How to Call the United States from Canada: Step-by-Step Guide

Before calling the United States from Canada, consider the time zone difference, call rates, the US number format, and the correct area codes.

Since the US has multiple time zones, it's important to confirm local time before you place an international call to avoid disruption.

The United States has six main time zones: Eastern, Central, Mountain, Pacific, Alaska, and Hawaii-Aleutian. Most Canadian cities share the same time zone as nearby U.S. cities. However, some locations have a time difference of 1 to 4.5 hours.

For Example, if you are in Toronto and calling a client in Los Angeles, there is a 3-hour difference. Always check the local time before making a business call to avoid an inappropriate hour.

Canada and the US both use the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), which makes cross-border calling easier. But calling rates may vary depending on your phone plan. Some plans offer discounted rates when calling the USA from Canada, while others may charge international fees.

Alternatively, VoIP services are a cost-effective way to make international calls to US numbers. Always check with your carrier or phone service provider to avoid unexpected charges, especially for frequent or business-related calls.

An area code is a three-digit number that identifies a specific geographic region within a country. It is dialed after the country code. Each area code corresponds to a city, region, or part of a state, so using the correct one ensures your call connects successfully to the right place.

When calling the US from Canada, enter the appropriate three-digit area code for the recipient’s location, such as 212 for New York, 310 for Los Angeles, or 305 for Miami.

With 335 area codes in the US, selecting the right one ensures your call connects to the correct region. Here are some popular US area codes:

To place a call to the US from Canada, use the international dialing prefix, the US country code, the area code, and the receiver’s number.

Here’s how to dial the USA from Canada on a landline number:

1. Enter 011 - Canada's exit code.
2. Dial 1 - the US country code.
3. Enter the area code of the destination city.
4. Dial the 7- digit local number.

To call a United States mobile number from Canada, dial the exit code of Canada, the American country code, the area code, and the receiver’s phone number.

1. Dial 011 - the exit code of Canada.
2. Enter 1 - the US country code.
3. Enter the area code you want to connect to.
4. Dial the receiver’s mobile number.

To call a US toll-free number from Canada, enter the Canadian exit code, the United States country code, the area code, and the recipient's phone number.

1. Enter 011 - the Canadian exit code.
2. Dial 1 - the US country code.
3. Enter the toll-free area code.
4. Dial the recipient’s phone number.

Note: Not all Canadian telecom carriers support access to US toll-free numbers. If it doesn’t connect, you might need an international calling plan or contact the service provider.

Understanding how to call the US from Canada helps you avoid common mistakes in number format, connection errors, time differences, and international calling charges. The correct dialing format includes Canada’s exit code, followed by the US country code, area code, and the receiver’s local number.
 

To dial US numbers from Canada, use 011 (Canada’s exit code), followed by 1 (US country code), followed by the area code and 7-digit phone number. For example: Example: 011-1-212-xxx-xxxx.

Calling the United States from Canada can be costlier due to long-distance call rates. Using VoIP apps or a virtual number can offer cheap international calling options.

The exit code of Canada is 011.

Dial your country’s exit code (011 if calling from Canada), followed by the US country code (1), area code, and the local number.