Most ads that appear in newpapers do not include area codes with the phone numbers. You can find the proper area code and location of the individual who placed any given ad by using this guide. Classified ads from newpapers in some areas of the country may have several different area codes. Ads that appear in the New York Times for example may be from area code 203 (Connecticut), 201 (New Jersey) 718 (Brooklyn & Queens), 914 (Westchester) & 516 (Long Island) amongst others. If there is no area code in a New York Times ad, then you must use the 212 area code.

When responding to ads by telephone its good to check to see what time zone the individual who placed the ad lives in. Since its usually easier to reach people at home in the early evening, when calling long distance you can usually save time and money if you know the local time where you're calling.