How to Call London From US: A Simple Guide

Ever tried calling a friend in London, only to be met with confusion about the correct dialing code? You’re not alone! Successfully navigating international calls can seem daunting, with all the country codes, exit codes, and area codes to remember. Misdialing can lead to wasted time, frustration, and even unexpected charges. Knowing the correct process for calling London from the US is essential for staying connected with friends, family, or conducting business across the pond. Getting it right ensures a smooth and successful connection, allowing you to communicate effectively and efficiently.

Whether you’re planning a trip, catching up with loved ones, or conducting business negotiations, a reliable connection to London is crucial. This guide will break down the process into simple, easy-to-follow steps, ensuring that you can reach your desired contact without any hiccups. No more fumbling with your phone or guessing at the right codes! We’ll cover everything you need to know to make international calls like a pro.

Frequently Asked Questions: How *Exactly* Do I Dial London?

What’s the correct dialing code to call London from the US?

The correct dialing code to call London from the US is 011 44 20, followed by the 8-digit local London phone number. The ‘011’ is the exit code for the US, ‘44’ is the country code for the United Kingdom, and ‘20’ is the area code for London.

Calling internationally can seem daunting, but breaking it down makes it simple. First, you need to dial the exit code, which allows you to dial out of the US telephone network. This is ‘011’. Next, you need to dial the country code for the country you’re calling, which in this case is the United Kingdom, and its code is ‘44’. Finally, you dial the specific area code for the city you are calling, which is ‘20’ for London. Once you’ve dialed those three codes, you can dial the 8-digit local London phone number. Therefore, the complete dialing sequence would look like this: 011-44-20-XXXXXXXX (where XXXXXXXX represents the 8-digit local London phone number). Remember to omit any leading ‘0’ from the local London number if you see it written that way, as the ‘20’ area code already accounts for it.

Do I need to dial an exit code from the US first?

Yes, you will need to dial the US exit code, 011, before dialing the country code for the UK (44) and the London area code and number. This exit code tells the US telephone network that you are making an international call.

Think of the exit code as your ticket to leave the US telephone system. Without it, the system won’t recognize that you’re trying to connect to an international number. The full sequence you would dial is: 011 (US exit code) + 44 (UK country code) + London area code (e.g., 20 for landlines) + the local London phone number. Remember to drop the leading ‘0’ from the London area code when dialing internationally. For example, if the London number is 020 7946 0000, you would dial 011 44 20 7946 0000.

If you are calling a UK mobile number, the process is similar, but mobile numbers typically start with ‘7’. In that case, you’d still drop the leading ‘0’ and dial 011 44 7 followed by the rest of the mobile number. Incorrect dialing, especially missing the exit code, is a common reason for unsuccessful international calls. Always double-check the number before dialing to avoid errors.

How much does it typically cost to call London from the US?

The cost to call London from the US varies greatly depending on the method you choose, ranging from free (using internet-based apps) to potentially expensive (using traditional landlines or mobile carriers without a specific international plan). You can expect to pay anywhere from $0.00 to upwards of $3.00 per minute, with calling plans and internet-based services usually offering the most affordable options.

Several factors influence the cost. Traditional landline or mobile carriers typically charge higher per-minute rates for international calls unless you have a specific international calling plan. These plans can significantly reduce the cost per minute, often to a few cents. The time of day can sometimes affect the rates charged by traditional providers, though this is less common now. The most cost-effective options generally involve using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services or mobile apps that rely on an internet connection. Services like WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime, Google Voice, and Viber allow you to make free calls to other users of the same app, and offer low rates for calling landlines and mobile phones in London. The actual cost will depend on the service and any pre-paid credit or subscription you may need. Before making a call, it’s always wise to check the provider’s current rates and any associated fees.

What’s the time difference between the US and London?

The time difference between the US and London varies depending on the specific location within the US and the time of year due to Daylight Saving Time/Summer Time. London is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) during Standard Time, and British Summer Time (BST) during the summer. The US has multiple time zones ranging from Eastern Time (ET) to Hawaiian Time (HT), resulting in a time difference between 5 and 10 hours.

