United States – Landlines and Mobile Phones

What are the international dialling codes for the United States, and what are the area codes for the most popular expat destinations?

The United States country code is 1, which you may encounter written as +1 or 001 — all three represent exactly the same thing. One important detail: this code applies not only to the United States but also to Canada and a number of Caribbean nations, all of which participate in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). What this means in practice is that dialling +1 alone tells you nothing about which country you are reaching — the three-digit area code that follows is what actually directs your call to the right place.

To call a US number from overseas, dial the + symbol (or whatever international exit code your country uses), then the country code 1, followed by the three-digit area code and the seven-digit local number. The complete format is: +1 + area code + 7-digit local number. One thing that often catches people out is that — unlike many European countries where you omit a leading zero from the area code when dialling internationally — US numbers carry no leading zero at all. The dialling format is the same whether you are calling a landline or a mobile number: +1 + area code + 7-digit local number.

Within the United States, phone numbers are organised by area codes — three-digit prefixes that identify geographic regions. These appear immediately after the international country code (+1) and are essential for routing calls to the correct part of the country. As demand for numbers has grown over the decades, many cities have accumulated several area codes, and new ones continue to be introduced. Crucially, area codes are used for both landlines and mobile phones — there is no way to tell from the area code alone whether you are dialling a home phone or a cell phone.

The table below lists area codes for major cities popular with expats across the United States. Note that some cities have multiple active codes, and this list should be verified against current records as new codes are periodically added.

Certain area codes have taken on an almost cultural significance in the United States — 212 for Manhattan, 213 for Los Angeles, and 312 for Chicago have all featured in films and music as instant shorthand for their respective cities. For a full and up-to-date listing of all US area codes, consult the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA), the official body responsible for assigning and tracking area codes across the country.

Who are the major landline providers in the United States, and how can you contact them?

Identifying a good home phone provider in the US is increasingly complicated as the major telecoms companies continue their shift away from traditional copper-wire infrastructure toward fibre-optic and internet-based alternatives. Despite this transition, a number of substantial national and regional providers still offer residential phone services — either as standalone packages or, more commonly, as part of bundled deals that combine home phone with broadband internet and television. Availability is highly location-dependent, and not every provider operates across all 50 states.

AT&T stands as the country’s largest landline operator and also runs several subsidiary companies including Indiana Bell, Michigan Bell, Pacific Bell, Southwestern Bell, and BellSouth Telecommunications. Its home phone service includes unlimited calling to the United States, Canada, and Mexico, along with more than 20 integrated call management features. It is worth noting that AT&T’s digital phone service is typically sold as part of a broader bundle with internet or television, rather than as a standalone product. Visit att.com/home-phone or reach AT&T customer service by calling 1-800-288-2020.

Verizon provides its Fios Home Phone service over a fibre-optic network; where Fios infrastructure is not available, legacy copper landline service may still apply. Fios Home Phone operates as a VoIP service running over a broadband connection, offering more than 30 calling features including caller ID, voicemail, and spam call blocking. Verizon Fios Home Phone is priced at around $25 per month (fees vary by location, as of 2025), with broadband bundle options starting from approximately $74.99 monthly — always check the official website for current pricing. Visit verizon.com/home/phone or call 1-800-837-4966. Verizon’s home phone service is largely confined to the north-eastern United States.

Xfinity, operated by Comcast, has a broad national footprint. Its Xfinity Voice product delivers calls over Comcast’s broadband network using VoIP technology, offering unlimited calls within the US along with enhanced features and competitive international rates. Plans begin at around $30 per month (as of 2025), and some options cover unlimited calling to more than 90 countries — confirm current pricing on the official website. Visit xfinity.com or call 1-800-934-6489.

Spectrum, owned by Charter Communications, is another widely available choice. Spectrum Voice plans are priced from around $29.99 monthly (as of 2025) and include unlimited domestic calling as well as calls to Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, plus more than 28 included calling features — check directly with Spectrum for the latest pricing. Visit spectrum.com or call 1-855-243-8892.

