# Current Time

> Let your AI agent look up the current time in a timezone or convert a time between timezones before confirming appointments or hours.

The Current Time tool gives the agent two functions: `get_current_time` and `convert_time`. Use it whenever the agent should not guess the date, local time, or a timezone conversion.

This is separate from prompt variables such as `{{current_time}}`. Prompt variables stamp time into the prompt at the start of a turn. The Current Time tool lets the LLM fetch or convert time **during** the conversation after the caller names a timezone or a clock time.

## How it works

1. You attach a Current Time tool to a workflow node (or it is attached automatically from an onboarding template).
2. The LLM sees `get_current_time` and `convert_time` as callable functions on that node.
3. The agent asks for a missing IANA timezone when the caller has not given one.
4. The tool returns an ISO timestamp, the timezone name, and whether daylight saving time is in effect.

## Functions

### `get_current_time`

Returns the current date and time in an IANA timezone.

```
get_current_time(timezone="America/New_York")
```

Typical uses:
- Confirm office hours before promising a callback
- Answer "what time is it there?"
- Decide whether a requested appointment is still in the future

### `convert_time`

Converts a clock time from one timezone to another. The `time` argument is a 24-hour `HH:MM` value.

```
convert_time(
  source_timezone="America/Los_Angeles",
  time="14:30",
  target_timezone="America/New_York"
)
```

Typical uses:
- Read back a booking in both the caller's timezone and the business timezone
- Avoid confirming a slot until the conversion is checked

## Agent usage

Tell the node prompt to use the tool instead of guessing:

```
Before confirming any appointment, hours, or deadline, call get_current_time
with the caller's IANA timezone. If they give a time in another zone, call
convert_time and read both times back before you confirm.
```

## Templates

Onboarding templates that schedule, route, or qualify leads attach Current Time automatically:

- Receptionist
- Lead qualifier
- Support desk
- Appointment coordinator
- Service dispatcher