The US country code is +1, and you dial it before the area code and phone number
When you call someone in the United States from outside the country, you start with +1 — that is the international dialing code for the US. After +1, you dial the three-digit area code, then the seven-digit local number. So a complete US phone number looks like this: +1-202-555-0173.
The plus sign (+) tells your phone to use international dialing. If you are calling from a landline in another country, you may need to dial 00 instead of the plus sign — check with your phone provider. Mobile phones almost always accept the plus sign.
The area code matters because it tells the phone network which region of the US you are calling. New York is 212 or 718, Los Angeles is 213 or 310, Chicago is 312 or 773. The area code is not optional — you must include all three digits even if you are calling someone in the same city.
Key Takeaways
- The country code for the United States is +1, which you dial before the area code and local number.
- A complete US phone number from abroad is +1 followed by a three-digit area code and a seven-digit local number.
- If your landline does not accept the plus sign, try dialing 00 instead, but mobile phones almost always work with +1.
- The area code is required even if you know the person's city — it is part of the complete phone number.
- Calling the US from abroad costs money through most carriers, so check your plan before dialing.
How area codes work in the United States
The US is divided into regions, and each region has its own three-digit area code. A single city can have multiple area codes — New York City has 212, 718, 347, and 646. Los Angeles has 213, 310, 424, and 562. This happens because cities grow and run out of phone numbers, so new area codes are added.
When you dial someone in the US, the area code routes your call to the right region first, then the local exchange (the next three digits) narrows it down further. The last four digits identify the specific line. You cannot skip the area code or shorten it — the phone system will not recognize the number.
If you do not know someone's area code, you can search for it online using their city name, or ask them directly. Airlines, hotels, and customer service lines usually list their area code on their website or confirmation email.
Dialing from different countries and phone types
From a mobile phone, dial +1 followed by the area code and number. The plus sign works from almost every country. If you are using a landline in Europe, Asia, or most other regions, try +1 first. If that does not work, dial 00-1 instead — the 00 is the international access code used by many landline systems outside North America.
Some countries use different access codes. From Australia, dial 0011 instead of 00. From Japan, dial 010. From China, dial 00. Your phone provider's website or customer service line can tell you the correct access code for your location.
If you are calling from Canada or another country that also uses +1, you still dial +1 — the system works the same way. The difference is that calls within North America are often cheaper or included in plans, while calls from other continents usually cost more per minute.
What to expect for cost and connection quality
Calling the US from abroad is not free through most carriers. Costs vary widely — some plans charge 50 cents per minute, others charge several dollars. International calling plans, VoIP services like Skype or WhatsApp, and calling cards can reduce the cost significantly. Check your mobile plan or landline bill before you dial.
Connection quality is usually good, but it depends on your internet connection if you are using a VoIP service, and on your carrier's network if you are using a phone line. Calls made over WiFi through apps like WhatsApp or Skype tend to be clearer and cheaper than traditional phone calls, but both people need the same app installed.
If you are calling an airline or business, they may have a local number in your country that you can call instead. This is often cheaper and faster than calling their US number. Check their website for a phone number in your region.
Common area codes for major US cities
| City | Primary Area Code | Other Area Codes |
|---|---|---|
| New York City | 212 | 718, 347, 646, 917 |
| Los Angeles | 213 | 310, 424, 562 |
| Chicago | 312 | 773, 872 |
| Houston | 713 | 281, 832 |
| Phoenix | 602 | 480, 623 |
| Miami | 305 | 786, 954 |
| San Francisco | 415 | 510, 650, 707 |
| Washington, DC | 202 | 301, 240 |
Toll-free numbers and special codes
Some US businesses use toll-free numbers that start with 800, 888, 877, or 866. These numbers are free to call within the US, but calling them from abroad usually costs the same as a regular long-distance call. The country code is still +1, so you dial +1-800-555-0173 the same way you would dial any other US number.
A few toll-free numbers do work from outside the US, but most do not. If you are calling an airline or hotel from abroad, check their website for an international phone number instead. They often have a separate number for people calling from outside the country, and it may be cheaper or routed to a local office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to include the plus sign when calling from my mobile phone?
Yes, the plus sign is the standard way to dial internationally from a mobile phone. It works from almost every country. If you are using an older landline, try the plus sign first — if it does not work, ask your phone provider for the correct international access code for your location.
What if the number I have does not include an area code?
Every US phone number has an area code. If someone gave you a number without one, ask them for the complete number including the area code. You can also search online for the business or person's name plus their city to find the area code.
Can I call a US toll-free number from outside the country?
Toll-free numbers (800, 888, 877, 866) are free within the US but usually cost money to call from abroad. Dial them the same way as any other US number: +1 followed by the area code and number. If you are calling a business, check their website for an international number that may be cheaper.
Why do some US cities have multiple area codes?
Cities grow and use up all available phone numbers in their original area code. When that happens, a new area code is added to the same geographic area. New York City and Los Angeles each have four or five area codes because they are large and have been assigning phone numbers for decades.
Is it cheaper to use an app like WhatsApp or Skype to call the US?
Usually yes, if both people have the app installed and an internet connection. WhatsApp and Skype calls over WiFi or mobile data are often free or much cheaper than traditional phone calls. However, you need to set up an account first, and the other person needs to have the app too.