Telephones

Many convenience groceries and packaging services sell prepaid calling cards in denominations up to $50. Many public pay phones at airports now accept American Express, MasterCard, and Visa. Local calls made from most pay phones cost either 25¢ or 35¢. Most long-distance and international calls can be dialed directly from any phone. To make calls within the United States and to Canada, dial 1 followed by the area code and the seven-digit number. For other international calls, dial 011 followed by the country code, city code, and the number you are calling.

Calls to area codes 800, 888, 877, and 866 are toll-free. However, calls to area codes 700 and 900 (chat lines, bulletin boards, "dating" services, and so on) can be expensive -- charges of 95¢ to $3 or more per minute. Some numbers have minimum charges that can run $15 or more.

For reversed-charge or collect calls, and for person-to-person calls, dial the number 0 then the area code and number; an operator will come on the line, and you should specify whether you are calling collect, person-to-person, or both. If your operator-assisted call is international, ask for the overseas operator.

For directory assistance ("Information"), dial 411 for local numbers and national numbers in the U.S. and Canada. For dedicated long-distance information, dial 1, then the appropriate area code plus 555-1212.

Mobile Phones

There is reliable cellphone coverage on the Grand Canyon's South Rim. Coverage in Grand Canyon Village has greatly improved among most carriers, and there's typically good service between Maricopa Point and Yaki Point. However, cellphone coverage remains weak or nonexistent outside the South Rim, although some will be able to pick up a weak signal on the North Rim if they are located near the rim itself. Coverage does not generally exist within the canyon, so don't expect to use your phone on any hikes below the rim. A park ranger audio cellphone tour is available for free on the South Rim by dialing tel. 928/225-2907.

Internet & Wi-Fi

Wireless Internet access is increasingly available on the South Rim, including in the public areas of South Rim hotels, as well as in the Park Headquarters Building (open from 8am-5pm year-round). Free Wi-Fi should also be available in the Grand Canyon Visitor Center by early 2012. On the North Rim, the only place to get Internet (via free wireless connection) is at the General Store adjacent to the North Rim Campground. It's possible to access the Internet from one of the outdoor tables even after the store is closed.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.