The United States country code is +1, and you use it when calling a U.S. number from outside the country

When you call someone in the United States from another country, you start with the country code +1. This tells the phone system you are routing to America. After the +1, you dial the 10-digit U.S. phone number exactly as it appears — the three-digit area code, then the seven-digit local number. So a call to a New York number like 212-555-0123 becomes +1-212-555-0123 from abroad.

The + symbol works on any phone that supports international dialing — mobile phones, landlines, and internet calling services. If your phone does not recognize the + symbol, you can replace it with 011 (the exit code for most countries). So +1-212-555-0123 becomes 011-1-212-555-0123. Both formats reach the same number.

Airlines and travel companies often list U.S. contact numbers with the country code already included, so you can copy the number directly into your phone. If you see a number starting with +1 or 011-1, you are looking at the international format.

Key Takeaways

  • The country code for the United States is +1, placed before the 10-digit phone number when calling from outside the country.
  • You can replace the + symbol with 011 if your phone does not support the + format, though both work identically.
  • The full international number format is +1 followed by the three-digit area code and seven-digit local number, with no additional digits needed.
  • Airlines and travel services often print U.S. numbers in international format so you can dial them directly from abroad without reformatting.

When you need the country code

You need the +1 country code only when calling from outside the United States. If you are calling within the U.S. from any state to any other state, you dial just the 10-digit number — no country code, no 1 prefix. The country code matters for international calls: from Canada, Mexico, Europe, Asia, or anywhere else outside U.S. borders.

If you are traveling and your phone switches to a local network in another country, your phone may automatically add the country code when you call home. Check your phone's settings or ask your mobile carrier whether international dialing is turned on, because some carriers charge per-minute rates for calls outside your home country.

How to format the number correctly

The standard international format is +1-XXX-XXX-XXXX, where the first three X's are the area code and the last seven are the local number. You can also write it as +1 XXX XXX XXXX (with spaces instead of hyphens) or +1XXXXXXXXXX (with no separators). All three formats work — the phone system reads the digits, not the spacing.

Some countries use different separators or groupings in their own phone numbers, but U.S. numbers always follow the same pattern: country code, then area code, then local number. If you are copying a number from an airline website or confirmation email, the format is usually already correct. Do not add or remove any digits.

The difference between +1 and 011

The + symbol is the international standard and works on nearly all modern phones. The 011 prefix is specific to North America — it is the exit code that tells your phone system you are making an international call. Both +1-212-555-0123 and 011-1-212-555-0123 reach the same number, but the + is simpler and works from more countries.

Older phones or some landlines may not recognize the + symbol. If you are calling from a hotel phone, a payphone, or a landline in a country that does not use the + system, try 011 instead. If 011 does not work, ask the hotel or phone provider what exit code their system uses.

Calling U.S. airlines from abroad

Most U.S. airlines list their customer service numbers in international format on their websites and confirmation emails. If you are traveling and need to reach an airline like American, United, or Delta, look for the number that starts with +1 or 011-1. These numbers route to U.S. call centers regardless of where you are calling from.

Be aware that calling from abroad can be expensive if you are using your mobile carrier's international plan. Many travelers use internet calling apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Viber to call U.S. numbers over WiFi instead, which costs much less. The country code and phone number format are the same whether you use a phone call or an app.

What happens if you dial it wrong

If you forget the country code or use the wrong format, the call will not connect. You will hear a message saying the number is invalid, or the call will not go through at all. If you are unsure whether you have the right number, double-check the format: it should start with + or 011, followed by 1, followed by a 10-digit number with no extra digits.

If you are calling an airline and the number does not work, try removing any parentheses or extra characters from the number. Some websites format area codes as (212) instead of 212, and some add extensions or pauses. Copy only the main phone number, not the extension, unless you are specifically trying to reach a department.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to dial 1 before the area code if I am calling from Canada or Mexico?

No. Canada and Mexico share the +1 country code with the United States, so the format is identical: +1 followed by the 10-digit number. However, if you are calling within Canada or Mexico to a U.S. number, some carriers may treat it as a domestic call and not require the country code. Check with your carrier.

Can I use the country code to call a U.S. cell phone?

Yes. The country code +1 works for any U.S. phone number — cell phones, landlines, and business lines all use the same format. The area code and local number are the same whether the person is using a mobile or a traditional phone.

What if the airline number has an extension?

Dial the main number first (+1 followed by the 10 digits), and when prompted, enter the extension. Some airline websites list extensions separately, so write them down before you call. If the website shows a number like +1-800-555-0123 ext. 5, dial the main number and listen for a menu or prompt asking for the extension.

Will I be charged for calling a U.S. number from abroad?

Yes, unless you are using WiFi calling or an internet app. International calls through your mobile carrier typically cost per minute and can be expensive. Check your carrier's rates before calling, or use a free app like WhatsApp or Skype to call over WiFi instead.

Is there a different code for Hawaii or Alaska?

No. All U.S. states, territories, and possessions use the same country code +1. Hawaii and Alaska have their own area codes (808 and 907, respectively), but the country code is always +1 when calling from abroad.