The "ins and outs" of telephoning in north america

Basic charges for cellular phones are about the same as for fixed line phones, but extra charges are applied on all incoming and outgoing calls beyond a monthly talk-time limit.

All telephone numbers in North America consist of 10 digits: a 3-digit area code followed by a 7-digit telephone number. Usually only the 7-digit number is required to call within a local dialling area. However, 10-digit local dialling is becoming more commonplace in big cities where the boom in cellular phone use has exhausted the supply of 7-digit numbers.

To make a direct dial long distance call inside North America you must dial 1 and then the 10-digit phone number. To make a collect call you need to dial 0 (zero) plus the 10-digit number. Because an operator will assist with collect calls, they are more expensive than direct dial calls.

To make a direct dial call to an overseas destination from North America you must dial 011 followed by the country code, the city code and the telephone number, but make sure to omit the zero which usually appears before the city code in these numbers.

To dial a toll-free number begin with 1, followed by 800, 877 or 888, and then the remaining seven digits. Toll-free numbers are often given in word forms like: “Call 800-HILTON-1 for Reservations”. This means you can dial 1-800-445-8661 to make reservations at any Hilton hotel.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS TO REMEMBER

0 Operator

For questions on telephone use and / or assistance in dialling.

911 Emergency

For police, ambulance and fire emergency services.

611 Repair and Customer Service

For telephone installation, problems with telephone operation and account information.

411 Directory Assistance

Used in local dialing areas in Canada and the U.S.A. For international directory assistance, dial 0 and the operator will find the party’s number through an international operator. There is a charge for 411 directory assistance service each time it is used.