Calling Austria From The Us: Using Omma Easily

Calling Austria from the US can be confusing due to the web of country codes, area codes, and phone numbers. To successfully call Austria from the US, you must follow a precise sequence of steps. First, you need to dial the US exit code (011) or the American exit code (11) when calling from a landline. Next, dial Austria's country code, which is +43. Then, dial the area code for the specific region you're calling within Austria, and finally, enter the local number, excluding the leading '0' typically found in Austrian phone numbers. It is also important to consider the time difference between the two countries when scheduling calls. Austria operates on Central European Time (CET), which is six hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+2). Additionally, traditional landline calls can be expensive, so consider using VoIP services like Skype, WhatsApp, or Viber, which offer free or low-cost calls over the internet.

Country code: +43 or 01143

Country codes are numerical identifiers that direct your call to the correct country. Austria's country code is +43 or 01143, depending on whether you are calling from a mobile or landline.

If you are calling Austria from the US via a mobile phone, you will need to dial 01143, followed by the Austrian number, excluding the initial zero. For example, if the Austrian number is 08765.123456, you would dial 01143.8765.123456. The plus sign at the beginning of the phone number can usually be used in this format. However, the plus sign can be replaced with a sequence of numbers that alert the telephone network that you are calling another country. The ITU recommends using 00, which is used in all European countries. In the US, 011 is used instead of 00. So, you can also dial +43 or 01143 and then the Austrian number, excluding the initial zero.

If you are calling Austria from the US via landline, you can dial 01143, which includes the American exit code, 11. For example, if the Austrian number is 08765.123456, you would dial 01143.8765.123456.

It is important to note that Austrian phone numbers do not have a standard length. The minimum length is four digits, and the maximum is 13 digits. Additionally, Austria operates on Central European Time (CET), which is six hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+2). Therefore, when scheduling calls, it is crucial to factor in this time difference to ensure you are reaching your Austrian contacts at a suitable time. For example, if it is 10:00 AM ET in New York, it is already 4:00 PM in Vienna.

Finally, traditional landline calls can be expensive, and you will likely be charged by the second for making an international call from the US. Several cost-effective alternatives are available, including Voice over IP (VoIP) services such as Skype, WhatsApp, and Viber, which offer free or low-cost calls over the internet.

Time zones: Austria is 6-9 hours ahead of the US

When calling Austria from the US, it's important to be mindful of the time difference to ensure you're not calling at an inappropriate time for the recipient. Austria is 6 to 9 hours ahead of the US, depending on which time zones you're comparing. For example, if you're in New York (Eastern Time), Austria is 6 hours ahead, so when it's noon in New York, it's 6 pm in Vienna. However, if you're in the US Pacific time zone, Austria is 9 hours ahead.

This time difference can be a significant factor when planning your call. If you're aiming to reach someone in Austria during their standard working hours of 9 am to 5 pm, and you're in the US Pacific time zone, you'll need to call between 1 am and 9 am your time. However, if you're in the Eastern Time zone, you have a larger window, from 8 am to 6 pm your time, which overlaps with Austrian working hours.

If you're trying to reach someone in Austria outside of their working hours, you have a wider time frame to consider. You can call between 11 am and 3 pm your time, which would be 7 pm to 11 pm in Austria. This allows for a conversation that isn't interrupted by the start of the Austrian workday.

To make the call, you'll need to dial the exit code for your country, which is 011 in the US, followed by Austria's country code, 43. After that, you'll dial the Austrian area code and phone number. Austrian phone numbers can vary in length, ranging from 4 to 13 digits, so be prepared for numbers that are longer or shorter than you might expect.

Cost: traditional landlines are expensive, use VoIP services instead

When calling Austria from the US, the cost of your call can differ significantly depending on your service provider and calling plan. Traditional landline calls can be expensive, especially for extended conversations. You will generally be charged by the second for making an international call from the US, even for the ringing at the beginning of the call. Big networks in the US like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile tend to charge exorbitant rates for international calling. For example, a single, basic line from AT&T with standard long-distance service can cost $90 a month.

Instead, VoIP services are often much cheaper than traditional landlines. For example, Ooma offers a free residential VoIP line, with taxes ranging from $4 to $7 a month, depending on your ZIP code. Ooma also offers a Premier plan with more features for $9.99 per month, which is still considerably cheaper than a traditional landline phone service. With Ooma’s residential VoIP plans, you get a free mobile app so you can make calls and retrieve your voicemail when you’re away from home. Rebtel is another VoIP service that is 5 to 10 times cheaper than AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile for calling Austria from the US. With Rebtel, you can use any kind of phone to call any other kind of phone, anywhere in the world, at a low cost.

