How To Call Spain From the US | Burner

How To Call Spain From the US

Written By: Burner Team
Reviewed By: Elizabeth Thorn

In an increasingly globalized world, international communication has never been more important. For business, travel, or personal reasons, you might need to call Spain from the United States.
The process probably seems a bit daunting if you're not familiar with international dialing procedures. However, this comprehensive guide aims to demystify that process, making it as easy as picking up the phone and dialing a local number.

Understanding the technicalities of making international calls is essential, especially if you have friends, family, or business contacts overseas. This article will take you step-by-step through the process of calling Spain from the U.S., providing clear instructions and practical examples.
We will cover everything from the international exit code you need to dial out of the U.S. to Spain's country code, regional codes, and the differences in dialing landline and mobile numbers. With this information at your fingertips, you will be well-equipped to maintain seamless, hassle-free communication across any borders.

The US-Spain Connection: A Transatlantic Bond

The relationship between the United States and Spain is steeped in centuries of shared history. Ties between the two nations date back to the 18th century when Spain was a colonial power in America. Over the years, this relationship has evolved through diplomacy, trade, cultural exchange, and migration, shaping a rich and multifaceted bond that still holds strong today.

Spain played a significant role in the United States' path to independence. During the Revolutionary War, Spain provided support to the colonists, supplying funds and resources that helped tip the balance in the 13 colony’s favor. This early assistance hasn’t been forgotten and laid a strong foundation for the diplomatic relations between the two nations.

In the modern context, the U.S. and Spain share robust and dynamic ties across a range of sectors. The two nations cooperate extensively on defense and security matters, with Spain hosting U.S. military bases and actively participating in NATO operations.

Trade

Bilateral trade is robust, with goods and services flowing both ways across the Atlantic, contributing to mutual prosperity. Both countries also engage in a vibrant cultural exchange, with thousands of Americans choosing to study in Spain each year and tourism thriving in both directions.

Expat Communities

Furthermore, Spain is home to a substantial American expatriate community, and vice versa. This human connection further strengthens the bond between the two nations and increases the need for efficient and affordable communication channels.

Continuing Bonds

The connection between the U.S. and Spain is not merely historical or diplomatic; it's personal. Whether it's a friend studying abroad in Barcelona, a relative living in Madrid, or a business associate in Valencia, the need to make an international call can arise at any time. And with the steps laid out in this guide, you'll be ready when it does.

What Are the Basics of International Dialing?

At the heart of it, an international call is simply a phone call made from one country to another. While the concept itself is straightforward, the execution requires an understanding of certain codes specific to each country. Knowing these codes and how to use them properly will enable your call to reach its intended recipient, no matter where they are.

The standard procedure for making an international call involves several steps:

First, you dial your country's exit code, also known as the international direct dialing (IDD) code. This code signals your intention to dial a number outside your country. For the United States, this exit code is 011.

The next step involves dialing the country code of the country that you're trying to call. Every country has its own unique code, which ensures that your call is directed to the right place. For instance, if you're calling Spain, the country code is 34.

Once you've dialed the exit code and country code, the next step is to dial the region's area code in the country you're calling. This will direct your call to the right city or region within the country. Following the area code, you dial the local phone number of the person or institution you're trying to reach.

What Are the Area Codes in Spain?

In Spain, area codes are integrated into the overall telephone number structure, just like they are in the United States and Canada. These area codes indicate the city or region for the phone number you're dialing.

Here are some of the primary area codes for major cities and regions in Spain:

Each local phone number in Spain is nine digits long, including the area code. By familiarizing yourself with these area codes, you can ensure your call gets to the right place in Spain.

Step-by-Step Guide to Calling Spain From the US

Making an international call can seem complicated, but once you understand the process, it becomes quite simple. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to call Spain from the United States.

Step One: Dial the US Exit Code (011)

For the United States, the exit code is 011. This signals that your call is destined for a number outside of your own country.

Step Two: Dial Spain’s Country Code (34)

After dialing the US exit code, dial the Spain country code of 34.

Step Three: Dial the Area Code

After dialing the country code, you then enter the area code and local number. For Madrid, this is 91. For Barcelona, it's 93, and so on.

Step Four: Dial the Local Number

For the local number, dial the number as given. In Spain, the local number (when combined with the area code) is nine digits.

Example of Calling a Landline and Mobile Number in Madrid

For a landline, you will dial the area code followed by the local number. For a cell phone, dial the number as given:

  1. First, dial the US exit code 011.
  2. Then dial the Spain country code of 34.
  3. Next, dial the Madrid area code of 91.
  4. Finally, dial the local number.

An example for a landline would be: 011-34-91-123-456-789. For a mobile number starting with a 6 or 7, dial: 011-34-612-345-678.

How Much Does It Cost To Call Spain From the US?

The cost of calling Spain from the US varies widely depending on the method and carrier you use. Traditionally, international calls were quite expensive.

For example, AT&T offers the International Calling package for $15 per month, which includes unlimited calls to Spain. Verizon and T-Mobile also have similar plans.
If you need to make a few calls, consider alternatives like Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) services, such as Skype. Skype’s rate to call a landline or mobile in Spain is currently 2.3 cents per minute with a connection fee of 4.9 cents.

What Is the Time Difference Between the US and Spain?

Spain is in the Central European Time (CET) zone, which is six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST) and may vary during daylight saving time.

Check the local time in Spain before dialing to avoid calling at inappropriate times.

Strengthening Transatlantic Communication

This guide has walked you through the key steps for calling Spain from the US. While making international calls, consider the cost carefully and explore alternatives for more affordable options.

Another critical aspect to bear in mind is the protection of your private data. When you make international calls, your number is often displayed to the recipient. Having tools like Burner can provide temporary phone numbers to protect your personal information.