How to Call Guatemala
International phone calls can feel like a real drag. The extra digits required can feel needlessly complicated. However, calling someone in Guatemala is actually pretty simple if you just dial a few extra numbers. All you need is your country's exit code, Guatemala's country code (502), and the number you're trying to reach. If the long distance charges are out of your budget, explore options like video chatting and online messaging to save some money contacting a friend or family member abroad.
1. **Dial your country's exit code.** Every country has what is called an exit code. It's the number you dial in order to direct a call outside the country. In the United States and Canada, the exit code is "011." If calling from the US or Canada, dial these numbers first.
If you're not from the United States or Canada, you can find your country's exit code online. For example, the United Kingdom's exit code is "00."
2. **Dial "502."** In addition to having an exit code, every country has a unique country code. This is the code you type after the exit code to indicate which country you're trying to reach. Guatemala's exit code is "502." Dial this after the exit code.
For example, if you're calling from the United States, you would dial, "011-502."
3. **Punch in the phone number.** After you dial the exit and country code, punch in the number you're trying to reach in Guatemala. Your phone call should be directed to the country.
For example, if you're trying to reach the number "1234-5678," you would dial, "011-502-1234-5678."
4. **Check your cell phone rates first.** Cell phone providers may charge considerably more for calls abroad. To avoid getting hit with an unexpectedly large bill, check your cell phone policy by reviewing your contract. If you don't have your contract, call your service provider to ask about rates for international calls.
5. **See if you need a calling card.** Calling cards are prepaid cards that give you a set number of minutes per month. If you're calling from a cell phone, your cell phone provider may require you to use an international calling card when calling abroad. Review your cell phone policy or call your provider to see if you need a calling card.
6. **Account for time difference.** Depending on where you live, there may be a big time difference between the time in Guatemala and the time where you're calling from. You can search online to figure the time of day in Guatemala. Do this before you call to avoid disturbing someone by calling very late or very early.
7. **Try video call options.** If your rates for international calls are sky high, consider alternatives to phone calls. If you have a computer and access to wi-fi, you can use websites like Skype and Google Hangouts to contact others through video chatting. This is a free alternative to making a potentially pricey phone call.
8. **Make cheap phone calls using Skype.** If you dislike video chatting, Skype can also be used for phone calls. You can sign up for Skype's international calling service to make phone calls using the application. While it does cost money to make international calls using Skype, it's generally only a few cents a minute and, depending on your cell phone provider, may be much cheaper than calling with your phone.
9. **Make use of instant messaging.** Many social media websites have instant messaging options. For example, you can talk to someone abroad via Facebook to save money on phone calls. Many e-mail providers, such as Gmail, have instant messaging options as well.
Apps like WhatsApp allow you to send international text messages for free.
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