How To Call France From the US: Step by Step

France is the world’s most visited country, making numerous opportunities for people looking to do business. If you’re planning to expand to Paris, Marseille, or one of France’s other big cities, you’ll need to learn how to call France from the US. 

In this guide, we’ll take you step-by-step through the process of calling France from the USA. We’ll also cover business call etiquette in France and how you can save money on calls to France. We’re based in Atlanta and serve the entire US including Orlando, Memphis, and Los Angeles!

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Calling France from the USA

Before making a call to France, you’ll need to gather a few pieces of information. First, you’ll need to know the US exit code, which is 011. When dialing, the exit code tells your carrier this will be an international call. 

Next, you’ll need the country code when calling France from the USA. The country code for France is 33. This tells your carrier to send the call to France. 

Before you call France, you’ll also want to be aware of the time zone. Mainland France follows Central European Time, which is UTC+1 and 6 hours ahead of Eastern Time in the US. Make sure you check the time in France before planning a call.

How to Call France from the US

Now that you know the exit code and France’s country code, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to call France from the US.

1. Dial the US exit code, 011.
2. Dial France’s country code, 33.
3. Dial the area code. In France, area codes are between 1 and 3 digits long. If the area code has a 0 in front, ignore the zero and only dial the other numbers.
4. Dial the local number. 

How to Call a Landline in France

If you’re calling France from the USA, you’ll need to follow a slightly different process for calling a landline versus a mobile number. Here’s how to call a landline in France:

1. Dial 011, the US exit code. 
2. Dial 33, France’s country code.
3. Dial the area code. If, for example, you’re calling a number in Paris, the area code would be 01. Remember to drop the 0 when making your call. 
4. Dial the local number. For our example, we’ll use 22 22 22 22. 

The example number would look like this:  011 33 1 22 22 22 22.

How to Call a Cell Phone in France

Here’s how to call a cell phone in France:

1. Diall 011.
2. Dial 33.
3. Dial the area code. Most cell phones begin with 06 or 07. Remember to drop the 0 and only dial the number.
4. Dial the local number. For our example, we’ll use 22 22 22 22.

The example cell phone number would look like this: 011 33 6 22 22 22 22.

 

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France Area codes

France has numerous area codes. Here are some of the most important to be aware of:

Region	Area Code
Paris and Suburbs	01
Brest, Cherbourg, Le Havre, Nantes, Orléans, Rouen	02
Boulogne, Calais, Dijon, Lille, Nancy, Strasbourg, Reims, Troyes	03
Bordeaux, Limoges, Lourdes, Toulouse	05
Corsica	495
VoIP/Non-Geographical Numbers	09

Business Call Etiquette in France

Now that you know how to call France from the US, it’s important to understand the business conventions for phone calls. Here are some essential tips to help you make the right impression:

1. Schedule the call ahead of time. French professionals appreciate preparation. Make sure not to schedule the call during lunch time, which is usually between 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. 
2. Always begin with proper greetings, like “Bonjour” for “Good day” or “Bonsoir” for good evening. Use polite titles like “Monsieur” for “Mr.” and “Madame” for “Mrs./Ms.” followed by their last name. Do not use first names unless invited to. 
3. When engaging in small talk, keep topics professional. Avoid overly personal topics and questions. 
4. Avoid interrupting the speaker, as this can come off as impolite. Let them finish before responding.
5. Silence is often used for reflection in French business conversations. Don’t rush to fill pauses.
6. Be prepared for some debate about your business proposal. Debate is a healthy part of the culture, something children learn from a young age. 
7. Expect decisions to take time. Oftentimes, French business people will spend multiple meetings on a topic before making a decision.

How Much Do Calls to France Cost?

The cost to call France from the US differs depending on a number of factors. Your provider and the type of phone you’re calling from (landline or mobile) will affect the rates, but it can really add up. If it’s a one-time call, this might not be a huge deal. However, if you’re planning to call France regularly, you probably want to find a way to save money on international calls.

VoIP Providers with International Calling

If you’re looking to save money on your business phone plan while also getting tons of features, VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is the way to go. VoIP service uses the internet rather than a phone line to make and receive phone calls. 

Most VoIP providers offer competitive rates on international calls, making it a more affordable option than traditional phone lines. Even better, some offer unlimited international calling. If you’ll be making lots of calls to France, or other countries, you can save tons of money by choosing the right provider. Here are our top suggestions for providers with free international calling:

• Nextiva: Nextiva is our number one pick because it’s the platform that does it all. It offers a good mix of advanced features while also providing free international calling with certain plans. 
• 8×8: If you’re looking for a platform with strong contact center features, 8×8 is a great choice. Depending on the plan, 8×8 offers unlimited international calling in up to 48 countries, including France. 
• GoTo Connect: GoTo Connect is another great option if you’re planning to make lots of international calls. It offers phone calls, messaging, and video meetings all on one platform. 

If you’re wondering how to call France from the US without spending too much, OneStop Communications can help. We’ll provide you with quotes from multiple providers to help you find the right plan with the international calling features you need. Contact us today to learn more!

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