How to make an international call in Vietnam?

Calling Home (and Beyond): Making International Calls from Vietnam

Staying connected while traveling in Vietnam is easier than ever. While messaging apps offer convenient communication, sometimes a good old-fashioned phone call is necessary. Whether you need to check in with family, contact your bank, or handle a business matter, knowing how to make an international call from Vietnam is essential. This guide will break down the process step-by-step, ensuring you can connect with anyone, anywhere.

The key to successful international dialing lies in understanding the specific number sequence required. Think of it as a chain linking you to your intended recipient, with each link representing a crucial piece of the dialing code. Here’s the breakdown:

Making an international call from Vietnam follows this format:

00 + Country Code + Area Code (or Mobile Prefix) + Local Number

Let’s dissect each component:

• 00: This is Vietnam’s International Direct Dialing (IDD) code, also sometimes represented as a “+”. This prefix signals that you’re making an international call. Using “+” is generally recommended as it often automatically converts to the correct IDD code depending on your location.

• Country Code: Every country has a unique numerical code. For example, the United States is 1, the United Kingdom is 44, and Australia is 61. You’ll need to know the country code of the person you’re calling.

• Area Code (or Mobile Prefix): Within a country, area codes distinguish different regions. For mobile phones, you’ll use the mobile prefix instead. Make sure you omit the leading “0” from the area code or mobile prefix if it exists. For example, if the London area code is 020, you would only dial 20.

• Local Number: This is the final piece of the puzzle, the specific number of the person or business you’re trying to reach.

Example:

Let’s say you’re in Hanoi and want to call a London landline. The London area code is 020, and the local number is 1234 5678. The dialing sequence would be:

00 + 44 + 20 + 1234 5678

Or, using the “+” sign:

+44 20 1234 5678

Important Considerations:

• Mobile Phones: Most modern mobile phones handle the “+” prefix correctly. Using “+” is generally the easiest and most reliable method.
• Landlines: Using “00” might be necessary on some landlines in Vietnam.
• Calling within Vietnam: Remember, for domestic calls within Vietnam, you use the format 0 + Area Code + Local Number.
• International Calling Costs: Check with your mobile provider or hotel about international calling rates to avoid unexpected charges. Using VoIP services like Skype or WhatsApp can often be a more cost-effective alternative.

By following these simple steps and understanding the dialing sequence, you can easily stay connected with the world while enjoying your time in Vietnam. Happy dialing!