How to Dial UK from US

Whether you’re reaching out to family in London, setting up business meetings in Manchester, or planning a trip to the scenic Highlands — staying connected with the UK from the US doesn’t have to be complicated. Knowing specific area codes for different cities in the UK is crucial to ensure your calls are correctly routed and avoid common pitfalls.

With the right information and a few simple steps, you can make calls to the United Kingdom easily and affordably. Understanding the differences in dialing codes for mobile versus landline numbers when calling UK mobile phones is essential for a smooth calling experience.

From traditional landlines to modern VoIP services, we’ll cover everything you need to know about international calling, ensuring you can keep in touch without the worry of high costs.

Let’s explore how to call England and its surrounding countries, examine various options like mobile calls and VoIP services, and uncover the best rates for UK calls.

How to Call the UK from the US

Calling the United Kingdom from the United States is straightforward once you know the proper steps. To begin, you’ll need the international dial-out code for the US, which is 011. Here’s a simple guide to making your call:

1. Dial 011: This is the international access code necessary to begin a call from the U.S. to another country.
2. Enter the country code: After dialing 011, input the 44 country code for the United Kingdom.
3. Dial the area code and number: Next, dial the specific area code (without the initial zero if it has one) and then the rest of the local phone number. For mobile numbers, the mobile code is ‘7’, so UK mobile numbers start with ‘7’.

If you’d like to know how to call London from US, here’s an example:

The London number will have the area code 020, and the phone number would be 1234 5678.

You would dial 011-44-20-1234-5678.

The format may vary slightly depending on whether you use a mobile phone, landline, or VoIP service. Also, consider the timing of your calls and the potential costs, as rates can vary depending on your provider and the time of day.

What is the UK Country Code?

The UK country code is +44. This code is used to identify the country and is an essential part of making an international call to the UK. When you dial this code, it signals that you are trying to reach a phone number within the United Kingdom. Your call won’t connect to the intended UK phone number without this crucial component. So, always include the +44 country code when dialing the UK from the US.

Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions

Making a call to the UK from the US involves a series of steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Dial the Exit Code

Start by dialing the US exit code, 011, or use the “+” symbol on mobile phones to connect to the international network.

Step 2: Dial the Country Code for the UK

Next, enter the UK’s country code, which is 44. This code directs your call to the United Kingdom.

Step 3: Dial the Area Code (if applicable)

Enter the area code for the location you are calling within the UK. UK area codes vary by city or region and typically consist of 2-5 digits. Omit the leading 0 in the area code when calling internationally. For example, if the local UK number starts with 020, dial only 20.

Step 4: Dial the Local Phone Number

Finally, input the recipient’s local phone number. Local numbers in the UK usually have 6-8 digits, depending on the area code.

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How Much Does It Cost to Call the UK from the US?

Understanding the cost of calling the UK from the US is vital for managing your communication budget, especially if you make these calls frequently. The price can vary significantly depending on several factors:

1. Service Provider

   Different providers have varying rates for international calls. Traditional landline companies might charge higher rates than VoIP services like Zoom Phone or GoTo Connect, which often offer cheaper or even free international calling as part of their packages. Additionally, VOIP phone systems such as the Freshdesk contact center provide significantly lower rates for international phone calls compared to traditional phone systems.

2. Calling Plan

   Some providers offer international calling plans that include a set number of minutes for a fixed fee, which can be more cost-effective than pay-per-minute rates if you call regularly.

3. Time of Call

   The cost can also vary depending on the time of day. Peak hours typically have higher rates compared to off-peak hours.

4. Method of Call

   Calling from a landline to a landline is usually more expensive than using VoIP or mobile apps that utilize internet telephony. These can significantly reduce costs when the caller and recipient use the same platform.

5. Special Promotions

   Occasionally, providers offer promotions or discounts on international calls. It’s worth checking current offers before making regular long-distance calls.

For example, using a traditional phone company, you might pay anywhere from $0.01 to $0.50 per minute to call the UK, whereas VoIP services might offer rates as low as $0.02 per minute or even include calls to the UK in a monthly service plan.

To decide how to call England, compare the offerings of various phone and VoIP providers, and consider adjusting your calling habits to take advantage of lower rates during specific times.

Cost-Saving Tips for Calling the UK from the US

When it comes to international calling, there are several strategies you can use to reduce the cost of calling the UK from the US. By incorporating one or more of them, you can significantly cut down the cost of your calls to the UK, making it more affordable to keep in touch with friends, family, or business associates.

Here are some practical tips to help you save money while staying connected:

1. Use VoIP Services Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like Zoom, RingCentral, and Vonage offer competitive rates for international calls. Many of these services also provide options for free calls if both users are on the same platform. VOIP phone systems, such as Freshdesk contact center, offer significantly lower rates for international phone calls compared to traditional phone systems.
2. Opt for Special International Plans Many mobile and landline providers offer international calling plans that can significantly reduce your costs. These plans typically come with a set number of minutes for a flat rate, which can be a great deal if you make regular calls to the UK.
3. Leverage Calling Cards International calling cards can offer lower rates than traditional phone services. They provide a set amount of calling time for a fixed price and can be particularly useful for both landline and mobile calls.
4. Call During Off-Peak Hours Some providers offer lower rates during off-peak hours. Making calls late in the evening or on weekends can sometimes lead to better rates.
5. Check for Promotions Keep an eye on promotions from your service provider. Special deals and discounts on international calling can occur at any time, especially during holidays or special events.
6. Consider Mobile Apps Mobile apps that utilize internet connectivity to make calls, such as Viber, Telegram, or FaceTime (for Apple devices), can be economical, especially if both the caller and the recipient use the same app.

