Making International Collect Calls: Austria Edition

If you're looking to make a collect call from Austria, you'll need to know the correct codes and procedures. Making international calls can be expensive, so it's important to be aware of the costs involved. In this case, you'll need to dial the international access code, followed by the country code for Austria, and then the city and phone number. Additionally, there are specific numbers for telecommunication companies that offer cheaper rates for calls to the US or Canada. It's worth noting that Austrian phone numbers vary in length, and there are options to make cheap international calls through online services.

How to call collect from Austria

How to call collect from Austria to the US

To call the US from Austria, you can use the following methods:

Using a Cell Phone

If you are using a cell phone, you can make a collect call by dialling the exit code for Austria, which is 011, followed by the country code for the US, which is 1, and then the desired number. Keep in mind that some phone companies might charge you differently for collect calls, so it is recommended to check with your provider. Alternatively, you can use Skype to make free calls to US toll-free numbers, which usually start with 800.

Using a Landline

If you are using a landline phone in Austria, dial 01, followed by the country code for the US (1), the area code, and then the number you wish to reach. You can also dial the access numbers of specific telecommunication companies for potentially cheaper rates. For example, the access number for AT&T is 0800/8880010, and for MCI, it is 0800/8888000. Additionally, you can use USA Direct for collect calls by dialling 013/00010. Remember that local and long-distance calls can also be made from most public telephone booths, which may require phone cards available at post offices and newsstands.

Cultural and Time Considerations

When calling the US from Austria, be mindful of the time difference to ensure you are calling at an appropriate time. Austria operates on Central European Time (CET), which is typically six to nine hours ahead of US time zones. Additionally, demonstrate cultural sensitivity by using respectful and formal language, addressing individuals with titles such as "Herr" (Mr.) or "Frau" (Mrs./Ms.) followed by their last name.

Calling collect from a cell phone

To call collect from a cell phone, you will need to contact an operator. From a cell phone, you can do this by dialling either 00 (if you are in the US) or 00 and the country code if you are outside the US.

Once you have reached an operator, inform them that you would like to make a collect call. They will then ask for the number you wish to connect with. The operator will then call the recipient and ask them to accept the charges for the call. If the recipient accepts, you will be connected. If not, the operator will inform you.

Alternatively, you can use a third-party app such as Google Hangouts, Skype, or Viber to make free Wi-Fi calls to toll-free numbers in the USA and Canada. With Google Hangouts, calls to all numbers in the USA and Canada are free. With Skype and Viber, only calls to toll-free numbers are free. Skype also offers free calls to toll-free numbers in several other countries. When calling from an American cell phone, add the plus sign (+) and country code, and omit any leading zeros that appear before the 8.

It is worth noting that some 800 numbers can only be called from phones registered in the "home" country.

Country codes and exit codes

The country code for Austria is 43. So, when calling Austria from another country, you would dial your country's exit code followed by 43. For example, the exit code for the United States is 011, so you would dial 011 43 to reach Austria from the US.

Exit codes vary by country. For example, while the exit code for the US is 011, it is 010 for Japan and 00 for many European countries, including the United Kingdom and Germany.

Similarly, country codes are unique to each country. For instance, the country code for the US and Canada is 1, while it is 44 for the UK and 33 for France.

It is important to note that when calling from abroad to Austria, you should omit the initial 0 in the city code. So, if you are calling Vienna (city code 01), you would dial the exit code of your country followed by 43 1, instead of 43 01.

Toll-free numbers

To make a toll-free call from Austria, the number must begin with 0800. For example, the toll-free number for AT&T in Austria is 0800/8880010.

If you are calling from outside Austria, you will need to include the country code, which is 43. For example, calling the toll-free number for AT&T in Austria from the USA would involve dialling 011 43 0800 8880010.

If you are calling a toll-free number in another country, you will need to check the correct format for that country. For example, toll-free numbers in the UK begin with 500 or 800, while in Bermuda, they begin with 1 800.

There are also services that offer cheap international calls from Austria, such as mytello, which can be used from any landline or mobile phone.

Making collect calls from a public phone

To make a collect call from a public phone in Austria, you can dial 1800 226 430. You will be connected to an operator who will ask you for the number you wish to connect with. The operator will then call the recipient and ask them to accept the charges for the call. If the recipient accepts, you will be connected.

In the past, collect calls were often made from payphones or home phones, where the person making the call would have to pay per minute. By making a collect call, the person placing the call could ask the receiver to take on the cost of the call. This was particularly useful for long-distance calls, which used to be expensive, or for children who wanted their parents to pick them up from somewhere.

Nowadays, with the prevalence of mobile phones, it is less common to make collect calls from public phones. However, it is still possible to do so, especially if you are calling a toll-free number or a company that accepts the charges for collect calls.

It is worth noting that some mobile phone providers may charge different rates for collect calls, and it may be difficult to reach an operator to place the collect call. Additionally, some 800 numbers can only be called from phones registered in the "home" country, so this is something to keep in mind when attempting to make a collect call internationally.

Frequently asked questions