?How to Call a Landline Phone Locally & Internationally

Landline phones continue to play a vital role in communication around the world even in 2025. Although mobile phones and messaging apps dominate, landlines remain necessary for businesses, banks, hospitals, schools, and government services. If you need to call a landline either locally or internationally, it is important to know the correct dialing rules, formats, and cost-saving options.

This guide explains in detail how to call landlines locally and internationally, provides examples of dialing formats, cost comparisons, and introduces digital alternatives such as Google Voice.

Why Landline Calls Still Matter

Even with the expansion of mobile services, landline communication is valuable because of its stability and reliability. Many companies and government agencies still require landline contact. Landlines are often associated with better call clarity, and for legal or financial purposes, having a registered landline adds credibility.

How to Call a Landline Locally

Local calls are usually simple, but the exact procedure depends on the country.

1. Landline to landline in the same area: Often you can dial the number directly without the area code.

2. Landline to landline in a different city: You need to include the area code followed by the number.

3. Mobile to landline: In most cases you must dial the area code plus the number.

4. VoIP to landline: Applications such as Google Voice, Skype, or Viber Out allow you to call local landlines using the internet, often at no cost.

How to Call a Landline Internationally

When calling internationally, the correct format must be followed. The steps are:

1. Dial the exit code. This tells your network that the call is leaving the country. For example, 011 in the United States, 00 in the United Kingdom, and 0011 in Australia.

2. Dial the country code. For example, +1 for the United States, +44 for the United Kingdom, +91 for India, +49 for Germany.

3. Enter the area code of the city or region you are calling. Note that the leading zero is usually removed when dialing from abroad.

4. Dial the landline number.

Example: Calling a London landline from the United States requires the format 011 44 20 7946 XXXX.

Country Specific Examples

• United States to Canada: Dial 1 + area code + number.

• United Kingdom to France: Dial 00 33 + city code + number.

• India: Drop the initial zero when calling internationally, for example 022 in Mumbai becomes +91 22.

• Germany: Similar to India, the leading zero is removed.

• United Arab Emirates: Trunk codes used domestically are removed when calling internationally.

Cost Comparison of Landline Calls

Average carrier rates compared to VoIP services in 2025:

Traditional carrier charges are much higher, but by using VoIP apps the cost can be reduced by up to 90 percent.

Tools and Services to Call Landlines

Several digital solutions make calling landlines cheaper and more convenient.

• Google Voice: Free calls within the United States and Canada, with low international rates. For frequent international use, many individuals and businesses choose to buy Google Voice accounts to manage multiple lines.

• Skype: One of the oldest and most reliable services for international landline calls. Offers pay-as-you-go and monthly subscription options.

• Viber Out: Allows calling landlines in many countries at competitive rates.

• Rebtel: Works without an internet connection by routing calls through local numbers, making it useful in areas with poor connectivity.

Landline versus Mobile Calls

Business Perspective

For businesses, especially those working internationally, landlines remain critical. Customers trust companies that provide a landline number. Many customer service centers and financial institutions require them. To reduce costs, businesses often adopt cloud-based systems or buy Google Voice accounts, enabling them to maintain local numbers in different countries while routing all calls to a central team.

Internet versus Traditional Calling

Traditional landline calling does not require internet access and is reliable, but it is costly for international calls and lacks flexibility. VoIP calling, on the other hand, requires internet access but allows cheap or free calls, supports forwarding, and integrates with business tools.

Security and Privacy Considerations

When using online services to call landlines, users should select reputable providers, secure their accounts with strong passwords and two-factor authentication, avoid using insecure networks, and monitor call billing regularly. This is particularly important if you buy Google Voice accounts for business use.

Quick Checklist Before Calling Abroad

• Know the correct exit code for your country.

• Enter the correct country code.

• Remove the leading zero in the area code if required.

• Check the time zone before calling.

• Compare carrier rates with VoIP alternatives.

Final Thoughts

Calling landlines locally is straightforward and usually only requires the area code plus the number. Calling internationally is more complex and requires the exit code, country code, and area code. Costs can be very high when using traditional carriers, but by using services like Google Voice, Skype, Viber Out, and Rebtel, you can reduce expenses significantly.

For individuals who occasionally call abroad, VoIP services provide flexibility and affordability. For businesses, the ability to buy google voice accounts and virtual numbers ensures reliable communication with customers worldwide, builds trust, and keeps costs under control.

By combining knowledge of traditional dialing formats with modern digital solutions, anyone can call landlines both locally and internationally with confidence, efficiency, and at a fraction of the traditional cost.