
When I called Singapore from the U.S. for the first time, I remember looking at my phone like I was trying to solve a puzzle. There were numbers to dial, and then codes to enter, and I didn’t even know if I was doing it right. If you feel the same way, this article walks you through it step by step.
Whether it’s for work, catching up with a friend, or handling something important, calling Singapore from the US doesn’t have to be confusing. Here’s everything you need to know explained clearly and without the fluff.
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Calling Singapore from the USA means you can stay in touch with friends, family, or business partners abroad without confusion. All it takes is knowing the correct dialing format and a few simple rules.
- 1. Easy Steps to Call Singapore from the US:
- Dial 011 (the US exit code).
- Enter 65 (the Singapore phone code).
- Type the 8-digit local number, skipping any leading ‘0’.
Here’s how to dial a Singapore number from your US phone:
So, to call 74003917 in Singapore, dial 0116574003917.
- 2. Use VoIP Services Like CallHippo for Easy Calls
- Log in to CallHippo.
- Choose Singapore as your call destination
- Dial directly from the dashboard using the same 011 + 65 + number format.
Want a cost-effective way to make frequent calls? VoIP tools like CallHippo help.
You get clear calls, lower rates, and no need to remember country codes every time.
3 Easy Steps to Call Singapore From the US
Calling Singapore from the USA involves more than just dialing a bunch of numbers. You also need to understand the correct order to dial the numbers in, recognize the time zone difference, and determine the best way to make the call that balances both low cost and convenience.
Step 1: Dial the U.S. Exit Code (011)
The first step is dialing 011, which is the official exit code when making international calls from the United States. You need to tell your phone system you are placing an international call; that simply means using the exit code.
Regardless of the overseas destination, this international access code always appears first when calling from the US. This code alerts your phone carrier that you’re placing a call outside the US.
Step 2: . Enter the Singapore Country Code (65)
When your phone recognizes the call as an international call, it needs to know the destination. This is where the Singapore phone code comes into play. The country code for Singapore is 65. The international dialing code will route the phone call to the correct country..
So far, your number should look like this:
011 + 65
Step 3: Add the Local Singapore Number
To call a number in Singapore, after the country code, you just have to add the local Singapore number you wish to reach, for most that will be 8 digits in length. That is it, no area code, no leading zeros.
Just make sure when entering the number, you are entering it correctly, and not putting the zero in at the front. So, if your number shows up as 04609229, you would take the 0 off and dial 4609229 after you add the country code.
For example:
011 + 65 + [Singaporean 8-digit number]

Example Dialing Format
If you are trying to reach 87339591 in Singapore, you would dial:
011 + 65 + 87339591
which becomes: 0116587339591
That’s your full dialing format when you call Singapore from the US.
- Domestic Calls: In Singapore, the first digit (usually '0') is the routing digit, or "trunk prefix" for domestic calls.
- International Calls: When calling Singapore from the USA, you don't need the trunk prefix (the leading '0').
How To Call A Mobile Number In Singapore from the US?
Placing a call to a mobile phone number in Singapore is just as straightforward as calling a landline. The calling steps are the same:
Step 1: Dial 011 (US exit code).
Step 2: Enter Singapore’s country code: 65.
Step 3: Dial the 8-digit mobile number.
There are no extra prefixes or special codes for mobile numbers. Whether it’s a business landline or a friend’s cell phone, the format doesn’t change.
- According to the World Bank, Singapore is the best in the world for human capital development.
Popular Singapore Area Codes You Should Know
Singapore’s phone system is much easier than other countries, and that’s a good thing for you.
What is the Singapore Phone Code?
The Singapore phone code is 65, and that’s the same code whenever you call a mobile number, a home phone number, or a business landline. You should think of it as Singapore’s international identity.
Area Code Format in Singapore
Singapore does not have area codes like other countries do. However, the first position you will have in an 8-digit phone number can tell you something.
For example:
- All landline numbers start with a 6
- All mobile numbers start with an 8 or 9.
