Personal and business relationships are becoming increasingly global as technology develops. As a result, more and more people need to make international phone calls, for example to Germany. The process is simpler than many may believe and is virtually identical, regardless of whether you are using a landline or mobile phone.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: With a Phone
Step 1. Enter the exit code
In Italy it is not necessary to enter an exit code to "notify" the telephone company that an international call will be made. However, if you are abroad, it may be necessary. If you were in the United States, for example, you would need to type in the code 011.
This step lets the telephone company know that you are about to make an international call. Some consider "00" as an exit code, which is sometimes referred to simply as a "+" symbol
Step 2. Enter the country code
This tells the telephone company which state you want to call. The code of Germany is 49 (or 0049 if you don't consider “00” as an exit code).
Step 3. Enter the prefix of the German region you want to contact
Finally enter the personal number you need to call. Make sure that the personal number you have been provided does not already include the international and regional prefix, otherwise you risk typing them twice.
Press each key carefully, making sure the digits you type are correct and in the right order
Step 4. Wait for the ring
It may take longer than normal to establish a connection.
Method 2 of 3: Find a Number
Step 1. Find the number of the person you want to call
If you don't already know the number you need, then you need to find it somehow, whether it's online, in an address book, or from a family member / friend of the person you're trying to contact.
Step 2. Make sure the number is complete with area code
This is a 2-5 digit code; a personal number without an area code is usually 3-9 digits long. Numbers you may need to call typically consist of 9 digits, so you'll need to find the area code as well.
One thing you can do is to search for the area code of the German region you want to call and verify that it matches the first few digits of the number you have
Step 3. Verify that the number is correct
International calling rates are high, so calling the wrong number would be a rather expensive mistake. If the telephone contact was not given to you directly by the person or company you need to call, know that thanks to the internet you can find both private and major company numbers.
Method 3 of 3: With Skype
Step 1. Install the Skype program
This can be downloaded for free from the official website and is also available as an application for mobile phones!
Step 2. Purchase credit or sign up for a subscription
Calls have a price which is generally lower than a landline call.
Step 3. If you wish, get a microphone and a pair of headphones
If you use a desktop computer instead of a phone, then these accessories are a must, otherwise you won't be able to hear and be heard by the person you are calling!
Step 4. Get the phone number, as described in the previous section
Even if you use Skype, you always need to know the number to call.
Step 5. Open the program's “keyboard” function and enter the number
Open Skype and click on the phone call button (usually located on the left side of the screen). Once you have entered the number, click on the call button. The phone call does not start until you proceed with this last step. Enjoy the call and close it by pressing the "hang up" button when you have finished the conversation.
Advice
- When calling Germany from a landline, do some research through the various carriers to find the one that offers an affordable rate for international calls. Many companies offer call codes to competing customers that allow you to make phone calls via their bill-to-bill services.
- If you need or want the assistance of an operator, then you must contact your telephone operator's customer service and ask which numeric code to use. Once the call has started, follow the operator's instructions.
- When calling Germany with a mobile phone, check that the battery is charged and that there is a signal. Avoid moving too much so you don't have to pay for a second call if the line drops.
