best Time to Call Italy from the USA

Italy is six hours ahead of the US East Coast (Eastern Time) and nine hours ahead of the West Coast (Pacific Time). To avoid waking someone up in the middle of the night or catching them during their siesta (yes, it’s a thing), aim to call during business hours in Italy—between 9 AM and 6 PM local time.

Here’s a quick breakdown of optimal calling times:

• From Eastern Time (ET): Call between 3 AM and 12 PM ET.
• From Pacific Time (PT): Call between 12 AM and 9 AM PT.

If you’re working with a business, try calling before 4 PM Italy time to avoid any late-afternoon rushes or office closures.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Call Italy from the USA

Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let’s walk through the process of making that call. Whether you’re using a landline, mobile phone, or VoIP service like Telfon, here are the steps:

1. Dial the USA’s International Access Code

Every international call from the USA starts with dialing 011, which is the exit code for the country.

2. Enter Italy’s Country Code

After dialing 011, you’ll need to enter Italy’s country code, which is 39. So, at this point, you should have dialed 011-39.

3. Add the Italian Area Code

Italy’s area codes are typically 2–4 digits long. For example:

• Rome: 06
• Milan: 02
• Naples: 081

4. Dial the Local Italian Number

Once you’ve entered the area code, simply dial the local phone number in Italy. Italian numbers are typically 6–10 digits long, depending on the region.

Complete Example:

If you’re calling a number in Milan (02) from the USA, and the local number is 123456, you would dial: 011-39-02-123456

Extra Tips for Calling Italy from the USA

1. Use VoIP for Better Rates: As mentioned, VoIP platforms like Telfon provide cheaper and more reliable ways to call Italy. The added benefit of features like call recording and SMS messaging makes it ideal for both personal and business use.
2. Check Time Zones: Always double-check the time zone differences before making a call. If you’re calling someone who moves between regions, note that Italy doesn’t observe daylight saving time the same way the USA does.
3. Use a Virtual Number: Need to keep your personal number private? You can get a US virtual number through services like Telfon, which allows you to call Italy from a different number without giving out your main line.

Why You Should Make the Switch to VoIP for International Calling

By now, it’s probably clear that VoIP is the future of international calls. It’s cost-effective, reliable, and gives you access to features that make communication much easier. With apps like Telfon, you not only save money but also streamline your communication, whether you’re making personal calls or running a business.

So, if you’re still using traditional landlines or mobile networks for international calls, now might be the perfect time to switch to VoIP and experience all the benefits it offers.

Final Thoughts on Calling Italy from the USA

Calling Italy from the USA doesn’t have to be difficult, expensive, or time-consuming. By choosing the right method, you can make international calls quickly and affordably, whether it’s for business or catching up with loved ones.

And if you’re serious about getting the best rates, features, and overall experience, give Telfon a try available of Play store and App Store. It’s the ideal VoIP solution for anyone looking to make frequent calls to Italy—or any other international destination.