The country code for the United States is +1

When you call the United States from another country, you dial +1 before the area code and phone number. The plus sign tells your phone to use international dialing. If your phone doesn't have a plus button, you can dial 00 instead on most landlines and mobile phones outside North America.

So a call to a New York number would look like this: +1-212-555-0123. The 212 is the area code, and the remaining seven digits are the local number. The format stays the same whether you're calling from Canada, Europe, or anywhere else in the world.

Key Takeaways

  • The United States country code is +1, which you dial before the area code and local number when calling from abroad.
  • You can replace the + symbol with 00 on most landlines and older mobile phones if your device doesn't support the plus sign.
  • Area codes are three digits and vary by region; New York is 212, Los Angeles is 213, and Chicago is 312.
  • Calling the US from abroad costs money through most carriers, though rates vary widely depending on your phone plan and location.
  • Airlines typically have dedicated international phone numbers listed on their websites that may be cheaper or easier to reach than standard customer service lines.

How the +1 country code works with area codes

The United States shares the country code +1 with Canada, which can be confusing. When you dial +1, your call goes to North America, and the next three digits (the area code) tell the system which state or region you're trying to reach. The remaining seven digits route you to the specific phone line.

Area codes are assigned by geography, though they don't always match state lines perfectly. A single city might have multiple area codes if the population is large enough. For example, Los Angeles has 213, 310, 323, and 424. If you're calling an airline's customer service line, the area code tells you which regional office or hub you're reaching, though many airlines now use toll-free numbers that work the same way from any country.

Dialing from different countries

The way you enter the country code depends on where you're calling from. From most of Europe, Asia, and Africa, you dial 00-1 followed by the area code and number. From Australia and New Zealand, it's 0011-1. From Japan, it's 010-1. The first part (00, 0011, or 010) is your country's international access code; the 1 is the US country code.

If you're using a smartphone with an international plan or a calling app like WhatsApp, Skype, or Google Voice, you can usually just dial +1 and the system handles the rest. The plus sign is the universal symbol for international dialing and works on nearly all modern phones.

Toll-free numbers and airline customer service

Many US airlines publish toll-free numbers (starting with 800, 888, 877, or 866) for customer service. These numbers work differently when you're calling from abroad. You cannot dial an 800 number from outside the US using the standard format — the call won't go through. Instead, you need to find the airline's international customer service number, which is usually listed on their website under "Contact Us" for international callers.

Some airlines publish a single international number that routes to the same customer service team. Others have regional numbers for different parts of the world. Calling an international number costs money, but it's often cheaper than calling a US-based number from certain countries. Check the airline's website before you call to see what options they offer and what the expected wait times are.

Cost of calling the United States from abroad

The cost of calling the US depends on your phone plan, your location, and whether you're using a mobile phone or landline. International rates vary widely. A call from the UK to the US might cost 10 to 50 pence per minute on a standard plan, while a call from Australia could cost 50 cents to several dollars per minute. Some carriers offer international plans that reduce these rates significantly.

Before calling an airline from abroad, check whether your phone plan includes international calling or whether you should use a calling app instead. Apps like Skype, WhatsApp, and Google Voice let you call US numbers over WiFi or data, which is often much cheaper than using your carrier's international rates. Many airlines also offer chat or email support on their websites, which may be faster and free.

When you need to provide a US phone number

If an airline asks you to provide a US phone number and you don't have one, you have a few options. You can use a Google Voice number, which is free and gives you a US number that can receive calls and texts from anywhere in the world. You can also use a virtual phone service like Skype, which assigns you a US number for a small monthly fee. Some travelers use the number of a friend or family member in the US, though make sure they know the airline might call them.

If you're booking a flight and the website requires a US phone number, you can often enter your international number in the format +1-area code-number, and the system will accept it. If the form won't accept it, try removing the + and country code and entering just the area code and number, or contact the airline directly to ask what format they need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I call a US 800 number from outside the country?

No, toll-free numbers don't work from abroad. You need to find the airline's international customer service number on their website instead. Some airlines will accept collect calls to a regular number, though this is becoming less common.

What's the difference between +1 and 001?

They do the same thing. The + is the international dialing symbol and works on all modern phones. The 00 is the international access code used in many countries. Your phone automatically converts + to the right code for your location.

Do I need to include the country code if I'm calling from Canada?

No. Canada also uses +1, so you can dial just the area code and number as if it were a local call. The system knows you're in North America and routes accordingly.

Is it cheaper to use WhatsApp or Skype to call an airline?

Usually yes, if you have WiFi or data. Both apps let you call US numbers over the internet for free or a small fee, which is cheaper than international calling rates on most phone plans. However, some airlines may not answer calls from these apps, so check their website first.

What if I dial the country code wrong?

If you dial an incorrect country code, your call will either not go through or will connect to the wrong country. Double-check the format before you dial. Most phones show you the number as you type it, so you can catch mistakes before you press call.