A United States phone number consists of 10 numbers: a three-digit area code, followed by a three-digit exchange code, and a four-digit subscriber number.
Depending on from where in the world you call, the number of digits needed to connect with someone can vary — callers within the same area code need only dial the latter 7 numbers, while a caller from across the world would need an exit code, United States country code, as well as the 10-digit phone number.
This article will attempt to simplify how to dial to an American phone number from any part of the world, whether it be Australia, the UK, India, or Belgium. It will also cover the country codes and area codes that you will need.
N.B. These tips should work even when calling from or trying to access a mobile number.
USA International Calling Code
The international country code for the United States is +1 (001). This country code is needed each time a caller from outside the United States attempts to connect with someone who has a US number.
USA Area Codes
An area code is 3-number prefix that indicates from which area of the United States a caller is communicating. The number of area codes designated to a state is dependent on the size and distribution of its residents. For example, lower-population states such as Idaho have fewer area codes, while more densely populated states such as New York have many more area codes.
Here is a list of the area codes by individual state:
If you're calling a United States number from Canada, all you have to do is simply dial the country code 1, followed by the area code + 7-digit number (note that the + signs need not be dialed).
Call the USA from Abroad
If you're calling a United States phone number from other parts of the world, you must dial your country's exit code before the applicable country code and phone number.
For example, a caller from the United Kingdom attempting to reach a contact in the United States would have to dial 00 1 ### ### ####.
Calling Abroad from the USA
If you are located within the United States and are trying to call someone located outside the US, dial 011 (this is the international access code), followed by the applicable country code and 7 or 8-digit phone number. If a phone number begins with the number 0, the 0 should not be dialed.
For example, a caller in the United States trying to reach a phone number in France should dial 011 33 # ## ## ## ##.
