Call USA from El Salvador: 5 Cheapest Methods (2026)
Complete guide to calling USA from El Salvador. Compare 5 methods from free to $0.28/min. Learn dialing format, best times to call LA, Houston, and NYC.
To call the USA from El Salvador, dial 00 1, then the 3-digit area code and the 7-digit number (for Los Angeles: 00 1 213 XXX XXXX). WhatsApp calls are free when both sides have the app. To reach any US landline or mobile, BubblyPhone costs $0.025/min from your browser, against $0.20โ0.50/min on Salvadoran carriers.
Respuesta Rapida: The cheapest way to call USA from El Salvador is BubblyPhone at just $0.025/minute. For free calls, use WhatsApp if both parties have the app installed.
El Salvador - USA Connection
Over 2.3 million Salvadorans live in the United States, making the USA the top destination for Salvadoran emigrants. Los Angeles, Houston, and Washington D.C. have the largest Salvadoran communities.
Remittances from the USA account for nearly 24% of El Salvador's GDP, highlighting the deep family connections between the two countries.
How to Call USA from El Salvador
Dialing Format
The USA country code is +1. To call USA from El Salvador:
00 1 + area code + phone numberOr use the + format (recommended for mobile):
+1 + area code + phone numberPopular US Area Codes for Salvadorans
Los Angeles Area
- 213 - Downtown LA
- 323 - Central LA
- 818 - San Fernando Valley
- 310 - West LA
Other Major Cities
- 713, 281 - Houston, TX
- 202 - Washington D.C.
- 212, 718 - New York
- 305 - Miami, FL
Dialing Examples
5 Best Ways to Call USA from El Salvador
1. BubblyPhone
The most affordable way to call US landlines and mobiles from El Salvador. Crystal-clear quality, no contracts, works in your browser.
2. WhatsApp
The most popular messaging app among Salvadorans. Free voice and video calls to anyone with WhatsApp in the USA.
3. Facebook Messenger
Very popular in both El Salvador and the USA. Make free voice and video calls using just a Facebook account.
4. Carrier International (Claro, Tigo, Movistar)
Traditional carrier international dialing. Convenient but significantly more expensive than VoIP options.
Tip: Carrier international rates can be 20-50x more expensive than VoIP. Use BubblyPhone to save up to 98% on calls to USA.
5. Calling Cards (Tarjetas de Llamada)
Available at convenience stores and supermarkets. Good for those without internet access, but rates have become less competitive.
Rate Comparison
| Method | Rate/Min | 1 Hour Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| BubblyPhone | $0.025 | $1.50 | Any US phone number |
| Free | Free | Friends with app | |
| Messenger | Free | Free | Facebook users |
| Calling Cards | $0.05-0.15 | $3-9 | No internet access |
| Claro/Tigo/Movistar | $0.20-0.50 | $12-30 | Emergency only |
Time Difference: El Salvador to USA
El Salvador uses Central Standard Time (CST) year-round with no daylight saving time. Here's how it compares to US time zones:
Los Angeles (PST)
2 hours behind
When it's 12 PM in SV, it's 10 AM in LA
Houston (CST)
Same time zone!
Easy to coordinate calls
New York (EST)
1 hour ahead
When it's 12 PM in SV, it's 1 PM in NY
Washington D.C.
1 hour ahead
Same as Eastern Time
Best Times to Call USA
- Los Angeles: Call between 10 AM - 9 PM El Salvador time (8 AM - 7 PM LA)
- Houston: Same time zone - call anytime during reasonable hours
- New York: Call between 9 AM - 8 PM El Salvador time (10 AM - 9 PM NY)
- Weekends: Best for longer family calls when everyone is home
Tips for Calling USA from El Salvador
VoIP calls over WiFi provide the best quality and don't use your mobile data.
Many Salvadorans in the USA use WhatsApp. Ask first - you might be able to call free!
Always save US numbers in international format (+1 XXX XXX XXXX) for easy dialing.
Claro, Tigo, and Movistar charge 20-50x more than VoIP services. Use BubblyPhone instead.
Ready to Call USA from El Salvador?
Connect with your family in the USA for just $0.025/minute. No contracts, no subscriptions.
Summary
- Cheapest paid option: BubblyPhone at $0.025/min ($1.50/hour)
- Free options: WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger (both parties need app)
- Dialing format: +1 + area code + phone number
- Time zones: Houston is same time; LA is 2 hours behind; NY is 1 hour ahead
- Most expensive: Carrier international (avoid unless emergency)