How to Call United Kingdom From USA: A Simple Guide

Ever tried calling a friend in London only to be met with frustrating beeps and a dial tone of doom? Calling the United Kingdom from the USA might seem simple, but a few crucial steps can make the difference between a successful conversation and a connection catastrophe. Whether you’re staying in touch with family, coordinating business deals, or simply chatting with a friend across the pond, understanding the proper dialing format is essential.

Incorrectly dialing international numbers is a common problem that can waste time, money, and cause unnecessary frustration. This guide will walk you through the precise steps needed to successfully dial the UK from the US, ensuring you get connected smoothly and efficiently. Knowing the correct exit codes, country codes, and area codes is vital for overcoming geographical boundaries and fostering global communication.

What are the most frequently asked questions about calling the UK from the US?

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

The UK exit code when calling from the US is 011.

To successfully call a United Kingdom phone number from the United States, you must first dial the US exit code, which is 011. This code tells the US telephone network that you are about to dial an international number. Without this code, the system will not recognize that you are trying to call outside of the United States and the call will fail.

After dialing the exit code, you’ll then need to enter the UK’s country code, which is 44. Following that, you’ll input the specific UK phone number, omitting the initial zero if there is one (the trunk code). For example, if the UK number is 020 7946 0870, you would dial 011 44 20 7946 0870. Understanding these steps is crucial for establishing a connection with someone in the United Kingdom from the United States.

Do I dial 011 before the UK country code?

Yes, when calling the United Kingdom (UK) from the USA, you must dial 011 before the UK country code. The ‘011’ is the exit code for the United States, which tells the U.S. telephone network that you are about to dial a number outside of the country.

When placing an international call from the United States, the process generally involves three key components: the exit code, the country code, and the local number. The exit code, ‘011’ in the case of the USA, alerts the phone system to route the call internationally. Following the exit code, you will need to dial the UK country code, which is ‘44’. Finally, you enter the local UK phone number, remembering to drop the leading ‘0’ from the area code. Therefore, the complete dialing sequence would look like this: 011 + 44 + UK area code (without the leading zero) + local number. For example, to call a London number (area code 020) from the US, you would dial 011 44 20 followed by the eight-digit local number. For mobile numbers in the UK which start with ‘07’, you would dial 011 44 7 followed by the rest of the number. Remembering this sequence will ensure your international call connects successfully.

How do I call 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’. Therefore, the format is: 011 + 44 + UK Mobile Number (excluding the initial ‘0’).

Calling internationally involves a specific sequence of numbers. The “011” is the exit code for the United States, indicating that you are calling out of the country. The “44” is the country code for the United Kingdom, directing your call to that specific nation. Crucially, UK mobile numbers typically start with a ‘0’. When calling from abroad, you must omit this leading ‘0’. So, if the UK mobile number is 07700 900000, you would dial 011 44 7700 900000. Keep in mind that international calling rates can vary significantly depending on your phone plan and service provider. Before making the call, it’s wise to check with your provider about potential charges to avoid unexpected fees. Some providers offer international calling plans, which can significantly reduce the cost per minute. Alternatively, consider using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services like Skype, WhatsApp, or Google Voice, which often offer cheaper international calls, especially to mobile numbers. These services rely on an internet connection rather than traditional phone lines.

What is the country code for the United Kingdom?

The country code for the United Kingdom is 44.

When calling the United Kingdom from the United States, you’ll need to dial a specific sequence of numbers to connect internationally. The process involves several steps, starting with the exit code for the US, followed by the UK country code, then the area code (without the leading zero if it exists), and finally, the local phone number. For example, if you’re calling a London number, you wouldn’t dial the ‘0’ that normally precedes the London area code within the UK itself. Here’s a breakdown of how to call the UK from the US:

1. Dial 011: This is the exit code for the United States. It tells the phone system that you’re making an international call.
2. Dial 44: This is the country code for the United Kingdom.
3. Dial the area code: This is the geographic area code within the UK. Remember to omit the leading ‘0’ that you would dial if calling from within the UK itself. For example, if the UK number is 020 7946 0000, you’ll only dial 20.
4. Dial the local number: This is the remaining digits of the UK phone number.

So, putting it all together, to call the UK number 020 7946 0000 from the USA, you would dial: 011 44 20 7946 0000. Remember to double-check the specific area code for the location you are trying to reach, as area codes can vary significantly across the UK.

Are there cheaper ways to call the UK than using my phone?

Yes, there are significantly cheaper ways to call the United Kingdom from the USA than using your standard mobile phone plan for international calls. These alternatives leverage internet-based technologies, offering lower rates and sometimes even free calling options.

Several Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services and apps provide more affordable international calling rates. Services like Skype, WhatsApp, Viber, and Google Voice allow you to make calls to UK phone numbers using your internet connection. Often, calls to other users of the same service are free, while calls to landlines and mobile phones are charged at significantly lower rates than traditional phone carriers. The cost savings can be substantial, especially if you make frequent or long-duration calls to the UK. Another alternative is to purchase an international calling card. These cards often offer competitive rates per minute and can be a useful option if you prefer not to rely on internet-based services. Be sure to compare the rates and any hidden fees associated with different calling cards before making a purchase. Also, consider checking with your current mobile phone provider; they might offer international calling packages or add-ons that are more cost-effective than their standard international rates.

What’s the dialing format for calling London from the US?

To call London from the US, you need to dial 011-44-20, followed by the eight-digit local London phone number. The 011 is the US exit code, 44 is the country code for the United Kingdom, and 20 is the area code for London.

When making an international call from the United States, you must first dial the exit code, which signals to the US phone network that you are making a call outside of the country. The US exit code is always 011. Following the exit code, you’ll enter the country code for the United Kingdom (44). After the country code, you must dial the appropriate area code for the specific region you’re calling within the UK. London’s area code is 20. Finally, you’ll enter the eight-digit local phone number. Therefore, a complete call to a London number would follow this format: 011-44-20-XXXXXXXX, where XXXXXXXX represents the local eight-digit phone number. For example, if the local London number is 1234-5678, you would dial 011-44-20-1234-5678. Remember to dial all the digits correctly, including the area code, for the call to connect successfully.

Will I be charged international rates calling the UK from the US?

Yes, you will almost certainly be charged international rates when calling the UK from the US. Calling across international borders incurs higher costs due to infrastructure, agreements between phone companies, and other operational factors. The exact rate depends on your phone plan and the service you use.

While it’s almost certain you’ll face charges, the extent of those charges can vary dramatically. Traditional landline or mobile phone plans often have high per-minute international rates, sometimes exceeding several dollars per minute. However, many modern options provide significantly cheaper alternatives. These options include international calling plans, which offer reduced rates or bundled minutes for international calls, and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like Skype, WhatsApp, or Google Voice, which often use internet data instead of traditional phone lines, dramatically reducing costs. To minimize international calling costs, explore alternatives to your standard mobile plan. Look into add-on international calling packages offered by your current provider. Compare the rates of different VoIP services; many offer free calling to the UK with a subscription or small per-minute fee. Remember to consider the recipient’s location, too. Calling a UK mobile phone is usually more expensive than calling a UK landline. Before making an international call, it’s always best to check with your provider or chosen service to understand the specific rates that will apply.

So there you have it! Calling the UK from the US doesn’t have to be a mystery. With these simple steps, you’ll be chatting with your friends, family, or colleagues across the pond in no time. Thanks for stopping by, and we hope this helped! Feel free to come back anytime you need a little international calling guidance.