How to Call Canada from the US?

Before calling Canada from the USA, you need to be familiar with concepts like NANP countries, the country code of Canada, and area codes, alongside the cost of international calls and time zone differences.

Canada and the United States are part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), a shared telephone numbering system used by more than 20 countries and territories, including the US, Canada, and several Caribbean nations. Because of this shared network, calling Canada from the US doesn’t require the typical international exit code (like 011 or +), which is why the dialing process feels almost domestic.

The country code for Canada is 1, which is the same country code used by the United States. This means you simply dial 1 as the trunk prefix before the Canadian area code and phone number. However, it’s best practice to save Canadian numbers in the +1 format (by holding the 0 key to enter the plus sign) on smartphones. Doing so ensures the number works seamlessly whether you’re calling from within the US, traveling internationally, or switching carriers.

Canada uses three-digit area codes just like the US, and each phone number follows a standard 10-digit format, whether landline or mobile number. However, due to increased demand, many Canadian regions now use overlay area codes, meaning multiple area codes serve the same geographic area.

Although the international exit code is not necessary, most US carriers still classify calls to Canada as international long-distance. So, providers like Verizon and AT&T may charge international rates on basic plans, which can reach $1.50 or more per minute.

To avoid this, check whether your plan includes unlimited North America calling service or consider adding a global or international calling add-on. These plans typically cost $5–$10 per month and significantly reduce per-minute charges.

When calling from the United States and Canada, it’s important to remember that both countries span multiple time zones. Although some regions share the same time zone, other regions operate on different ones, like calling Vancouver from New York involves a three-hour time difference. So, being mindful of these time differences helps ensure you’re calling at an appropriate time, especially for business or professional conversations.

In order to dial Canada from the United States of America, you need to dial the trunk prefix followed by the local number.

1. Dial Trunk Prefix: Dial 1, the shared country code for the US and Canada on both landlines and smartphones.
2. Enter the Canadian area code: Dial the 3-digit Canadian area code. Area codes are always required due to mandatory 10-digit dialing.
3. Dial the local number: Enter the 7-digit local phone number and press call.

Here is the general dialing format to call from the US to Canada:

1 + Area Code of Canada + Local Phone Number

Carrier calling, using calling cards, opting for VoIP services, and using Wi-Fi calling apps are the most effective ways to contact Canada from the US.

Traditional mobile carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile offer the most convenience, as no additional setup is required. However, without a “North America” add-on, AT&T typically charges around $1.00 per minute, Verizon averages $0.49 per minute, and T-Mobile rates range from $0.25 to $1.00 per minute, depending on your plan tier. Although many modern unlimited plans now include free calling to Canada, it’s essential to confirm this is included in your account settings to avoid unexpected charges.

Calling cards offer a practical middle ground for users who prefer traditional phone calls without paying high carrier rates. These prepaid cards are commonly available for $5, $10, or $20 and provide a fixed amount of talk time upfront. With current rates as low as $0.005 to $0.015 per minute, a $10 card can deliver anywhere from 600 to over 1,000 minutes of calling. That said, some physical cards include hidden costs that can reduce your balance even when you’re not actively calling.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service providers such as Calilio, Ooma, and RingCentral are ideal for home offices and businesses that need a reliable Canadian calling option over an internet connection. These services usually operate on monthly subscriptions ranging from $15 to $30, and most include unlimited calling to both the US and Canada. In addition to cost savings, VoIP services often provide professional features like call forwarding and voicemail-to-email.

For the most affordable solution and personal calls, internet-based calling apps are the best choice. Apps like WhatsApp and FaceTime allow free app-to-app calls between the US and Canada, as they only use data or Wi-Fi. However, you and the person you are calling must have an active account on the app. On the other hand, if you need to call a Canadian landline or someone without the app, Viber offers call rates starting at $0.01 to $0.02.

The ideal time to call Canada from the US can range from 1:30 AM to 9 PM for different time zones, which corresponds to 9 AM to 6 PM in Canada. Since these countries have multiple time zones, it's better to check the time difference and contact the person accordingly.

Here is the table for the time range that corresponds to 9 AM to 6 PM in various time zones of Canada from the US.

Note: Most regions in the US and Canada observe Daylight Saving Time, which can temporarily shift time differences by one hour. Always double-check the local time during DST transition periods, especially for business or scheduled calls.

Calling Canada from the United States is far simpler than most international calls, thanks to the shared North American Numbering Plan. With no exit code required, a familiar dialing format, and overlapping time zones, staying connected across the border doesn’t have to be complicated. Understanding dialing rules, area codes, time differences, and calling costs helps ensure your calls connect smoothly and without unexpected charges.

Although traditional carriers and calling cards are dependable calling options, they often come with higher per-minute rates or added fees. For most users, VoIP calling is the most practical and cost-effective solution, offering reliable call quality and predictable pricing.