TL;DR
- Before you scroll, here’s the quick version: calling Germany takes five building-block numbers 011 (or +), 49, the city code, and the local digits.
- Prices vary wildly: AT&T’s basic rate is about $0.19/min while T-Mobile prepaid can hit $3.00/min if you haven’t added an international bundle. Wi-Fi and VoIP slash bills to ~ 0
How to dial Germany from the U.S. (works every time)
Landline (Berlin example):011 49 30 1234567
Mobile (Vodafone/O2/Telekom, etc.):011 49 15X XXXXXXX(drop the leading “0”)
From a smartphone: Replace 011 49 with +49 → +49 30 1234567 or +49 15X XXXXXXX
Rule of thumb: U.S. exit 011 → country 49 → area/mobile code without the 0 → number.
Why: Germany’s trunk prefix is 0 domestically; it’s removed when dialing from abroad.
How to dial from different devices
- how to call Germany from US landline – Pick up, dial the full 011-49 sequence, pause a beat, then the city code and number.
- how to call Germany from US phone – Long-press +, then 49, area code, number. Confirm international roaming is active first.
- VoIP/soft-phone – Enter +49 plus the rest; no exit code needed in most apps.
Before you dial
• German toll-free (0800) and many service numbers (0180/0900) often don’t work from outside Germany (or incur special rates). Prefer a geographic or mobile number.
• Mobile prefixes commonly start with 015 / 016 / 017 (shown domestically as 015…, but dial internationally as +49 15…).
• Emergencies in Germany:112 (fire/ambulance), 110 (police). 911 will not route in Germany. Use only for real emergencies
How much does it cost?
Prices swing based on carrier and method making “how much does it cost to call Germany from the United States” a moving target.
| Method | Typical rate (USD / min) | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T International Day Pass | $0.19 landline | Casual callers |
| T-Mobile Pay-Go | $3.00 without plan | Emergency use only |
| Wi-Fi calling back to U.S. | $0 to U.S. numbers | Travelers on hotel Wi-Fi |
| VoIP apps (average) | $0.01 – $0.03 | Frequent talkers |
The FCC warns default “basic rates” can spike above $3 per minute if you forget to add an international plan. A 20-minute catch-up at those prices equals a budget flight another reason to preload a VoIP balance before dialing.
Common mistakes (and quick fixes)
- Skipped exit code – U.S. switches can’t route the call without 011/+
- Forgot to drop Germany’s “0.” The number 089-xxxx becomes +49 89 xxxx
- Outdated rate plan – Check carrier app each trip; tariffs change monthly
- Poor signal – Enable Wi-Fi Calling to piggyback on hotel routers for free U.S. legs
From Germany back to the States
Friends asking “how to call US from Germany” simply flip the logic: 00 (or +) ➔ 1 ➔ Area code ➔ Local number.
Frequently asked questions
1. How do I call Germany number from US if it starts with 015?
Replace 015 with +49 15 and dial the rest no leading zero.
2. How do you call Germany from the United States on a company PBX?
Dial your PBX’s outside-line code (often 9), then the 011-49 sequence.
3. How to place a call to Germany from the United States collect?
Contact the international operator after dialing 0170 (AT&T) and request a reverse-charge call; availability varies by carrier.
4. Does VoIP quality match mobile?
Modern codecs deliver HD voice; only your internet speed not distance matters.
Ready to skip the manual dialing?
