What Is the Country Code to Call the US?

If you’ve ever asked yourself “what is the country code to call the US?”, you’re not alone. Many people dialing internationally often get confused about the exact sequence of numbers to enter. The good news is that calling the United States is simpler than you think.

The official country code for the U.S. is +1. Whether you’re calling New York, Los Angeles, Miami, or Hawaii, every call to the U.S. begins with this number. In this detailed guide, we’ll explain why country codes matter, how to dial the U.S. step by step, and practical tips to make your international calling experience smooth and affordable.

What Is a Country Code and Why Do You Need It?

Before we dive into what is the country code to call the US, let’s understand what a country code actually is.

• Definition: A country code is a short numeric prefix that helps route your international call to the correct destination.

• Purpose: Without a country code, the global telecom system won’t know which country you’re trying to reach.

• Examples:

  • India → +91

  • United Kingdom → +44

  • Australia → +61

  • United States → +1

So when someone asks “what is the country code to call the US?”, the answer is straightforward: it’s +1, and it applies to all U.S. states and territories.

The Country Code for the United States

The official country code for the U.S. is +1.

✅ It applies across all 50 U.S. states, including Alaska and Hawaii.
✅ It also applies to U.S. territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

No matter where you’re calling in America, you must use +1 before the area code and local number. That’s why when people ask “what is the country code to call the US?”, the universal answer is always +1.

How to Dial the US from Abroad

Knowing what is the country code to call the US is only the first step. Here’s how to dial correctly from outside America:

Step 1: Dial Your Country’s Exit Code

This is also called the international access code. Examples include:

• UK → 00

• India → 00

• Australia → 0011

• Canada → 011

• Japan → 010

Step 2: Add the U.S. Country Code

Enter +1.

Step 3: Enter the Area Code

The U.S. has hundreds of area codes, each representing a city or region.

Step 4: Dial the Local Number

Finally, enter the 7-digit local number.

Example: Calling a New York number (212-555-1234) from India
00 + 1 + 212 + 5551234

By following this sequence, you’ll never have to wonder again about what is the country code to call the US—it’s built into the dialing process.

US Area Codes You Should Know

Here’s a quick table of popular U.S. area codes:

If someone asks “what is the country code to call the US and what about cities?”—remember: the country code is always +1, and the area codes help narrow down the city.

Tips for Making International Calls to the US

Knowing what is the country code to call the US is just one part of the puzzle. Here are some tips to make calls cheaper and more convenient:

• Use VoIP apps: WhatsApp, Skype, and Zoom allow free or low-cost calls using Wi-Fi.

• Compare rates: Check your carrier’s international calling plans.

• Use calling cards: These can significantly lower costs.

• Check time zones: The U.S. spans Eastern, Central, Mountain, Pacific, Alaska, and Hawaii time zones.

• Try Wi-Fi calling: Many smartphones allow Wi-Fi calling, which saves money on international calls.

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are errors people often make when asking “what is the country code to call the US?” and then dialing:

1. ❌ Forgetting the exit code.

2. ❌ Skipping +1 before the number.

3. ❌ Confusing area codes with country codes.

4. ❌ Adding unnecessary zeros.

5. ❌ Ignoring U.S. time zones and calling at odd hours.

 

FAQs on What Is the Country Code to Call the US

Q1. What is the country code to call the US from India?
Dial 00 + 1 + area code + number.

Q2. Do I need to use +1 for WhatsApp calls?
Yes. Even on WhatsApp, save U.S. contacts with +1.

Q3. What is the country code to call the US from the UK?
From the UK, dial 00 + 1 + area code + number.

Q4. Is +1 used across all U.S. states?
Yes, +1 applies everywhere in the U.S., including territories.

Q5. What happens if I don’t use +1 when calling the US?
The call will fail. Always add the +1 country code.

Final Thoughts

So, what is the country code to call the US? The answer is simple—+1. Whether you’re dialing from India, the UK, Australia, or anywhere else in the world, start with your country’s exit code, then add +1, followed by the area code and local number.

By remembering this structure, you’ll never face call failures again. Combine the knowledge of what is the country code to call the US with smart tools like VoIP apps and affordable calling plans, and you’ll always stay connected with the United States.