How to Call UK From US: A Simple Guide

Ever tried calling your friend in London, only to be met with a confusing silence or, worse, an incorrect number message? Calling the UK from the US seems simple, but a few crucial steps can mean the difference between a successful conversation and a frustrating experience. The truth is, international dialing can feel like navigating a maze if you don’t know the proper codes and procedures.

Understanding how to make these calls correctly is increasingly important in our interconnected world. Whether you’re connecting with family, conducting business, or simply catching up with friends, knowing the right process saves you time, money, and unnecessary headaches. Misdialing can lead to unexpected charges or missed opportunities, making a little preparation well worth the effort.

Want to know the specifics?

What’s the UK country code when calling from the US?

The UK country code is 44. When calling the UK from the US, you’ll need to dial 011 (the US exit code), then 44 (the UK country code), followed by the UK phone number without the initial ‘0’.

To break it down further, making an international call requires a specific sequence. First, you need an exit code from your country (in this case, the US). The US exit code, 011, signals to the telephone network that you are making an international call. Following the exit code, you input the country code for the destination country, which is 44 for the United Kingdom. After dialing 011 and 44, you must enter the UK phone number you wish to reach. However, it’s important to remove the leading ‘0’ from the UK area code. For example, if the UK number is 020 7946 0000 (a London number), you would dial 011 44 20 7946 0000. Failing to omit the ‘0’ will result in your call not connecting.

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

Yes, when calling the UK from the US, you need to dial an exit code, also known as an international access code, to indicate that you’re making an international call. The exit code for the US is 011.

The complete dialing format for calling the UK from the US is as follows: 011 + 44 + UK Area Code + Local Number. The ‘011’ tells your US carrier to route the call internationally. The ‘44’ is the country code for the United Kingdom. Then, you enter the area code for the specific region you’re calling in the UK, remembering to drop the leading ‘0’ from the UK area code (e.g., if calling London, which has an area code of ‘020’ within the UK, you would dial ‘20’ after the ‘44’). Finally, you enter the local phone number.

For example, if you were calling a London number that is ‘020 7946 0823’ within the UK, from the US you would dial: 011 44 20 7946 0823. Skipping the ‘011’ will result in your call not being connected, or being routed to a local US number that coincidentally starts with ‘44’, which is unlikely and almost certainly not your intended recipient. Always double-check that you include the exit code, country code, and the correct area code (omitting the leading zero) to ensure your call goes through successfully.

What are the different time zones between the US and UK?

The time difference between the US and the UK varies depending on the specific locations and the time of year, due to daylight saving time (DST) or summer time. The UK primarily observes Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) during standard time and British Summer Time (BST) during summer. The continental US spans several time zones, including Eastern Time (ET), Central Time (CT), Mountain Time (MT), and Pacific Time (PT). Consequently, the time difference can range from 4 to 8 hours, with the UK being ahead of the US.

To illustrate, during Standard Time (roughly November to March), London (GMT) is 5 hours ahead of New York (ET), 6 hours ahead of Chicago (CT), 7 hours ahead of Denver (MT), and 8 hours ahead of Los Angeles (PT). When Daylight Saving Time is in effect in both the US and the UK (roughly March to October), these differences shift by one hour. For example, London (BST) is then only 4 hours ahead of New York (EDT). Note that the US and UK do not change to/from DST on the exact same dates, so there are short periods of a week or two in March and October/November where the difference is a bit unusual. Always check a reliable time zone converter for the exact difference on a specific date and time.

Therefore, before calling the UK from the US, it’s crucial to determine the current time in both locations. Using online time zone converters or apps that automatically adjust for DST is highly recommended. This ensures you’re calling at an appropriate time and avoiding inconveniently reaching someone in the middle of the night.

Are there cheaper ways to call the UK from the US besides my cell provider?

Yes, there are significantly cheaper alternatives to using your cell phone provider for international calls to the UK from the US. These alternatives leverage Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, international calling cards, or dedicated calling apps, often providing substantially lower per-minute rates or even free calls.

