How to Call the
USA from Canada
Calling the US is just like calling a neighbor. No "011" required. Simply dial 1 + Area Code + Number. Avoid expensive "US Long Distance" plans and call for pennies.
How to Call USA from Canada
Since Canada and the USA share the same dialing system (NANP), calling is straightforward.
Dial 1
Start by dialing 1.
Do NOT dial 011.
Area Code
Enter the 3-digit Area Code of the US city (e.g., 212 for NYC, 310 for LA).
Number
Dial the 7-digit phone number.
What is NANP?
The North American Numbering Plan (NANP) is a shared telephone numbering scheme for 25 countries, including Canada, the USA, and many Caribbean nations. This is why you don't need an international exit code (011) to call between these countries.
Popular US Area Codes
Common destinations for Canadians calling the USA.
| City | State | Area Code |
|---|---|---|
| New York City | NY | 212 / 917 |
| Los Angeles | CA | 310 / 213 |
| Chicago | IL | 312 / 773 |
| Miami | FL | 305 / 786 |
| Houston | TX | 713 / 281 |
| City | State | Area Code |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | CA | 415 |
| Washington DC | DC | 202 |
| Boston | MA | 617 |
| Las Vegas | NV | 702 |
| Seattle | WA | 206 |
Why Pay "Long Distance"
Fees?
Even though dialing the US is easy, Canadian carriers treat it as a premium service. Roaming in the US can cost $12/day, and calling from Canada can cost $0.50/min.
- Avoid $12/day 'Roam Like Home' fees
- No long-distance contracts needed
- Call US mobiles and landlines
- Perfect for snowbirds and business
Cheap Rates
Pay pennies per minute instead of carrier long-distance rates.
Any US Number
Reach any mobile or landline in all 50 states.
Instant
No plans to sign. Just dial and talk immediately.
Reliable
Premium voice quality for important business calls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I dial 011 for USA?
No. Never dial 011 when calling the USA from Canada. 011 is only for calls outside the North American Numbering Plan (like Europe or Asia). For the US, just dial 1.
Is calling the US free from Canada?
Not usually. Unless you have a specific 'Canada-US' plan with your mobile carrier, you will be charged long-distance fees. StartACall offers a much cheaper pay-as-you-go alternative.
How do I call a US toll-free number (800) from Canada?
You can dial US toll-free numbers (800, 888, 877, etc.) from Canada by simply dialing 1 + the number. These calls are often free, but some US companies block calls from Canadian numbers.
What is the country code for USA?
The country code is +1. This is the same country code as Canada.
Call the USA for Less
Connect with friends, family, and business partners across the border.