Cox Communications provides home phone service in a number of states, primarily in the south and west of the country. Cox’s residential phone offering includes advanced features and unlimited calling to the US, Mexico, and Canada across its service territory. Visit cox.com or call 1-855-870-4994.

Additional regional providers include Brightspeed, which was established in 2022 when Lumen divested its landline operations across 20 states, and Windstream, which primarily serves rural communities in 29 states. Pricing for all providers changes regularly, so always check the relevant official website for the most current tariffs.

Who are the major mobile phone providers in the United States, and how can you contact them?

Three carriers — AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon — own and operate the physical infrastructure that underpins the US wireless market, including the towers and licensed spectrum. Alongside these facilities-based operators, a large and growing segment of the market is served by Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), which do not own their own towers but instead lease capacity from the Big Three to deliver lower-cost or more specialised plans to consumers.

All three of the major carriers have standardised on 4G LTE and 5G NR for their wireless communications and sell SIM cards through both their retail stores and online channels. Their networks collectively cover the overwhelming majority of the US population, although coverage quality and depth vary — particularly in rural areas — where some smaller carriers may offer their own native coverage in specific regions.

MVNOs such as Cricket Wireless and Metro by T-Mobile piggyback on the infrastructure of the major carriers to deliver service at lower price points. They are especially popular among new arrivals and cost-conscious users. Plan pricing for all providers changes frequently due to promotions, so always verify current rates on each carrier’s official website.

Mobile coverage across the United States is far from uniform. Major metropolitan areas are generally well served by all three networks, but signal quality in rural locations can differ dramatically from one carrier to the next. If you are moving to or frequently travelling through less-populated regions, it is strongly advisable to review each carrier’s coverage map before making a commitment. T-Mobile has invested heavily in rural 5G, while Verizon has traditionally been regarded as reliable for rural 4G LTE. The FCC’s coverage tools can provide an additional layer of comparison by location.

How do I get a landline connected in the United States?

Home phone services in the US are broadly accessible, available either as standalone products or bundled with internet and television packages. Connecting a residential phone line is a relatively simple process that can be initiated online, over the phone, or by visiting a provider’s retail outlet. Whether you own your home or rent it makes little practical difference — both homeowners and tenants can apply directly to providers without requiring landlord approval.

1. Confirm which providers are available at your address. Enter your ZIP code on each provider’s website to check availability. Coverage varies considerably not just by state but sometimes street by street — not all major carriers operate in every area.
2. Select a plan that meets your needs. Decide whether you want a home phone-only package or a bundle that includes broadband and television. Bundled deals often represent better value than standalone phone plans.
3. Apply with your chosen provider. Sign-up can be completed online, over the phone, or at a retail location. You will generally need to supply your name, service address, and a payment method. Some providers may also request photo identification when creating a new account.
4. Arrange for installation or use a self-install kit. Much of the industry has moved away from traditional copper lines toward VoIP-based services, which typically deliver clearer call quality and a wider range of features. VoIP technology works with standard landline handsets by connecting them to a VoIP adapter or modem that includes a phone jack, so existing handsets can usually be reused without issue. Some carriers provide self-install equipment by post; others dispatch a technician.
5. Activate the service. Once the hardware is in place, follow your provider’s activation instructions — usually a call to a dedicated activation number or a brief online process.
6. Transfer an existing number if needed. If you want to retain an existing US landline number, request a number port at the time of application. The FCC requires all providers to support number porting — consult the FCC’s guide on number porting for a full explanation of your rights as a consumer.

Security deposits are not a universal requirement, but providers may request one from customers who cannot demonstrate a US credit history or produce a Social Security Number. Activation timescales vary: self-install services using existing broadband infrastructure can sometimes be operational within a day, while appointments for technician installations are generally booked one to two weeks out. Verify current requirements with your preferred provider, as policies differ from one company to another. For consumer protection matters and complaints, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is the relevant regulatory authority.

How do I get a mobile phone SIM card or contract in the United States?

