The local area code is 831. All local numbers have seven digits. Toll-free numbers begin with either 800 or 866. Pay phones are found throughout public streets, in shopping plazas and at various other venues. Most take coins as well as prepaid phone cards.
Cell phone reception is good in town, but begins to fade once you start driving south along the coast on Highway 1 or start exploring the Santa Lucia Mountains and the depths of Carmel Valley.
Internet Access
Carmel is geared to the tech-wired traveler. Internet access is ubiquitous in cafes and hotels, many of which have Wi-Fi connectivity as well as plug-in service. Some hotels charge for Wi-Fi service. The Carmel Public Library also has free Wi-Fi.
Newspapers & Magazines
The Carmel Pine Cone, first published in 1915, still serves the community with news and comments on local affairs, the arts and real estate. It is published every Friday and is available at more than 300 streetside locations throughout Monterey Peninsula. http://www.pineconearchive.com.
The daily Monterey County Herald (http://www.montereyherald.com) and Monterey County Weekly serve the broader Monterey Peninsula. The latter also publishes the "Best of Monterey Bay Visitors Guide," available free at street locations throughout the area.
The Carmel Chamber of Commerce publishes the free Guide to Carmel, available by calling toll-free 800-550-4333 or from the Chamber's Web site, http://www.carmelcalifornia.org.
