What’s the UK country code for calling England?
The country code for calling England (and the entire United Kingdom) is +44.
When calling England from another country, you’ll need to dial the exit code for the country you’re calling from, followed by the UK country code (+44), then the local area code (omitting the initial ‘0’), and finally the local phone number. For example, if you were calling a London number that is normally dialed as 020 7946 0000 from the United States, you would dial 011 44 20 7946 0000. ‘011’ is the exit code for the US, ‘44’ is the UK country code, ‘20’ is the London area code (without the leading ‘0’), and ‘7946 0000’ is the local number.
It is important to remember to drop the leading ‘0’ from the area code when dialing internationally. Failure to do so will result in your call not connecting. Mobile phone numbers in the UK also start with ‘07’, and the same rule applies; you would drop the ‘0’ when calling from abroad. Be aware that international calling rates apply and can vary significantly depending on your service provider and the country you are calling from.
How do I dial a UK mobile number when calling England?
To dial a UK mobile number from outside the UK, you’ll generally dial your country’s exit code (usually 00 or 011), followed by the UK country code (44), then the UK mobile number *without* the leading ‘0’. So, if the UK mobile number is 07700 900000, you would dial it as +44 7700 900000 (or 0044 7700 900000 or 01144 7700 900000, depending on your location).
When calling a UK mobile number, remember that the initial ‘0’ is a trunk prefix used only when dialing within the UK. Removing this ‘0’ is crucial when calling from abroad, as the international dialing sequence already designates the call as an international one destined for the UK network. Failing to remove the ‘0’ often results in a failed call. Always double-check your country’s exit code, as it can vary. The ‘+’ symbol is a universal substitute for your country’s exit code and is especially useful when using mobile phones, as most devices automatically convert it to the correct exit code based on your location. Also, be aware of potential international calling charges from your service provider.
What is the time difference when calling England?
The time difference between England and your location depends entirely on your location and the time of year, due to daylight saving time (DST) observances. England observes British Summer Time (BST) from late March to late October, which is GMT+1. During the rest of the year, England observes Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which is GMT+0. To determine the precise difference, you need to know your own timezone and whether both you and England are currently observing DST.
To easily calculate the time difference, I recommend using an online time zone converter. These tools automatically account for DST changes in both locations. Simply enter your current location and “London, England” as the destination. The converter will display the current time in both places and the difference between them. Be mindful that locations within the UK (such as Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) also follow the same time as England.
For example, during British Summer Time (roughly late March to late October), New York is typically 5 hours behind England. So, if it’s 2 PM in London, it would be 9 AM in New York. However, during Greenwich Mean Time (roughly late October to late March), New York is 5 hours behind London, if it’s 2 PM in London, it would be 9 AM in New York. Always double-check using a reliable time zone converter near the date of your call to confirm the most accurate difference due to variations in DST start and end dates between different regions.
Are there cheaper ways to call England than direct dialing?
Yes, there are significantly cheaper alternatives to directly dialing England from your phone. Direct dialing often incurs high per-minute charges from your mobile or landline provider. Utilizing Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, international calling cards, or mobile apps designed for international calls can dramatically reduce your costs.
VoIP services like Skype, WhatsApp, Google Voice, and Viber are popular options. These services leverage internet connectivity, allowing you to make calls to landlines and mobile phones in England at much lower rates than traditional phone companies, and sometimes even for free if calling another user of the same service. The cost is usually based on a data plan or a minimal fee per minute, which is significantly less compared to direct dialing.
Another cost-effective method involves using international calling cards. These prepaid cards offer a certain amount of talk time to specific countries for a fixed price. You dial an access number, enter a PIN, and then dial the UK number. While the rates are generally lower than direct dialing, it’s crucial to compare the fine print and understand any hidden fees or expiration dates. Mobile apps like Rebtel and Localphone function similarly, often offering even more competitive rates due to their technological infrastructure optimized for international calls.
How do I avoid international calling fees when calling England?
The easiest way to avoid international calling fees when calling England is to use a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service or app, such as WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime, or Google Voice, which relies on a Wi-Fi or data connection instead of traditional phone lines. These services often offer free or low-cost international calls.
When using VoIP services, ensure both you and the person you are calling in England have the app installed and a stable internet connection. Calling from your mobile phone to a landline in England using your standard cellular service will almost certainly incur significant international calling charges from your mobile provider. Before making a call using your cell service, check your plan’s international calling rates and consider adding an international calling package if you anticipate making regular calls. Another option is to purchase an international calling card. These cards offer a predetermined amount of calling time at a reduced rate. Keep in mind that while generally cheaper than standard international rates, these cards often come with connection fees and per-minute charges, so read the fine print carefully.
What area codes cover London when calling England?
When calling London, England, you’ll primarily use the area code 020. This single area code covers all of Greater London, ensuring a consistent dialing experience regardless of the specific borough you’re trying to reach.
While 020 is the overarching area code for London, it’s crucial to remember that when dialing internationally, you typically drop the initial ‘0’. Therefore, if you’re calling London from outside the UK, you would use +44 20 followed by the eight-digit local number. The +44 is the country code for the United Kingdom. You’ll then hear a dial tone, and the call will be connected. Keep in mind that some older materials or instructions might reference different area codes for inner and outer London, but these are no longer accurate. The unified 020 area code has been in effect for many years, simplifying the dialing process for those contacting London from both within and outside the UK.
And there you have it! Calling England doesn’t have to be complicated. Hopefully, this has cleared things up and you’re ready to connect with friends, family, or colleagues across the pond. Thanks for reading, and feel free to pop back anytime you need a little help with international calling – we’re always happy to lend a hand!