Singapore officially uses 8-digit numbers without specific geographic area codes. These prefixes are informed and more casually often referred to as area codes because they signify which region and neighbourhood the landline is registered in.
Location | Informal Area Code (Prefix) |
---|---|
Ang Mo Kio | 645 |
Bedok | 644 |
Bishan | 625 |
Bukit Batok | 656 |
Bukit Merah | 627 |
Choa Chu Kang | 676 |
Clementi | 677 |
Geylang | 674 |
Hougang | 628 |
Tampines | 678 / 677 |
Note: These are not official area codes, but landline prefixes used to refer to real regions. When calling Singapore from the US, it is assumed the prefixes are part of the 8-digit number, and you do not include them when calling..
- 999 – Police Assistance
- 995 – Emergency Ambulance
The above are the identified key numbers to call in Singapore in the event of police emergencies or medical emergencies that require an ambulance.
Time Difference Between Singapore and the United States
Singapore uses Singapore Standard Time (SGT or SST), which is UTC+8. Understanding the time difference factor is important when you are calling Singapore from the US.
Please note that, through time zones and longitudes, Singapore is far ahead of the US in time. Depending upon where you are in the US, Singapore could be twelve to fifteen hours ahead of you.
- Singapore has changed its time zones 6 times since 1905, and its current GMT+8 time zone is technically incorrect (it should be GMT+7.5).
Time Difference by US Time Zones
US Time Zone | Time Difference with Singapore |
---|---|
Eastern Time (ET/EST) | 12 to 13 hours ahead |
Central Time (CT/CST) | 13 to 14 hours ahead |
Mountain Time (MT/MST) | 14 to 15 hours ahead |
Pacific Time (PT/PST) | 15 to 16 hours ahead |
Daylight Saving Time (DST) in the US can alter the differences. Singapore does not recognize DST, so be sure to double-check the time when transitioning seasonally.
Best Time to Call Singapore from the US
For Business Calls
- Between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM Singapore time.
- This is evening to early morning in the US, depending on your time zone.
For Personal Calls
- 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM Singapore time is acceptable.
- This may involve a very early morning or late-night call from the US; therefore, consider this beforehand.
Quick Tip: Use a time zone converter to check the current local time in Singapore before your call. This way, you avoid calling someone in odd hours or the middle of the night.
Alternatives For Calling Singapore From The US
If you are not a fan of paying for international communication, some modern tools can make it simpler (and cheaper) to connect with others around the world.
1. VoIP Services
VoIP is calling over the internet instead of normal telephone lines. It is a great option if you frequently call Singapore from the USA, especially if it is for work or business. These services generally provide:
- High-quality voice calls
- Benefits for business-related calls, like call recording, and texting
- Prices on international calling are lower than traditional carriers’ costs
One example of a VoIP service provider that is very common for international calling (including Singapore) is CallHippo. Overall, VoIP is definitely a recommended service for staying connected personally and professionally while saving money.
2. Internet Messaging Apps
Apps such as WhatsApp, Skype, and Zoom are just what you need for informal calls to Singapore. You and your intended call recipient simply need to have the same app and a solid internet connection to make video or voice calls at no charge.
These international calling apps serve their purpose as a way of staying in touch with family or friends. However, note that whatever app you use will only function if both parties use the same platform, and the speed of the internet will inevitably affect the quality of your call.
3. International Calling Cards
You can buy a calling card for international calling plans with prepaid minutes. Calling cards come in handy when you cannot access the internet or you would just like a backup method of calling.
An international calling card gives you a prepaid option if you’d like to be dependent on calling without going through an internet service (like using an app). International calling cards generally come with a lot of benefits, such as:
- Lower rates than standard mobile networks
- No need to have an internet connection
However, there are some drawbacks:
- Complicated dialing
- Limited features (no texting, without ability to record the call, etc.)
- Manual recharging or repurchasing once the credit runs dry
Although a calling card may still be useful in some instances, they are not as convenient as new methods.
