The Guide On How To Call Switzerland From The US & The Country Code
If you need to make a business call to a Swiss contact, you’re probably wondering how to call Switzerland from the US. In our guide, we’ll walk you through the process, including the Swiss country code, area codes in Switzerland, and how to call a landline vs a cell phone. Plus, we’ll discuss some important business phone call etiquette and how you can use VoIP to save money. 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 New Orleans, Memphis, and Los Angeles!
How to Call Switzerland from the US
Before you learn how to call Switzerland from the US, you’ll need to gather some important information: the US exit code, the Swiss country code, the area code for the region you’ll be calling, and the phone number. Each of these is an important element in placing a call from the US to Switzerland.
Here’s how to call Switzerland from the US:
- Dial the United States. The exit code is 011. This tells your carrier that you’ll be placing an international call.
- Dial the Swiss country code, 41. This tells your carrier that you’ll be placing a call to Switzerland.
- Dial the area code, which will be 1 or 2 digits.
- Dial the local number, which is usually an additional 7 to 9 digits.
Swiss Country Code
Telephone country codes are numeric prefixes that you use when making an international call. They tell your carrier which country to route the call to. The Swiss country code is 41. Dial this after the exit code, which is 011 for the US, and before you dial the area code.
Area Codes in Switzerland
Switzerland uses area codes that are 1 to 2 digits long. They tell the carrier which city/region to route the call to. Here’s a list of some of the most common area codes you might need to know in Switzerland:
Region | Area Code | Region | Area Code |
Aigle | 24 | Lausanne | 21 |
Ammerswil/Aarau | 62 | Locarno | 91 |
Andermatt | 41 | Lucerne | 41 |
Arosa | 81 | Lugano | 91 |
Baden | 56 | Montreux | 21 |
Basel | 61 | Neuchatel | 32 |
Bellinzona | 91 | Oberwil im Simmental | 33 |
Berne | 31 | Olten | 62 |
Biel/Bienne | 32 | Rapperswil | 55 |
Burgdorf | 34 | Schaffhausen | 52 |
Chiasso | 91 | Sion | 27 |
Chur | 81 | St. Gallen | 71 |
Crans-sur-Sienne | 27 | St. Moritz | 81 |
Davos | 81 | Thun | 33 |
Fribourg | 26 | Vevey | 21 |
Geneva | 22 | Wengen | 33 |
Gryon/Yverdon-Les-Bains | 24 | Winterthur | 52f |
Gstaad | 33 | Yverdon | 2 |
Interlaken | 33 | Zermatt | 27 |
Jura | 32 | Zug | 41 |
Klosters | 81 | Zurich | 43 |
How To Call Germany From The US
How to Call a Landline in Switzerland
When calling Switzerland, you’ll need to be aware of the difference between calling a landline and calling a cell phone. Here’s the process for how to call a landline in Switzerland, assuming we’re making a call to someone is Zurich:
- Dial 011, the exit code for the US.
- Dial 41, the Swiss country code.
- Dial 43, the area code for Zurich.
- Dial the local number, which should be 9 digits.
The example phone number would look like this: 011 41 43 123456789.
How to Call a Cell Phone
One thing to know when learning how to call Switzerland from the US is that cell phone numbers don’t require the use of a Swiss area code. Additionally, if the number has any leading zeros, make sure to leave them off.
Here’s how to call a cell phone in Switzerland:
- Dial 011, the exit code for the US.
- Dial 41, the Swiss country code.
- Dial the phone number, which should be between 7 and 8 digits long.
The example phone number would look like this: 011 41 1234 5678.
Business Phone Call Etiquette
Switzerland has a highly developed economy and a strong standard of living, which makes it a desirable market for expansion. If you’re planning to woo potential Swiss clients, here are some tips for business etiquette you’ll want to keep in mind:
- Be punctual. Swiss culture places a high value on punctuality. Call at the scheduled time, not earlier or later.
- Don’t call after business hours, unless there’s an emergency. Business hours usually begin around 8 or 9 am and end around 5 or 6 pm.
- Address people with their formal title followed by their last name, unless invited to use their first name. If they have a hyphenated last name, make sure to use the full hyphenated name.
- Begin the business call with a polite greeting, such as “Guten Tag” (German), “Bonjour” (French), or “Buongiorno” (Italian), depending on the language of the region.
- Be direct but polite. Swiss business communication is straightforward yet courteous. Avoid excessive small talk. Stay professional, maintaining a formal tone.
- Ask about language preferences beforehand. While the Swiss generally conduct business in English, it’s better to ask than to assume. Switzerland has four official languages–German, French, Italian, and Romansh. If needed, bring an interpreter to the meeting.
- Avoid interrupting. Wait for the other person to finish speaking before you respond.
Why Use VoIP for Business Calls to Switzerland
Now that you know how to call Switzerland from the US, let’s talk about why you should consider using VoIP for business calls to Switzerland. Traditionally, international calls have been expensive. Depending on the carrier, you’ll pay per minute for the call. This can really add up if you make regular calls to Switzerland.
With VoIP, you can save tons of money on international calls. VoIP providers like Nextiva offer significantly cheaper international rates to traditional landlines or mobile carriers. All you need is a strong internet connection and an internet capable device and you can start calling your Swiss contacts today.
In addition to saving money, VoIP offers extra features that will help you conduct your business more efficiently. Many providers offer advanced features like video calling, call recording, conference calling, instant messaging, and more. Some even use the power of AI to offer video call transcription and translation, which can make working with international clients all the easier.
If you’re interested in finding a VoIP provider to help you power your business in Switzerland and abroad, contact OneStop Communications today. We’ll help you compare plans and pricing to find the right provider for your unique business needs.
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