Making International Calls from Thailand to the United States: A Comprehensive Guide

Making international calls from Thailand to the United States is a common necessity for both personal and business communications. Whether you are calling for work, staying in touch with friends and family, or connecting with clients, understanding the different methods and processes can help make these calls more efficient and cost-effective. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps for calling from Thailand to the United States, including dialing procedures, alternatives like calling cards and apps, and some important considerations for saving on fees.

1. Using a Cell Phone or Landline

The most direct way to make international calls from Thailand to the United States is by using a cell phone or landline. Here’s the step-by-step process:

•  Dial Thailand’s Exit Code

To initiate an international call from Thailand, you must first dial Thailand’s exit code. This is “001” (Thailand’s International Direct Dialing or IDD code). This code is essential because it directs your call outside of Thailand to the international network.

•  Enter the Country Code for the United States

After the exit code, the next sequence in the dialing process is the country code for the United States, which is “1.” The country code is the same for all the 50 states, so you can use the same code whether you’re calling someone in California, New York, or Florida.

Thus, your dialing sequence should begin with “001-1.”

•  Enter the Area Code

Each state and sometimes each city in the United States has a specific area code, which is a three-digit number. For instance, if you are calling someone in Denver, Colorado, the area code is “303.” You must ensure that you enter the correct area code to avoid reaching the wrong recipient. You can find the area code of the city or state you’re calling by doing a quick search online or asking the person you’re calling for the information.

•  Dial the 7-Digit Phone Number

Once you’ve entered the exit code, country code, and area code, the final step is to enter the actual phone number you are trying to reach. In the United States, phone numbers typically consist of seven digits.

The complete dialing format should look like this: 001-1-area code-phone number.

•  Initiate the Call

After entering all the necessary digits, simply press the call button to dial the number. It’s important to remember to be mindful of the time zone differences between Thailand and the U.S. so that you can call at an appropriate time.

Pro Tip: Businesses can further simplify and streamline their communication process using FreJun’s call automation features.

2. Using a Calling Card

Calling cards can provide a more cost-effective solution for making international calls from Thailand to the United States. Here’s how to use one:

• Purchase a Calling Card

Calling cards are widely available in convenience stores, grocery stores, and online retailers in Thailand. These cards offer prepaid minutes for making local and international calls at discounted rates. The prices of these cards vary significantly, depending on the number of minutes and the destination you are calling. You can find calling cards ranging from as low as 0.33 THB ($0.01 USD) to as high as 3317.47 THB ($100.00 USD), so it’s important to choose a card that suits your needs.

• Dial the Access Number

Every calling card comes with a unique access number that connects you to the card’s service provider. You can find this access number printed on the back of the card. Dial this number to initiate your call.

• Enter the PIN

After dialing the access number, you will be prompted to enter a PIN code. This PIN is usually provided on the card itself, and it’s necessary to authenticate the card and ensure that the prepaid balance is deducted accordingly.

• Input the Phone Number

Next, follow the instructions provided with the calling card to input the phone number. Be sure to enter the full number, including the exit code (001), country code (1), area code, and the recipient’s seven-digit phone number.

Once these steps are completed, your call will connect, and you can begin your conversation.

Alternative Solution: FreJun provides a more streamlined and cost-effective approach for frequent callers by eliminating manual steps like PINs or access numbers. Learn more about FreJun’s benefits.

3. Exploring Alternative Calling Methods

For those looking for alternative, often free or low-cost methods of calling the United States from Thailand, several internet-based apps and services can be used. Here are a few:

• Using Free Apps for Video Chatting

Apps like WhatsApp, Skype, and Viber allow for free voice and video calls, provided you and the recipient both have the app installed and are connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data. These apps utilize your internet connection to make calls, bypassing the need for traditional phone services.

• WhatsApp: Free voice and video calls to other WhatsApp users worldwide.
• Skype: Offers free calls to other Skype users and low-cost calls to landlines.
• Viber: Similar to WhatsApp and Skype, providing free voice and video calls over the internet.

• Using Social Media Platforms

Facebook Messenger also offers free voice and video calling features. Both parties need to have Facebook accounts to use this service. Facebook Messenger is a great option if you already use Facebook and don’t want to download additional apps.

•  Apps for Calling Landlines

Some apps, like Skype, offer affordable options for calling US landlines from Thailand. Skype charges a small fee for calls to landlines, but it can still be cheaper than traditional international calling methods, especially when making frequent calls.

Business Tip: While these apps work well for personal use, businesses can gain more from FreJun’s advanced features, like autodialing and analytics.

4. Important Considerations When Calling the United States

While the methods above cover the essential steps and options for making international calls from Thailand to the United States, there are several important factors to keep in mind to avoid unexpected issues:

• Time Zones

The United States spans six major time zones, so it’s crucial to be aware of the time difference between Thailand and the U.S. when making your call. Thailand is 11-14 hours ahead of the United States depending on the time zone. For example, Thailand is 12 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST), and 14 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time (PST). Always check the time zone for your destination state before dialing to ensure you call at a convenient time.

• Fees and Charges

International calls can be expensive, especially when using mobile networks or landline providers. If you’re using mobile services or traditional phone lines, be sure to check the call rates with your provider before making the call. Calling cards often offer better rates but check for hidden fees such as connection charges, PIN entry charges, or other service fees. Internet-based services like WhatsApp and Skype may have no cost or minimal charges, especially for app-to-app communication.

Solution: FreJun helps businesses manage and reduce costs with transparent pricing and powerful analytics. Check out FreJun Pricing Plans.

• Internet Quality and Data Usage

If you are using internet-based apps (e.g., Skype, WhatsApp, etc.), ensure that your internet connection is stable. Poor internet quality can lead to call dropouts, poor voice quality, or video lag. Additionally, if you are on a mobile data plan, be mindful of data usage, as voice and video calls can consume significant amounts of data.

5. FreJun Call Automation: A Solution for Remote Teams

For businesses that frequently make international calls, FreJun offers a powerful platform for automating and tracking calls. It integrates seamlessly into your existing workflows, making it easier to manage outbound calls without the hassle of manual dialing. FreJun’s advanced features can help teams streamline their calling process, ensuring that each call is recorded, logged, and analyzed for performance improvements.

FreJun offers a variety of useful features, including:

• Autodial: Eliminate manual dialing and make calls with just a click.
• Analytics: Use detailed reports to track call data and agent performance.
• Call Routing: Automatically route calls to the appropriate department or agent.
• Voice Broadcast: Reach hundreds of contacts simultaneously with a pre-recorded message.
• Truecaller Integration: Avoid being flagged as spam and improve call pickup rates.

By leveraging FreJun’s call automation and analytics, businesses can enhance productivity, track performance, and ensure smooth communication with clients and partners across the globe.

Explore More: Learn how FreJun helps remote teams optimize workflows.

Conclusion

Making international calls from Thailand to the United States is straightforward, whether you’re using a cell phone, landline, calling card, or internet-based service. By understanding the dialing process and available alternatives, you can save time and money while ensuring effective communication. Additionally, for businesses, leveraging solutions like FreJun for call automation can optimize your calling experience, streamline workflows, and enhance team productivity.

When making international calls, always check the time zone differences, review fees and charges, and consider using internet-based calling apps for low-cost options. With the right tools and knowledge, you can easily stay connected with people across the world.

Ready to revolutionize your international communication? Explore FreJun today and experience a new level of efficiency and productivity.

Further Reading: What is Post Call Survey and How Can You Enhance Your Customer Experience with Targeted Post-Call Surveys