Calling to USA
Making Calls while in USA
Making Calls while in USA
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General Tips for Making Phone Calls within the U.S.A.
When making phone calls within the U.S.A., remember that a majority of states require you to dial 1 and the area code, whether you are calling locally or long-distance.
Mobile phone calls within the U.S.A.
Like land line numbers in the U.S.A., cellular phone numbers have 7 digits. Cellular phones must be prefixed with an area code of 3 digits.
For international calls to American cellular phones, simply dial the international access code, country code of 1, area code, and subscriber number. e.g. For a call from Delhi to a cellular phone in New York City, dial 00-1-917-xxx-xxxx.
For domestic calls to cell phones in the U.S.A., dial 1, followed by the area code and subscriber number. e.g. For a call to a Detroit cell phone from anywhere in the U.S.A., dial 313-xxx-xxxx.
Receiving calls from abroad
For any international calls to American land lines or cellular lines, dial the international access code, country code, 3-digit area code, and 7-digit subscriber number. e.g. 00-1-xxx-xxx-xxxx.
Other calls and numbers
Remember that in a select few states, you can just dial the 7-digit subscriber number for local calls. However, your best bet is to include 1 and the area code; this works in every state in the U.SA., and charges do not differ.
Toll-free numbers in the U.S.A. begin with 8xx. The 2nd and 3rd digits of the toll-free prefix are always the same. e.g. 866, 877. Remember that, as with any other domestic call, you need dial 1 before dialing the toll-free number.
- 1-800-xxx-xxxx
- 1-866-xxx-xxxx
- 1-877-xxx-xxxx
- 1-888-xxx-xxxx
It’s important to know that you will be charged if you call non-American toll-free numbers from within the U.S.A.
Several short toll-free numbers are reserved for public services.
Emergencies:
- 911 Police, Fire, and Ambulance
Services:
- 411 Local Directory Assistance
Tips for Calling Internationally from The U.S.A.
For international calls from the U.S.A., first dial 011 (the U.S.A.’s international access code,) followed by the country code of the country you are calling, area code, and local number.
Hotel surcharges on long-distance and local calls are usually expensive, so try to find a public pay telephone. You can find them in most public buildings and private establishments as well as on the street. Local calls made from public pay phones usually cost either 25¢ or 35¢. For domestic long distance or international calls, purchase prepaid calling cards. They are sold in convenience stores and newspaper stands. Many public phones also accept American Express, MasterCard, and Visa credit cards.
Internet cafes are not as plentiful as in cities elsewhere in the world, but you should be able to find some in all urban areas. If you have a wireless-equipped laptop, you can use wireless services, offered by many cafes and public libraries across the country. Many hotels also offer wireless service or have Internet-ready computers in their business centers.