How to Call Israel
Complete guide to dialing Israel (country code +972)
Planning to connect with friends, family, or business contacts in Israel? Understanding how to call Israel doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're calling Israel from the United States, Europe, or anywhere else in the world, getting the dialing codes right is essential for a successful connection. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about calling Israel, including step-by-step dialing instructions for landlines and mobile phones, common mistakes that can prevent your call from going through, important Israeli phone etiquette to help you make a great impression, and a list of useful numbers for emergencies and services. By the end of this guide, you'll be confidently making international calls to Israel without any hassle or confusion.
On This Page
Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
Complete Guide to Dialing Israel (+972)
When calling Israel from abroad, you need to understand the international dialing format structure. The basic pattern is: Exit Code + 972 + Local Number (without leading zero) + Subscriber Number.
International Dialing Format Structure
Every international call follows this sequence:
- Your country's exit code (also called IDD)
- Israel's country code (972)
- The Israeli area or mobile code (minus the leading zero)
- The local subscriber number
Important: Dropping the Leading Zero
Israeli phone numbers always start with zero when dialing domestically. Always remove this leading zero when calling from abroad. For example, if the local number is 02-123-4567, you dial 972-2-123-4567 internationally.
Specific Examples by Number Type
Example 1 - Jerusalem Landline (02-XXX-XXXX):
- From USA: 011-972-2-XXX-XXXX
- From UK: 00-972-2-XXX-XXXX
- From Australia: 0011-972-2-XXX-XXXX
Example 2 - Tel Aviv Landline (03-XXX-XXXX):
- From USA: 011-972-3-XXX-XXXX
- From UK: 00-972-3-XXX-XXXX
- From Germany: 00-972-3-XXX-XXXX
Example 3 - Israeli Mobile Number (05X-XXX-XXXX):
- From USA: 011-972-5X-XXX-XXXX
- From UK: 00-972-5X-XXX-XXXX
- From Canada: 011-972-5X-XXX-XXXX
Dialing from Different Countries
From USA/Canada: Dial 011 (exit code) + 972 + area code without zero + local number
From UK/Europe: Dial 00 (exit code) + 972 + area code without zero + local number
From Other Countries: Replace the exit code with your country's specific code (often 00 or 011)
Mobile Phone Shortcut: Most smartphones let you press and hold "0" to insert a "+" symbol. You can then simply dial +972-X-XXX-XXXX, and your phone automatically adds the correct exit code.
Common Israeli Area Codes
- 2: Jerusalem area
- 3: Tel Aviv area
- 4: Haifa area
- 5X:
The Easy Way with ZippCall
Don't want to memorize exit codes, country codes, and dialing formats? With ZippCall, you don't have to.
Simply select "Israel" from the country list, enter the local phone number exactly as you see it, and ZippCall automatically handles all the international dialing codes for you. No confusion, no mistakes—just easy calling.
Join 7,758 users who choose ZippCall for simple international calling.
Common Mistakes
When calling Israel, avoid these common mistakes:
Forgetting to drop the leading zero - Israeli phone numbers start with 0 for domestic calls, but you must remove it when dialing internationally. For example, if the local number is 02-123-4567, dial +972-2-123-4567, not +972-02-123-4567.
Using the wrong exit code - Different countries have different exit codes (011 from the US/Canada, 00 from Europe). Instead of memorizing these, simply use the + symbol, which works universally from mobile phones.
Confusing the country code with area codes - The country code +972 comes first, followed by Israel's area codes (2 for Jerusalem, 3 for Tel Aviv, 4 for Haifa). Never combine them as +9722 or +9723.
Adding unnecessary spaces or dashes - While formatting like +972-2-123-4567 is readable, inconsistent spacing can cause dialing errors. Many phone systems work best with continuous digits: +97221234567.
Not accounting for time zones - Israel is typically 7-10 hours ahead of US time zones. Check the current time difference to avoid calling during nighttime hours.
Cultural Etiquette
When calling in Israel, directness and informality are generally appreciated. Israelis tend to be straightforward communicators who value efficiency over excessive pleasantries.
Greetings: Answer with "Shalom" (hello) or simply "Ken" (yes). In business settings, state your name immediately. Don't be surprised if Israelis skip small talk and get straight to the point.
Formality Level: Israeli culture is notably casual. First names are used quickly, even in business contexts. While respect is important, overly formal language may create unnecessary distance.
