Have you ever found yourself struggling to dial a US number from abroad? It’s a common issue! First, you need to remember the American international dialing code, figure out the correct area code, and finally dial the local number. While this may seem like a simple task, it often leads to confusion, especially when you don’t call the US frequently. You’re not alone in this. Many people experience the same frustration. It’s easy to make mistakes by forgetting the international dialing code or dialing the wrong area code, and when that happens, your call doesn’t go through. Remembering all these numbers can feel like a hassle when you just want to make a simple call.

But what if there was a way to make this process simpler? What if you didn’t have to remember all those codes? That’s where Slick comes in. With Slick, you don’t need to worry about the US dialing code or area codes. Just select the US as your destination, dial your local number, and you’re connected instantly—no codes, no hassle. In this blog, we’ll explain how to dial a US number internationally, why the process can be confusing, and how Slick removes all the guesswork, making calling the US easy and stress-free. Let’s get started!

What is the American International Dialing Code and why is It Important?

When you’re dialing a US number from abroad, the first thing you need to know is the American international dialing code, which is +1. It’s the same as the US country code that tells the phone network you’re calling the US, and it’s the first number you dial before entering the rest of the phone number. Think of it as the key to a door. The +1 international dialing code opens the door to calling the US. If you forget it, your call simply won’t go through.

So, whenever you want to make an international call to the US, just remember to start with +1. No +1? Your call won’t reach its destination. It’s that simple! Now that we’ve got that covered, let’s talk about the next step: area codes.

What is the Area Code for the United States of America?

Have you ever wondered why some phone numbers seem to start with a different set of digits, like 212 or 310? These are area codes, and they’re essential for dialing within the US. An area code is a three-digit number that represents a specific geographic region or city. It helps the phone system route your call to the right place. For example, if you want to call someone in New York City, you’ll need the area code 212. If you’re trying to reach someone in Los Angeles, you’ll need 213. 

It’s a little like sending a letter to someone in a big city—just like the street address helps the mailman find the house, the area code helps the phone system find the right location for your call. So, area codes tell the system where to send your call, making sure it reaches the right person. Without them, the call wouldn’t know where to go.

Example of the American International Dialing Code with Phone Number

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s put it all together with a real-life example. Suppose you want to call a friend from abroad in New York City. Here’s what you would dial: +1 (212) XXX-XXXX.

Here’s how it works:

• +1 is the American international dialing code—it tells the network you’re calling the US.
• 212 is the area code for New York City.
• XXX-XXXX is the local number of the person you’re trying to reach.

Think of the +1 as your passport into the US, the area code as your destination city, and the local number as the exact address of your friend. When you have all three parts, you’re good to go. Now that we know how the US dialing system works, let’s talk about why your call to the US might not be going through. It’s a common problem, and we’ll help you figure out why in the next section. Stick with us!

Use the American International Dialing Code Successfully in 5 Simple Steps

Calling someone in the US from another country? It’s not as complicated as it sounds—once you know the steps. But have you ever dialed what you thought was a correct number, only to hear it didn’t go through? You’re not alone. Most of the time, it’s just a small mistake with a code. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you get it right, using the +1 code the way it’s meant to be used.

• Step 1 

Dial your country’s exit code: Every international call starts with an exit code. It tells you that you’re calling your phone network outside your country. For example, the UK uses 00.

• Step 2

Enter the international dialing code: Now type +1—that’s the American international dialing code. It connects you to the United States.

• Step 3

Add the area code: Next, include the area code for the United States of America. It is a 3-digit number tied to a city or region. For instance, 212 is for New York City, and 213 is for Los Angeles. It’s kind of like adding a ZIP code when sending a letter—it gets your call to the right place.

• Step 4 

Enter the local number: Now dial the 7-digit American landline code or mobile number. Something like 123-1234.

• Step 5 

Double-check and call: Exit Code + international dialing code (+1) + Area Code + Local Number. So, a full US number might look like +1 212 123 1234. To summarize this process, here is the formula to keep in mind:

Exit code + American international dialing code + Local US area code + Local US number

And that’s it! Pretty straightforward once you break it down, right? Up next, let’s talk about why your call still might not be working—even when you’ve dialed everything correctly. Spoiler: It’s not always your fault. Let’s find out why.

