You probably already know that when you dial a number outside your own area code that you are going to be dialing a number that has a rate applied. However, there are times when you may dial something within your own area code, and the voice on the other end of the line says that the number cannot able completed as dialed. When that happens, you have to add the area code to the number, and if you pay for your long distance minutes, you are going to be charged.
If you have to dial the area code before a number in your area, there could be a few different reasons for this. You have to pay attention to the exchange when you do this. Some areas are very spread out, and that means an area code will cover a large expanse of space. You may share the same area code with someone, but if you don’t share the same telephone company or local exchange, you may find that long distance charges do apply. If you live near the ‘line’ where two companies meet (in some rare cases) you could actually pay long distance to talk with someone a mile down the road.
This can even happen in areas where you seem rather close to the number you are calling. This is because there are different rate centers in your area, and you are going through a different one to reach the number you are trying to call. With the addition of new area codes in more populated areas, and a rise in cellular numbers, this can all be very confusing.
If you find that you have to add the area code to a number that you think should be local, call your phone company for an explanation. On the flip side, you may find that you have to dial an area code for a number that is not considered a long distance call. If you have all inclusive long distance, this might not be a problem for you--other than figuring out what to dial--but it can still be rather frustrating until you get the hang of it.