Making a call to Portugal from the USA requires a specific sequence of numbers to bypass the international barrier. To connect successfully, you must first dial the exit code for the United States, which is 011. This signal tells the network that you are initiating an international call. After this, you need to enter the country code for Portugal, which is 351. This directs the call to the correct nation.
Understanding the Direct Dialing Process
Once you have entered 011 and 351, the next step is to dial the Portuguese phone number. However, you must omit the leading zero that is often used for domestic calls within Portugal. If the number you have includes a zero at the beginning, you should skip it entirely. For mobile numbers, you will typically dial 9 followed by the remaining eight digits after removing the initial zero.
Step-by-Step Number Format
Dial 011 to exit the USA network.
Dial 351 to connect to Portugal.
Drop any leading zero from the local number.
Enter the remaining digits of the phone number.
Following this structure ensures that the call is routed efficiently without errors. Misdialing the country code or including an unnecessary zero are common mistakes that lead to failed connections.
Costs and Connection Quality
The cost of calling Portugal from the USA varies significantly depending on your service provider and the time of day. Standard international rates can be expensive, so it is wise to check with your carrier for specific pricing plans. Many providers offer discounted bundles for frequent international communication, which can save you a substantial amount of money over time.
Connection quality is generally reliable due to the robust infrastructure between the USA and Portugal. You can expect clear audio with minimal lag if you are using a standard landline or a modern mobile device. VoIP services often provide an even more cost-effective alternative without sacrificing sound quality.
Modern Alternatives to Traditional Calling
Technology has provided numerous alternatives to the traditional phone call that bypass the need for international dialing codes entirely. Applications like WhatsApp, Skype, and FaceTime allow users to communicate for free as long as both parties have internet access. These platforms utilize data rather than minutes, making them an attractive option for staying in touch.
Using Wi-Fi for these applications is highly recommended to avoid consuming your mobile data plan. If you are traveling, ensuring you have a stable connection through Wi-Fi or local data will provide the best experience when using these digital communication tools.
Tips for Travelers and Expats
For Americans living in or visiting Portugal, understanding the local system is essential. Portuguese phone numbers are 9 digits long and always start with a 2 or 9. When you are within Portugal, you simply dial the 9-digit number directly. There is no need to add the country code unless you are calling from abroad.
Setting up a local Portuguese SIM card is often the most economical solution for expats. This provides a local number and reduces the cost of calls to US numbers. You can find competitive plans at local stores, known as "operadoras," which offer flexible options for communication.
If you encounter a busy signal or a failed connection, double-check the number you entered. A common error is transposing digits or missing a number entirely. You should also verify that you did not accidentally include the plus sign (+) before the country code unless your phone is programmed to handle it.
Another issue might be related to your account status. Ensure you have sufficient credit or that your subscription is active to avoid service interruptions. Restarting your phone can also refresh the network connection and resolve unexpected glitches that might prevent the call from going through.
