Senior Writer: Paras Kela
Reading Time: 6 MinutesPublished : July 28, 2023Effective communication across borders has become essential for individuals and businesses alike. One of the most common communication needs involves reaching out to the United States, a global hub for trade, innovation, and connections. As of 2022, there were 307 Million smartphone users in the US, making it even more crucial to know the international calling process.
Whether you’re looking to connect with prospects, clients, or business partners, knowing how to call the USA is vital. This guide provides valuable insights on making international calls to the United States, including dialing codes, costs, and alternative options for seamless communication.
By understanding the process of calling the USA, you can enhance your global connectivity and build stronger connections with those across the ocean.
How to Call the USA Using Your Phone?
Calling to the USA requires you to follow certain steps. You need to consider, dialing code, country code, area code, etc. Below is a step-by-step process of calling to the USA using a phone.
"When making international calls to the USA, it's crucial to be mindful of your phone plan's international calling rates to avoid unexpected charges. Consider opting for an international calling plan or add-on offered by your service provider to reduce costs."
Step 1: Check the International Dialing Code
Before making an international call to the USA, you need to know the international dialing code for the country you are calling from. For example, if you are calling from the United Kingdom, the international dialing code is “+44.” Find out the international dialing code for your country.
Step 2: Dial the International Access Code
To initiate an international call, you need to dial the international access code for your country. This code is used to connect to an international line. Typically, it is represented by a plus sign (+) followed by the international dialing code. For example, if your country’s international dialing code is “+44,” you would dial “+44” on your phone’s keypad.
Step 3: Dial the USA Country Code
The USA country code is “1.” After dialing the international access code, you should now enter the USA country code “1” to indicate that you are calling the United States.
Step 4: Dial the Area Code (If Applicable)
The USA is divided into various area codes, depending on the location you are calling. If you know the specific and same area code for the city or region you want to call, enter it after the country code “1.” For example, if you are calling New York City, the area code is “212.”
Step 5: Dial the Local Phone Number
After dialing the country code and area code, you should enter the local phone number of the person or business you wish to call. Make sure to include any necessary digits, such as the local prefix or extension, as provided by the person or organization you are contacting.
Step 6: Make the Call
Once you have entered the correct phone number, press the call button on your phone. Your call will now be connected to the person or business you are trying to reach in the USA.
How Many Area Codes are There in the United States?
United States is divided into numerous area codes, each assigned to specific regions within the country. These area codes are used as part of the phone numbers to identify the geographic location of the phone line. Below is a list of some of the major area codes in the United States:
| Area Name | Area Code |
|---|---|
| Northern New Jersey | 201 |
| Washington, DC | 202 |
| Connecticut | 203 |
| New York City (Manhattan) | 212 |
| Los Angeles, California (Downtown and nearby areas) | 213 |
| Chicago, Illinois | 312 |
| Miami, Florida | 305 |
| Atlanta, Georgia | 404 |
| San Francisco, California | 415 |
| Dallas, Texas | 469 |
| Austin, Texas | 512 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | 617 |
| Houston, Texas | 713 |
| Miami, Florida | 786 |
| Los Angeles, California (San Fernando Valley) | 818 |
US Phone Number Format Example
A typical United States phone number is composed of three parts: the area code, the central office code (or exchange code), and the local number. The US telephone number format is as follows –
(XXX) YYY-ZZZZ
Where:
XXX is the three-digit area code
YYY is the three-digit central office code (exchange code)
ZZZZ is the four-digit local number
In this example:
The area code is “555.”
The central office code (exchange code) is “123.”
The local number is “4567.”
Here’s an example of a United States phone number:
(555) 123-4567
It’s important to note that the actual area codes, central office codes, and local numbers will vary depending on the specific location and phone service provider. The area codes are assigned to specific regions, and the central office codes help route calls within those regions. The local number uniquely identifies a subscriber within the central office exchange.
Why is My Call to the US Not Working?
