How to Call UK: A Simple Guide to Dialing the United Kingdom

Ever tried calling a friend across the pond only to be met with a dial tone of confusion? Calling the UK from abroad can seem daunting, a cryptic process of country codes and area codes that leaves many feeling bewildered. But fear not! Successfully connecting with the United Kingdom is simpler than you think, and with a little guidance, you’ll be chatting with your British contacts in no time.

In today’s increasingly globalized world, staying connected with friends, family, and business partners in the UK is more important than ever. Whether you’re scheduling a business meeting, checking in with loved ones, or simply catching up with a friend, knowing how to correctly dial a UK number is an essential skill. Understanding the dialing codes and procedures will save you time, money, and frustration, ensuring your call connects smoothly every time.

What are the most common questions about calling the UK?

What’s the UK country code for international calls?

The UK country code for international calls is +44.

When calling a UK phone number from abroad, you must first dial your country’s international access code (often “00” or “011,” but this varies). Following that, you dial the UK country code (+44), and then the UK phone number, but you must drop the leading ‘0’ from the UK area code. For example, if you were calling a London number that begins with ‘020’ from the US, you would dial 011 44 20 followed by the rest of the number.

Failing to include the country code, or failing to remove the initial ‘0’ from the UK area code, will usually result in the call failing. Always double-check you have the correct country code and have adjusted the UK number accordingly before attempting to call.

Do I need to dial an exit code from my country to call the UK?

Yes, you almost certainly need to dial an exit code (also known as an international access code) from your country before dialing the UK country code (44) and the UK phone number. This exit code tells your local phone network that you are making an international call.

The exit code varies depending on the country you are calling from. For example, the exit code for calls from the United States and Canada is 011, while the exit code for calls from many European countries is 00. You can easily find the correct exit code for your country by searching online for “exit code from [your country]” or “international access code from [your country]”. It is crucial to dial the correct exit code; otherwise, your call won’t be routed internationally. After dialing the exit code, you’ll then dial the UK’s country code (44), followed by the UK phone number, remembering to drop the leading zero from the UK area code.

Here’s a breakdown of the dialing sequence:

1. Exit Code: The international access code for the country you’re calling from.
2. UK Country Code: 44
3. UK Phone Number: Drop the leading ‘0’ from the UK area code.

So, if you were calling a London number (020…) from the United States, you would dial 011 44 20 followed by the rest of the London phone number.

How do I call a UK mobile phone from abroad?

To call a UK mobile phone from abroad, you need to dial the international access code for the country you are calling from, followed by the UK country code (44), then the UK mobile number without the leading zero. For example, if calling a UK mobile number 07700 900000 from the United States, you would dial 011 44 7700 900000.

When calling a UK mobile number from overseas, the most common error is including the leading ‘0’ of the UK mobile number. This ‘0’ is only used for calls within the UK. Replacing the ‘0’ with the UK country code (44) is crucial for the call to connect successfully. Remember to check the specific international access code for the country you are calling from, as it varies. A quick online search for “[Your Country] international access code” will provide the correct code. Consider that calling a UK mobile from abroad can be expensive for both the caller and potentially the recipient if they are roaming. The caller will incur international call charges as defined by their service provider. The receiver will be charged roaming fees to receive the call if they are traveling outside of the UK. Using internet-based calling services (like WhatsApp, Skype, or FaceTime) can often be a more cost-effective alternative, as these services typically rely on data connections rather than traditional phone networks, but both parties need to have the service and data access.

What are the area codes for major cities in the UK?

Major UK cities have unique area codes that must be dialed before the local number when calling from outside that specific area. London uses the area codes 020, Birmingham uses 0121, Glasgow uses 0141, Liverpool uses 0151, Manchester uses 0161, and Edinburgh uses 0131. Remember to drop the leading ‘0’ if you are calling from outside the UK; instead, use the UK’s country code, +44.

