How to Call Sweden from the US

Sweden is a Scandinavian country known for its inland lakes, coastal islands, glaciated mountains, and boreal forests. If you have a relative or friend in Sweden or want to book a trip to take in the scenery, knowing how to dial the U.S. exit code, Sweden area code, and phone number is crucial. With the right steps, you can get in touch with your contact and avoid paying exorbitant long-distance fees.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Dialing the Number

  1. Image titled Call Sweden from the US Step 1
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    Dial 011, which is the U.S. exit international direct dialing (IDD) number. The IDD must always be entered before making a call to Sweden. It is also known as the exit code.[1]
    • Ignore the exit code for numbers with a "+" sign at the beginning—it signifies a number meant for international use that doesn’t require a call prefix.
  2. Image titled Call Sweden from the US Step 2
    2
    Input Sweden's country code (46) after the U.S. IDD. Start by double-checking that your phone reads "011." If so, input "46," which is Sweden's calling code.[2]
    • No matter what Swedish city you're calling to, the first 5 digits should always be "011 46."
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  3. Image titled Call Sweden from the US Step 3
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    Dial the area code of the Swedish city you're calling. Following the country code and before the phone number, input the area code of the Swedish region you're calling. These codes are 1 to 3 digits long. For example, if you're calling Fallun, the city code is "23." This means you must input "011 46 23."
    • Stockholm is "8," Goteborg is "31," Malmo is "40," Uppsala is "18," and Vasteras is "21."
  4. Image titled Call Sweden from the US Step 4
    4
    Remove the first "0" from Swedish landline numbers before dialing. For example, if the Swedish number you're dialing is "091-023-365," the final number you input is "91-023-365." If you're calling Stockholm, the final number with the U.S. IDD and relevant codes is "011-46-8-91-023-365."[3]
    • Remember that dialing to Sweden from select other countries requires you to keep the "0."
    • If you're unsure if your contact is using a landline, ask them via email or chat prior to calling.
  5. Image titled Call Sweden from the US Step 5
    5
    Replace the first "0" in mobile numbers with "+46" or "0046." All Swedish mobile numbers begin with "07." If you're calling a Swedish number from the U.S. that starts with "07," drop the first "0" and replace it with "+46" or "0046." For example, if the number is "071-123-4567," you should dial "0046-71-123-4567."[4]
    • In the previous example, the full number with the IDD, country code, and Stockholm city code is "011-46-8-0046-71-123-4567."
  6. Image titled Call Sweden from the US Step 6
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    Input the Swedish phone number after the relevant codes. The final number you input into your phone must be ordered as follows: U.S.'s IDD (011), Sweden's country code (46), the city code, and the phone number. The phone number (minus all of the preceding codes) is always 5 to 8 digits long.[5]
    • For example, if you're calling "555-5555" from the U.S. to the city of Stockholm in Sweden, the final number is "011-46-8-555-5555."
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Best Practices

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    1
    Use a voice-over IP (VoIP) service for reliable long-distance calling. Take a look at the different plans and pricing, as some are free when you connect to other subscribers that also use the service. For others, you must purchase credits online, but the rates are typically cheaper than other alternatives.[6]
    • Most VoIP services can be used with your phone, Mac, or PC. Check each service's compatibility with the medium that you plan to use it with.
    • If you decide to use your VoIP to select an area code different from your real location, notify your Swedish contact—this can sometimes make them incur long-distance charges.
  2. Image titled Call Sweden from the US Step 8
    2
    Purchase a pre-paid phone card for a cheap long-distance option. Head to a local convenience store, chain pharmacy, or big-box store to purchase a pre-paid phone card. Just make sure that your card is compatible with your phone model, country (U.S.), and destination (Sweden).[7]
    • Set up an online account with a provider like Zaptel and select a phone card from a variety of options.
    • When using a calling card to dial Sweden, never select the number from your address book or you'll be charged your carrier's standard international rate.
    • Ask your service provider about extra charges when using phone cards.
  3. Image titled Call Sweden from the US Step 9
    3
    Use a mobile app for a free but less reliable calling option. Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and Skype all offer free options for calling long-distance. For all of these apps, make sure your Sweden contact has the app installed on their phone and you can use it to call them for free.[8]
  4. Image titled Call Sweden from the US Step 10
    4
    Dial "0" to call the operator on a landline to compare fees. If you want to call Sweden with a credit card via an operator, listen for the information on call rates and phone company. Keep in mind that the rates are likely going to be more expensive than other long-distance options, especially if you're using a payphone. Note the rates and compare them to other credit options like Skype.[9]
    • If you're in an office building or dorm room, you may need to dial "9" to contact the operator.
  5. Image titled Call Sweden from the US Step 11
    5
    Compare long distance calling rates when using mobile and landline services. Calling Sweden from the U.S. is always going to more expensive than local calls, but the exact price depends on your service provider. Find the basic long distance rates on your provider's website or contact their customer service line and ask for the rate and any applicable fees. Afterward, compare the rates to your other options to make the most affordable decision.[10]
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References

  1. ↑ https://countrycode.org/sweden
  2. ↑ https://countrycode.org/sweden
  3. ↑ https://www.routesnorth.com/planning-your-trip/how-to-call-sweden/
  4. ↑ https://www.routesnorth.com/planning-your-trip/how-to-call-sweden/
  5. ↑ https://countrycode.org/sweden
  6. ↑ https://www.fcc.gov/general/voice-over-internet-protocol-voip
  7. ↑ https://countrycode.org/sweden
  8. ↑ https://www.guidingtech.com/28159/free-calls-facebook-messenger/
  9. ↑ https://countrycode.org/sweden
  1. ↑ https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/international-long-distance-calling-made-simple-tip-sheet

About This Article

wikiHow Staff
Co-authored by:
wikiHow Staff
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 21,738 times.
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Co-authors: 4
Updated: July 28, 2022
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Categories: Calling Europe
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