Best Times to Call: Avoid calling during Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday evening), as many Israelis observe this rest period. Business calls work best Sunday through Thursday, 9 AM to 6 PM. Israelis often work longer hours, but respect evening family time after 8 PM.
Business vs Personal: Business calls are direct and purpose-driven. Personal calls may involve more animated conversation and occasional interruptions, which aren't considered rude but rather engaged participation.
Voice Messages: Keep messages brief and clear. State your name, reason for calling, and callback number. Israelis appreciate efficiency and may text instead of leaving long voicemails.
Cultural Considerations: Passionate, loud conversations are normal and don't indicate anger. Multiple people may speak simultaneously—this reflects enthusiasm rather than rudeness. Don't be offended by directness; it's valued as honest communication rather than impoliteness.
Ready to call Israel?
ZippCall lets you make cheap international calls to Israel from any device. No contracts, no hidden fees—just simple pay-as-you-go rates.
Join 7,758 users making affordable international calls with ZippCall.
Emergency Numbers
Police: 100
Ambulance (Magen David Adom): 101
Fire Department: 102
Municipal Emergency Hotline: 106
Home Front Command (emergencies during security situations): 104
Electric Company Emergency: 103
All emergency numbers in Israel are toll-free and accessible 24/7 from any phone, including mobile devices. No area code is required when dialing these numbers. English-speaking operators are generally available, particularly for the main emergency services (100, 101, 102). During security incidents or emergencies, the Home Front Command (104) provides crucial instructions and updates. The Municipal Emergency Hotline (106) handles non-life-threatening municipal issues. Foreign visitors should note that response times and service quality are typically high, and operators can often arrange translation services if needed for less common languages.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 144: Local directory assistance for finding phone numbers within Israel
- 188: International directory assistance for overseas numbers
International Operator
- 18: For operator-assisted international calls and collect calls
Tourist Information
- *3888: Ministry of Tourism 24/7 helpline for tourist assistance and information
Embassy Contacts
Contact your embassy through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs switchboard at 02-530-3111, or find specific numbers through your country's website before traveling.
Other Helpful Services
- 106: Speaking clock (time service)
- *5166: Customer service for cellular networks
- 1-800-774-774: Israel Airports Authority information
- *8787: Egged bus information
- *2800: Israel Railways information
Keep these numbers accessible during your stay for convenient access to essential services and assistance.
Tips for Calling Israel
When calling Israel, remember the country operates on Israel Standard Time (UTC+2), shifting to Israel Daylight Time (UTC+3) from late March to late October. To avoid inconvenient hours, calculate the time difference carefully before dialing.
For business calls, aim for 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Israel time, Tuesday through Thursday, when offices are fully staffed. Avoid calling on Saturdays (Shabbat) and Sundays, as many businesses close from Friday evening through Saturday. Always schedule business calls in advance—Israelis appreciate structured appointments rather than cold calls.
Consider off-peak calling times (evenings and weekends) for personal conversations, which may also offer better rates depending on your provider. Avoid calling during major holidays like Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Passover, and Independence Day, when most businesses close.
For clear communication, speak slowly and confirm important details in writing afterward. Many Israelis speak English, but clarifying pronunciation of names and numbers prevents misunderstandings. Keep cultural directness in mind—Israelis typically communicate straightforwardly without extensive pleasantries. Finally, always confirm the recipient's availability beforehand, especially for international business matters requiring focused attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Israel is +972. You need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Israel from anywhere in the world.
To call Israel from your cell phone, dial + (or 011 from the US), then 972 (Israel's country code), followed by the local number without the leading zero. For example: +972-XX-XXX-XXXX.
Yes, you must drop the leading zero from Israeli phone numbers when calling internationally. If the local number starts with 0, remove it and dial the remaining digits after the country code +972.
The cheapest way to call Israel is using ZippCall, which offers affordable pay-as-you-go international calling rates. With ZippCall, you can call from your web browser, iPhone, or Android device with no contracts, no subscriptions, and no hidden fees—just transparent, low-cost rates for calling Israel.
In Israel, the main emergency numbers are: 100 for police, 101 for ambulance (Magen David Adom), and 102 for fire department. These numbers can be dialed free of charge from any phone within Israel.
Yes, you can call Israel directly from your web browser using ZippCall. Simply visit the ZippCall website, enter the Israeli phone number, and make your call without downloading any software or apps.
Start Calling Israel Today
Now that you know how to dial, make cheap calls to Israel with ZippCall's crystal-clear connections and unbeatable rates.
Join7,758users who have made11,702minutes of calls in the last 7 days.
View rates for calling Israel