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California Area codes are numerical codes that are used to identify a specific geographical region within a country or a state. California is the most populous state in the United States, and it is divided into multiple area codes to facilitate the communication process for its residents. In this article, we will explore the different area codes in California and provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions.
What are area codes?
Area codes are three-digit numbers that are used to identify a specific geographical region within a country or a state. The purpose of these codes is to simplify the communication process by providing a unique identifier for each location. In California, area codes are assigned based on population density and geographic location.
How are California area codes assigned?
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is responsible for assigning area codes in the state. When a new area code is needed, the CPUC will conduct a study to determine the best way to divide the existing area code. The factors that are considered during this process include population density, existing area codes, and geographic location.
California area codes by region
There are currently 35 area codes assigned to California, each covering a specific region of the state. Here is a breakdown of California area codes by region:
Northern California:
- 209 – Stockton, Modesto, Merced
- 530 – Chico, Redding, Davis
- 707 – Napa, Santa Rosa, Vallejo
- 916 – Sacramento, Elk Grove, Citrus Heights
San Francisco Bay Area:
- 408/669 – San Jose, Sunnyvale, Cupertino
- 415/628 – San Francisco, Daly City, Marin County
- 510 – Oakland, Berkeley, Fremont
- 650 – San Mateo, Palo Alto, Redwood City
Central California:
- 559 – Fresno, Visalia, Tulare
- 661 – Bakersfield, Palmdale, Lancaster
- 805 – Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Ventura
Southern California:
- 213/323 – Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Culver City
- 310/424 – Santa Monica, Torrance, Inglewood
- 562 – Long Beach, Whittier, Downey
- 626 – Pasadena, El Monte, West Covina
- 657/714 – Anaheim, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach
- 760/442 – Palm Springs, Escondido, Oceanside
- 818/747 – Burbank, Glendale, San Fernando Valley
- 858/619 – San Diego, La Jolla, Chula Vista
- 909/840 – San Bernardino, Riverside, Ontario
- 951 – Temecula, Murrieta, Perris
How to make calls within California
To make calls within California, you need to dial the area code and the seven-digit phone number. For example, if you are calling a phone number in Los Angeles with the area code 213, you would dial 213-XXX-XXXX. If you are calling a phone number in San Francisco with the area code 415, you would dial 415-XXX-XXXX.
How to make calls outside of California
To make calls outside of California, you need to add a 1 before the area code and the seven-digit phone number. For example, if you are calling a phone number in New York with the area code 212, you would dial 1-212-XXX-XXXX.
Conclusion:
Area codes are an important part of the communication process in California. Knowing the different area codes in California and how to use
FAQ’S
Q: What are area codes?
A: Area codes are the three-digit numbers used in North America to identify a specific geographic area for the purposes of routing telephone calls.
Q: How many area codes are there in California?
A: There are currently 35 area codes in California.
Q: What is the most common area code in California?
A: The most common area code in California is 714, which covers much of Orange County.
Q: What is the newest area code in California?
A: The newest area code in California is 986, which was added in 2018 and overlays the existing 360 area code in Northern California.
Q: What is an overlay area code?
A: An overlay area code is a new area code that is added to an existing geographic area served by an existing area code. This allows more phone numbers to be assigned to that area without requiring existing phone numbers to change.
Q: What is a geographic area code?
A: A geographic area code is an area code that is associated with a specific geographic region, such as a city or a county.
Q: What is a non-geographic area code?
A: A non-geographic area code is an area code that is not associated with a specific geographic region. For example, 800 and 888 are toll-free numbers that can be dialed from anywhere in North America.
Q: How do I find out what area code a phone number is in?
A: You can use an online area code lookup tool or search engine to find out what area code a phone number is in.
Q: Do I need to dial the area code when making a call within California?
A: Yes, you must dial the area code along with the seven-digit phone number when making a call within California.
Q: Can I keep my current phone number if I move to a different area code in California?
A: Yes, you can usually keep your current phone number when you move to a different area code within California, although you may need to update your address with your phone carrier.
Q: What should I do if I receive a call from an unfamiliar area code?
A: You should exercise caution when receiving a call from an unfamiliar area code, as it may be a scam or spam call. You can use an online tool or app to identify the caller or simply ignore the call if you don’t recognize the number.