Many VoIP services like Google Voice, Skype, WhatsApp, and Viber allow you to call UK phone numbers for a fraction of the cost of traditional mobile carriers. Google Voice, for example, offers very competitive rates to UK landlines and mobile phones. Skype and other similar platforms often allow free calls to other users of the same platform, meaning if your contact in the UK also uses the app, you can talk for free. WhatsApp utilizes your internet connection to facilitate free voice and video calls, making it another cost-effective option if both parties have the app installed. International calling cards are another option, although their popularity has waned somewhat with the rise of VoIP services. These cards offer a prepaid amount of calling time, often with significantly lower rates than standard long-distance charges. Be sure to carefully review the card’s terms and conditions, as some may have hidden fees or expiration dates. Finally, numerous dedicated calling apps, such as Vonage or Ooma, offer international calling plans that can provide consistent, affordable rates to the UK. Researching and comparing these options will help you find the most cost-effective solution for your specific needs.

How do I dial a UK mobile number from the US?

To call a UK mobile number from the US, you need to dial the US exit code (011), followed by the UK country code (44), then the UK mobile number without the leading ‘0’. So, the dialing format is: 011-44-XXXXXXXXXXX.

To break this down further, the “011” is the exit code that tells the US phone system you are dialing an international number. The “44” is the country code specifically for the United Kingdom. UK mobile numbers typically start with a ‘0’, for example ‘07XXXXXXXXX’. You must remove this leading ‘0’ when calling from abroad. Therefore, if the UK mobile number you are trying to reach is 07123456789, you would dial 011-44-7123456789. It’s also crucial to remember that international calls can be significantly more expensive than domestic calls. Check with your mobile or landline provider about their international calling rates before dialing to avoid unexpected charges. You might also consider using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services like Skype, WhatsApp, or Google Voice for potentially cheaper international calls, but ensure both you and the person you are calling have the application installed and a stable internet connection.

Will I be charged long distance fees for calling the UK from the US?

Whether you will be charged long distance fees for calling the UK from the US depends entirely on your phone plan and the service you are using to make the call. Many modern phone plans offer international calling features or unlimited calling to specific countries, which could eliminate or reduce these charges. However, if your plan doesn’t include international calling, you will likely incur long distance fees that can vary significantly depending on your provider’s rates.

If your existing mobile or landline plan doesn’t include international calls, you have several options to avoid or minimize long distance charges. You can explore add-on international calling packages offered by your current provider. Alternatively, you can utilize Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like Skype, WhatsApp, Google Voice, or FaceTime, which often offer significantly cheaper rates for international calls, or even free calls if both parties are using the same platform. Another effective strategy is to research international calling cards. These cards provide a prepaid service with a specific amount of call time, often at discounted rates compared to standard long distance fees. Always compare the rates and fees associated with different services and plans to determine the most cost-effective option for your calling needs. Checking your provider’s website or contacting customer support is the best way to get definitive information about international calling charges associated with your specific account.

What’s the best app to call the UK from the US?

The “best” app depends on your specific needs and priorities, but generally, WhatsApp, Google Voice, and Skype are excellent options for calling the UK from the US due to their reliability, affordability (often free or very cheap for calls to landlines and mobile phones), and widespread use.

Consider WhatsApp if both you and the person you’re calling in the UK have the app installed. WhatsApp calls are free and use internet data, so as long as you both have a decent Wi-Fi connection, you can talk for as long as you like without incurring any charges. If you need to call UK landlines or mobile numbers that don’t have WhatsApp, then Google Voice or Skype are strong contenders. Google Voice offers competitive rates and seamless integration with Google accounts, while Skype is a long-standing, trusted platform with various calling plans and credit options. Ultimately, it’s worth comparing the per-minute rates offered by Google Voice and Skype for calls to UK landlines and mobiles, as these can fluctuate. Also, check if the people you call in the UK frequently use a specific app and choose that to make contacting each other easier.

Alright, that’s all there is to it! Calling the UK from the US is a breeze once you know the steps. Thanks for reading, and we hope this helped you connect with friends, family, or colleagues across the pond. Feel free to pop back any time you need a quick refresher or have other international calling questions!