The +1 country code is unique among international dialing codes because it covers multiple countries. It's the code for the United States, Canada, and over 20 Caribbean nations under the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). With over 400 million people using this code, it's the most frequently dialed country code worldwide.
Quick Answer: The country code +1 covers the USA, Canada, and Caribbean NANP countries. All phone numbers have 10 digits after the +1: a 3-digit area code plus a 7-digit local number. Example:
+1 (212) 555-1234.
Countries Using the +1 Country Code
The +1 code is shared by all members of the North American Numbering Plan. While the USA and Canada are the largest, many Caribbean nations also use +1 with their own unique area codes:
| Country/Territory | Area Code(s) |
|---|---|
| United States | Multiple (200+) |
| Canada | Multiple (30+) |
| Puerto Rico | 787, 939 |
| Jamaica | 876, 658 |
| Dominican Republic | 809, 829, 849 |
| Bahamas | 242 |
| Barbados | 246 |
| Trinidad and Tobago | 868 |
| US Virgin Islands | 340 |
| Bermuda | 441 |
This means when you see a number starting with +1, the area code determines the actual country or region.
How to Call USA or Canada: Quick Reference
The dialing format varies depending on where you're calling from. Here's a quick-reference table for the most common countries:
| Calling From | Dialing Format |
|---|---|
| UK Mobile/Landline | 00-1-[area code]-[7-digit number] |
| Germany | 00-1-[area code]-[7-digit number] |
| France | 00-1-[area code]-[7-digit number] |
| Australia | 0011-1-[area code]-[7-digit number] |
| Japan | 010-1-[area code]-[7-digit number] |
| India | 00-1-[area code]-[7-digit number] |
| Any Mobile Phone | +1-[area code]-[7-digit number] |
On any mobile phone worldwide, using the + symbol (hold 0 or press *) automatically handles the exit code for you.
Understanding NANP Phone Numbers
All phone numbers in the North American Numbering Plan follow the same format: NPA-NXX-XXXX where:
- NPA (Numbering Plan Area): The 3-digit area code. First digit is 2-9, second digit is 0-9.
- NXX (Central Office Code): First 3 digits of the local number. First digit is 2-9.
- XXXX: The final 4 digits (subscriber number).
This gives all +1 numbers a consistent 10-digit format after the country code.
Mobile Numbers
Unlike many countries, US and Canadian mobile numbers are not distinguishable by prefix. Mobile and landline numbers look identical:
- Length: Always 10 digits after +1.
- Format: Same area code system as landlines.
- Example:
+1 (415) 555-1234could be mobile or landline.
This is different from countries like the UK (+44) where mobile numbers start with 07.
Landline Numbers
Landline numbers follow the exact same format:
- Structure: 3-digit area code + 7-digit local number = 10 digits.
- Area codes: Geographically assigned (though overlays have made this less strict).
- Example:
+1 (212) 555-1234(Manhattan, New York).
Major US Area Codes Reference
The US has over 300 area codes. Here are the most commonly dialed major cities:
| City | Area Code(s) | International Format |
|---|---|---|
| New York City | 212, 718, 917, 347 | +1 212 xxx xxxx |
| Los Angeles | 213, 310, 323, 818 | +1 310 xxx xxxx |
| Chicago | 312, 773, 872 | +1 312 xxx xxxx |
| Houston | 713, 281, 832 | +1 713 xxx xxxx |
| Phoenix | 602, 480, 623 | +1 602 xxx xxxx |
| Miami | 305, 786 | +1 305 xxx xxxx |
| San Francisco | 415, 628 | +1 415 xxx xxxx |
| Boston | 617, 857 | +1 617 xxx xxxx |
| Seattle | 206, 425, 253 | +1 206 xxx xxxx |
| Washington D.C. | 202 | +1 202 xxx xxxx |
Major Canadian Area Codes Reference
Canada has its own set of area codes within the NANP:
| City | Area Code(s) | International Format |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto | 416, 647, 437 | +1 416 xxx xxxx |
| Vancouver | 604, 778, 236 | +1 604 xxx xxxx |
| Montreal | 514, 438 | +1 514 xxx xxxx |
| Calgary | 403, 587, 825 | +1 403 xxx xxxx |
| Ottawa | 613, 343 | +1 613 xxx xxxx |
| Edmonton | 780, 587 | +1 780 xxx xxxx |
| Winnipeg | 204 | +1 204 xxx xxxx |
| Quebec City | 418, 581 | +1 418 xxx xxxx |
Dialing Examples
Here are practical examples for calling +1 numbers from various locations:
Example 1: Calling New York from the UK
- US Number: (212) 555-1234
- From a UK Mobile:
+1 212 555 1234 - From a UK Landline:
00 1 212 555 1234
Example 2: Calling Toronto from Germany
- Canadian Number: (416) 555-6789
- From Germany:
00 1 416 555 6789 - From a German Mobile:
+1 416 555 6789
Example 3: Calling Los Angeles from Australia
- US Number: (310) 555-4321
- From Australia:
0011 1 310 555 4321
Example 4: Calling Jamaica (NANP Caribbean)
- Jamaican Number: (876) 555-9876
- From the UK:
00 1 876 555 9876 - Note: Same format as calling US/Canada since Jamaica uses +1.
