Canada +1
To call Canada from abroad, dial your exit code (or +), then 1, then the local number without its leading 1. In full: +1 506-234-5678.
The country calling code for Canada is +1. A number starting +1 or 001 is a call to or from Canada. From abroad: +1 506-234-5678.
To call Canada from abroad, dial your exit code (or +), then 1, then the local number without its leading 1. The +1 code identifies the country; the following digits identify the line (landline or mobile).
How to call Canada from abroad
011 1 506-234-567800 1 506-234-56780011 1 506-234-5678+1 506-234-5678506-234-5678 is a real-format Canada mobile number (example from the ITU-T numbering plan): replace it with the number you were given, without its leading 1.
Canada area codes
When calling a landline in Canada, dial the city area code after +1 (without its leading 1):
| City | Area code | Full dial |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto | 416 | +1 416 … |
| Montreal | 514 | +1 514 … |
| Vancouver | 604 | +1 604 … |
| Calgary | 403 | +1 403 … |
| Ottawa | 613 | +1 613 … |
Number format
(506) 234-5678from abroad+1 506-234-5678(506) 234-5678from abroad+1 506-234-5678Landline numbers in Canada have 10 digits after the country code; mobile numbers have 10 digits. The national prefix 1 is only dialled inside the country — drop it after +1.
Calling abroad from Canada
To call another country from Canada, dial the exit code 011 (or + on a mobile), then the country code, then the number. From Canada to the United States, for example: 011 1 201 555 0123.
A Canada number in international format is written +1 …. The + stands for the exit prefix (00 in much of the world, 011 in North America). Switching to international format, drop the leading 1.
Cheapest ways to call Canada
With internet on both ends, apps like WhatsApp, Signal or FaceTime call Canada for free. To reach a number without an app, VoIP services are usually cheaper than your operator’s international rate.
Frequently asked questions
What country has the code +1?
Canada has the country calling code +1.
How do I call Canada from the United States?
Dial 011, then 1, then the local number without its leading 1 — for example 011 506-234-5678.
What does +1 mean?
It is the international dialing code for Canada. The + stands for your exit code (00 in much of the world, 011 in North America).
Is +1 mobile or landline?
The +1 code identifies the country, not the line type; Canada landlines and mobiles share it.
A country code covers a whole nation; the full number depends on the city and operator.
Mobile networks in Canada
5 mobile network operators run their own networks in Canada. The largest is Rogers, with about 11.6 million subscribers (Q4 2023). Pick the one with the best coverage where you will spend most of your time.
Includes Fido and Chatr
Owned by Rogers Communications
Includes Virgin Plus and Lucky Mobile
Owned by Bell Canada
Includes Koodo and Public Mobile
Owned by Telus Communications
Includes Freedom Mobile
Owned by Quebecor
Owned by SaskTel
- 2G is gone on Bell, Telus, SaskTel, which also affects old feature phones and some smartwatches or car trackers.
- Planned switch-offs: Rogers (2G, 2027-11-30); Bell (3G, 2027-03-01 (est.)); Telus (3G, 2027-03-01 (est.)); SaskTel (3G, 2027-10-01 (est.)).
- 4G/5G frequency bands used in Canada: 5G 1700, 5G 2600, 5G 3500, 5G 600, LTE 1700, LTE 1900, LTE 2600, LTE 600, LTE 700, LTE 850. Most recent smartphones cover them; older or regional models may miss some.
- Moving there? Mobile number portability has existed since 2007-03-14, a transfer takes about 0 day(s) and costs free.
Also available: virtual operators (MVNOs) that rent capacity on these networks — Execulink, Fido, Public Mobile.
Operators, subscriber counts, network codes and switch-off dates: Wikipedia (lists of mobile network operators, mobile network codes, 2G/3G phase-out, mobile number portability), licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Figures come from each operator or regulator at the date shown.
Getting a SIM card in Canada
What visitors and new residents need to know before buying a local SIM or eSIM in Canada, with a source for each point.
Buying a SIM as a visitor
No law requires ID to buy or register a prepaid SIM; staff may ask for photo ID (e.g. passport) during activation or account setup.
Source: traveltomtom.net
Where to buy it
Convenience stores, shopping-mall kiosks, electronics stores (Best Buy, Walmart) and independent phone shops; airport sales exist but are usually the most expensive; travel eSIMs can be bought before arrival.
Source: traveltomtom.net
Getting a monthly contract as a resident
Postpaid providers may run a credit check and require a security deposit; under the CRTC Wireless Code they must state the reason, set return conditions in the contract, review it yearly and refund it with interest. Pay-in-advance plans are generally not subject to credit checks or deposits.
Source: crtc.gc.ca
Scam calls and texts
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: 1-888-495-8501 or online at reportcyberandfraud.canada.ca. National Do Not Call List (CRTC): register or complain at lnnte-dncl.gc.ca or 1-866-580-3625.
Emergency numbers
911 (police, fire, ambulance). Text with 9-1-1 is available only to registered deaf, hard-of-hearing or speech-impaired users; texts to 911 from the public do not reach emergency services.
Source: crtc.gc.ca
Checked on 28 September 2026 against the sources linked on each card (regulators, government portals and operators first). SIM and ID rules change often: confirm with the operator before you travel.
Staying connected in Canada
With 94 mobile subscriptions per 100 people, mobile coverage in Canada is not universal — keep a landline number as a backup when you can. Internet use is high (94 %), so app-to-app calls over Wi-Fi are a safe bet.
Source: World Bank / ITU World Telecommunication indicators (IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.USER.ZS, IT.MLT.MAIN.P2), latest available year.
Free and premium numbers in Canada
+1 800-212-3456Free from inside Canada (numbers starting with 8). From abroad these numbers are often unreachable or charged at the international rate.
+1 900-212-3456Surcharged services — ranges starting with 9002–9009. Do not call back an unknown missed call from such a range: the cost is far above a normal call.
Number ranges: ITU-T national numbering plan for Canada via Google libphonenumber.
United States +1