Practical guides to calling abroad from the US, area codes, phone number formats, roaming and eSIMs.
A US area code tells you where a number was assigned, not whether it rings a cell phone, a landline or a VoIP line. Here's why, and what actually answers the question.
Why your region suddenly gets a second area code, who decides it, and what actually changes when 10-digit local dialing becomes mandatory.
Your cell number can usually come with you across state lines. A landline number usually can't. Here's what an out-of-state area code changes, and how to switch carriers without losing the number.
Unknown calls that share your area code, or even your first six digits, are often spoofed. Why scammers do it, what the law and STIR/SHAKEN do about it, and what to do.