To illustrate, during Standard Time (roughly November to March), London is generally 5 hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET), 6 hours ahead of Central Time (CT), 7 hours ahead of Mountain Time (MT), and 8 hours ahead of Pacific Time (PT). However, the US and the UK observe Daylight Saving Time/Summer Time on slightly different schedules. This means that for a few weeks in the spring and fall, the time difference may be off by an hour. It’s always best to check a current time zone converter to be sure of the exact difference before calling. When both locations are observing Daylight Saving Time (Summer Time in the UK), London is 4 hours ahead of ET, 5 hours ahead of CT, 6 hours ahead of MT, and 7 hours ahead of PT. Keep in mind that Arizona (except for the Navajo Nation) does not observe Daylight Saving Time, so the time difference is consistently different during summer months. Always double-check a reliable time zone converter, especially during the transition periods of DST/Summer Time, to avoid scheduling calls at inconvenient hours.

Are there cheaper ways to call London than using a landline?

Yes, there are significantly cheaper ways to call London from the US than using a traditional landline. Modern technology offers numerous alternatives leveraging the internet, mobile apps, and international calling plans that drastically reduce costs, often to mere cents per minute or even free.

Using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services is a popular and cost-effective approach. These services, like Skype, WhatsApp, Google Voice, and Viber, allow you to make calls over the internet instead of using the traditional phone network. Often, calls to other users of the same service are free, while calls to landlines and mobile numbers in London are charged at very low rates. You typically need a stable internet connection, either Wi-Fi or mobile data, to use these services effectively. The call quality is generally excellent, depending on the strength of your internet connection. Another option is to utilize mobile apps that specialize in international calls. Many mobile providers offer affordable international calling plans or add-ons that can be significantly cheaper than standard long-distance rates. Companies like Vonage and Ooma also offer home phone services that use VoIP technology and provide competitive international calling rates. Before making a call, it’s wise to compare the rates and features offered by different providers to find the best deal for your specific needs. Always be sure to check for hidden fees or any contract requirements.

Will my cell phone work in London if I call a US number from there?

Yes, your cell phone will likely work in London for calling a US number, but you need to consider potential international charges and how your phone is set up. Ensure you have international roaming enabled (or an international plan) with your US carrier, or consider purchasing a local SIM card in London for potentially cheaper rates.

When calling a US number from London, you are essentially making an international call from your phone’s perspective, even though you’re calling a number that is technically domestic to you. Your US carrier will likely charge you per-minute rates for international calls or data usage if you are using a service like WhatsApp or FaceTime. These charges can be quite high if you don’t have an international plan. Check with your provider about their rates and any international roaming packages they offer before you travel. These packages often provide a set amount of data, minutes, and texts for a fixed price, making it a more predictable and often cheaper option. Alternatively, buying a local SIM card in London can be a cost-effective solution, especially if you plan on making a lot of local calls or using a significant amount of data. A local SIM will give you a UK phone number and access to UK mobile networks at local rates. To call a US number from a UK SIM, you’ll need to dial the international exit code (usually 00) followed by the US country code (1) and then the US phone number. Before purchasing a local SIM, ensure your phone is unlocked, meaning it’s not tied to a specific carrier and can accept SIM cards from other providers.

Is it necessary to remove the initial zero from the London number?

Yes, when calling a London phone number (or any UK phone number) from the United States, you absolutely must remove the initial zero that appears at the beginning of the area code or phone number.

When dialing internationally, the leading zero in a UK phone number represents the trunk code, which is only used when dialing within the UK. When calling from another country, such as the United States, you replace the trunk code (the initial zero) with the international access code (011 for the US) followed by the country code for the UK (44). So, if a London number is written as 020 7946 0000, you would dial 011 44 20 7946 0000 from the US. Failing to remove the initial zero will result in your call not connecting. To summarize the dialing sequence:

1. Dial the US exit code: 011
2. Dial the UK country code: 44
3. Dial the London area code (removing the leading zero): 20
4. Dial the local London number.

Alright, you’re all set to give London a ring! Hopefully, this guide made things a little clearer. Thanks for reading, and don’t be a stranger – come back soon if you need help with anything else. Cheerio!