How to Tell If a Phone Number Is Long Distance?

The local phone book should include dialling information for local and long distance calls.

If you are calling another country, the phone number is obviously long distance and you will be charged long distance rates. Calls between states also have a fee attached that varies between phone companies and phone planes. Inter-state calls may or may not be long distance. There are ways to tell if a phone number is long distance before you dial, and before you get the bill.

Instructions

1. Check the current telephone directory, or "phone book" for dialing instructions for local and toll calls. Some phone numbers within the same area code may be billed as long distance, while others are local and are not charged extra rates.

2. Call the local telephone service provider's customer service number and ask a customer service representative if the phone number is long distance or local. If you do not wish to speak to a live person, check out the companies website to see if there is any information, or use the live chat option if one is available.

3. Dial the number without the area code. If your call goes through with by dialing just the seven digits if you are in a seven-digit area, or ten digits if your area requires ten digits like in a major metropolitan area, the call is local. If the call does not go through and you must redial with a one in front of the digits, or with a one followed by the area code and the phone number, the call will be long distance.

Tips & Warnings

• These instructions only apply to land-line phones.

References

• Yellowbook: Official Directory of Frontier Communications Solutions: 2010

Resources

• NANPA: North American Numbering Plan