The US mobile market caters to a wide spectrum of needs, from pay-as-you-go SIM cards available at convenience stores and airport kiosks to fully subsidised postpaid contracts with device financing. The right choice for you will depend on how long you intend to stay, your immigration situation, and whether you already have a US credit history. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) oversees the telecommunications sector, setting standards for competitive pricing, service quality, and consumer protections — including a formal complaints process for disputes with carriers.

Prepaid SIMs

For most people arriving in the US for the first time, a prepaid plan is the obvious starting point. These plans allow you to begin using your phone immediately, with no credit check, no Social Security Number, and no lengthy contractual obligation. You pay upfront for service periods that can range from a week to a month, giving you full visibility over what you are spending. Prepaid options have matured significantly in recent years, and the best plans now offer unlimited talk, text, and data at rates that compare favourably with postpaid contracts.

Most carriers do not ask for a Social Security Number when activating prepaid plans, and a passport is widely accepted as sufficient identification. This frictionless access makes prepaid plans in the US function much like their counterparts in many European countries — you buy the SIM, activate it, and top it up as needed.

Postpaid (contract) plans

Postpaid plans are billed in arrears each month and typically come with credit checks, contractual terms, and potential early termination fees. The documentation required to open a postpaid account — usually an established US credit history, a permanent US address, and a Social Security Number — puts these plans out of reach for most new arrivals. Some carriers do offer postpaid products that skip the credit check, but these alternatives usually require a substantial upfront security deposit to be held by the provider.

eSIMs

The way people connect to US networks is shifting from a process centred on physical hardware to one driven by software. For anyone with an eSIM-capable device, the traditional experience of hunting down a physical SIM card has become largely unnecessary. Services such as Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad allow you to purchase and install a US data profile before you even board your flight. The benefits are clear: instant activation, no need to handle a physical card, and the ability to keep your original number active on your home network for SMS messages and two-factor authentication codes while using a US data plan simultaneously.

For a physical or eSIM from a US carrier to work, your handset must be unlocked from its original network. Phones bought on a financing plan or contract abroad may be software-locked to that provider and will refuse to accept a foreign SIM. Check your device settings before you travel, and if your phone is locked, contact your existing carrier to request an unlock before departing.

1. Confirm your phone is unlocked and that its radio frequencies are compatible with US networks. This can usually be checked in your device’s settings menu.
2. Research providers and choose a plan. Weigh up the Big Three carriers against MVNOs, taking into account coverage in the specific area where you will be living. For first-time arrivals, a prepaid plan is almost always the most practical option.
3. Obtain a SIM or eSIM. Options include purchasing online before you travel, picking one up at an airport kiosk on arrival (though prices at airports tend to be inflated), visiting a carrier’s retail store in the city, or buying from a supermarket or pharmacy. At major international airports like JFK, LAX, and SFO, automated kiosks and SIM outlets exist but often carry a significant premium. It is frequently more economical to connect to airport Wi-Fi and download a travel eSIM, or wait until you reach a high street carrier store.
4. Provide the required identification. For prepaid plans, a passport is accepted by most carriers. For postpaid contracts, you will additionally need to supply a Social Security Number and proof of a permanent US address. Activation can be done in-store for immediate service and hands-on support, or online at your convenience.
5. Activate your plan and adjust your phone’s APN settings if prompted. For eSIM activation, carriers typically provide a QR code or direct you through their app to complete the process digitally.

How do I pay my telephone bill in the United States?

Phone bills in the United States — whether for a landline or a mobile — are issued on a monthly cycle in the vast majority of cases. There are several ways to pay, mirroring the range of options you would encounter in most other developed countries: online, via automatic bank deduction, by telephone, by post, or in person at a retail location.

