### Answer

{{current_time_America/New_York}}

will give you the current time in the America/New_York timezone, not the caller's actual time [(1) ]() [(2) ]() [(3) ]() . This is a system default dynamic variable that shows the current time in the specified timezone . For inbound calls: Yes, this works for inbound calls [(1) ]() . Dynamic variables can be used in prompts, begin messages, and other configurations for both inbound and outbound calls . Important clarification: This variable provides the current time in New York timezone specifically - it doesn't automatically detect or use the caller's actual timezone [(1) ]() [(2) ]() [(3) ]() . If you need the caller's actual timezone, you would need to: 1. Determine the caller's timezone through other means (perhaps via area code lookup or asking them) 2. Pass that timezone as a custom dynamic variable 3. Use nested variables like

{{current_time_{{my_timezone}}}}

where

my_timezone

is set to the caller's timezone [(1) ]() The system provides these timezone-based time variables: -

{{current_time}}

- current time in America/Los_Angeles [(1) ]() [(2) ]() [(3) ]() -

{{current_time_[timezone]}}

- current time in specified timezone (e.g.,

{{current_time_America/New_York}}

,

{{current_time_Australia/Sydney}}

)

​ To learn more, see the sources I considered: [[1] Dynamic Variables](https://docs.retellai.com/build/dynamic-variables) [[2] Simulation Testing Now Live for All Agents](https://www.retellai.com/changelog/simulation-testing-now-live-for-all-agents-c27zh) [[3] Platform Changelogs | Retell AI](https://www.retellai.com/changelog) ​

Feel free to tag @AI Evy with additional questions. I also appreciate feedback, it helps me improve.

### Answer No initialization needed -

{{current_time_America/New_York}}

is a system default dynamic variable that Retell automatically provides [(1) ]() [(2) ]() [(3) ]() . You don't need to configure or pass it in your API calls. How it works: System variables like

{{current_time_America/New_York}}

are automatically available in your agent without any setup [(1) ]() . When you use this variable in your prompt, begin message, or tool configurations, Retell automatically replaces it with the current time in that timezone when the call starts . Usage example: Simply insert it directly into your prompt or begin message like this: - "The current time in New York is {{current_time_America/New_York}}" Format returned: The variable returns time in this format: "Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 11:46:04 PM PST" For inbound calls specifically: System variables work automatically for both inbound and outbound calls . For inbound calls, you can use them in: - Agent prompts - Begin messages - Tool configurations - Voicemail prompts The key difference from custom dynamic variables is that system variables don't need to be passed via the API or inbound webhook - they're always available .

​ To learn more, see the sources I considered: [[1] Dynamic Variables](https://docs.retellai.com/build/dynamic-variables) [[2] Simulation Testing Now Live for All Agents](https://www.retellai.com/changelog/simulation-testing-now-live-for-all-agents-c27zh) [[3] Platform Changelogs | Retell AI](https://www.retellai.com/changelog) ​

Feel free to tag @AI Evy with additional questions. I also appreciate feedback, it helps me improve.

### Answer I don't have specific troubleshooting information in the sources about the

{{current_time_America/New_York}}

variable providing incorrect times [(1) ]() . However, here are a few things to verify: Check your prompt configuration: - Ensure you're using the exact syntax:

{{current_time_America/New_York}}

- The variable should return format like: "Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 11:46:04 PM PST" Potential issues to consider: - The LLM might be interpreting or reformatting the time value instead of using it directly - There could be a timezone conversion issue if the LLM is trying to "help" by converting times What to try: - In your prompt, explicitly instruct the LLM to use the time value exactly as provided without modification - Example prompt addition: "Always use the exact time from {{current_time_America/New_York}} without any conversion or interpretation" If the issue persists, I recommend: - Checking your call logs to see what value is actually being injected - Visiting [Documentation]() for additional troubleshooting resources - Visiting [Hire certified Retell partner]() for expert assistance Would you like a general answer based on my knowledge about LLM behavior with dynamic variables, or would you prefer to share more details about what incorrect time you're seeing?

​ To learn more, see the sources I considered: [[1] Dynamic Variables](https://docs.retellai.com/build/dynamic-variables) ​

Feel free to tag @AI Evy with additional questions. I also appreciate feedback, it helps me improve.