When dialing a UK phone number, understanding the area code is crucial. These codes designate a geographical region within the country and help route your call to the correct location. Ignoring the area code or using the wrong one will result in a failed connection. Note that some larger cities, like London, may be further divided into sub-regions within the 020 area code, but this is generally transparent to the caller. It’s also important to be aware that the area code is *not* part of the subscriber’s personal phone number. Once you’re within the same area code, you only need to dial the local number. Mobile phone numbers in the UK don’t adhere to this geographical system and use a separate set of prefixes, typically starting with 07. You will always need to dial the full number including the 07 prefix when calling a mobile from any location, even within the UK.

Are there different dialing formats for landlines versus mobile phones in the UK?

Yes, the dialing format differs slightly depending on whether you are calling a UK landline or a UK mobile phone, primarily in how you handle the leading ‘0’ of the area code or mobile prefix when calling from overseas.

When calling a UK landline from abroad, you drop the initial ‘0’ from the area code and replace it with the UK’s international dialing code, which is +44. For example, if a landline number is (020) 7946 0000 (London), you would dial +44 20 7946 0000 from outside the UK. The ‘020’ is the area code for London. However, if you are calling within the UK, you dial the number as (020) 7946 0000, including the ‘0’. The same principle applies to mobile phones. If a UK mobile number is 07700 900000, when calling from abroad, you replace the leading ‘0’ with +44, making it +44 7700 900000. Again, when dialing from within the UK, the number is dialed as 07700 900000. It’s crucial to remember this difference to ensure your calls connect successfully, especially when calling from an international location.

How can I make cheap international calls to the UK?

Making cheap international calls to the UK involves leveraging Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, utilizing calling apps, or taking advantage of international calling plans offered by your mobile carrier. These options often bypass traditional landline rates, resulting in significant cost savings.

To elaborate, VoIP services like Skype, WhatsApp, Viber, and Google Voice use internet connections to place calls, meaning you primarily pay for your internet data rather than expensive per-minute charges. Many of these platforms offer free calls to other users on the same platform and competitive rates for calls to UK landlines and mobile numbers. Similarly, numerous calling apps like Rebtel, Localphone, and Talkatone specialize in finding the cheapest routes for international calls, often using local access numbers to reduce costs. Always compare the rates of different providers, as they can fluctuate. Finally, check with your current mobile provider for international calling plans or add-ons that specifically target the UK. While these plans may have a monthly fee, they can offer significantly reduced per-minute rates compared to standard international charges. Some providers even offer unlimited calling to the UK as part of a premium plan. It’s also worth investigating calling cards, although their popularity has waned with the rise of VoIP and app-based solutions; just be sure to factor in all associated fees before committing.

What time zone is the UK in, and how does it affect when I call?

The United Kingdom primarily operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) during the winter months and British Summer Time (BST), which is GMT+1, during the summer. This time difference means that when planning a call, you need to consider the seasonal shift. For example, if you’re in the Eastern Standard Time (EST) zone, the UK will be 5 hours ahead during GMT and only 4 hours ahead during BST. This difference directly impacts the optimal calling window to ensure you’re not calling at an inconvenient time for the person you’re trying to reach.

Understanding the UK’s time zone is crucial for scheduling calls. The UK observes Daylight Saving Time (DST), also known as British Summer Time, from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October. During this period, clocks are advanced by one hour. Therefore, you must check whether the UK is currently observing GMT or BST before making your call to avoid waking someone up in the middle of the night or calling outside of typical business hours. Many online tools and resources can help you determine the current time in the UK relative to your location. To further illustrate, consider these scenarios: If it’s 2 PM EST in New York, it would be 7 PM GMT in London. However, during BST, that same 2 PM EST would translate to 6 PM BST in London. Planning ahead and double-checking the current time zone will help you make successful and considerate phone calls to the UK.

And that’s all there is to it! Hopefully, you’re feeling confident and ready to dial those digits. Thanks for reading, and we hope this guide helps you connect with your friends and family across the pond. Pop back any time you need a refresher or have more international calling questions!