What is the US country code (+1) and how does it work?

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The US country code is +1. When you call a US number from abroad, you first dial your country’s international exit code, then +1, then the 10-digit US number (3-digit area code + 7-digit local number). The +1 code is part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), which also covers Canada and several Caribbean territories.

A country calling code is simply the prefix that tells the international network which country or region you’re trying to reach. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) maintains these codes globally.

In practice:

Structure: +1 – area code – local number
Example: +1 212 555 1234 (New York)
From abroad: [exit code] + 1 + 212 555 1234

According to US telecom data, there are hundreds of millions of active mobile subscriptions in the United States, all reachable via the +1 country code.

Is the US country code 001 or 1?

Short answer: the country code is 1 (+1).

The confusion comes from mixing up:

Exit code (varies by country: often 00 or 011)
Country code (1 for US and other NANP regions)

So:

From many countries in Europe: 00 1 212 555 1234
From the US/Canada to another +1 country, you usually dial 1 + number.

Think of it as:

[exit code] + 1 + [area code] + [local number]

not “001” as the actual country code.

What countries share the +1 country code?

The +1 country code isn’t just the United States. It’s used by the entire NANP zone, including:

The United States and its territories
Canada
Several Caribbean countries and territories (e.g., Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, etc.)

Each region gets its own 3-digit area code under the shared +1 “umbrella.” That’s why +1 alone doesn’t tell you where — you need the area code too.

US phone number format with country code: simple breakdown

A standard US phone number format with country code looks like this:

+1 AAA BBB CCCC

– +1 = US country code

– AAA = 3-digit area code

– BBB CCCC = 7-digit local number

So if you see +1 415 555 9876, that’s:

+1 → NANP region (US/Canada/etc.)
415 → area code (San Francisco Bay Area)
555 9876 → local phone number

Example US phone numbers with the +1 country code

A few examples in international format:

New York (Manhattan): +1 212 555 1234
Los Angeles: +1 213 555 9876
Miami: +1 305 555 2222

On your dial pad from abroad, it might look like:

From many European countries: 00 1 212 555 1234
From India: 00 1 213 555 9876
From the UK: 00 1 305 555 2222

Inside the US, you often dial:

Local: 555 1234 or area code + number
Long-distance: 1 + area code + number

How to write a US phone number for forms and contacts

Different contexts, same logic:

International contact on phone: +1 212 555 1234
Web forms with separate fields:

Country code: +1
Area code: 212
Phone: 5551234

WhatsApp or messaging apps: always store as +1 plus the full number

The US number itself is 10 digits, including the +1 (area code + local), excluding special short codes.

The NANP now includes hundreds of geographic and non-geographic area codes across the US and other +1 territories, and more keep being added as numbers run out.

How to call a US number from abroad (step-by-step)

To call a US number from another country, follow this pattern:

[exit code] + 1 + [area code] + [local 7-digit number]

Example:

From many European countries: 00 1 212 555 1234
From Japan: 010 1 212 555 1234
From Mexico: 00 1 212 555 1234

A few concrete examples:

Calling New York (212) from Germany: 00 1 212 555 1234
Calling Los Angeles (213) from France: 00 1 213 555 5678
Calling Chicago (312) from Brazil: 00 1 312 555 9012

Always remove any local trunk prefix, such as leading 0s used in some countries — US numbers don’t start with 0 in international format.

International calling rates to the US can vary by hundreds of percent between carriers and countries, which is why many people switch to virtual US numbers or VoIP-style apps instead of traditional roaming. (Global Call Forwarding)

Instead of paying per-minute fees to receive codes or one-off calls, you can:

Use a virtual US number to receive calls/SMS online
Route calls via data or Wi-Fi
Keep your real SIM number private.

That’s precisely the gap PVAPins fills: quick, flexible US numbers without a plane ticket or a US carrier contract.

How to dial the US country code from India (with examples)

From India, the sequence is usually:

00 + 1 + [US area code] + [7-digit local number]

Example:

Calling a New York number: 00 1 212 555 1234
Calling a California number: 00 1 310 555 5678

“00” is the standard international exit code from India, “1” is the US country code, and the rest is the normal 10-digit US number.

Quick tips for Indian callers:

Check if your mobile carrier offers international packs for cheaper India-to-US calls.
Watch the time zone; IST can be up to 10+ hours ahead of US time zones.
If you call or verify US-based services frequently, a virtual US number from PVAPins is often cheaper than making repeated ISD calls.

Cross-border calling between India and the US remains one of the busiest international calling routes, driven by family, business, and remote work ties.

How to call the USA from the UK using the +1 country code

From the UK, the pattern is:

00 1 [area code] [local number]

Here:

00 = UK international access code
1 = US country code
Followed by the 10-digit US number

Examples:

Calling San Francisco: 00 1 415 555 9876
Calling New York: 00 1 212 555 4567 (Global Call Forwarding)

A few considerations:

UK carriers often charge higher per-minute rates for direct international calls.
Wi-Fi calling, apps, or a virtual US number can be more cost-effective if you call often.
There’s a 5–8-hour time difference between the UK and various US time zones, so plan business calls accordingly.

