How to Call Colombia from the US
Dailing Format:
How to Call Colombia from the USA
Calling Colombian Landlines
To call a landline in Colombia from the US, follow this detailed step-by-step process:
- Step 1 : Dial the US Exit Code (011) Before dialing any international number, you must dial the US exit code, which is 011. This code signals that you are making an international call. Without this, the call won’t go through, as it indicates you're trying to call outside the US.
- Step 2 : Enter Colombia’s Country Code (57) After dialing the exit code, you need to enter Colombia’s country code, which is 57. This country code directs your call to Colombia. Every country has its unique country code, and 57 is specifically for Colombia.
- Step 3 : Dial the Area Code
Next, dial the area code of the region in Colombia you're trying to reach. Colombian
area codes typically consist of 1-2 digits.
For example:- Bogotá : 1
- Medellín : 4
- Cali : 2
- Step 4: Enter the Local Phone Number Finally, dial the local phone number, which typically consists of 7-8 digits. For example, a full number in Bogotá might look like: XXX XXXX.
Complete Example for Colombian Landline Calling Bogotá:
- 011 + 57 + 1 (area code for Bogotá) + XXX XXXX (local number)
- Full number: 011-57-1-XXX XXXX
Calling Colombian Mobile Phones
Calling a mobile phone in Colombia is almost the same process but with a slight variation due to the mobile number prefix. Follow these steps:
Step 1 : Dial the US Exit Code (011) As with landlines, start by dialing the US exit code, 011, to initiate an international call.
Step 2 : Enter Colombia’s Country Code (57) After the exit code, dial 57, which is Colombia’s country code.
Step 3 : Dial the Mobile Prefix and Local Number Colombian mobile numbers usually start with the prefix 3 (demonstrating a mobile number). After dialing 57, enter 3 followed by the rest of the digits of the local phone number. Mobile numbers generally comprise 10 digits in total, including the prefix.
For example, a mobile number might be: XXX XXX XXXX
Step 4 : Dial the Landline Number Complete the call by entering the landline number, which usually has 6 to 8 digits, depending on the region.
Complete Example for Calling Colombia a Mobile Number:
- 011 + 57 + 3 (mobile prefix) + XXX XXX XXX
- Full number: 011-57-3-XXX XXX XXX
By following these steps, you can seamlessly dial both mobile phones and landlines in Colombia from the US, ensuring your call attains the right destination.
Mobile Vs. Landline Calls in Colombia
Key Takeaways
| Type | Local Format | U.S. Dialing Format | Final Number |
| Landline | XXX XXXX | 011+57+1+XXX XXXX | 011 57 1 XXX XXXX |
| Mobile | XXX XXX XXX | 011+57+3+XXX XXX XXX | 011 57 3 XXX XXX XXX |
Colombia: Bogotá landlines use "1" as the area code, while mobile numbers begin with "3."
Start Calling Colombia!
Try Vitel Global's virtual phone system for calling.
Time Zone Considerations: Calling Colombia from the United States
When calling Colombia from the US, it’s significant to be aware of time zone differences. Colombia works in the Colombia Time Zone (COT), which is UTC -5:00 year-round. It fails to notice daylight saving time, so the time variation stays constant over the year.
Time Zone Comparison
New York (Eastern Standard Time) : Colombia is 1 hour behind (when New York is on standard time).
Los Angeles (Pacific Standard Time) : Colombia is 2 hours ahead.
Ensure you notice these time differences when you start a call to prevent contacting your contacts too early or late. Being knowledgeable of local times ensures easy communication, particularly for individual or business calls.
Time zone differences
| U.S. time zones | Colombia (COT - UTC-5) |
|---|---|
| Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) | 1 hour behind |
| Central Daylight Time (CDT) | Same time (0 hours difference) |
| Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) | 1 hour ahead |
| Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) | 2 hours ahead |
Keynote: Colombia does not observe DST, so the time difference remains fixed at UTC-5.
Understanding the Basics
Country Code for Colombia
To call Colombia from the United States, you need the international dialing code +57. The + indicates an international call, and 57 routes the call to Colombia’s telecommunication system. This country code is required for both landline and mobile numbers. Without it, your call won’t go through. The +57 prefix is essential for dialing Colombia from the US.
Example: To call a landline in Bogotá, you would dial 011 + 57 + 1 + local number. Here, 011 is the US exit code, 57 is Colombia's country code, and 1 is Bogotá’s area code.
Colombia Area Codes
Just like other countries, Colombia has various area codes that help identify specific regions within the country. Understanding these area codes is crucial for calling Colombia from the US, as they allow your call to be routed to the correct geographic area.
Here’s an overview of some of the major area codes in Colombia and their geographic relevance:
Bogotá (1) : The area code for Colombia’s capital city is 1.
Medellín (4) : The area code for Medellín is 4.
Cali (2) : The area code for Cali is 2.
Barranquilla (5) : It has the area code 5.
