If you’re traveling, studying, or living in Iceland and need to contact friends, family, or businesses in the United States, knowing the correct way to make an international call can save you time and money.
In this quick guide, we’ll show you how to call the US from Iceland, explain country and area codes, and share smart tips to help you avoid expensive phone bills.
Step 1: Understand the International Dialing Format
Every international call follows a simple structure:
📞 Exit Code + Country Code + Area Code + Local Number
So, to call the US from Iceland, you’ll dial:
👉 00 + 1 + Area Code + Local Number
Let’s break that down:
- 00 – Iceland’s international exit code
- 1 – Country code for the United States
- Area Code – 3 digits (for a specific region in the US, like 212 for New York City)
- Local Number – Usually 7 digits
Example:
If you’re calling a number in New York City (area code 212) with a local number 555-1234, dial:
➡️ 00 1 212 555 1234
Step 2: Check Your Calling Options
You can make international calls in several ways depending on your device and service provider:
1. Landline or Mobile Carrier
- Most Icelandic carriers like Síminn or Vodafone Iceland support international calls.
- Check your international call rates first — they can range from $0.50 to $2.00 per minute.
2. VoIP and Calling Apps
For cheaper or even free options, use internet-based calling apps such as:
- Skype
- Viber
- Google Voice
- FaceTime (iOS)
These apps use Wi-Fi or mobile data and often provide high-quality calls at no cost.
See also: Understanding the Financial Commitment of Quality Education in Hong Kong
Step 3: Know the Time Difference
Before calling, remember that Iceland and the US are in different time zones.
- Iceland uses Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) year-round (no daylight saving).
- The US spans multiple time zones (from GMT-5 to GMT-10 depending on location).
🕓 For example:
When it’s 12:00 PM in Reykjavík, it’s:
- 8:00 AM in New York (EST)
- 5:00 AM in Los Angeles (PST)
So try calling during morning or afternoon hours in the US for the best chance of reaching someone.
Step 4: Save Money on International Calls
If you plan to make frequent calls:
- Buy an international calling plan from your Icelandic carrier.
- Use Wi-Fi calling whenever possible.
- Try Google Voice or Rebtel for low-cost international minutes.
Pro Tip 💡: Apps like Rebtel even let you call US numbers without an internet connection by using local access numbers.
Step 5: Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Forgetting the country code (+1)
❌ Dialing “+” incorrectly — use 00 if your phone doesn’t recognize the plus sign
❌ Calling during US nighttime hours
❌ Ignoring roaming or data fees when abroad
Quick Reference Table
| Type of Call | Example Number | How to Dial from Iceland |
| Mobile or Landline (New York) | (212) 555-1234 | 00 1 212 555 1234 |
| Mobile or Landline (Los Angeles) | (310) 555-9876 | 00 1 310 555 9876 |
| Toll-Free US Number (e.g., 1-800-123-4567) | Not always reachable | Try Skype or Google Voice |
Conclusion
Calling the US from Iceland is simple once you know the format:
✅ Dial 00 + 1 + Area Code + Local Number
✅ Use apps for cheaper calls
✅ Watch time zones and rates
Whether you’re checking in with family or managing business across borders, this guide ensures you can connect easily and affordably in 2025.