If you’re a UK-based freelancer, seller, or support operator serving US clients, using a virtual US number from PVAPins gives you:

A local +1 presence
Better control over call routing
Clear separation between personal and work numbers

How to call the US from Nigeria and other African countries

From Nigeria and many African countries, the pattern is similar:

00 + 1 + [US area code] + [local number]

Example from Nigeria:

Calling Dallas (214): 00 1 214 555 4321

Most African carriers use 00 as the international access code, then you add +1 and the 10-digit US number. Always check your provider’s instructions in case a different prefix is used.

Typical challenges:

High per-minute costs, especially on prepaid plans
Call quality issues (latency, drops) during peak hours.
Difficulty receiving reliable SMS OTPs for US apps or platforms

This is where a virtual US number can be a game-changer. With PVAPins, you can:

Pay using Nigeria & South Africa cards, crypto, or wallets like QIWI and GCash
Receive SMS/OTP quickly without hoping your roaming will cooperate.
Keep personal numbers in NG or ZA private while still having a US presence.

Mobile connectivity now contributes a growing share of GDP in Sub-Saharan Africa, and cross-border communication is only going up.

US country code and area codes: NANP basics explained

The US uses the +1 country code plus hundreds of 3-digit area codes under the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). Each area code maps to a region (state, city, or territory), followed by a 7-digit local number. Together, that gives you the full 10-digit US number you dial after +1.

NANP covers:

All 50 US states
US territories
Canada
Several Caribbean countries and territories

How US state and city area codes work

Area codes are assigned to:

States or large regions (e.g., 307 for all of Wyoming)
Significant metropolitan areas (e.g., 212 for Manhattan, 213 for central LA, 305 for Miami)
Overlays, in which multiple area codes serve the same geographic region, are used when numbers are running out.

As populations and devices grow, new area codes are added, often as overlays. That’s why some cities now have multiple area codes stacked on top of each other.

Standard US area codes you’ll see with +1

A few you’ll constantly bump into:

+1 212 / 646 / 332 – Manhattan (NYC)
+1 213 / 323 / 310 – Los Angeles area
+1 305 / 786 – Miami
+1 415 / 628 – San Francisco
+1 312 / 773 / 872 – Chicago

When you pick a US number with PVAPins, choosing specific area codes can help you look truly local (e.g., a NYC boutique or SF startup).

US ISO country code vs US phone country code: what’s the difference?

The US ISO country code is US (alpha-2) or USA (alpha-3), with 840 as the numeric code. These ISO codes are used in banking, logistics, databases, and international standards.

The US phone country code, however, is +1. That’s what you use when dialing.

In other words:

ISO codes (US/USA/840) appear in forms, systems, shipping labels, and payment systems.
+1: shows up on your phone keypad and messaging apps.

Forms that say “Country code” can mean either:

ISO country code (US/DE/IN)
Telephone country code (+1/+44/+91)

If you’re filling out a phone field, they almost always want +1. If it’s a dropdown of countries, they probably mean the US.

In PVAPins, you’ll see both styles: you select the country (US) in the UI, then get a +1 number in that region.

Do you really need a US SIM? Free vs low-cost virtual US numbers

You do not always need a physical US SIM to use the US country code +1. For many use cases, a virtual US number is smarter: cheaper, quicker, and more privacy-friendly.

A virtual number lets you:

Receive calls and SMS online
Use +1 for app verification, marketplaces, or support lines.
Separate your personal SIM from your public/business presence.

Traditional roaming vs virtual US number:

Roaming:

High per-minute and per-SMS costs
You expose your real phone number.
Great for short trips; terrible for long-term global use

Virtual US number (PVAPins):

Pay only for what you need: one-time OTP, short campaign, or long-term rental.
Get fast OTP delivery via web or Android app.
Keep your real number off public platforms.

Many users report saving 50–70% on verification and low-volume communication when switching to virtual numbers instead of relying on roaming or international SMS. (Global Call Forwarding)

When a virtual US number is smarter than roaming

Scenarios where a virtual +1 number wins:

You need US app accounts (e.g., marketplaces, ride-hailing, SaaS tools) without a US SIM.
You’re a freelancer or agency serving US clients and want a local number.
You’re running US-facing support or sales from another country.
You buy/sell online and want a buffer number instead of exposing your personal phone.

One-time activations vs long-term rentals

PVAPins gives you three main ways to use a US number:

Free Numbers

Great for quick, low-stakes testing
Shared usage; less control and privacy
Start here if you want to see how virtual numbers work.

