Dialing a number in the United States from another country is easy once you know the pattern. To call the US from abroad, you dial your country’s exit code, then the US country code, then a ten-digit number made of an area code and a local number. This guide breaks down each piece with a clear example.
The basic formula to call the US from abroad
Every US number follows the same structure, and the whole thing fits into one simple sequence.
- Exit code: The code your own country uses to start an international call.
- Country code: For the United States, this is 1.
- Area code: Three digits that identify the region.
- Local number: Seven digits, usually written as three digits and then four.
Using a made-up example number, (212) 555-0123, the full international sequence is your exit code, then 1, then 212, then 555, then 0123. On a mobile phone, you can usually replace the exit code by pressing and holding the zero key to get a plus sign, so the call is entered as +1 212 555 0123.
Finding your exit code
The exit code is the part that changes depending on where you are calling from. Many countries use 00, which is common in Europe and large parts of Africa, Asia, and South America. Some use different codes, and the United States itself uses 011 for calls going out. If you are not sure about your own country’s code, the plus sign on a mobile phone is the safest shortcut because the phone swaps it for the correct code automatically.
Landline phones usually require you to type the real exit code, since they have no plus key. Your phone provider’s website or the first pages of a printed directory usually list it.
Do not forget the country code and the area code
The number 1 is shared by the United States, Canada, and a number of Caribbean nations, all of which belong to the same numbering plan. That means a call to a Canadian number is dialed the same way as one to the United States, but the rates can be very different. Check the area code before you dial so you know where the call is really going.
Inside the US, many local calls are dialed without the area code, but from abroad you must always include it. Leaving it out is the most common reason an international call fails. Do not add a zero before the area code. Some countries use a leading zero for their own regions, but US area codes never start with 0 or 1.
Mind the time zones before you call
The US covers several time zones, so the right time to call depends on the area code you are dialing. The Eastern coast is several hours ahead of the Pacific coast, and states such as Alaska and Hawaii are further behind. A call that is a pleasant mid-morning chat in New York could wake someone in California very early.
- Look up the area code to see which part of the country it covers.
- Use a time converter or the clock on your phone’s world clock feature.
- Remember that daylight saving time starts and ends on different dates in different countries, so the gap can change for a few weeks each year.
Costs when you call the US from abroad
Calling a US number from abroad can be expensive if you use a standard international rate, particularly from a mobile phone. Before dialing, check your plan, because some providers include calls to the US in a bundle while others charge per minute. Hotels often add steep fees as well.
Several cheaper routes exist:
- Internet calling apps: Apps that make calls over Wi-Fi or mobile data are often free between users of the same app.
- Calling cards and prepaid services: Some let you pay a low rate to call regular phone numbers.
- VoIP services: Many let you dial US numbers at low per-minute rates or on a flat plan.
Be aware that toll-free numbers beginning with 800, 888, 877, and similar prefixes often do not work from overseas, or may carry a charge. If a company lists one, look on its website for a regular number meant for international callers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the country code for the United States?
It is 1. You dial it after your exit code, or after the plus sign if you are using a mobile phone.
Do I need to include the area code?
Yes. From abroad, you always dial the three-digit area code, followed by the seven-digit local number, even if locals skip it when calling nearby.
Why does my call to a US number not connect?
Common causes include a missing area code, an extra leading zero, a wrong exit code, or dialing a toll-free number that is not reachable from outside North America.
Once you remember the order of exit code, 1, area code and local number, calling the United States becomes routine. If you need to know where a particular code is located before you dial, the lookup at areascode.us is a handy reference.
