If you receive a call from area code 506, you are being contacted from the Canadian Maritimes. Specifically, the (506) area code is the official telephone area code for the entire province of New Brunswick, Canada. It is completely legitimate and not a scam itself, though scammers sometimes spoof this number. However, if the caller ID shows a +506 prefix, that is an international call from Costa Rica, which is a common source of fraud.
This comprehensive 2026 guide will explain exactly where the +1 506 area code is located, the crucial difference between North American and international dialing codes, and how the mandatory 10-digit dialing rules affect New Brunswick residents.
Location and Coverage of the +1 (506) Area Code
Established in 1955, 506 is one of Canada’s original area codes. Because Canada is part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), the proper dialing format from outside the region is +1 (506) or simply +1 506. Therefore, the +1 506 country code officially belongs to Canada, not the United States.
Key Cities in the 506 Region
The +1506 area code covers every community within New Brunswick, including major economic and political hubs such as:
- Fredericton (Provincial Capital)
- Moncton (Major Commercial Hub)
- Saint John (Industrial and Port City)
- Dieppe
- Bathurst
The 428 Overlay and Mandatory 10-Digit Dialing
Because the province eventually exhausted its supply of available 506 phone numbers, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) introduced the 428 area code as an overlay in 2023.
- The Overlay: The 428 code covers the exact same geographic territory as 506. New phone lines in New Brunswick may be assigned either prefix.
- 10-Digit Dialing: To accommodate the overlay, mandatory 10-digit dialing is now required for all local calls within New Brunswick. You must always dial the Area Code (506 or 428) followed by the 7-digit local number.
Time Zone Details
The +1(506) area code operates within the Atlantic Time Zone (AT). It observes Daylight Saving Time, switching between Atlantic Standard Time (AST) in the winter and Atlantic Daylight Time (ADT) in the summer. Atlantic Time is one hour ahead of Eastern Time (ET). So, if it is noon in New York City, it is 1:00 PM in Moncton.
Critical Warning: +1 506 vs. +506 Country Code
It is vital to distinguish between domestic North American calls and international calls, as this is a frequent source of scams and massive phone bills.
- +1 506 Code: This is a call from New Brunswick, Canada. The “+1” is the NANP country code.
- +506 Calling Code: If your caller ID explicitly shows a +506 area or +506 dial code without the “+1” in front of it, this is an international call. The +506 code is the official country code for Costa Rica.
Many telecom fraud schemes, such as the “One-Ring Scam,” originate from international numbers. Scammers use a +506 phone number to call your phone and hang up quickly, hoping you will see the +506 number, mistake it for a North American area code, and call back. If you call back a +506 dialling code, you will be hit with exorbitant international toll charges.
Spoofed +1 506 Scams
Even if the caller ID correctly shows the Canadian +1 506 code, scammers use “neighbor spoofing” to fake the number. Fraudsters frequently impersonate the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) or technical support, demanding immediate payment via gift cards or Bitcoin. The CRA will never demand payment in this manner. If you receive a suspicious call from a +1 506 phone code, hang up immediately.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only, and we are not affiliated with any financial or governmental institution mentioned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is area code 506 located?
Area code 506 is the telephone area code for the entire province of New Brunswick in Canada. It covers major cities like Fredericton, Moncton, and Saint John.
What country code is +1 506?
The +1 indicates the North American Numbering Plan country code, and 506 is the specific regional area code for New Brunswick, Canada.
Is +506 an area code in the US?
No. If a phone number begins strictly with +506 (without a +1 first), it is an international call from Costa Rica. 506 is not used as a regional area code within the United States.
Why do I have to dial 10 digits for local 506 calls?
10-digit dialing is mandatory in New Brunswick because of the introduction of the 428 area code overlay. You must dial the area code plus the 7-digit number to connect successfully.
What time zone is the 506 area code in?
New Brunswick and the 506 area code are located in the Atlantic Time Zone (AT). This is one hour ahead of the Eastern Time Zone.
Is a call from 506 a scam?
While 506 is a legitimate Canadian area code, scammers frequently spoof it to impersonate government agencies like the CRA. Additionally, if the caller ID shows +506, it is an international call from Costa Rica and may be a “one-ring” toll scam.
Is calling area code 506 from the US considered long-distance?
Yes, calling New Brunswick from the United States is considered an international call. However, many modern US cellular plans include free calling to Canada, so you should check with your specific mobile provider.
