Do you need to put 1 in front of American numbers when texting off an American number?

Answer 1

In general, if you are within North America (USA, Canada, and certain Caribbean and nearby islands), texting another North American mobile phone (cell phone), you can just enter the area code and number without the '1', or you can enter the number in international format. By coincidence, the country code for North America is +1, so a North American number in international format will look something like +1 262 555 0123.

Answer 2

If you are within North America (USA, Canada, and the various islands that use country code +1), then you generally do not need to include the country code when texting. If your mobile phone allows you to store numbers in international format, though, you can enter the number with country code +1 prepended, and then the mobile network will automatically route your text correctly, even if you are roaming in a different part of the world.

Answer 3

The rules vary from state to state as to how you dial calls. In some states, if you dial a local call with 1 + area code + number, the call attempt will fail with a recorded message telling you to hang up and redial without the '1' prefix. In other states, you must always dial 1 if you are dialing the area code, whether the call is local or toll.

However, it should not cost more to dial 1 + area code + number for a local call, even if dialing '1' is not required in your state. The call should either fail with a recording, or complete and be billed as a local call. Back in the 1970's, there were some places where dialing '1' for a local call would result in unnecessary toll charges, but it is unlikely that any of those places still have their antique routing and billing equipment.

Answer 4

If it is not in your area or if it's long distance