Calls for US

by Frank Vanderlugt
Making calls to US to our loved ones is not an easy task. It is obvious for our hearts to desire for more when it comes to establishing a conversation with people we love. However, limited talk time and exorbitant call tariffs leave our hands lied.

There are several ways to communicate in the US including telephones and emergencies.

When it comes to phone numbers, the standard American telephone number is ten digits such as 555-555-1234. Now, here the area code consists of the first three digits and often need to be dialed when one makes a local call. In case, you are calling a number outside the originating area code, you would require to dial '1' prior to the ten-digit number if you are calling via a residential landline phone such as 1-555-555-1234. You should also check with your hotel before dialing a long distance number because hotels usually have their own specific dialing policies.

Most 'toll-free' phone numbers are with area codes "866", "800", "888" and "877". These numbers are billed to the owner of the particular number and not the caller. Hence, you don't require to pay anything for these numbers via a pay phone. However, you should keep in mind that most of the hotels in the US still change a fee for connection if you want to dial these numbers from a room phone.

Emergency calls from the US can be made by dialing 911. This will provide you immediate assistance from an emergency personnel. This number can also be dialed to reach the fire department, police or medical assistance. 911 is a free number and can be dialed for no fee at all from any phone including pay phone. If you are looking for directory assistance, dial 411. Here, you may require to pay some charges.

There is also a provision in the US to make calls in case a spider or snake bites someone. All one requires to do is to contact the poison center at 1-800-222-1222. This will provide you prompt assistance.

Cell phones are really popular in the US. The coverage of cell phones here is good in well populated areas however, you would find different carriers with exclusive systems and areas. This indicates that the cell phone service provided to you in certain areas of the country may be extremely poor and really great in some other areas.

You may have to face mediocre or non existent coverage in several subways and buildings. GSM mobile telephones work at varied frequencies in the US as compared to other countries. The 1900 MHz is really common in the US. These days 850 MHz is really common in the US. These days 850 MHz is used in cellular phones, specifically on the cingular network.

You may additionally require a tri or quad-band telephone service to work well in the United States. Try contacting your cellular provider regarding the phone and service compatibility prior to traveling.

You can also purchase calling cards from convenience stores. Almost every super market sells these cards.
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