In the current globalized world, it has become an obligation to keep in touch with friends, relatives and business partners that live beyond borders. When you happen to be in a situation and you need to call straight to Sri Lanka, you should know how to dial properly to ensure that you are smoothly connected. Calling a landline or even a mobile number, these steps are to be followed sequentially and ensure that you are calling the right way. The following blog will discuss how to call Sri Lanka from the US.
How to call Sri Lanka from the US?
Step 1: Dial the U.S. Exit Code (011)
When making an international call within the U.S., one is to call the exit code first. The U.S. exit code is 011 and it is keyed out to state that it is an outbound call from the U.S. and a U.S. outbound international number.
Imagine this as a means of getting out of the domestic calling system and gets into the international network.
Step 2: Enter Country Code of Sri Lanka (94).
Each nation possesses its country code in which you are to dial after the exit code. The country code in the case of Sri Lanka is 94. This helps in calling the correct country.
Country Code for Sri Lanka: 94
Then when you have dialed the U.S. exit code, now you must dial 94.
Step 3: Call the Local Telephone Number.
Once the country code has been dialed, one will then dial the Sri Lankan phone number. The Sri Lankan phone numbers are 8 digits in number, both when making a landline and a mobile phone call.
Mobile: 077 123 4567 (Mobile numbers normally start with 07+ a prefix that refers to the carrier of the phone to be used)
The local code will differ depending on where you are calling and what kind of phone you are making the call on either in the mobile phone or in the landline.
Step 4: Wait for the Connection
Wait till you can connect on a call after dialing the entire number. It may even require a couple of additional seconds to make calls with international call depending on your service provider and the network.
How to make a call to Sri Lanka in the U.S.?
- Compare Time Zone difference:
The difference between the Sri Lankan time and U.S. Eastern Standard time (EST) is 9 hours and 30 minutes. The time difference is 12 hours 30 minutes in calling the West Coast (PST). Never forget to call at a convenient time with consideration of time difference.
- Call International Calling Plans:
Long distance calls are not cheap. Make sure that you have an international plan of calling with your carrier to save money. Other service providers have calling cards or VoIP (such as Skype, WhatsApp, or Google Voice) with lower international charges.
- Check- Recheck phone number format:
The phone system in Sri Lanka has area code for various regions. In case of a landline in the capital city of Colombo, the area code is 011. In other cities, the area code will differ, e.g. 071 to Kandy. Always ensure that the local number format is right.
- Check Mobile Number prefixes:
In making calls to a mobile number, also take note that mobile carriers in Sri Lanka are known to reserve some prefix such as 071, 072, 077 etc. It is important in making dial calls such that the call is channeled appropriately.
- Think of Having a VoIP Service:
In case you want to call Sri Lanka at a cheaper rate, you may consider utilizing a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) application, like Teams, Google voice, and WhatsApp. These services enable you to make international calls via the internet, which in most cases is at a reduced cost or even at no cost in case both parties share the service.
- International Roaming:
When you are travelling in Sri lanka and you want to be called then ensure the phone has international roaming enabled. Get your carrier in the U.S. to activate it and ask about rates.
Tips of making a cheap call to Sri Lanka.
- Make calls through Internet-Based Calling Apps: These days most individuals use internet calling programs such as WhatsApp, Zoom, or Google Hangouts to cheaply or free call anyone so long as they both have access to the internet.
- Use Prepaid Calling Cards: Prepaid international calling card is an excellent option in order to avoid high international calling rates. These cards are available in the internet or through the retailers and they provide low rates when calling Sri Lanka.
- Select a Trustworthy Carrier: In case you wish to remain with a classic phone service, the international calling rates with one of the largest U.S. carriers such as AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile should be checked. There are carriers which have cheaper rates to individual countries or packages which are international call-oriented.
In Conclusion
Making calls to Sri Lanka is easy when you know the right dialing method when placing calls in the US. One can easily dial any mobile or landline number smoothly using the U.S exit code 011 then the country code of Sri Lanka, which is 94 and the country phone number. By keeping in mind the zone difference, keeping the phone number format, and having in mind the methods of saving that money, i.e. using VoIP services or an international calling program, you can make your communication a convenient and low-cost experience. These are just a few steps and tips that will make communication with friends, family members or business partners in Sri Lanka easy and credible.
FAQs
Q1. When shall I call Sri Lanka in the U.S.?
There is a 9 hours and 30 minutes time difference between EST and Sri Lanka and 12 hours and 30 minutes time difference between the PST and Sri Lanka and hence it is only best to make calls during the day in Sri Lanka.
Q2. Are there less expensive substitutes to the traditional international calls?
Yes. VoIP services such as WhatsApp, Skype, or Google Voice, or prepaid international calling cards, will help save a lot of money in calling Sri Lanka.
Q3. Is there any special plan needed to call Sri Lanka?
Although it is not mandatory, international calling plan will save money. International calls are costly without a plan.
Q4. Would I be able to call Sri Lanka using my U.S number using VoIP?
Yes. Other applications such as Skype, Google Voice, or WhatsApp can be used to make a call to Sri Lanka on your U.S. number or you use your account ID at a cheaper cost or no cost at all provided that both parties are using the same application.
Q5. What is the duration of the call connection?
The international calls can be generally connected within few seconds, but it can take longer with congestion in the network or your service provider.
Q6. Are foreign calling cards useful when calling Sri Lanka?
Prepaid international calling cards can be economical, yes. Always remember to verify the rates, validity and connection instructions prior to purchase.
