Calling friends in Tel Aviv or a supplier in Jerusalem shouldn’t feel like cracking a secret code. In this quick, chatty walkthrough, you’ll learn the one dialing formula that always works, how to call Israel for free, and the little settings that keep your iPhone or WhatsApp bill proof. Let’s jump in.
One Magic Formula: Exit + Country + Area + Local
If you remember nothing else, remember 011-972-AREA-NUMBER.
- 011 is the U.S. “exit code,” the digits that tell your carrier the call is leaving the country.
- 972 is Israel’s country code.
- The area code is one digit for major cities: 2 for Jerusalem, 3 for Tel Aviv, 4 for Haifa, 8 for the south, 9 for Sharon.
- Drop any leading 0 you see in local Israeli numbers international calls don’t need it.
Israel phone number example: U.S. caller to a Jerusalem landline → 011-972-2-123-4567.

How to Call Israel From US Cell Phone Stress Free Steps
1. Open your dialer, hold “0” until the “+” appears (or type 011).
2. Enter 972.
3. Add the area code and number.
4. Press call.
That’s it. You’ve just answered the search “how to call Israel from US cell phone” in thirty seconds.
Quick cost check
Most carriers bill Israeli calls at international rates. If you want to avoid surprises, switch on Wi Fi Calling (Settings > Cellular > Wi Fi Calling) so the call rides your home network instead of pricey minutes.
How to Call Israel From US on WhatsApp Totally Free (Data Only)
WhatsApp routes voice over the internet, not your voice plan, so you pay $0 as long as you’re on Wi Fi. Just open the chat, tap the phone icon, and you’re talking great for anyone googling how to call Israel from US on WhatsApp.
Remember two caveats:
- Data charges apply on mobile data; stick to Wi Fi to keep it free.
- WhatsApp can’t dial 911 style emergency numbers.

iPhone Tricks: Dialing Israel Over Wi Fi or FaceTime Audio
If your search is “how to dial Israel from US on iPhone,” you have two built ins:
- Wi Fi Calling – toggled in Settings, it uses any wireless network when cell bars are weak.
- FaceTime Audio – connects over data, not voice minutes, so there’s no international surcharge.
Tip: when traveling, flip Airplane Mode on, then re enable Wi Fi to force these methods and dodge roaming fees.
How to Dial Jerusalem or Any Israeli Landline from America
People often type “how to dial Jerusalem Israel from US” or “how to dial Israel landline from US.” Use:
011 972 2 XXXXXXX for Jerusalem landlines.
Change the single digit area code for other cities (03 Tel Aviv, 04 Haifa, etc.).
Avoid the Classic “Why Isn’t My Call Going Through?” Moments
- Dropped the exit code – Every international call must start with + or 011.
- Kept Israel’s leading zero – Delete it outside Israel.
- Time zone fail – Israel is seven hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time; midnight there is 5 p.m. in New York.
- VoIP emergency gap – WhatsApp, FaceTime, and many VoIP apps can’t reach 911; keep a landline for real emergencies.
Quick Glance Cheat Sheet
Scenario | Digits to dial | Cost tip |
---|---|---|
Call Israeli cell from U.S. cell | 011 972 5X XXXXXXX | Check if your plan has international minute bundles |
Free WhatsApp voice | Open chat → tap call | Needs Wi Fi or data, no minutes |
iPhone Wi Fi Calling | Same digits, Wi Fi icon shows | Counts as domestic minutes for many carriers |
FaceTime Audio | Contact → Audio | Uses data, not voice |
Jerusalem landline | 011 972 2 XXXXXXX | Great fallback when VoIP fails |
FAQs
1, How do I call Israel number from US if I’m on public Wi Fi?
Use WhatsApp or FaceTime Audio; both encrypt calls and ride Wi Fi.
2. What’s Israel’s two letter country code?
It’s “IL,” used in shipping and web domains, not phone dialing.
3. How do I call Israel from America at 3 a.m. local time without waking them?
Check the 7 hour difference first 3 a.m. EST is 10 a.m. in Israel.
4. Can I text first for free?
Yes WhatsApp text uses the same data channel as voice and costs nothing on Wi Fi.
Need a friction free, built in dial button on your website that connects U.S. shoppers to your Israeli team? SuperU’s AI voice agent can pop up, route calls, and even answer common questions 24/7 no code, no extra phone lines.