Russia, with a population exceeding 144 million people, stands as one of the largest and most diverse countries in the world. Spanning across Europe and Asia, it’s a land of vast cultural heritage, historical significance, and economic opportunity.
The country is known for its bustling cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, as well as its strong economy, making it an attractive market for business expansion, tourism, and more. But to tap into these opportunities, you need a reliable way to communicate with individuals and businesses in Russia.
Whether you’re looking to connect with business clients, loved ones, or friends, understanding how to call Russia from the US is essential. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process, outline the best times to call, and discuss the advantages of using a VoIP system for international calls.
Steps for Calling Russia from the US
Making a call to Russia from the US may seem complex at first, but with the right information, it’s easy. Follow the steps below for a seamless calling experience:
Enter the US International Exit Code (011)
Before you can dial any international number, you need to input the US international exit code. The exit code is 011, and it allows you to dial outside the country. This code is the first step in making any international call from the US.
Enter Russia’s Country Code (7)
After dialing the exit code, the next step is to input Russia’s country code. For Russia, the international dialing code is 7. This number helps the system recognize that you’re making a call to Russia.
Enter the Area Code for the Region You’re Calling
Just like in the US, Russia has different area codes for various cities and regions. Depending on where you’re calling within Russia, you’ll need to enter the corresponding area code. Below are some popular Russian area codes for major cities:
Enter the Phone Number
After entering the area code, you will dial the local Russian phone number of the person or business you’re trying to reach. Russian phone numbers typically consist of 7 to 10 digits, depending on whether you’re calling a landline or mobile phone.
So, if you were calling a business in Moscow, the full number would look something like this:
- 011-7-495-XXXXXXX
It’s important to note that Russian mobile numbers do not require an area code. You simply need to input the country code and the mobile number to connect your call.
Best Time to Call Russia from the US
Russia spans 11 time zones, making it crucial to plan your call according to the region’s local time. Most of Russia operates within the Moscow Standard Time (MSK), but if you’re calling far eastern or western regions, the time difference may vary significantly. To ensure you’re calling at the most convenient time, it’s recommended to aim for business hours in Russia, typically between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM MSK. This translates to early morning or late evening hours in the US, depending on your location.
Here are a few examples of time zone differences between the US and Russia:
- Eastern Standard Time (EST): Moscow is 7 hours ahead of New York.
- Central Standard Time (CST): Moscow is 8 hours ahead of Chicago.
- Pacific Standard Time (PST): Moscow is 10 hours ahead of Los Angeles.
The ideal time to make business calls would be during Russia’s morning or afternoon hours, which correspond to the early morning in the US.
Advantages of Using a VoIP System to Call Russia
When making international calls to Russia, using a traditional landline or mobile network can be expensive. VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) systems provide a more cost-effective and reliable solution for international communications. Let’s explore some key benefits of using VoIP when calling Russia from the US:
Affordable International Rates
VoIP systems typically offer much lower rates for international calls compared to traditional phone services. Whether you’re making frequent business calls or personal calls to Russia, VoIP ensures that you’re not overspending on international rates. Many VoIP providers even offer unlimited international calling plans, further reducing costs.
Clearer Connection
VoIP systems utilize internet connections to transmit voice data, which often results in clearer and more stable calls compared to traditional landline services. This is particularly important when calling regions in Russia that may have less reliable traditional phone infrastructure.
No Need for Additional Hardware
Unlike traditional phone systems, VoIP doesn’t require additional hardware such as telephone lines or special equipment. All you need is a device with an internet connection, such as a computer, smartphone, or tablet, making it incredibly convenient for making calls anywhere at any time.
Local Russian Numbers
VoIP services often allow users to purchase virtual local numbers for different countries. By getting a local Russian phone number, you can give your business a local presence in Russia without having a physical office there. This can enhance trust with potential customers and partners in Russia, as they won’t have to pay international fees to contact you.