Cost of Calling Singapore from the USA
Prices can vary from method to method and provider to provider when calling Singapore from the USA.
- Traditional phone lines may charge between $0.15 to $2.50 per minute for calling Singapore, depending on the type of plan you have (i, pay-per-call, pay-as-you-go, international package).
- VoIP services are usually cheaper than traditional calling carriers and often your best option, especially if you call Singapore often for business.
- Calling cards are sometimes popular for international calls to the USA and other countries if they offer better rates. Still, they often require complicated dialing and additional recharging, which makes VoIP services more convenient to use.
- Using a mobile application like Skype is free as long as both individuals are on the app.
- WhatsApp or Instagram allow for free calls, so long as the person on the other end of the phone also has the app – quality depends on the internet connection.
- The Wi-Fi option is also another affordable solution, though it varies from plan and data usage.
Calling Singapore Toll-Free Numbers
Singapore’s 1800 toll-free numbers (for local callers) are free, but when dialed from the USA will incur true international charges. Businesses can get toll-free numbers if they use a provider with a volume-based per-minute or volume-based plan.
Cost Factors
The final cost is dependent on:
- Call duration
- Time of day (off-peak charges may apply)
- Calling method (VoIP vs. traditional)
A time zone converter can help you avoid expensive calling hours.
Common Mistakes When Calling Singapore from the US
When you are attempting to call Singapore from the United States, you only need to make a small error for the call to fail. There are a few common missteps you can avoid:
- Forgetting the US exit code: 011 is the international gateway out of the US. If you do not include the exit code, the call never leaves the US! Make sure to always start your dialing with 011.
- Including a 0 before the local number: Phone numbers in Singapore do not have a 0 at the beginning. Do not add one. It just creates dialing errors.
- Calling at the wrong time: Singapore is usually ahead of the United States by 12 to 15 hours, depending on what time zone you reside in and whether daylight saving time is in effect.
- Forgetting the Singapore phone code: 65 is the country code to let the system know you are calling Singapore. Your call will not reach the intended destination if you skip the country code.
A little care can help you avoid failed calls and angry rejection, especially if it is an important call!
Quick Troubleshooting: Why Your Call to Singapore Isn’t Going Through
Even with the right format, calls can still fail. Here’s how to spot the issue:
Call Fails to Connect
- Wrong format: Use 011 + 65 + 8-digit number (no leading 0).
- Inactive number: It may be disconnected.
- Carrier blocks: Some plans block international calls by default.
Solution: Try calling via a VoIP app like CallHippo to rule out carrier issues.
It Rings, Then Nothing
- Call forwarding or block in place.
- Poor VoIP signal or app issues.
Solution: Test with a different app or better internet.
Busy Tone
- Line in use, not in service, or network glitch.
Solution: Wait and redial later, or switch to a VoIP option.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to call Singapore from the USA, the process should feel much simpler. Whether it’s for business or a quick hello, international calling isn’t complicated; it just comes down to having the right information at your fingertips.
To call Singapore, you start with 011, add 65, then dial the 8-digit Singapore number. That’s it! And if you want to take help from a service provider, CallHippo is a good option. You can try CallHippo’s free trial for VoIP calls to Singapore.
FAQs
1. Is it expensive to call Singapore from the US using a mobile network?
Yes! A traditional mobile carrier generally charges exorbitant international call rates. The best thing you can do is to use a VoIP service like CallHippo or use a messaging app whenever possible.
2. How do I use VoIP services to call Singapore from the USA?
Simply register with a provider– for example, CallHippo – get a virtual number (Singapore number), and use that to make internet (VoIP) phone calls. It is easy to set up and inexpensive!
3. Do I need an area code to call Singapore numbers?
No. Singapore does not utilize area codes the same way the USA does. Simply dial the 8-digit local number after the country code.
4. Can I call Singapore for free using internet apps?
Yes, as long as you and the person you’re calling both have the same app (like WhatsApp or Skype) and a strong internet connection, you can call for free.

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