Time Zones Across +1 Countries
The +1 region spans multiple time zones, from Atlantic (UTC-4) to Hawaii (UTC-10). Here's a guide for calling during business hours:
| Time Zone | UTC Offset | Major Cities |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern (EST/EDT) | UTC-5/-4 | New York, Miami, Toronto, Montreal |
| Central (CST/CDT) | UTC-6/-5 | Chicago, Houston, Dallas, Winnipeg |
| Mountain (MST/MDT) | UTC-7/-6 | Denver, Phoenix, Calgary |
| Pacific (PST/PDT) | UTC-8/-7 | Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, Seattle |
| Alaska (AKST) | UTC-9/-8 | Anchorage |
| Hawaii (HST) | UTC-10 | Honolulu (no daylight saving) |
Best Times to Call from Major Regions
| Your Location | Call US East Coast 9AM-5PM | Call US West Coast 9AM-5PM |
|---|---|---|
| UK | 2 PM - 10 PM GMT | 5 PM - 1 AM GMT |
| Germany/France | 3 PM - 11 PM CET | 6 PM - 2 AM CET |
| India | 7:30 PM - 3:30 AM IST | 10:30 PM - 6:30 AM IST |
| Australia (Sydney) | 12 AM - 8 AM AEDT | 3 AM - 11 AM AEDT |
| Japan | 11 PM - 7 AM JST | 2 AM - 10 AM JST |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't let a simple error prevent your call from connecting:
- Adding an extra 1: When calling from abroad,
+1is the country code. Don't dial+1 1 212... - Wrong number of digits: Always 10 digits after +1. Not 7, not 11.
- Confusing area codes: 416 is Toronto (Canada), not US. The area code determines the location.
- Forgetting time zones: The US spans 6 time zones. A 9 AM call to New York arrives at 6 AM in Los Angeles.
- Toll-free confusion: 800, 888, 877, 866 numbers are toll-free only when calling from within NANP countries.
Toll-Free and Special Numbers
The +1 system includes several special area codes:
- Toll-Free (800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, 833): Free to call from within the US/Canada. Usually not free from abroad.
- 900: Premium rate numbers. Blocked by most international carriers.
- 911: Emergency services (US/Canada only).
- 411: Directory assistance (domestic only).
Cheapest Ways to Call +1 Numbers
International calls to the USA and Canada don't have to be expensive:
- VoIP Services: Services like CallSky.io offer rates starting from just $0.02/minute to US and Canadian numbers. Check our USA rates or Canada rates.
- Messaging Apps: WhatsApp, iMessage, and Messenger allow free calls over WiFi to contacts.
- International Plans: Many UK and European carriers include US/Canada calls in international bundles.
For regular calling needs, a VoIP service typically offers the best rates and quality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What countries use the +1 country code?
The +1 country code is shared by the United States, Canada, and over 20 Caribbean nations including Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Bahamas, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago. This is called the North American Numbering Plan (NANP).
How many digits is a US or Canadian phone number?
US and Canadian phone numbers have exactly 10 digits after the +1 country code: a 3-digit area code followed by a 7-digit local number. For example: +1 (212) 555-1234.
How do I call the USA from the UK?
From the UK, dial 00-1 followed by the 10-digit US number. For example: 00-1-212-555-1234. On a mobile phone, you can also dial +1-212-555-1234.
Is calling Canada the same as calling the USA?
Yes, both use the +1 country code under NANP. From abroad, you dial +1 followed by the 10-digit number. The area code tells you whether it's US or Canada (e.g., 416 is Toronto, 212 is New York).
What is the area code for New York City?
New York City has multiple area codes including 212 (Manhattan), 718 (Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island), 917 (overlay), 347, and 646. Manhattan's original 212 remains the most famous.
What is the area code for Los Angeles?
Los Angeles uses several area codes: 213 and 323 cover downtown and central LA, 310 covers West LA and Beverly Hills, and 818 covers the San Fernando Valley.
Do I need to dial 1 before the area code?
Within the US and Canada, you typically dial 1 before the area code for long-distance calls. When calling from abroad, the +1 serves as the country code - don't add another 1.
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