The 670 area code is the telephone area code for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), a United States commonwealth located in the Western Pacific Ocean. Because the CNMI is part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), calls from the U.S. mainland are treated as domestic long-distance, not international.
This guide will provide everything you need to know about the 670 area code, including its precise location, the correct dialing procedure, its unique time zone, and important billing considerations.
Where is the 670 Area Code Located?
The 670 area code exclusively serves the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, an archipelago of 14 islands in the Pacific Ocean, located just north of Guam. While there are many islands, the vast majority of the population lives on three main islands:
- Saipan: The largest island and the capital of the CNMI.
- Tinian: Known for its historical significance during World War II.
- Rota: Praised for its natural beauty and dive spots.
When you see the 670 area code, you can be sure the phone number is registered to one of these islands.
How to Call a Number in the Northern Mariana Islands
Calling a number in the CNMI from the United States or Canada is simple and follows the standard domestic long-distance format. You do not need any special international codes.
Follow this format:
- Dial the U.S. country code: Dial 1.
- Dial the area code: Dial 670.
- Dial the seven-digit local number.
The complete dialing sequence is: 1 + 670 + [Seven-Digit Phone Number]
Important: Do not use the 011 international exit code. This is a common mistake when calling U.S. territories and commonwealths in the Pacific.
Understanding the Time Zone for Area Code 670
Before placing a call to the 670 area code, it is crucial to be aware of the significant time difference. The Northern Mariana Islands operate on Chamorro Standard Time (ChST), which is 10 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+10).
This is the same time zone as neighboring Guam, and the CNMI does not observe daylight saving time.
- U.S. Eastern Time (ET): The CNMI is 15 hours ahead of EST (and 14 hours ahead of EDT).
- U.S. Pacific Time (PT): The CNMI is 18 hours ahead of PST (and 17 hours ahead of PDT).
This means that noon on a Monday in New York is 2:00 AM on Tuesday in Saipan. Always check the local time before calling to avoid waking someone up.
Are Calls to the 670 Area Code International or Domestic?
This is a frequent source of confusion for callers. Here is a clear breakdown:
- For Dialing: Calls to the 670 area code are considered domestic long-distance.
- For Billing: The cost can vary. Many major mobile carriers include U.S. commonwealths like the CNMI in their standard nationwide calling plans. However, some budget carriers, VoIP services, or traditional landlines may charge higher rates than a typical state-to-state call.
To prevent unexpected charges on your phone bill, it is always the best practice to confirm the calling rates to the 670 area code with your specific phone provider before making a call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 670 an area code in the USA?
Yes, the 670 area code serves the U.S. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. It is fully integrated into the United States telecommunications system under the NANP.
What are the main islands in the 670 area code?
The most populated islands that use the 670 area code are Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.
Is the 670 area code a scam?
No, 670 is the legitimate and official area code for the CNMI. However, like any valid area code, it can be “spoofed” by scammers who fake their caller ID. You should always be cautious when receiving unsolicited calls from any number you don’t recognize.
Do I need a passport to visit the Northern Mariana Islands from the U.S.?
For U.S. citizens, a passport is not required for travel to the CNMI, as it is a U.S. commonwealth. A valid government-issued photo ID is sufficient for air travel.
Conclusion
In summary, the 670 area code is the telephone identifier for the U.S. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, including Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. Calling this area code is as straightforward as making a domestic long-distance call (1-670-xxx-xxxx). However, always be mindful of the significant time difference in the Chamorro Standard Time zone and consider checking with your phone carrier about potential long-distance costs to ensure there are no surprises on your bill.
