The city of Bakersfield, located in the state of California, has a unique area code that is used for local and long-distance calls. Understanding the Bakersfield area code is essential for residents, businesses, and individuals who need to communicate with people in the area.
To begin with, Bakersfield is served by the area code 661. This area code was created in 1997 as a split from the original area code 805, which was serving a large portion of southern California. The creation of the new area code 661 was necessary due to the growing population and increasing demand for phone numbers in the Bakersfield area.
Local Dialing Guide
When making calls within the Bakersfield area, residents and businesses can use the local dialing guide to ensure that their calls are completed successfully. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Local Calls: For local calls within the Bakersfield area, it is not necessary to dial the area code 661. Simply dial the seven-digit phone number, and the call will be connected.
- Long-Distance Calls: For long-distance calls to other area codes, it is necessary to dial the area code followed by the seven-digit phone number. For example, to call a number in the Los Angeles area, which has the area code 213, dial 1-213-XXX-XXXX.
- Toll-Free Calls: For toll-free calls, dial the toll-free number, such as 1-800-XXX-XXXX, and the call will be connected without incurring any long-distance charges.
Important Considerations
When making calls to or from the Bakersfield area, there are several important considerations to keep in mind:
- Area Code Overlapping: The Bakersfield area code 661 overlaps with other area codes in southern California. This means that some phone numbers may be assigned to multiple area codes, and it is essential to use the correct area code when making calls.
- Phone Number Portability: Phone number portability allows residents and businesses to keep their existing phone numbers when switching to a new phone service provider. This means that even if a phone number is moved to a different area code, it can still be reached using the original area code and phone number.
- Area Code Scams: There have been reports of area code scams in which scammers use fake area codes to trick people into revealing their personal and financial information. Be cautious when receiving calls from unknown area codes, and never provide sensitive information to unfamiliar callers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bakersfield area code 661 is an essential part of the city’s communication infrastructure. Understanding the local dialing guide and important considerations can help residents, businesses, and individuals make successful calls to and from the area. By being aware of area code overlapping, phone number portability, and area code scams, people can stay safe and connected in the Bakersfield area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Bakersfield area code:
What is the Bakersfield area code?
+The Bakersfield area code is 661.
Do I need to dial the area code for local calls?
+No, you do not need to dial the area code for local calls within the Bakersfield area.
Can I keep my existing phone number if I move to a different area code?
+Yes, you can keep your existing phone number if you move to a different area code, thanks to phone number portability.
By understanding the Bakersfield area code and local dialing guide, residents and businesses can stay connected and communicate effectively with people in the area.