One-Time Activation Numbers

Ideal for single SMS/OTP verifications
You pay once, receive your code, and you’re done.
Perfect if you don’t need the number after sign-up

Rental Numbers

For long-term usage: support lines, business profiles, recurring OTPs
You keep the same +1 number for a set period.
Great for building a consistent brand presence

To receive SMS reliably on your US number, use the PVAPins web interface or Android app at

How to use the US country code for WhatsApp and other apps

To use a US number with WhatsApp or similar apps, you need to save and verify the number in full international format:

+1 [area code] [local number]

Example:

Save as +1 415 555 6789
Choose the United States as the country in the app.
Enter 4155556789 when asked for the number (app auto-adds +1)

Then you’ll get an SMS or voice call OTP to confirm.

With PVAPins, you can get a virtual US number that receives OTPs instantly in your browser or Android app, without exposing your genuine SIM each time you sign up for something.

Compliance note:

PVAPins is not affiliated with WhatsApp, Telegram, or any other app. Please follow each app’s terms and local regulations.

Adding a US number to WhatsApp with +1

Basic flow:

Get a US number from PVAPins (free, one-time, or rental).
Save it in your phone as +1 + area code + number.
In WhatsApp, select United States (+1) and enter the 10-digit number.
Request SMS verification and read the code via PVAPins.
Complete the setup and start using WhatsApp with a US profile.

Using a US number for SMS/OTP verification (PVAPins)

This works similarly for other apps:

Social platforms
Marketplaces
SaaS tools
Delivery and ride-hailing apps

You:

Request a code
Watch it arrive inside PVAPins
Enter the OTP in the app.
Move on with your life.

Messaging apps now handle a huge share of global communication, and many platforms require a phone number to register. Virtual numbers fill that gap without forcing you to tie every account to your personal SIM.

Download the PVAPins Android app:

Getting a real +1 number in minutes with PVAPins

Here’s how you get a real +1 US number via PVAPins in just a few steps:

Sign in to your PVAPins account.
Choose the United States (US) from the list of 200+ supported countries.
Pick your type: free number, one-time activation, or rental number.
Select your preferred US area code if available.
Pay with your favorite method.
Start receiving calls or SMS (OTP codes, alerts, etc.).

PVAPins is built for speed, privacy, and developer-friendly stability:

200+ countries supported overall
Fast, reliable OTP delivery
Private / non-VoIP-style options for more trust on some platforms
API-ready for teams and tools that need scale or automation

Supported payments include:

Crypto
Binance Pay
Payeer
GCash
AmanPay
QIWI Wallet
Nigeria & South Africa cards
Skrill
Payoneer

It’s designed for people who can’t or don’t want to rely on traditional credit cards or local carriers to get a +1 number.

For more details and common questions, visit the PVAPins FAQ:

Common mistakes when using the US country code (+1) and how to fix them

Most errors with the US country code +1 boil down to formatting issues:

Adding extra zeros before +1
Keeping a local trunk prefix (like a starting 0) that doesn’t belong in US numbers
Mis-typing the area code or dropping a digit from the local number

Before you press “Call” or request an OTP, run a quick checklist:

Did I use the correct exit code (00, 011, etc.) for my country?
Did I enter +1 exactly once?
Do I have exactly 10 digits after +1 (3 for the area code, 7 for the local)?
If it’s an app, did I select the United States as the country?

Many “network problems” are actually just formatting problems. Testing a number with a quick SMS via a virtual US number from PVAPins can help you debug things quickly before you hand it to customers or add it to your website.

FAQs about the US country code (+1)

This section covers the most common questions about the US country code +1, including 001 vs 1, calling from overseas, WhatsApp formatting, and the difference between ISO and dialing codes. It’s built to be scannable and easy for search engines and AI tools to surface.

What is the country code for the United States?

The US country code is +1. Dial your country’s international exit code first, then +1, then the 10-digit US number (area code + local number).

Is the US country code 001 or 1?

The actual country code is 1, usually written as +1. “001” is just a combination of an exit code (often 00) and the one country code. Think in terms of [exit code] + 1 + number.

How do I call a US number from overseas?

Use the pattern [exit code] + 1 + [area code] + [local number]. For example, from many countries you dial 00 1 212 555 1234 to reach a New York line.

What is the US ISO country code?

The US ISO country codes are US (alpha-2), USA (alpha-3), and 840 (numeric). They’re used for data standards and logistics, not for dialing.

What countries use the +1 country code besides the US?

+1 is shared under the North American Numbering Plan by the US, Canada, and several Caribbean territories, each with its own area codes.

How do I write a US number in international format for WhatsApp?

Save the number as +1 [area code] [local number] with no extra zeros. Then verify it via SMS or call. PVAPins can provide a US number to receive OTPs, but it isn’t affiliated with WhatsApp or any other app.

How can I get a US phone number with the +1 country code?

You can get a virtual US number through PVAPins, choosing between free numbers, one-time activations, or rentals. Use it to receive calls or SMS while keeping your personal SIM private.