UK Dial Codes by Area

To understand how to dial the UK — it’s crucial to know how the area dial codes work. Understanding UK area codes and their lengths is essential for seamless communication, especially for business purposes.

The UK employs a somewhat complex area code system. Not all codes are created equal — they are not the same length, varying from two to five digits.

This variety in code lengths can be initially confusing, but with practice, it becomes easier to remember the correct format for each area, ensuring your calls are successful.

Whether you’re calling a cell phone or a landline, knowing the correct area code is essential for connecting with people across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

When calling from the US:

• First, dial the international access code (011)
• Followed by the UK’s country code (44)
• Then, the area code minus the zero.

Here are examples of the 20 most commonly used UK area dial codes:

Cellphones: How to Call the UK

As a small business owner, you’ll often be running your business on the go, so it’s important to communicate via mobile phone. When calling UK mobile numbers, remember that they start with ‘7’, the mobile code.

How to Call the UK from a US Cell Phone

• Dial the US exit code: Start by dialing 011, which is the exit code to make international calls from the USA.
• Enter the UK country code: After the exit code, dial 44, the country code for the United Kingdom.
• Dial the area code: Skip the zero at the beginning if there is one, and then dial the area code of the place in the UK you are calling. For example, London’s area code is 20.
• Dial the local number: Finish by dialing the local phone number you are trying to reach.
• Example call: To call a London number, 020 7946 0123 from the US, you would dial: 011-44-20-7946-0123.

How to Call UK Cell Phones from the US

Calling a mobile phone in the UK from the US is similar to dialing a UK landline but with a few nuances. When calling UK mobile phones, it’s important to note that mobile numbers start with ‘7’ and you should omit the initial ‘0’ that you would normally dial within the UK. In contrast, UK landline numbers have different area codes that start with ‘0’. Here’s a quick guide:

1. Start with 011: This is the US exit code for all international calls.
2. Enter the UK country code: Add 44, which is the UK’s country code.
3. Dial the mobile number: UK mobile numbers start with ‘7’. Importantly, omit the initial ‘0’ that you would normally dial within the UK.
4. Example call: If the UK mobile number is 07911 123456, you would dial 011-44-7911 123456.

This method allows you to connect to UK mobile phones directly from your US phone, whether it’s through a traditional carrier or a VoIP service.

How to Make Business Calls to the UK from the United States

Making business calls to the UK from the US involves a few additional considerations to ensure professionalism and connectivity. Here’s a concise guide:

1. Use the Correct Dialing Format

   Start with the US exit code (011), follow with the UK country code (44), and then dial the area code and phone number. Omit the leading ‘0’ in the area code.

2. Choose the Right Time

   Mind the time difference between your location and the UK to avoid calling outside of business hours. The UK is typically 5 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

3. Consider Communication Tools

   For frequent business communication, consider using VoIP services like Skype for Business or Zoom, which offer features like video conferencing and screen sharing.

4. Maintain Call Quality

   Ensure you have a reliable internet connection or phone service to avoid disruptions during your calls.

5. Be Prepared

   To make the conversation as productive as possible, have all necessary information ready before the call, such as agendas, notes, and questions.

This approach will help you manage effective and efficient business communications with your UK counterparts.

Calling the UK from the US: Time Zone Differences

When making calls from the US to the UK, it’s crucial to consider the time zone differences to ensure your calls are made at appropriate hours. Understanding British Summer Time (BST) and the transition between BST and Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) is important, as the UK operates on these two time standards. Here’s a table that outlines the time zone differences between major US time zones and the UK:

This table should help you plan your calls, ensuring that you reach your UK contacts during their regular business hours or times suitable for personal calls.

National and Public Holidays in the UK

UK public holidays, also known as “bank holidays,” can vary across different regions (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland). On these days, businesses and government offices generally close, and many people take time off work.

Knowing these dates can help you avoid scheduling business calls during a time when your UK counterparts are likely unavailable.

This table includes the most commonly observed holidays across the UK, although additional local holidays might also be observed, particularly in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Regional Holidays in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Regional holidays in Scotland and Northern Ireland often differ from those observed in the rest of the UK. Understanding these unique holidays can be crucial when planning calls or business dealings with contacts in these regions.

Holidays in Scotland

Note: St. Andrew’s Day is officially celebrated on November 30th, but if it falls on a weekend, the following Monday is a holiday.

Holidays in Northern Ireland

Note: The Battle of the Boyne is celebrated on July 12th, but if it falls on a weekend, the following Monday is a holiday.

Final Thoughts

Today, staying connected is easier than ever, and it doesn’t have to break the bank or be a hassle. With the right service, clever timing, and the handy tips we’ve shared, you can keep your UK contacts close, no matter the distance.

Whether dialing up a business partner in Belfast, catching up with friends in London, or sending warm wishes to family in Edinburgh, having the correct dialing codes, knowing the best times to call, and being mindful of regional holidays can make all the difference.

Keep calm and call on — British connections are just a dial away, so long as you mind the time gap.

FAQ

Q: What is the best time to call the UK from the US?
Aim for UK business hours, typically 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM GMT.

Q: Do I need a special service to call UK mobile phones from the US?
No, use the international dialing format or VoIP apps for cheaper rates.

Q: How can I reduce the cost of frequent calls to the UK?
Consider using VoIP services or international calling plans from your provider.

Q: Are there any important UK holidays I should avoid when scheduling calls?
Yes, check for UK bank holidays like Christmas and Easter and public holidays in specific regions.

Q: How do I call UK phone numbers from the US?
To call UK phone numbers from the US, dial the exit code (011), followed by the UK country code (44). Adjust the area code by dropping the leading zero. For example, to call a number in Cardiff, dial 011 44 29 followed by the local number. Accurate dialing is crucial for successful international calls.