A Complete Guide to Calling Sweden from the United States

Rustopte

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posted on 5 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

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Sweden is a Scandinavian country known for its inland lakes, coastal islands, glaciated mountains, and boreal forests. If you have a relative or friend in Sweden or want to book a trip to take in the scenery, knowing how to dial the US exit code, Sweden area code, and phone number is crucial. With the right steps, you can get in touch with your contact and avoid paying exorbitant long-distance fees.

Things You Should Know

Dial 011 first, which is the United States' exit code, and then enter Sweden's country code, which is 46.
Dial the area code of the Swedish city you're calling, which is 1 to 3 digits long.
Remove the first 0 from the number for landlines, and replace the zero with "+46" for mobile lines.

Dialing the Number

Dial 011, which is the US exit international direct dialing (IDD) number. The IDD must always be entered before making a call to Sweden. It is also known as the exit code. Ignore the exit code for numbers with a "+" sign at the beginning—it signifies a number meant for international use that doesn’t require a call prefix.

Input Sweden's country code (46) after the US IDD. Start by double-checking that your phone reads "011." If so, input "46," which is Sweden's calling code. No matter what Swedish city you're calling, the first 5 digits should always be "011 46."

Dial the area code of the Swedish city you're calling. Following the country code and before the phone number, input the area code of the Swedish region you're calling. These codes are 1 to 3 digits long. For example, if you're calling Fallun, the city code is "23." This means you must input "011 46 23." Stockholm is "8," Goteborg is "31," Malmo is "40," Uppsala is "18," and Vasteras is "21."

Remove the first "0" from Swedish landline numbers before dialing. For example, if the Swedish number you're dialing is "091-023-365," the final number you input is "91-023-365." If you're calling Stockholm, the final number with the US IDD and relevant codes is "011-46-8-91-023-365." Remember that dialing to Sweden from select other countries requires you to keep the "0." If you're unsure if your contact is using a landline, ask them via email or chat prior to calling.

Replace the first "0" in mobile numbers with "+46" or "0046." All Swedish mobile numbers begin with "07." If you're calling a Swedish number from the US that starts with "07," drop the first "0" and replace it with "+46" or "0046." For example, if the number is "071-123-4567," you should dial "0046-71-123-4567." In the previous example, the full number with the IDD, country code, and Stockholm city code is "011-46-8-0046-71-123-4567."

Input the Swedish phone number after the relevant codes. The final number you input into your phone must be ordered as follows: The US's IDD (011), Sweden's country code (46), the city code, and the phone number. The phone number (minus all of the preceding codes) is always 5 to 8 digits long. For example, if you're calling "555-5555" from the US to the city of Stockholm in Sweden, the final number is "011-46-8-555-5555."

Best Practices

Use a voice-over IP (VoIP) service for reliable long-distance calling. Take a look at the different plans and pricing, as some are free when you connect to other subscribers who also use the service. For others, you must purchase credits online, but the rates are typically cheaper than other alternatives. Most VoIP services can be used with your phone, Mac, or PC. Check each service's compatibility with the medium that you plan to use it with. If you decide to use your VoIP to select an area code different from your real location, notify your Swedish contact—this can sometimes make them incur long-distance charges.

Purchase a pre-paid phone card for a cheap long-distance option. Head to a local convenience store, chain pharmacy, or big-box store to purchase a pre-paid phone card. Just make sure that your card is compatible with your phone model, country (US), and destination (Sweden). Set up an online account with a provider like Zaptel and select a phone card from a variety of options. When using a calling card to dial Sweden, never select the number from your address book, or you'll be charged your carrier's standard international rate. Ask your service provider about extra charges when using phone cards.

Use a mobile app for a free but less reliable calling option. Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and Skype all offer free options for calling long-distance. For all of these apps, make sure your Sweden contact has the app installed on their phone, and you can use it to call them for free. If you need to call landlines and mobile Sweden numbers, create a Skype account and purchase Skype Credits or a subscription. View Skype calling rates here: https://www.skype.com/en/features/call-phones-and-mobiles/.

Dial "0" to call the operator on a landline to compare fees. If you want to call Sweden with a credit card via an operator, listen for the information on call rates and phone company. Keep in mind that the rates are likely going to be more expensive than other long-distance options, especially if you're using a payphone. Note the rates and compare them to other credit options like Skype. If you're in an office building or dorm room, you may need to dial "9" to contact the operator.

Compare long-distance calling rates when using mobile and landline services. Calling Sweden from the US will always be more expensive than local calls, but the exact price depends on your service provider. Find the basic long-distance rates on your provider's website or contact their customer service line and ask for the rate and any applicable fees. Afterward, compare the rates to your other options to make the most affordable decision. Find long-distance calling rates here: https://www.internetcalls.com/calling_rates/. Ask about transaction charges. For example, Bell's person-to-person fees are the most expensive, regardless of how you're paying.