The term "dialling code" refers to the series of numbers used to identify a specific telephone area or country. However, there are several other synonyms used to describe these codes. Depending on the region, these codes may be known as area codes, calling codes, or access codes. In the United States, for example, the three-digit code used to identify different cities and regions is called an area code. Internationally, "calling code" is a more widely used term to describe the series of numbers necessary to initiate a call to a foreign country. Meanwhile, an "access code" may refer to a number provided by a phone company to allow customers to make international calls.