Advanced Features
VoIP systems come equipped with advanced features that traditional phone systems lack. For example, call queuing, global connect, and power dialers can help boost productivity. These features are especially beneficial for businesses conducting frequent international calls, as they can streamline communication and provide real-time analytics.
Different Russia Calling Format with Examples
Following are some of the calling examples for different types of phone numbers in Russia:
When You Are Calling Another Landline in Russia
If you are in Russia and making a call to a landline in another city, you must use the area code of that specific city. For example, if you are in Saint Petersburg and want to call a friend in Moscow, you would use the Moscow area code (495) before the local number. Your dialed number would look like this:
– 495 123 45 67
When You Call Russia from Abroad
When making a call to Russia from another country, you must dial Russia’s international country code, which is : +7. This is followed by the area code of the city you are calling. For example, if you are calling a friend in Moscow from abroad, your dialed number would look like this:
- +7 495 123 45 67
When You Dial Using a Mobile Phone Within Russia
Mobile numbers in Russia usually start with **9** and are 10 digits long. When calling from within Russia, you can dial the mobile number directly without needing any area codes. For example, your dialed number would look like this:
- 912 345 6787
When You Make an International Call to Russia
To call a mobile number in Russia from abroad, you need to use the country code **+7**, followed by the 10-digit mobile number. You do not need to include any city or regional codes. For example, calling a mobile number from abroad would look like this:
- +7 912 345 6789
Calling a Toll-Free Number in Russia
Toll-free numbers in Russia start with **8-800**. These numbers are used for customer service or support, and they are free of charge for the caller. For instance, your dialed toll-free number in Russia would look like this:
- 8 800 123 4567
When You Enter a Call to a Premium Rate Number
Premium rate numbers in Russia usually start with **8-809** and are used for specific paid services, such as entertainment or information hotlines. When calling within Russia, your dialed number would look like this:
- 8 809 123 4567
Calling an Emergency Number in Russia
For any kind of emergency service in Russia, you can dial the universal emergency number **112**. This number connects you to police, medical, or fire services, regardless of which city you are in. For example, if you are in Moscow or Saint Petersburg and need emergency help, you would dial:
- 112
5 Things to Remember When Calling in Russia
Remember the Correct Country Code
When calling Russia from abroad, you must use the country code **+7**. Without this, your call will not be routed to Russia, and you won’t be able to reach the person you want to contact, whether they are in Moscow, Saint Petersburg, or any other city.
Drop the Zero from Area Codes
In Russia, area codes for cities often have a leading zero when dialed within the country. However, when calling Russia from abroad, the leading zero should be dropped. For example, if you are calling Moscow, the local area code is **495**, but when calling from another country, you should dial **+7 495** without the zero.
Time Zone Difference Is Important to Know
Russia spans 11 time zones, so it’s crucial to know the time zone of the region you’re calling. For example, Moscow follows **Moscow Standard Time (MSK)**, which is **UTC+3**. This is important if you are calling from a different time zone, such as New York, which is **7 hours behind** Moscow.
Mobile Format for Calling Is Different
When calling a mobile phone in Russia from abroad, remember that mobile numbers start with a **9** and are 10 digits long. You must prefix the number with **+7** when calling internationally, but no area code is needed. For example, if you are calling a Russian mobile number from abroad, the format would be:
- +7 912 345 6789
Language Considerations in Russia
While Russian is the official language spoken by the vast majority of the population, it’s helpful to know that English is not as widely spoken, especially outside of major cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg. If you are doing business in Russia or frequently calling, it’s beneficial to learn some basic Russian phrases to improve communication.
Conclusion
Calling Russia from the US is straightforward once you understand the process. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily connect with individuals and businesses in Russia. Whether you’re using traditional phone systems or taking advantage of VoIP services, understanding the best times to call and the right tools to use will enhance your communication efforts. VoIP systems, in particular, offer affordable and feature-rich options for businesses and individuals making frequent international calls.
