How to Call Saudi Arabia from the US: Complete Guide (2026)
Step-by-step guide to calling Saudi Arabia from the US in 2026. Country code +966, dialing format, rates, time zones, and best calling apps.
Quick Answer:
Dial 011 + 966 + local number from a US landline, or +966 from a mobile phone. Rates from $0.3339/min with BubblyPhone.
Did you know? Saudi Arabia's country code (+966) is 3 digits long. Longer country codes were assigned later as the international numbering system expanded.
Saudi Arabia Country Code (+966)
The country code for Saudi Arabia is +966. This code is required for all international calls to Saudi Arabia — whether calling a mobile phone, landline, or business number.
Saudi Arabia's International Dialing Code
From US Landline
011-966-XX XXX XXXXFrom Mobile / +
+966 XX XXX XXXXPhone numbers in Saudi Arabia are typically 9 digits long (after the country code).
How to Dial Saudi Arabia from the US: Step-by-Step
Dialing Format
011 + 966 + 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 966
Saudi Arabia's country code. This routes the call to Saudi Arabia's phone network.
- 3Dial the local number
9 digits.
Visual Dialing Example
Here's how a complete call to Saudi Arabia looks, with each part color-coded:
From US Landline
From US Mobile
Tip: From a cell phone, use +966 instead of 011-966. The "+" replaces the exit code and works from any country. BubblyPhone handles the formatting automatically — just enter the number with +966.
Common Mistakes When Calling Saudi Arabia
Avoid these frequent dialing errors that can cause failed calls or wrong connections:
❌ Wrong
966-XXXXXXXX (missing exit code)✅ Correct
011-966-XXXXXXXXAlways dial 011 (US exit code) before Saudi Arabia's country code. From a mobile phone, use + instead of 011.
❌ Wrong
Dialing too few or too many digits✅ Correct
9 digits after +966Saudi Arabia 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 Saudi Arabia?
The cost to call Saudi Arabia from the US ranges from free (using WhatsApp or FaceTime) to $3-5/min with traditional carrier rates. Here's a breakdown:
Free (App-to-App)
$0.00
WhatsApp, FaceTime, Viber
(both need the app)
⭐ Best Value
$0.3339/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 | $1.67 | $15.00 | 89% |
| 10 minutes | $3.34 | $30.00 | 89% |
| 30 minutes | $10.02 | $90.00 | 89% |
| 60 minutes | $20.03 | $180.00 | 89% |
Note: Landline rates to Saudi Arabia are $0.3339/min and mobile rates are $0.4420/min. The rate depends on whether you're calling a landline or mobile number.
Best Time to Call Saudi Arabia from the US
Check the current local time in Saudi Arabia before calling. The best window is between 9 AM and 9 PM local time.
Riyadh
3:06 AM
Too early/late
Jeddah
3:06 AM
Too early/late
Calling Windows by US Time Zone
To reach someone in Saudi Arabia during reasonable hours (9 AM – 9 PM), call during these US times:
| Your Time Zone | Best Time to Call | Time Diff |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern (ET) | 2:00 AM→2:00 PM | -17h |
| Central (CT) | 1:00 AM→1:00 PM | -16h |
| Mountain (MT) | 12:00 AM→12:00 PM | -15h |
| Pacific (PT) | 11:00 PM→11:00 AM | -14h |
Cost Comparison: Ways to Call Saudi Arabia
| Service | Rate/min | 30-min call | Pros / Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| BubblyPhone ⭐ | $0.3339 | $10.02 | 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 |
Saudi Arabia Emergency Numbers
If you or someone you know is in Saudi Arabia and needs emergency help, these are the numbers to dial:
Police
999
Ambulance
997
Fire
998
112 is the international emergency number and works in most countries. These local numbers can be dialed from any phone in Saudi Arabia — no country code needed.
Call Saudi Arabia with BubblyPhone in 3 Steps
Enter the Number
Type +966 followed by the local number
Click Call
Connect instantly with crystal-clear audio
Calls to Saudi Arabia from just $0.3339/min — no subscription required