How to Call France from the US: Complete Guide (2026)
Step-by-step guide to calling France from the US in 2026. Country code +33, dialing format, rates, time zones, and best calling apps.

Quick Answer:
Dial 011 + 33 + local number from a US landline, or +33 from a mobile phone. Rates from $0.0206/min with BubblyPhone.
France Country Code (+33)
The country code for France is +33. This code is required for all international calls to France — whether calling a mobile phone, landline, or business number.
France's International Dialing Code
From US Landline
011-33-X XX XX XX XXFrom Mobile / +
+33 X XX XX XX XXPhone numbers in France are typically 9 digits long (after the country code).
How to Dial France from the US: Step-by-Step
Dialing Format
011 + 33 + Local Number- 1Dial 011
This is the US international access code (exit code). From a mobile phone, you can hold "0" to get a
+instead. - 2Dial 33
France's country code. This routes the call to France's phone network.
- !Drop the leading 0
If the local number starts with 0, remove it. For example, if someone in France gives you 0XX-XXX-XXXX, dial XX-XXX-XXXX after the country code.
- 3Dial the local number
9 digits.
Visual Dialing Example
Here's how a complete call to France looks, with each part color-coded:
From US Landline
From US Mobile
Tip: From a cell phone, use +33 instead of 011-33. The "+" replaces the exit code and works from any country. BubblyPhone handles the formatting automatically — just enter the number with +33.
Common Mistakes When Calling France
Avoid these frequent dialing errors that can cause failed calls or wrong connections:
❌ Wrong
011-33-0XX...✅ Correct
011-33-XX...Drop the leading 0. Locals in France dial numbers starting with 0, but when calling internationally, omit it after the country code +33.
❌ Wrong
33-XXXXXXXX (missing exit code)✅ Correct
011-33-XXXXXXXXAlways dial 011 (US exit code) before France's country code. From a mobile phone, use + instead of 011.
❌ Wrong
Dialing too few or too many digits✅ Correct
9 digits after +33France numbers are 9 digits long (after the country code). If your call won't connect, check the digit count.
How Much Does It Cost to Call France?
The cost to call France from the US ranges from free (using WhatsApp or FaceTime) to $3-5/minwith traditional carrier rates. Here's a breakdown:
Free (App-to-App)
$0.00
WhatsApp, FaceTime, Viber
(both need the app)
⭐ Best Value
$0.0206/min
BubblyPhone VoIP
(call any number)
Carrier Rates
$3.00+/min
AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile
(without int'l plan)
Cost for Common Call Durations
| Duration | BubblyPhone | Carrier ($3/min) | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | $0.10 | $15.00 | 99% |
| 10 minutes | $0.21 | $30.00 | 99% |
| 30 minutes | $0.62 | $90.00 | 99% |
| 60 minutes | $1.24 | $180.00 | 99% |
Best Time to Call France from the US
Check the current local time in France before calling. The best window is between 9 AM and 9 PM local time.
Paris
6:33 PM
Good time to call
Calling Windows by US Time Zone
To reach someone in France during reasonable hours (9 AM – 9 PM), call during these US times:
| Your Time Zone | Best Time to Call | Time Diff |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern (ET) | 3:00 AM→3:00 PM | +6h |
| Central (CT) | 2:00 AM→2:00 PM | +7h |
| Mountain (MT) | 1:00 AM→1:00 PM | +8h |
| Pacific (PT) | 12:00 AM→12:00 PM | +9h |
Cost Comparison: Ways to Call France
| Service | Rate/min | 30-min call | Pros / Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| BubblyPhone ⭐ | $0.0206 | $0.62 | Calls any number, no app install |
| Free | Free | Both need app + internet | |
| Google Voice | Varies | Varies | US account required, limited |
| Skype | ~$0.02-0.10 | ~$0.60-3.00 | Requires credits or subscription |
| AT&T (no plan) | ~$3.00 | ~$90.00 | Standard per-minute rate |
| Verizon (no plan) | ~$3.00 | ~$90.00 | Standard per-minute rate |
France Emergency Numbers
If you or someone you know is in France and needs emergency help, these are the numbers to dial:
Police
17
Ambulance
15
Fire
18
112 is the international emergency number and works in most countries. These local numbers can be dialed from any phone in France — no country code needed.
Call France with BubblyPhone in 3 Steps
Enter the Number
Type +33 followed by the local number
Click Call
Connect instantly with crystal-clear audio
Calls to France from just $0.0206/min — no subscription required