How to Call to America From UK: A Comprehensive Guide

Ever felt that pang of frustration when you just needed to share some exciting news with family across the pond, but the thought of navigating international calling codes and potential costs made you hesitate? Connecting with loved ones, friends, or even conducting business in the United States from the United Kingdom is a common and often vital necessity. Whether it’s a weekly catch-up with your parents, an urgent work meeting, or simply sharing a joyous occasion, the ability to call America reliably and affordably is something many of us take for granted – until we don’t know how to do it!

The ease of communication with the US has a significant impact on personal relationships, business ventures, and the overall flow of information between the two countries. Knowing the correct procedures can save you money, ensure a clear connection, and prevent frustrating mishaps. From understanding dialing codes to exploring various calling options, a little knowledge can go a long way in bridging the geographical gap.

What do I need to know before I dial?

What’s the UK exit code to call the US?

The UK exit code to call the US is 00. You’ll dial 00 followed by the US country code (1), then the US area code, and finally the local US phone number.

To make a successful phone call from the UK to the United States, you need to understand the dialing sequence. First, you dial the UK exit code, which signals to the UK telephone network that you’re making an international call. This is ‘00’. After the exit code, you need the country code for the US, which is ‘1’. Next, you enter the three-digit area code for the specific region you are calling within the US, followed by the seven-digit local phone number. So, the complete format is: 00 + 1 + Area Code + Local Phone Number. For example, if you are calling a number in New York City (area code 212), the full number you would dial from the UK would look something like this: 00 1 212 555 1234. Remember to drop any leading ‘0’ that might be present if you were calling the same number from within the US. Note also that some calling plans or mobile providers may offer alternative ways to call internationally, so check with your provider for specific instructions or potential cost savings.

What’s the cheapest way to call America from the UK?

The absolute cheapest way to call America from the UK is generally by using a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service or app like WhatsApp, Skype, Google Voice, or Viber, provided both you and the person you are calling have a stable internet connection. These services allow you to make calls over the internet, often completely free of charge or for very minimal data costs.

Many VoIP services offer call options. Some provide free calls to other users within the same platform, utilizing internet data rather than traditional phone networks. Others provide very low-cost calls to standard US phone numbers. The cost depends on which service is used, their rates to the US, and whether you’re calling a landline or a mobile phone. Mobile calls are generally more expensive. Check the fine print; some services have connection fees or other hidden charges. Consider a mobile plan from providers like Lebara or Lyca Mobile that include international minutes to the US. These plans can be cost-effective if you regularly call the US. Finally, if you need to make many calls without relying on an internet connection or a specific mobile plan, prepaid international calling cards can provide competitive rates, although you should compare the per-minute charges and potential connection fees carefully before purchasing.

Do I need to dial a ‘0’ before the US area code?

No, you do not dial a ‘0’ before the US area code when calling the United States from the UK. The ‘0’ is typically used as a trunk code within the UK for domestic calls, and is not part of the international dialing sequence.

When calling the US from the UK, the correct format is to first dial the UK exit code, which is 00. Then, dial the US country code, which is 1. Finally, you dial the US area code (a 3-digit number) followed by the 7-digit local phone number. So, the complete dialing sequence would look like this: 00 1 [Area Code] [Phone Number]. For example, to call the number (555) 123-4567 in the US, you would dial 00 1 555 1234567. Remember that calling internationally can sometimes incur significant charges, so it is always a good idea to check with your phone service provider for their international calling rates and any available international calling plans before making the call. You might also consider using alternative methods for calling the US, such as VoIP services (like Skype, WhatsApp, or Google Voice), which often offer cheaper rates for international calls.

How do I call a US mobile phone from the UK?

To call a US mobile phone from the UK, you need to dial the UK exit code (00), followed by the US country code (1), then the US area code (3 digits), and finally the US mobile phone number (7 digits). The complete format is: 00 1 XXX YYY ZZZZ.