• AutoPay (direct debit): This is the most widely used and actively promoted payment method. The majority of carriers reward customers who set up autopay with a small monthly discount — typically in the region of $5–$10 per line (as of 2025; confirm with your provider). AutoPay draws the bill amount automatically from your linked bank account or credit/debit card on the same date each month.
• Online account portal or mobile app: Every major carrier provides both a website account portal and a smartphone app through which you can review your itemised bill, make one-off card payments, and adjust your plan at any time.
• By telephone: You can contact your carrier’s customer service line and settle your bill over the phone using a credit or debit card.
• In-store payment: Most carrier retail stores accept in-person bill payments. Some providers also have arrangements with certain supermarkets and convenience stores that act as authorised payment points.
• Prepaid top-up: If you are on a prepaid plan, you can add credit by purchasing a physical top-up voucher from a pharmacy, supermarket, or petrol station, or by paying directly through the carrier’s website or app. Many prepaid plans also support autopay renewal, which automatically refreshes your plan every 30 days without any action on your part.

Policies around late payments vary between providers. Most carriers issue reminders before suspending service, but disconnection for non-payment can happen — typically after 30 to 60 days of arrears, depending on the carrier. Reconnection fees may be charged when service is restored. Unlike some countries where regulators cap late payment fees, in the United States these charges are set by individual carrier contracts, so it is worth reading the small print carefully when signing up. If you have a dispute with your provider that cannot be resolved directly, the FCC’s Consumer Complaint Centre is the principal official avenue for escalation.

Are there any practical tips for using phones in the United States as a newcomer?

International roaming from the US

International roaming is offered by all three of the major US carriers, though the quality, coverage, and cost vary considerably between them. T-Mobile’s postpaid plans include basic international data access in more than 215 countries as a default feature (refer to t-mobile.com for current terms and conditions). AT&T and Verizon instead offer international day passes charged at a flat daily rate. For anyone who travels abroad frequently, sourcing an eSIM from a third-party provider will often be more cost-effective than relying on your US carrier’s roaming fees. Calls over internet-based applications — such as WhatsApp, FaceTime, or other VoIP tools — are free of traditional calling charges as long as you have a reliable Wi-Fi or mobile data connection, since they draw from your data allowance rather than your call minutes.

Porting an existing number

The FCC’s consumer protection framework applies to all users of US telecommunications, including recent arrivals, and ensures providers cannot engage in unfair practices. One important right this framework grants is the ability to port your US mobile number to any new carrier of your choosing — your existing provider is legally prohibited from blocking or unreasonably delaying this process. While the EU mandates number porting within one working day, the US process can take up to 24 hours, although mobile-to-mobile transfers often complete much faster. To initiate a port, you will need your account number and PIN from your current carrier. It is not possible to transfer a foreign phone number directly to a US carrier — a new US number will be required.

eSIM availability

The US telecoms landscape is undergoing rapid change, with the migration from physical SIM cards to embedded eSIM technology accelerating alongside the continued growth of MVNOs. The majority of smartphones manufactured from 2019 onwards include eSIM functionality, and all three of the main US carriers support eSIM activation. For newcomers, this is particularly convenient: it means you can establish a US number before landing — or the moment you step off the plane — without needing to find a carrier store.

Coverage quality

Signal strength and network quality across the United States are anything but consistent. While cities are well saturated with coverage from multiple competing networks, rural areas can be a very different story. The major expat destinations — New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Houston, Seattle, and Washington D.C. — all enjoy strong multi-carrier coverage, including widespread 5G in central districts. If you expect to spend time in less-populated areas, review each carrier’s official coverage map thoroughly before making your choice.

Spam and robocalls

Automated unsolicited calls — known in the US as “robocalls” — are far more prevalent in the United States than in most other developed countries and represent a constant nuisance for phone users. Registering your number on the National Do Not Call Registry, which is managed by the Federal Trade Commission, will reduce — though not entirely eliminate — unwanted marketing calls. Most modern smartphones and the major carriers themselves now incorporate built-in spam detection and call filtering tools that can provide an additional layer of protection.

Ten-digit dialling

Across most of the United States, even local calls within the same area code now require the full ten-digit number — that is, the three-digit area code followed by the seven-digit local number. This requirement was rolled out in stages from 2021 as part of the nationwide introduction of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which needed a simple three-digit shortcode to be unambiguous. If you lived in the US before this change and were accustomed to dialling just seven digits for local calls, be aware that this is no longer standard practice in most locations.

