USA Country Code (+1): How to call the USA

The USA country code is +1. To call America from another country, dial your international exit code, then 1, then the three-digit area code and the seven-digit local number. For example, a Washington, DC number may look like +1 202 555 1234.

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How do you call the USA?

To call the United States from abroad, use this format: +1 + area code + local number. Most American phone numbers use ten digits after the country code: a three-digit area code followed by a seven-digit local number.

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What is the USA country code?

The international country code for the United States is +1. You should use this code when you call an American landline, mobile number, hotel, airline, attraction, business or emergency contact from outside the United States.

However, +1 does not only cover the United States. The North American Numbering Plan also includes Canada and several Caribbean countries, so you still need the correct area code for the specific place you want to call.

How to call America from another country

Follow these steps when you call the USA from overseas.

1. Enter the international exit code. On a mobile phone, use the plus symbol. On many landlines, use 00, although some countries use a different exit code.
2. Dial the USA country code. Enter 1 after the exit code.
3. Add the area code. Use the three-digit area code for the city, region or mobile number.
4. Dial the local number. Enter the seven-digit local phone number.
5. Check the full number. Finally, press call once the number follows the correct format.

Example: calling Washington, DC from abroad

If you call a Washington, DC number from another country, dial: +1 202 555 1234

In this example, +1 is the USA country code, 202 is the Washington, DC area code and 555 1234 is the local number.

American phone number format

Most USA phone numbers follow this structure: +1 NXX NXX XXXX

The first three digits after +1 form the area code. The next seven digits form the local number. Therefore, a standard American phone number contains ten digits after the country code.

When you save a US contact in your phone, save the number with +1 at the start. This format usually works best when you travel between countries because your phone can recognise the number as an international contact.

Major USA area codes

American area codes usually identify a city, region or overlay area. Large cities often use several area codes because demand for phone numbers keeps growing.

Use the table below as a quick guide to common US city area codes. However, always check the exact number before you call because many American cities have several overlapping area codes.

Calling mobile phones in America

US mobile numbers use the same general format as landlines. Unlike some countries, America does not use a separate national mobile prefix for all mobile phones.

As a result, you call an American mobile number in the same way as most other US numbers: +1 + three-digit area code + seven-digit local number. For example, a mobile number in New York may look like +1 646 555 0198.

Calling USA toll-free numbers from overseas

Many American businesses use toll-free numbers that begin with 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877 or 888. These numbers can help callers inside the USA contact businesses without standard long-distance charges.

However, toll-free numbers may not work from outside the United States. In addition, your mobile provider may still charge you if the call connects internationally. Therefore, look for a standard international number, use the company website, or contact the business through online chat when a toll-free number fails.

Check USA time zones before you call

The United States covers several time zones, so check the local time before you call. A convenient time in New York may be too early in California or too late in the UK.

The main US time zones include Eastern, Central, Mountain, Pacific, Alaska and Hawaii time. Additionally, some areas observe daylight saving time while others do not, so local times can vary during the year.

How to save money when calling America

International calls to the USA can become expensive, especially when you call from a mobile phone without an international plan. However, you can reduce costs with a few simple choices.

• Use Wi-Fi Calling when your mobile provider supports it.
• Use internet calling apps such as WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype or Google Meet when both people have internet access.
• Buy an international calling bundle before you travel.
• Use an eSIM or local SIM if you need regular mobile data overseas.
• Check roaming charges before you make long calls.
• Use hotel phones carefully because hotels may add high call charges.

Can you call America using WhatsApp or internet calling?

Yes, you can call people in America using WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype, Zoom, Google Meet and other internet calling services. These services use mobile data or Wi-Fi rather than the traditional international phone network.

Nevertheless, you should still save American phone contacts with the +1 country code. This helps apps recognise the correct international number and reduces problems when you travel.

FAQs: About calling America

Summary

Calling the USA from abroad is straightforward once you know the correct international dialling format. Simply use the +1 country code, followed by the appropriate three-digit area code and the seven-digit local number. Before you call, remember to check the time difference, confirm the area code and review any international calling charges from your mobile provider.

If you plan to travel overseas regularly, read our guide to using your mobile phone abroad for practical tips on avoiding roaming charges and staying connected. You can also discover how eSIMs for international travel can provide a convenient and cost-effective alternative to traditional roaming, making it easier to call, message and access mobile data wherever you travel.