Calling the United States requires the correct country code and the right area code. This article explains how American phone numbers are structured, which area codes exist, what toll-free numbers are, and how to order a local number for your business.

The American market has more than 330 million residents spread across hundreds of regions, each with their own area codes. The structure of US phone numbers follows the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), which is administered by NANPA under the oversight of the FCC. Each area code is assigned to a geographic region, with large cities often using several area codes alongside each other.

For a business based outside the US, an American number provides local reachability, lower calling costs for American customers, and visibility in the right region. A local number builds trust with customers who prefer to dial a familiar area code rather than a foreign prefix.

What is the country code for the United States?

To call the United States you use the country code +1. This country code applies to all American numbers, both landline and mobile. From most countries you dial your international access code (such as 00) or +, then 1, followed by the ten-digit number.

What do American mobile numbers look like?

In many countries mobile numbers use a dedicated prefix, but in the United States there is no distinction between landline and mobile phone numbers. Both follow the same format and use the same area codes, so you cannot tell from the number whether the line is a landline or a mobile.

An American phone number consists of ten digits: a three-digit area code, followed by a three-digit central office code and a four-digit subscriber number. The area code refers to a specific region or city. For example:

  • New York City (Manhattan): the area code is 212. A number looks like (212) 555-1234.
  • Los Angeles: the area code is 213, for example (213) 555-9876.
  • Chicago: the area code is 312, such as (312) 555-6543.

When writing an American number, hyphens are generally used for readability, for example 212-555-1234. Spaces are usually avoided so the formatting stays consistent.

Dialling instructions for American phone numbers

From abroad you start with your international access code (such as 00), followed by the US country code (1), the area code and the seven-digit subscriber number. To reach a business in New York you therefore dial 00-1-212-XXX-XXXX. From a mobile you can replace 00 with a + before the 1.

Check in advance whether you are calling a landline, a mobile or a toll-free number (such as 1-800, 1-888 or 1-877), because this affects the cost of your call.

Useful American phone numbers

The best-known American emergency number is 911, comparable to 112 in Europe or 999 in the UK. Other dedicated helplines worth knowing:

  • Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corporation): (202) 906-3000
  • Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
  • Missing Children helpline: 1-800-843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST)

Can a business outside the US register an American number?

Yes, that is possible. CallFactory offers two types of American phone numbers: a local number with the area code of a specific region, or a toll-free number that is free for the caller. Which option suits you best depends on your target audience and how your customers prefer to reach you.

Manage an American number on mobile

With the CallFactory mobile apps you manage your American numbers from your smartphone or computer. You can forward calls, listen to voicemails and adjust routing without being tied to a single location.

Get started today and order your American number.