Emergency numbers

The universal emergency number throughout the United States is 911, which connects you to police, fire, and ambulance services. The international emergency number 112 is also functional on most US mobile networks. For non-urgent matters involving local authorities, many cities and counties operate a 311 line for general enquiries and non-emergency police concerns.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep my foreign number when I move to the United States?

No — it is not possible to transfer a non-US phone number to an American carrier. You will need to set up a brand-new US number. That said, you can keep your overseas SIM card active on a low-cost or pay-as-you-go basis to continue receiving calls and messages on your original number, which is particularly useful for bank authentication and staying in touch with contacts in your home country. Dual-SIM handsets and eSIM-compatible devices make juggling two numbers straightforward.

Do I need a local address to get a SIM card in the United States?

For prepaid SIM cards, a local address is generally not a requirement for activation, and most carriers will accept a passport as sufficient identification without asking for anything further. Some online sign-up forms may include an address field for correspondence purposes, but this is typically not a barrier. For postpaid contracts, the requirements are more substantial: you will normally need to supply a permanent US address, demonstrate an established US credit history, and provide a Social Security Number.

What is the best mobile option for someone who has just arrived in the US?

A prepaid plan is the most practical starting point for the vast majority of new arrivals. These plans activate immediately, require no credit check or Social Security Number, and carry no long-term commitment. MVNOs such as Mint Mobile, Cricket Wireless, and Metro by T-Mobile offer particularly competitive pricing while running on the same physical networks as the Big Three. Once you have obtained a Social Security Number and had sufficient time to build a US credit history — which typically takes several months — you can reassess whether a postpaid plan would better suit your circumstances.

Will my phone from another country work in the United States?

For a handset to accept a US SIM, it must first be unlocked from its original carrier. Phones that were purchased through a financing arrangement or on a subsidised contract in another country are often software-locked to the provider that sold them. Beyond the unlocking requirement, you should also verify that your device supports the radio frequency bands used by US carriers, as these differ in some cases from those common in Europe or Asia. It is worth confirming band compatibility with your intended carrier before committing to a plan.

How long does it take to get a landline connected in the United States?

The wait time depends largely on your chosen provider and the type of installation required. Where a provider offers a self-install kit — common with VoIP-over-broadband services — it is often possible to have everything working within a day or two of receiving the equipment. If a technician visit is necessary for a new line installation, you can generally expect to wait one to two weeks for an appointment. Contact your preferred provider directly to get an accurate estimate for your specific location.

Is there a government body I can contact if I have a complaint about my phone service?

Yes. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is the federal body responsible for regulating the telecommunications industry in the United States. It oversees standards for competitive pricing and service quality and offers a formal route for consumers to raise disputes with carriers. Complaints can be submitted online via the FCC Consumer Complaint Centre. If your complaint relates specifically to telemarketing abuse or billing fraud, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the appropriate agency — you can report issues at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Can I get a postpaid contract without a Social Security Number?

Postpaid contracts are generally designed for established US residents and almost always require a Social Security Number so the carrier can carry out a credit check. If you have no US credit history, certain carriers offer postpaid products that waive the credit check, though these typically require a sizeable security deposit. If you hold an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), it may be worth asking in-store whether your carrier will accept this as a substitute for an SSN, since practice varies between providers and individual store staff may have discretion in borderline cases.

What is a robocall, and what can I do about unwanted calls in the US?

A robocall is an automated telephone call that delivers a pre-recorded message — a format widely exploited by telemarketers and scammers. Robocalls are especially common in the United States, where they represent a genuine daily frustration for many phone users. Adding your number to the National Do Not Call Registry, run by the Federal Trade Commission, legally bars most marketing callers from contacting registered numbers — though it does not cover every category of call. Most major carriers and smartphone operating systems also include built-in spam detection and call-screening tools that can reduce the volume of unwanted calls reaching you.