International Area Code 966

When you dial a phone number that starts with +966, you're reaching out to someone in Saudi Arabia. The 966 international area code is designated for this Arabian Peninsula country, which has a rich culture, vast deserts, and is home to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, making it an important destination for millions of pilgrims each year. Understanding how to effectively use this international calling code can save time, avoid unnecessary charges, and streamline your communication with anyone in Saudi Arabia.

Understanding International Area Codes

Before we dive into specifics about the 966 code, let's clarify what an international area code is:

• Country Code: Every country has a unique code to distinguish it for international calls.
• Area Code: Within a country, specific regions or cities might have their own area codes, though some countries, like Saudi Arabia, use a single national area code.

Why Use an International Area Code?

• Avoid Confusion: Ensures your call is directed correctly to the intended country.
• Reduce Costs: Using the right code can help you avoid international roaming charges or incorrect billing.
• Accessibility: Allows you to call both landline and mobile phones in another country.

How to Call Saudi Arabia with 966

Here's how you can make a call to Saudi Arabia:

1. Dialing from a Landline:

   • Start with your country's exit code (e.g., 00 for UK, 011 for USA)
   • Add the +966 country code for Saudi Arabia
   • Enter the area code (if applicable)
   • Finish with the local number

   Example:

   (Your Exit Code) + 966 + Area Code (if any) + Local Number
   

2. Dialing from a Mobile:

   • Simply use the + symbol instead of the exit code
   • Then follow with 966 and the local number

   Example:

   +966 + Local Number
   

Important Notes:

• Area Codes in Saudi Arabia: While Saudi Arabia uses 966 as its country code, specific cities like Riyadh might have an additional 11 for its area code.

• Mobile Numbers: Saudi mobile numbers usually begin with 5.

Tips for Using International Area Code 966

• Always Check the Time: Time differences can lead to awkward or inconvenient calls.

• Weekend Variations: Remember, in Saudi Arabia, the official weekend is Friday and Saturday, so calling on a Thursday might find many people unavailable.

• Prepaid Plans: If you frequently call Saudi Arabia, consider a prepaid international calling plan to save money.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Dialing Without the Exit Code: This can connect you to a local number or a different country altogether.
• Confusing Area Codes: Ensure you know whether the number you're dialing includes an area code or not.
• Ignoring Time Zones: Avoid calling at times when your recipient might not be able to answer or might be disturbed by the call.

Advanced Techniques

Call Forwarding & Voicemail

• Saudi Telephony Services: Utilize services like call forwarding when you're away from your Saudi-based landline or mobile.

  <p class="pro-note">💡 Pro Tip: Many Saudi mobile providers offer voicemail transcription services which can be extremely useful when dealing with language barriers.</p>

Using Apps for International Calls

Apps like Skype or WhatsApp have made calling Saudi Arabia more cost-effective:

• VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol): Allows you to make voice calls over the internet, which can be cheaper or even free.

Internet Calling

• Internet Cafes: If you're traveling or in an area without a good mobile signal, consider using internet cafes where you can access VoIP services to call home.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Call Not Connecting: Ensure you've dialed the correct number, check your service provider's international calling options, or consider the time difference.
• Poor Call Quality: If the connection is bad, try using a different app or check if you have a strong internet connection for VoIP calls.
• Incorrect Charges: If your calls are being billed unusually high, review your plan, check for any special international calling packages, or contact customer support.

Wrap Up

Understanding and correctly using the international area code 966 can make connecting with individuals in Saudi Arabia straightforward and cost-effective. From business dealings to maintaining personal relationships, accurate and efficient communication is key. As you navigate international calls, remember to check time differences, keep your calling plan in check, and leverage technology to make your calls more accessible.

Don't hesitate to explore related tutorials to enhance your calling experience further. Whether it's learning more about VoIP services, understanding different time zones, or finding the best prepaid international calling plans, there's a wealth of information available to make your international calling smoother.

<p class="pro-note">💡 Pro Tip: If you frequently call Saudi Arabia, consider setting a reminder for your local time to match the recipient's time in Saudi Arabia to ensure timely and appropriate calls.</p>

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What does the + symbol mean when dialing internationally?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>The + symbol is an international dialing prefix, also known as the plus code or international direct dialing code. It allows you to use the same number regardless of which country you're calling from by instructing your phone to insert your local exit code automatically.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I use WhatsApp to call Saudi Arabia with the 966 area code?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, you can use WhatsApp to make calls to Saudi Arabia using the 966 country code, provided you have an active internet connection. Simply add the Saudi number with 966 as the country code, and the local number.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How do I know if I need to add an area code when calling Saudi Arabia?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Most numbers in Saudi Arabia will use the 966 country code directly followed by the local number, but some might require an area code if they are landlines in cities like Jeddah (which uses 2). Always check the number before calling to be sure.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What can I do if my calls to Saudi Arabia are expensive?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Consider using internet calling apps like Skype, WhatsApp, or Viber for cheaper or free international calls. Also, look for special international calling packages from your mobile service provider.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What time should I call if I'm in the USA and need to reach someone in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Riyadh is typically 8 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time in the USA. So, if you want to call at a reasonable time, you might want to call when it's afternoon in the US, which would be late evening or night in Riyadh.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>