How to call Canada from the US

Are you looking for ways to call Canada from the US? If you are looking for ways to keep in touch with friends, family, colleagues, or business partners living in or visiting Canada, then this article is a must read for you There are many options for HD voice calling and texting, below we are sharing a brief guide to calling Canada from the USA. 
 

Dialing Canada from the US

Calling Canada from the United States should not be scary or overwhelming; it's simply just another international call. However, there are a few things to consider when making calls from the US to Canada.

The right formula to call Canada from the US is to dial the correct digits; see below:

“Country code + local codes + mumber”

However, you need to follow a different set of steps when calling Canada from the US using a mobile number or a landline number. Here is how:

Calling landlines and cell phones in Canada from US based cell phones and landlines is very similar.

Calling Canada from a US cell phone

Canada is situated in North America and comes under the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). Since all NANP countries have the same country code, "1", you may call from the US to Canada by dialing 1 before the desired number.

You can use the table below to find the required area codes of Canada.

Calling landlines and cell phones in Canada from US based cell phones and landlines is very similar.

Calling Canada from a US cell phone

Canada is situated in North America and comes under the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). Since all NANP countries have the same country code, "1", you may call from the US to Canada by dialing 1 before the desired number.

For calling a NANP country, the primary method is as follows: 1 + Area code (3 digits) + TEL # (7 digits), where:

• 1 – The ISD Code/Country Code of Canada
• 3 Digit Area Code – To call Canada from the US, you need to know the area codes for the desired number. For instance, there are 26 area codes in Canada. Remember to find the area code you need and dial it before the seven-digit number.

You can use the table below to find the required area codes of Canada.

On the other hand, when calling Canadian cell phones from the US, you need to follow this procedure:

• The Exit Code: 011
• 1 – The ISD Code/Country Code of Canada
• 7 digit – Canadian Mobile number

This method of calling Canada from the US works as a long-distance call. Also, it may be charged as an international call as per the network provider's policy.

To save the cost of international calling when dialing Canada from the US you can choose international calling apps, virtual or physical calling cards, or network plans that suit your needs.

Calling Canada from landlines

Whether you use a cellphone or a landline to make calls to Canada from the US, Follow the same procedures above to call from a cellphone to place a call to Canada from a landline in the US .

However, know that when it comes to landlines, there may be additional charges for international calling. Thus, if you are wondering if it costs extra to call Canada, see your landline plan before making any calls. To reduce the cost of calls, choose a reasonable plan that enables you to make calls without extra charges.

Canada country calling codes

When calling Canadian landlines, you need to use an area code of the particular region. To help you find the correct code, here is a list of all 26 regions.

Just dial 1 - The Area Code (Use the table below) - The 7 Digit Number to call any landline in Canada from the US.

Data source: https://www.allareacodes.com/canadian_area_codes.htm

How much does it cost to call Canada: comparison table

International calls are astronomically expensive,and even though Canada is part of the NANP countries you are charged international calling rates when calling Canada from the US. However, it is not always necessary to use cellular services to make day-to-day international calls.

When making calls to Canada from the US is a basic need, you can benefit from making make permanent arrangements to call over the Wi-Fi or cellular data.

To expand your options, here are a few things you can consider:

Mobile carriers special plans

As technology brings people closer, more network providers are offering plans to strengthen their grip in the app-centric industry. In fact, it is incredibly beneficial, as some regions are often underprivileged and lack basic facilities like data or Wi-Fi connections—this is where mobile carrier plans come into play.

There are various cellular network providers across the US, and you can choose one according to your need and budget. Here are a few you can consider:

Verizon – global calling plans

Verizon offers a variety of plans for international calling and texting. Users can subscribe to their unlimited data plans or shared data plans. Users can also choose a supplement plan to add international calls or messages. The plans start from as low as $5.00 per month.

AT&T – International Day Pass

AT&T offers unlimited texts and unlimited calls for $15.00 to all International Day Pass countries. Users can upgrade and downgrade the plans according to their needs.

Mobile applications special plans

Global Roaming and international calling are expensive options of communication. However, over the Wi-Fi or over-cellular data calls and texts bring much more convenience and stay light on the pocket. For calling internationally, you can opt for a variety of apps like:

• BOSS Revolution
• FaceTime
• Facebook Messenger
• Google Hangouts
• IMO
• Line
• Skype
• Tango
• Viber
• WhatsApp

The list can go on, however the apps listed above are considered the most credible ones according to the downloads, reviews, ratings, and features. With these apps, you can also make video calls without any hassle.

Virtual & physical calling cards

Want to call Canada from the US but don't have access to the internet? A great way of making international calls to Canada from the US without the need of an internet service is by using virtual or physical calling cards.

However, you need to be sure about the amount of money you want to spend on international calling, and you can find a card respectively. There are tangible cards available at shops like Wal-Mart and Target and virtual cards that you can buy online. If you want reliable virtual calling cards online for calling Canadian numbers, here are a few options to consider:

• BOSS Revolutions
• Communications Fidelity
• Rebtel
• Reliance Global Call
• Universal Call

Calling Canada for free

Many options are mentioned throughout the guide. You can choose the ones that have little to no costs on international calling. The best option is to consider Wi-Fi apps that allow you to make calls without any charges.

Furthermore, this option is only for people with the internet – whether Wi-Fi or cellular data. You can make unlimited voice calls, video calls, send text, and do so much more with these apps. Also, you can stay connected to your loved ones only if they have downloaded the same apps.

Some of the Best options widely used across the globe include:

• BOSS Revolution
• Facebook Messenger
• Facetime
• Line
• WhatsApp

Voice solutions for business

For business purposes, you need registered numbers since a regular number from any network provider won't work for corporate communications.

However, you can expand your footprint by virtual phone numbers for your business. Virtual phone numbers are run by VoIP protocol and make business communication easier.

If you are looking to get a virtual number for your business, you can opt for services that offer business phone line setups. Here is what you can do.

You can use virtual numbers like the ones offered by IDT EXPRESS. It gives your business an authentic local presence, with toll-free numbers that are available 24/7. With virtual phone numbers by IDT Express, you can access over 70 countries, including Canada (both DIDs and DDIs).

Also, it is a fast, convenient, and fully secure phone network that won't breach your business's privacy. It comes with flexible pricing options, and caller ID support (CNAM, ANI-II / OLI) is available. Everything that a business requires for cheap international calling.

Time zone

The time zone affects the communication when calling one destination to the other. However, when calling Canada from the US, the time difference depends on the state. This is why there won't be a lag in communication.

Key takeaway

Calling Canada from the US can be expensive. However, choosing the right options and calling plans from reliable network services can help you save tons of money. You can go through the ideas listed in this guide to find some of the best options. All of the services listed above can be used to call anywhere globally and help you save money without any hassle.

Sources: all third party information obtained from applicable website as of June 18, 2021

This article is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to address every aspect of the matters discussed herein. The information in this article is not intended as specific personal advice. The information in this article does not constitute legal, tax, regulatory or other professional advice from IDT Payment Services, Inc. and its affiliates (collectively, “IDT”), and should not be taken or used as such by any individual. IDT makes no representation, warranty or guaranty, whether express or implied, that the content in this article is current, accurate, or complete. You should obtain professional or other substantive advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the information in this article.