If your call to the United States is not working, there could be several reasons for the issue. Here are some common factors that may be causing the problem –
1. Incorrect Dialing Format
Ensure that you are dialing the US mobile number format correctly, including the international access code, country code (1 for the US), area code, and local number. A single-digit error can prevent your call from going through.
2. Network Issues
The call may not be going through due to temporary network problems. Check your phone’s signal strength, or try calling from a different location to see if the issue persists.
3. International Calling Restrictions
Some phone service providers may have international calling restrictions or require you to enable international calling on your account before making calls outside your country.
4. Insufficient Balance or Credit
For prepaid or pay-as-you-go plans, ensure that you have enough credit to make international calls. Top up your account if necessary, and check if your balance is sufficient to cover the cost of the call.
5. Time Zone Differences
Consider the time zone difference between your location and the United States. If you are calling during the night time in the US, the person you’re trying to reach may not answer the call.
6. Call Blocking
Verify if the recipient’s phone or network has any call-blocking features activated.
If the recipient has blocked international calls or specific numbers, your call may not go through.
7. Invalid Number
Double-check that you have the correct phone number for the person or business you are trying to call. An invalid or discontinued number will result in a call failure.
8. International Call Charges
Check with your phone service provider to understand the charges for making international calls. Some providers offer international calling plans that can reduce costs, while others may charge per-minute rates or have different rates based on the time of day.
If you have ruled out the above possibilities and your call is still not working, contact your phone service provider’s customer support for further assistance. They can check for any network or account-related problems that might be causing the call failure.
How to Get USA Phone Number From DialerHQ?
DialerHQ is an advanced virtual phone system that enables companies to connect with their customers across the globe, including the US. It is an ideal virtual phone system that can help you call your US customers and prospects by getting local numbers.
DialerHQ gives users the tools they need to increase their worldwide reach, improve customer service, and streamline communication. Users can add call forwarding, voicemail, IVR, and call analytics thanks to its platform’s customizability, which results in a polished and effective communication arrangement.
Follow these steps to obtain a USA phone number from DialerHQ.
Step 1: If you’re a new user, you need to create an account. And if you’re an existing user, you simply need to sign into the DialerHQ account.
Step 2: Select your virtual number, in this case, your US phone number, and make the payment to access your account.
Step 3: Get started by configuring your account, set up features and other requirements.
Step 4: Lastly, start making and receiving calls!
DialerHQ is one of the most preferred phone systems in the market. It offers seamless calling, tracking, and analytics at affordable cost. DialerHQ offers a free plan at zero cost and the paid plans start at $7.99.
Final Thoughts
In a nutshell, making phone calls to the US is a very simple process. With the right US cell phone number format, you can start making calls to your prospects and customers in no time!
Moreover, obtaining a USA phone number from DialerHQ is a straightforward and efficient process that offers valuable benefits for businesses and individuals alike. By signing up on the DialerHQ website and selecting the USA as the desired country, users gain access to a variety of plans tailored to their specific needs and budget.
FAQs
Making free calls to the United States is possible through internet-based communication services like Skype, WhatsApp, or Google Voice. Both the caller and the recipient need to have the same app or service installed.
Yes, most phone numbers in the US have voicemail boxes. If the recipient is unavailable or declines your call, you can leave a voicemail message that they can retrieve later.
The US country code is "1." To call the United States from another country, you need to dial the international access code of that country followed by the US country code "1."
The cost of calling a US number depends on your phone service provider and the specific plan you have. International calls are generally more expensive than domestic calls, and rates may vary based on the provider and the call duration. Consider checking with your service provider for exact rates.
Paras Kela is an accomplished IT professional with 7+ years of industry experience, including 4+ years as a dedicated content writer. His expertise lies in crafting informative blogs on VoIP and cloud telephony, among other technical subjects. Outside his professional pursuits, he cherishes quality time with loved ones, indulges in watching documentaries, and finds solace in gardening.
Updated : May 7, 2024
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