Cartagena (5) : It shares the area code 5 with Barranquilla.
Other Areas : Colombia has various other area codes for smaller cities and rural regions, such as 7 for Bucaramanga and 8 for the Coffee Triangle (Armenia, Manizales, and Pereira), and nearby regions.
How to Use Area Codes for Dialing Colombia
When dialing Colombia from the US, after dialing the international code (+57), you will need to dial the specific area code of the city or region you're calling. Bear in mind, the area code is important to attain your call to the right local network.
By understanding the area codes in Colombia, you’ll be able to make calls accurately and efficiently, ensuring a seamless connection every time you call Colombia from the US.
Costs of Calling Colombia from the US
Are Calls to Colombia Expensive?
The cost of calling Colombia from the US depends on whether you are calling a landline or mobile phone and your carrier. Mobile calls are more expensive than landline calls. Another low-cost option is Vitel Global, which offers VoIP services enabling low-cost or even free calls via the internet, saving you a great deal on international communications.
Reducing Calling Costs
To cut calling costs to Colombia:
- Use VoIP services (Skype, WhatsApp) for low or free-cost calls.
- Business call packages from carriers can cut costs for often calls.
- Wi-Fi calling can reduce high fees by utilizing your data connection.
- These methods assist in minimizing costs when calling Colombia from the US.
Using Technology for Calling Colombia
Should You Use Traditional Phone Lines?
Traditional phone lines, whether landlines or mobile, can be expensive when calling Colombia from the US. While they offer reliable connections, especially for important calls, they generally come with higher rates, particularly for mobile calls. VoIP services provide a more affordable alternative with better cost efficiency, especially for frequent or long-distance calls.
Benefits of Virtual Phone Numbers
Virtual phone numbers are an excellent choice for both individuals and businesses who want to make calls to Colombia from the US more successfully and affordably. A virtual phone number enables you to have a Colombian number that directs to your US phone. This is useful in various ways:
For Businesses : A virtual number makes it simpler to create a local presence in Colombia, without the requirement for a physical existence of office. It can be utilized to communicate with Colombian customers or partners at a local rate.
For Individuals : If you often call family or friends in Colombia, a virtual number can be a suitable solution, allowing them to call you at local rates while you experience cost-effective international rates.
Example : A virtual phone number could be utilized to offer customer service in Colombia, providing the resemblance of a local business presence, which can assist with international expansion or customer trust.
Using VoIP Services
If you want to call Colombia with VoIP, services like Vitel Global are one of the most common choices available. These services benefit from the data connection to offer more cost-effective, clear, and adaptable communication compared to traditional phone lines.
Pros of VoIP
Affordable : VoIP calls are usually more affordable than traditional phone calls, particularly for international connections.
High-quality calls : With a constant data connection, VoIP offers clear sound quality.
Additional features : VoIP services frequently include features like video calls, call recording, and voicemail.
Cons of VoIP
Internet-dependent: VoIP depends on a constant data connection. If the connection is slow or unstable, call quality can be disrupted.
Possible compatibility issues: Some areas with restricted internet infrastructure may experience functionality problems.
For those calling Colombia from the US often, VoIP services like Vitel Global provide a reliable and affordable alternative to traditional phone lines.
To Sum Up
In summary, calling Colombia from the US is easy once you understand the important steps. Remember to dial the international code for Colombia (+57) prior to the local number. Whether using a mobile phone, landline, or VoIP services like Vitel Global, there are various ways to call Colombia from the USA cost-effectively.
Discover advanced communication tools such as VoIP services to make dialing Colombia from the US more affordable and adaptable. These tools provide transparent calls and lower rates, helping you remain connected without making a hole in your pocket.
By knowing the country code of Colombia and using accessible technology, you can ensure easy communication when calling Colombia from the US.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is it free to call Colombia from the US?
Traditional calls from the US to Colombia are usually not free, with international fees to be incurred when calling using mobile or landline services. But through the VoIP services of Vitel Global, you can call for free or at low cost when online, providing a very affordable option for overseas calls.
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Can I use my mobile plan to call Colombia?
Yes, you can utilize your mobile plan to call Colombia from the US, but international rates may apply unless your plan comprises international calling. Many carriers provide particular international calling packages or discounted rates for calls to Colombia.
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How do international charges work?
International charges rely on your carrier and the service you're utilizing. For mobile calls, carriers frequently charge per-minute rates for international calls to Colombia. VoIP services and apps like Vitel Global provide lower rates, and some even provide free calls if both parties utilize the same service.
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What is the country code for Colombia?
The country code of Colombia is +57. This is needed when dialing Colombia from the US to transfer your call appropriately.
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How do I dial a mobile number in Colombia from the US?
To call a mobile number in Colombia, dial 011 + 57 + mobile prefix + local number. For example, to call a mobile number in Bogotá, dial 011 + 57 + 3 + XXX XXX XXX.