Why Your Call Isn’t Going Through: 3 Common Mistakes with the American International Dialing Code

You’ve followed all the steps. You added the +1 code, punched in the number, and hit call. But still—nothing happens. Why does it feel like you’re trying to crack a secret code just to reach someone in the US? Let’s walk through the most common reasons your call might be failing and how to fix them easily.

    1. Incorrect Use of the American International Dialing Code

This one’s at the top of the list. If you forget to start with +1, your call won’t even leave your country’s network. The +1 code is the gateway to reaching US numbers. Think of it as putting the right address on a letter—if the country name is missing, it won’t be delivered. Always begin with +1, which is the official US dialing code.

    2. Confusion with Area Codes

The US has hundreds of area codes, and it’s easy to get them wrong. Some people assume they need to add a zero at the beginning (like many countries require), but the area code for the United States of America should never start with a zero. For instance, use 212 for NYC, not 0212.

    3. Too Many Codes to Remember

Do you really want to memorize exit codes, the American international dialing code, and area codes—just to make a single call? Most people don’t. It’s even harder when you’re traveling or in a rush.

Do you feel like international calling is more complicated than it should be? The good news: Slick makes it unbelievably easy. No codes, no mistakes, no stress. In the next section, we will see how Slick simplifies US calling.

Calling Made Simple: How Slick Handles the American International Dialing Code for You

Let’s be real—calling the US from abroad shouldn’t feel like decoding a secret message. Yet, that’s how it often feels when you’re trying to figure out the right American international dialing code, the correct area code for the United States of America, and then the actual number. Why should something as basic as calling your friend in California feel like prepping for a math exam? That’s where Slick steps in.

You Don’t Need to Remember Any Codes

When you use Slick, the app takes care of all the technical stuff in the background. You don’t need to know what the USA’s international dialing code is or whether to start with +1 or 011. You just select the country (United States), type in the number—like you would locally—and hit call. Slick automatically applies the international dialing code of America, so your call connects instantly. It’s kind of like having a smart friend who always knows the right number to dial. You focus on talking; Slick handles the rest.

USA Calling Plans That Make Sense

Calling the US through traditional carriers? You could end up paying more than the price of your coffee. Slick offers affordable, flexible international calling plans designed to fit your needs—whether you’re calling once a week or every day. With Slick’s US calling plans, there are no hidden fees, no confusing breakdowns, and no nasty surprises. Just choose your plan, start calling, and pay only for what you use. And yes, the call quality is super clear, too.

One App for More Than Just Calls

Slick isn’t just about voice calls. If you’re traveling to the U.S., Slick also offers eSIM, which means you can stay online without juggling physical SIM cards. And if your family in the US needs more talk time, you can send them mobile top-ups right through the app. Imagine traveling to the US, having data from the moment you land, and making local calls without even thinking about codes. That’s the Slick experience.

Simplify the American International Dialing Code with Slick

Let’s be honest—how many times have you paused mid-call to Google “What is the American international dialing code” or “How do you dial the U.S. from abroad?” If that sounds like you, you’re not alone. Many people get tripped up by the international dialing code, the endless list of area codes for the United States of America, and whether to include a “+” or not. It’s not just confusing—it’s frustrating. But you don’t have to deal with that anymore. Slick was built to make all of this simpler. With it, you don’t have to memorize multiple calling codes, stress about formatting, or worry about dropped calls because of one wrong digit.

Instead of navigating the maze of dialing rules, Slick lets you connect with just a few taps. Whether you’re calling a friend in New York, a hotel in Florida, or a client in San Francisco, all you have to do is choose the US as your destination. Slick takes care of inserting the correct American international dialing code, and everything else falls into place. It’s like having a shortcut button for international calling. 

Plus, Slick gives you more than just calling. With access to affordable international calling plans, seamless eSIM data plans for US travel, and instant mobile top-ups, everything you need to stay connected is in one clean, easy-to-use app.

Conclusion

So, next time you’re about to punch in a US number and second-guess whether you’re missing the American international dialing code, remember—you don’t have to do it the hard way. Why not let Slick handle the technical stuff so you can focus on the conversation? No codes. No confusion, just an instant connection. And now that you know how Slick makes calling the US effortless, what’s stopping you from giving it a try? Let’s make your next call to the United States smarter, smoother, and stress-free.