How to Call USA from UK: A Comprehensive Guide

Ever tried calling a friend in the US only to be met with a confusing series of beeps and dropped calls? Calling the USA from the UK might seem daunting with all the different codes and time zones to consider. But it’s a vital skill in today’s interconnected world. Whether you’re connecting with family, conducting business, or simply catching up with friends, knowing the correct dialing procedures can save you time, money, and a whole lot of frustration.

In a globalized society, maintaining connections across continents is more important than ever. Families are spread across the globe, and businesses routinely operate internationally. Clear and reliable communication is essential for nurturing personal relationships and fostering successful business collaborations. Mastering the art of international calling ensures you can stay connected, regardless of geographical distance.

Got Questions? What are the steps to call the USA, and how can I avoid common mistakes?

What’s the UK exit code for calling the USA?

The UK exit code for calling the USA is 00. This code tells the UK telephone network that you are about to dial an international number.

When making a call from the UK to the USA, you’ll need to dial a specific sequence of numbers. First, dial the UK exit code, which is 00. This signals to the UK phone network that you are making an international call. Next, you’ll need to dial the US country code, which is 1. Following the country code, you will enter the three-digit area code for the specific region in the USA you’re trying to reach, and finally, the seven-digit local phone number. Therefore, the complete dialing sequence looks like this: 00 + 1 + Area Code + Local Phone Number. For example, to call a number in New York City (area code 212), you would dial 00 1 212 followed by the seven-digit local number. Remember to check the correct area code for the location you’re calling to ensure your call connects successfully.

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

The country code for the USA is +1. When calling from the UK, you’ll need to dial this code before the US area code and phone number.

Calling the United States from the United Kingdom involves a few simple steps. First, you’ll need to dial the UK exit code, which is 00. This tells the UK phone network that you’re making an international call. Then, you dial the US country code, which is +1. After the country code, you enter the three-digit US area code and then the seven-digit local phone number. So, the full dialing format would be: 00 + 1 + Area Code + Phone Number.

For example, if you were calling a number in New York City (area code 212) with the local number 555-1212, you would dial: 00 1 212 555 1212. It’s also worth noting that many mobile phones automatically handle the “+” symbol, so you might be able to simply enter +1 instead of 00 1 on your phone’s dial pad. Always double-check you’ve entered the number correctly before placing the call to avoid misdialing and potential charges.

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

To call a US mobile number from the UK, you need to dial the UK exit code (00), followed by the US country code (1), then the 10-digit US mobile number (area code + local number). So the complete format is: 00 1 [10-digit US mobile number].

When calling internationally, remember that you must first dial the exit code for the country you’re calling from. In the UK, this code is “00”. This tells the phone network that you are about to make an international call. Next, you need the country code for the country you are calling—in this case, the United States, which has the country code “1”. Finally, dial the 10-digit US mobile number, which includes a three-digit area code and a seven-digit local number. Unlike some countries, you do *not* drop the leading zero from the area code when calling a US mobile number from abroad. For example, if the US mobile number is (555) 123-4567, you would dial it as 00 1 555 123 4567. Keep in mind that international call rates will apply, so check with your mobile provider for pricing. Many apps like WhatsApp, Skype or FaceTime offer cheaper or even free calling options if both parties have the app installed and an internet connection.

Are there cheaper ways to call the USA from the UK than using a landline?

Yes, there are significantly cheaper ways to call the USA from the UK than using a traditional landline. Modern technology offers a range of alternatives that leverage internet connectivity and competitive pricing structures, making international calls far more affordable.

Calling the USA from a UK landline can be surprisingly expensive, with call charges often accumulating quickly, especially for longer conversations. Fortunately, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like Skype, WhatsApp, and Google Voice utilize internet connections to make calls. These services often offer significantly reduced rates compared to traditional phone companies, and some even provide free calls to the USA when calling another user of the same service. Mobile apps that offer international calling plans, such as Viber and Rebtel, are also viable options, providing competitive rates tailored to international calls. Another cost-effective solution involves using international calling cards or pre-paid calling services. These cards offer a set amount of calling credit that can be used to call international numbers. They often come with lower per-minute rates than landline providers and can be a convenient way to manage call costs. When comparing options, it’s important to check for any hidden fees or connection charges and compare the per-minute rates to different USA area codes, as prices can sometimes vary.

What are some common area codes in the US I should know when calling from the UK?

When calling the USA from the UK, knowing a few common area codes can be helpful. Some of the most frequently dialed area codes correspond to major metropolitan areas and include 212 (New York City - Manhattan), 310 & 424 (Los Angeles - West LA/Santa Monica), 415 (San Francisco), 312 (Chicago), 713 (Houston), and 202 (Washington, D.C.). Keep in mind that the specific area code you need will ultimately depend on the location you are trying to reach.

While these area codes cover some of the most populous cities, the United States has a vast number of area codes. Understanding the general geographic distribution can be useful. For example, area codes starting with ‘2’ and ‘3’ are typically concentrated in the eastern part of the US, while those beginning with ‘4’, ‘5’, and ‘6’ tend to be in the central and southern states. ‘7’, ‘8’, and ‘9’ are more frequently found in the west. However, this is a very general guideline, and numerous exceptions exist. Before making your call, it’s always best to confirm the correct area code for the specific individual or business you are contacting. Online search engines like Google or dedicated area code lookup websites can quickly provide this information. Simply searching “[city name] area code” will typically yield the correct code. Incorrect area codes can lead to misdirected calls or failed connection attempts, so taking a moment to verify is always a good practice.

Does calling the USA from a UK mobile cost more than calling from a landline?

Generally, calling the USA from a UK mobile phone will likely cost more than calling from a landline. This is because mobile providers often have higher per-minute rates for international calls compared to landline providers.

Mobile providers typically charge a premium for international calls due to factors like roaming agreements with foreign networks and the infrastructure costs associated with mobile communication. While some mobile plans offer international call bundles or add-ons that can reduce the cost, the standard per-minute rate is usually higher than a landline’s. Furthermore, if your mobile plan doesn’t include international minutes, you might face unexpectedly high charges. Landline providers, on the other hand, often have more competitive rates for international calls, especially during off-peak hours. They might also offer specific international call packages that further reduce the cost. However, it’s always best to check with both your mobile and landline providers to compare their current rates and any available packages for calls to the USA to determine the most cost-effective option for you. Consider also alternative VOIP services, which can often offer lower rates than either mobile or landline providers.

Do I need to drop the initial zero from the US area code?

Yes, you do not include any leading zeros when dialing a US area code from the UK. US area codes never start with a zero.

When calling the United States from the United Kingdom, you first dial the international access code (00), then the country code for the US (1), followed by the three-digit area code and the seven-digit local number. For example, to call a number with the area code 212 and local number 555-1212, you would dial 00 1 212 555 1212. Note that the area code 212 is dialed directly without any leading zero. The UK uses a trunk prefix ‘0’ for domestic calls within the UK itself, which is dropped when dialling internationally. Similarly, some countries might use a leading zero for their domestic trunk prefix, but the US does not use that system. Therefore, just use the standard area code as it is displayed in the phone number.

Alright, you should be all set to give your friends and family in the USA a ring! Thanks for reading, and we hope this helped clear things up. Don’t be a stranger – pop back again soon for more handy guides and tips!