Country codes are an important part of making international phone calls. They allow callers to dial numbers in other countries in a standard format that can be recognized globally. Without country codes, making calls between different nations would be extremely confusing.
In this article, we’ll be focusing specifically on the USA country code. The code for the United States is +1 and it applies to all phone numbers across the 50 states, Washington D.C., Canada, and US territories. We’ll look at the geographic scope of the +1 code, how to format
US and Canadian numbers using it, its benefits for domestic and international dialing, and why it’s so important for the telecommunications industry.
At Callmama, we provide reliable international calling services utilizing the USA country code. Our telecom experts can assist with any questions you may have about formatting numbers or making calls overseas. Throughout this article, we'll highlight why the +1 code is critical for companies like Callmama that specialize in keeping people connected globally.
Overview of the USA Country Code
The country code for the United States is +1. This code must be dialed before the local area code and phone number on all calls to the US or Canada from other countries. Within the US or Canada, it's not necessary to dial the +1 code – only the 10 digit phone number is required for domestic calls. But the country code is essential for all international calls.
The +1 country code applies not only to the 50 US states and Washington D.C., but also to Canada. It encompasses all of North America in the international phone numbering system. In addition to the continental US and Canada, +1 also covers Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, the US Virgin Islands and other US territories.
When dialing a number in the US or Canada from overseas, the country code +1 must be entered first in order to route the call properly. The +1 code enables the international phone system to recognize a dialed number as belonging to the North American Numbering Plan and send it to the correct destination. Without it, calls would not be able to reach the intended recipient.
Geographic Scope of the +1 Code
The geographic reach of the +1 country code is quite expansive. As mentioned, it covers all
50 US states and Washington D.C. This includes cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago,
Houston, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, San Jose and many more.
From the easternmost tip of Maine to the westernmost point in Alaska, +1 encompasses the entire contiguous United States.
In addition to the US, +1 includes all of Canada – 10 provinces and 3 territories. Major Canadian cities like Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Ottawa are within the scope of +1.
The +1 country code also applies to all US territories. This includes Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands. Even remote islands like Midway Atoll and tiny towns like Isabel II on Vieques, Puerto Rico use the +1 country code.
The only exceptions within North America are the sovereign nations of Mexico, The Bahamas, Cuba and other Central American and Caribbean countries. Each has its own separate country code. Military bases like Guantanamo Bay in Cuba and embassies abroad also use different country codes instead of +1. But overall, the reach of the USA country code across North America is expansive.
Formatting Phone Numbers with the +1 Code
When dialing a phone number using the +1 country code, there is a specific numbering structure that must be followed:
From within the US/Canada: (10 digit phone number)
Example: 555-123-4567
From outside the US/Canada:
(+1) (area code) (local number)
Example: +1 555 123 4567
The components that make up a fully formatted number with the +1 country code include:
- +1 – The code identifying the number as belonging to the North American Numbering Plan.
- Area code – A 3 digit area code denoting the specific region, state or major city. Examples: 202 for Washington DC, 416 for Toronto, 310 for Los Angeles.
- Local phone number – Consisting of a 7 digit local phone number unique to that area code.
Some key formatting rules:
- No spaces, dashes or parentheses are used in the international format.
- When dialing from outside North America, +1 must be entered first.
- Within the US/Canada, only dial the 10 digit number without +1.
- The area code must always be included, even for domestic calls.
Properly formatting numbers with the correct country code is essential for completing international calls to the United States or Canada.
Uses and Benefits of the +1 Code
The +1 country code provides numerous benefits for both domestic and international callers:
Eliminates Confusion with Domestic Numbers The +1 code helps differentiate local calls versus international calls. Without it, a number could be misinterpreted as either domestic or foreign. The country code makes the destination clear.
Allows Seamless Dialing to the US/Canada
By prefixing numbers with +1, callers anywhere worldwide can easily reach numbers in the United States and Canada without worrying about special dialing rules.
Enables Portability Across North America Mobile numbers and toll-free numbers can keep the same +1 country code when transferred across North America. The country code doesn't need to change, just the local area code.
Supports Number Conservation
With number depletion a concern, efficient use of +1 helps conserve the limited supply of available numbers across North America.
The +1 country code is indispensable for streamlining international calls to the United States and Canada. It makes dialing effortless for global callers and prevents confusion for recipients about whether a call is local or international in origin.
Importance for Telecommunications
For telecommunications providers, the +1 country code is absolutely vital for connecting phone calls between North America and other nations worldwide.
Reliable Connection with the United States
The +1 code provides a stable, reliable way for networks abroad to interface with phone carriers in the US. Without it, complex routing configurations would be required.
Essential for International Customers
The +1 code enables seamless service for customers traveling internationally or living abroad. They can keep their same US or Canadian mobile number and have it function worldwide.
Critical for International Calling Services Major revenue streams like international calling plans and roaming rely on the +1 code to correctly direct calls to and from North America.
Key for Call Centers and Business Operations
Many companies route calls to US-based operations or outsourced call centers. The +1 code is essential for managing this traffic.
Number Conservation Efficient use of the country code helps preserve the limited pool of available numbers and area codes across networks.
The +1 country code is a fundamental building block of international telecommunications for calls to and from the United States and Canada. It streamlines the routing and interconnection of networks globally. For telecom providers like Callmama, ensuring support
for +1 is imperative.
Conclusion
In summary, the USA
country code is +1 and it applies universally across all 50 states, Washington D.C., Canada and US territories in the North American Numbering Plan. Proper formatting with the +1 prefix is essential for international calls to the United States or Canada. Domestically, only a 10 digit number is required.
The country code provides numerous benefits like simplifying international dialing, enabling number portability across borders, and supporting efficient network interconnection. For telecommunications companies, the +1 code is critically important for managing international calling services and maintaining reliable network connectivity with the United States.
At Callmama, our telecom professionals are experts on the USA country code and all aspects of international phone service. If you need any assistance making international calls or have additional questions about the +1 country code, please contact us. Our team is ready to help provide you with superior telecommunications guidance and support.
