When it comes to calling your family, friends or business contacts in the United States, it is important for you to dial their phone number using the standard format and correct dialing code of the US. 

On a related note, you may be wondering why so many people want to do business in the US. Well, that’s as a result of a lot of factors including access to capital, international markets, and tax deductions.

The financial infrastructure of the US makes it easy for entrepreneurs to access capital and investments. Also, the extensive access to international markets that the US has, makes it an attractive business location even for investors.

Finally, because of the tax deductions that businesses in the US enjoy, their tax liabilities reduce.

Different countries have their own telephone number arrangements and unique dialing code. That said, if you are not sure of the US dialing code or ways to reach your contact in the US you will find answers in this post.

In this article, we will thoroughly explain the US phone number format, the country code, international dialing codes, area code, central office code and individual line number.

What is the US country code phone number format?

The United States phone number format usually consists of 10 digits unique code, these 10 digits are made up of the person's area code, central office code and individual line number

However the country code phone number, that is, the number that foreigners can use to call residents of the US has +1 attached before the 10 digits 

The US country code phone number is usually in this format +1 XXX XXX XXXX.

Where,

• +1 represents the US international country code and X are digits 
• The first three digits(X) represents the area code 
• The next three digits(X) represents the central office code 
• The last four digits(X) represents the individual line number

How to dial a US phone number 

• Start with the plus sign (+)
• Add the US calling code 
• Add the area code of the phone number 
• Add the seven-digit local phone number (that consists of the central office code and the individual line number)
• Dial the numbers together without spaces, gaps or brackets e.g.+11234567890

What is the dialing code for the US?

The dialing code for the US is +1. If you are calling from abroad, it is extremely important to include this code (+1) to the US phone number you are calling.

Without this code, it will be impossible for you to make a connection with the US when dialing a US number from abroad. 

What is the US area code?

The next set of numbers to include after the US country code, is the three-digit area code.

This is a code that identifies the city or geographic location of the person you are trying to call.

It is important for you to enter the correct area code when calling a US phone number from abroad, so that the call will be channeled to the correct area.

Here are the area code(s) for some cities in the US:

What is a central office code?

The next three-digit code represents the central office code, that signifies the telephone exchange handling the connection in the area.

What is a line number?

This is the last set of code in the US phone number. It is a four-digit number that identifies an individual line linked to the telephone exchange 

Phone number extension

Another thing to note about calling the US, is that if you are trying to reach someone in a specific department or office, you have to include a phone number extension.

An extension is a four-digit number that directs the call to the person you are trying to reach within a specific business, department or office 

When you are calling a US phone number with an extension, you have to add the extension number after the phone number and separate them with a comma.

Exit code.

Some countries require an exit code before you will be allowed to make international calls.

If your country of residence requires an exit code, it is important for you to know the correct code and add it to the phone number before you initiate the call to ensure that you get connected to the US contact successfully.

Things that can hinder your call to the US

Here are a few reasons why your call to the US doesn't go through; 

• You didn't use your country's exit code to dial out of your country 
• You are calling a phone that doesn't accept international calls
• You didn't dial the correct area code 
• You did not dial the US country code correctly 
• You did not use the right phone number format 

Frequently asked questions about the dialing code for the USA

Which country code is +234 on WhatsApp?

Nigeria’s country code is +234, so that is how it appears on WhatsApp.

How do i call a US number from outside the country?

To call a US number from outside the country, dial +1 (the US country code), the 3-digit area code of the recipient’s area, and their local phone number. 

What are USA phone numbers?

USA phone numbers are numbers used to call the USA within or outside the country. They consist of the 7-digit local phone number, 3-digit area code, and if it’s an international call, 1-digit country code.

How many digits is the USA number?

The local phone number in the US is a 7-digit number. However, you need to add the 3-digit area code.

And if you’re calling from another country, you need to add the 1-digit country code. This makes it 11 digits from outside the UAS and 10 digits within the USA.

Can i call the USA on WhatsApp?

Absolutely! You can do both voice and video calls to the USA on WhatsApp for free, no matter where you are. All you need is an internet connection.

By including the US country code when dialing a phone number, you will enjoy seamless telephone connection with your US contact from anywhere in the globe.

In summary, dial the correct country code, area code, central office code and individual line number to have a smooth phone conversation.

Where required ensure that you include the person's extension number and your country's exit code in the right format.