I'm working on a project right now for an international, Fortune 100 firm. We work constantly with our counterparts in the US. It still amazes me that we must ALWAYS call them, because they seem baffled about making international telephone calls. Quite a few of them admit to having NEVER made an international phone call in their lives.

While it doesn't surprise me that Ma and Pa from Podunk may not have the opportunity to call abroad very often, it amazes me that experienced professionals working on a global project team and speaking with their European counterparts on a daily basis could go through their professional careers without having to pick up the phone and dial 011+country code+number. It amazes me even more than, after explaining the process, they still seem reluctant to try it themselves.

Back on topic, I typically programme my telephone domestically -- without the country code. When I'm roaming, my phone automatically converts these numbers for me -- which I think is dead clever. As long as they're in my contacts, I can just dial and go.