How to Call Japan from United States
Learn how to call from United States to Japan with this step-by-step guide. Rates start at just $0.08/min with HelloAirDial. No apps, no calling cards, just dial from your browser.
Cheapest Way to Call Japan from United States
The cheapest way to call Japan from United States is using a browser-based VoIP service like HelloAirDial. With rates starting at just $0.08 per minute, you'll save 50-80% compared to traditional carriers, calling cards, or roaming charges.
Why HelloAirDial is the Cheapest Option:
- ✓No connection fees: Pay only for the minutes you use
- ✓No calling card markups: Direct carrier rates with minimal markup
- ✓No roaming charges: Works from anywhere with internet connection
- ✓Transparent pricing: $0.08/min with no hidden fees
How to Call from United States to Japan
To make a call, dial the exit code (011), followed by the country code (81), then the local number. HelloAirDial makes it simple - just enter the full number in your browser and we handle the formatting automatically. Rates start at $0.08 per minute with no hidden fees.
Dialing Steps: 🇺🇸 United States to 🇯🇵 Japan
- 1
Dial the exit code: 011
This tells your carrier you're making an international call from United States.
- 2
Dial Japan's country code: 81
The country code for Japan is +81.
- 3
Dial the local number
Drop the leading 0 from local numbers.
Examples:
- Mobile: 090 1234 5678
- Landline: 03 1234 5678
Cheap Calls from United States to Japan
Skip expensive carrier rates and calling cards. HelloAirDial offers cheap calls from United States to Japan starting at $0.08/minute, up to 80% less than traditional international calling.
Traditional Calling
- • Carrier rates: $1-3/min
- • Calling cards: Hidden fees
- • Roaming: Expensive abroad
HelloAirDial
- • From $0.08/min
- • No hidden fees or contracts
- • Works anywhere with internet
🇺🇸 United States Carrier Rates to 🇯🇵 Japan
- Verizon$0.20-1.50
- AT&T$0.25-1.50
- T-Mobile$0.10-1.00
Compare this to HelloAirDial at $0.08/min. See full rate breakdown →
Best Time to Call 🇯🇵 Japan
Recommended Calling Hours
- • For consumers, avoid calls before 09:00 and after 20:00 local time, and avoid Sundays and national holidays for sales calls.
- • For business contacts, standard hours are roughly 09:00 to 18:00 on weekdays; avoid lunchtime around 12:00 to 13:00.
Calling Etiquette in Japan
- • Open with a polite greeting and your name/company; for business, confirm you are calling the right person and if it is a good time.
- • Use family name plus san (e.g., Tanaka san) in professional contexts unless invited to use given names.
- • Be concise and structured; state purpose early, avoid aggressive sales tactics, and allow the other party to decline.
- • Silence while listening is normal; avoid interrupting and confirm understanding briefly.
Reaching 🇯🇵 Japan via Apps
- • LINE is the dominant messaging and calling app; many people prefer it over voice calls from unknown numbers.
- • WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime, and other VoIP apps are available but less universal than LINE for local contacts.
- • Corporate users may rely more on Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or similar tools for scheduled business calls.
International Calling Requirements in 🇺🇸 United States
- • Ensure your mobile or landline plan includes international calling; many US plans block IDD by default.
- • For standard international calls, dial 011 + country code + area/mobile code + number from US phones.
- • Prepaid SIMs may require a separate international balance or add on before IDD works.
- • Business PBX or office phones may require dialing 9 or another access code before 011.
- • VoIP services (e.g., Skype, Google Voice) may need verified payment and country settings before calling abroad.
Troubleshooting Calls to 🇯🇵 Japan
- Your call cannot be completed as dialed. - Check that you dialed 011 + country code + number, removed any foreign trunk 0, and included all digits.
- International calling is not enabled on your line. - Contact your carrier or account admin to enable international calling or add an IDD package.
- The number you have dialed is not in service. - Verify the destination country code, area or mobile prefix, and local number; confirm the number is active.
- Call failed or dropped immediately on VoIP app. - Switch to a stable Wi Fi or stronger data connection, update the app, or try a standard carrier call.
FAQs: Calling 🇯🇵 Japan from 🇺🇸 United States
How do I call from United States to Japan?
Dial 011 (exit code) + 81 (Japan country code) + the local phone number. Drop the leading 0 from local numbers.
What is the cheapest way to call from United States to Japan?
Use a VoIP service like HelloAirDial with rates from $0.08/min. This is typically 50-80% cheaper than traditional carriers or calling cards.
What is the country code for Japan?
The country code for Japan is +81. When calling from United States, dial 011 81 followed by the local number.
How do I dial an international number from the United States?
Dial 011, then the country code, then the area or mobile code and local number. Example: 011 44 20 XXXX XXXX for a UK landline.
Should I use roaming or Wi Fi or VoIP when I travel outside the US?
Wi Fi and VoIP apps are usually cheaper, but a roaming pass from your US carrier is simpler and more reliable for regular voice and SMS.
How much do international calls from the US cost?
Rates vary by carrier and destination, roughly from a few cents to over 1 USD per minute; check your plan or buy an international add on for lower rates.