VoIP services like Skype, WhatsApp, and Viber offer free or low-cost calls over the internet, making them a practical option for international communication. However, VoIP phone service requires reliable internet service, which may not be available in all areas. The biggest cost associated with VoIP phone service is generally the hardware to set up your VoIP line. For example, at Ooma, the price ranges from a one-time cost of $99 to $129. Even with the hardware price, a VoIP residential phone line through Ooma is almost always much cheaper than a traditional phone line.

Greeting: use formal titles like Herr or Frau

When calling Austria from the US, you will need to dial the exit code, country code, area code, and phone number. The exit code for the US is 011, and the country code for Austria is 43. Austrian phone numbers range from 4 to 13 digits, and the format can be either 011-43-XXX-XX-XX or 011-43-1-XXX-XX-XXXX.

Now, onto the greeting etiquette when in Austria. Greeting people with formal titles is an important aspect of Austrian etiquette, especially in business meetings. It is considered polite to address people with professional titles such as "Doktor" or "Herr" (Mr). In general, Austrians tend to be quite formal and reserved in their communication style, and first names are typically reserved for friends, family, and close acquaintances.

Ladies (Damen) are referred to as "Frau" and gentlemen (Herren) are referred to as "Herr," followed by their name. For example, "Frau Österreich" or "Herr Österreich." Austrians have numerous titles, and it is common for people to include their academic titles or degrees in their passports. These titles are often used instead of names when addressing someone directly, such as "Herr Magister" or "Frau Doktor."

When greeting someone in Austria, you can say "Grüß Gott" ("May God greet you"), which is typical in Austria and Bavaria, or "Servus" for a more casual greeting. "Guten Morgen" is also appropriate when answering the phone. "Danke" means "thank you," and "Bitte" means "please" and is also used to respond to thanks. "Auf Wiedersehen" is the formal way to say goodbye.

Etiquette: be mindful of local holidays and cultural nuances

When calling Austria from the US, it is important to be mindful of local holidays and cultural nuances. Austria has 13 public holidays in a calendar year, and celebrations are an integral part of the culture. Austrians value formality, so it is important to start with a polite greeting and use titles such as "Herr" (Mr.) or "Frau" (Mrs./Ms.), followed by the surname. For those with professional titles like "Doktor" (Doctor) or "Professor," ensure to use them accordingly. While English is commonly spoken in business settings, using simple German greetings like "Guten Tag" (Good day) can help build rapport. Respectful language and formal address forms are always appreciated.

• National Day: October 26th.
• Christmas: Austrians typically celebrate Christmas on December 24th, Christmas Eve, when gifts are brought by the Christkind (baby Jesus) rather than Santa Claus. The season's celebrations start earlier, with many unique Christmas markets, especially the Christkindlmarkt in front of Vienna's city hall.
• Easter: Austrians celebrate with a mix of Christian and pagan traditions, including coloured eggs, the Easter Bunny, Eierpecken (crashing hard-boiled eggs), and Easter bonfires.
• Ascension Day: Celebrated 40 days after Easter Sunday, marking the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven.
• Corpus Christi or the Day of Wreaths: This Roman Catholic holiday is celebrated in many smaller Austrian towns with parades and commemorates the ascension of the Virgin Mary and political milestones achieved since World War II.
• All Saints' Day: A Roman Catholic holiday honouring the Virgin Mary and celebrating all Christian saints, especially those without a dedicated day. Austrians often visit cemeteries to remember deceased loved ones.
• Epiphany: A Christian feast day celebrating the revelation of God in the form of Jesus Christ, with singing and children dressing up as the three Wise Men—Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar.

Additionally, the Maypole or "Maibaum" tradition on May 1st involves dancing around a maypole accompanied by brass band processions through country towns.

When scheduling calls, be mindful of the time difference between the US and Austria. Austria operates on Central European Time (CET), which is six hours ahead of the US Eastern Time Zone (ET) and can vary between seven and nine hours ahead, depending on Daylight Saving Time adjustments in the US. This time difference is crucial when planning calls to ensure you are reaching your Austrian contacts at a suitable time.

Understanding Austrian business culture and etiquette is essential for effective communication. Being aware of local holidays and cultural nuances demonstrates respect and helps foster strong business and personal relationships.

Frequently asked questions