Breaking it down further, understand that “00” is the international access code used when calling out of the UK. The “1” is the country code assigned to the United States. The “XXX” represents the three-digit area code specific to the region where the mobile phone is registered. Finally, “YYY ZZZZ” constitutes the seven-digit mobile phone number itself. Make sure you have the correct area code, as using the wrong one will result in a failed call.

Consider using apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or other VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services if both you and the person you’re calling have these apps installed and connected to the internet. These services often offer significantly cheaper or even free calls compared to using traditional phone networks. Remember to factor in potential time zone differences between the UK and the US to avoid calling at inconvenient hours.

What’s the time difference to consider when calling?

The time difference between the UK and the USA varies significantly depending on the specific location in the US and the time of year, due to Daylight Saving Time (DST) in both countries. Generally, the US spans several time zones, ranging from Eastern Time (ET), which is usually 5 hours behind the UK, to Pacific Time (PT), which is normally 8 hours behind. During periods where DST is in effect in one country but not the other, these differences can shift by an hour.

To ensure you’re not calling at an inconvenient hour, it’s crucial to determine the precise time zone of the person you’re trying to reach in the US. Common US time zones include Eastern Time (ET), Central Time (CT), Mountain Time (MT), and Pacific Time (PT). Once you know their time zone, you can calculate the appropriate calling window based on the current time in the UK. Consider factors such as typical working hours (9 AM - 5 PM), preferred evening times, and potentially avoid calling very early in the morning or late at night in their local time.

Furthermore, be mindful of the different start and end dates for Daylight Saving Time in the UK and the US. The UK typically observes British Summer Time (BST) from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October. The US observes Daylight Saving Time from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November. During the overlapping periods, the standard time differences apply; however, when one country is in DST and the other is not, you’ll need to adjust your calculations accordingly. Using an online time zone converter or world clock can significantly simplify this process and prevent awkward or mistimed calls.

Are there any apps that offer free calls to the US from the UK?

Yes, several apps provide free calls to the US from the UK, typically leveraging Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. These apps usually require both the caller and recipient to have the app installed or offer a limited free calling period.

Many popular apps offer free calls to the US from the UK, but they often come with certain caveats. The most common model involves app-to-app calls, where both the caller in the UK and the recipient in the US need to have the same app installed on their smartphones or computers. These calls are generally free as they use internet data instead of traditional phone lines. Some apps also offer a certain amount of free calling minutes to US phone numbers as a promotion or incentive. Keep an eye on the terms and conditions, as these free minutes may have limitations, such as only being available for a limited time or requiring the user to watch advertisements. The quality of these “free” calls is heavily dependent on internet connectivity. A strong and stable Wi-Fi connection is crucial for clear audio and to avoid dropped calls. If you rely solely on mobile data, be mindful of data usage, especially if you don’t have an unlimited data plan. Consider factors such as ease of use, call quality reports from other users, and the presence of additional features like video calling or messaging before settling on a particular app. Many of these apps also offer paid plans for enhanced features, higher call quality, and the ability to call landlines or mobile numbers even if the recipient doesn’t have the app.

Are there different dialing codes for specific US states?

No, there are no specific dialing codes assigned to individual US states. Instead, the US uses a system of area codes that cover specific geographic regions, which may encompass entire states, portions of states, or even cross state lines.

While there isn’t a single dialing code *for* a state, you need to know the correct area code for the specific location within the US you are trying to reach. The North American Numbering Plan (NANP) assigns these area codes. When calling from the UK, you first dial the international access code for the UK (00), then the US country code (1), and *then* the 3-digit area code followed by the 7-digit local phone number. For example, if you were calling a number in New York City (area code 212), the dialing sequence would be 00-1-212-XXX-XXXX. To find the correct area code, you’ll need to know the city or region within the US where the person or business you are calling is located. Many websites and apps allow you to search for area codes based on location. It’s important to note that some states, like California and Texas, have multiple area codes due to their large populations.

And that’s all there is to it! Calling America from the UK doesn’t have to be a headache. I hope this guide has made things a little clearer for you. Thanks for reading, and feel free to pop back anytime you need a helping hand with international calls!