Ever tried calling a friend in London only to be met with a frustrating series of beeps and an automated voice you can’t understand? Calling internationally, especially from the US to the UK, can seem like navigating a complex code. Whether it’s for business, connecting with loved ones, or simply needing to speak with a service provider overseas, knowing the correct procedure is crucial for a smooth and successful call.
Incorrect dialing can lead to wasted time, unnecessary charges, and missed opportunities. Understanding the nuances of international calling codes, exit codes, and area codes ensures your call connects the first time. This guide will break down the process step-by-step, providing clarity and confidence so you can easily reach anyone in the United Kingdom from the United States.
What are the most common questions about calling the UK from the US?
What’s the UK country code to dial from the US?
The UK country code is 44. When calling the UK from the US, you’ll dial 011 (the US exit code), then 44 (the UK country code), followed by the UK phone number (excluding the initial zero if it’s a landline or mobile number).
To successfully call the UK from the US, understanding the dialing sequence is crucial. First, the US exit code, 011, signals to the US phone network that you are making an international call. This is followed by the UK’s country code, 44, which directs the call to the United Kingdom. The subsequent digits are the specific phone number you are trying to reach within the UK. It’s important to note that UK phone numbers, particularly landlines and mobile numbers, often begin with a zero. When calling from abroad, this leading zero must be omitted. For instance, if the UK number is 020 7946 0000, you would dial 011 44 20 7946 0000 from the US. This ensures your call is routed correctly through the international telephone networks.
How do I dial a UK mobile number from the US?
To call a UK mobile phone number from the US, you’ll need to dial the US exit code (011), followed by the UK country code (44), then the UK mobile number omitting the initial ‘0’. So, the format is: 011 + 44 + UK mobile number (without the leading ‘0’).
Let’s break it down further. The ‘011’ is the exit code that tells the US phone system you are making an international call. Following that, ‘44’ is the country code specifically for the United Kingdom. Every country has its own unique country code. The crucial part is remembering to drop the leading ‘0’ from the UK mobile number itself. For example, if the UK mobile number is 07700 900000, you would dial 011 44 7700 900000.
Keep in mind that international calling rates apply, which can vary significantly depending on your phone plan or service provider. Before making the call, it’s a good idea to check with your provider to understand the charges to avoid any unexpected costs. You could also consider using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services such as Skype, WhatsApp, or Google Voice, which often offer cheaper international calling rates or even free calls if you are calling another user of the same service.
Are there cheaper ways to call the UK from the US?
Yes, there are significantly cheaper alternatives to making direct calls to the UK from the US using traditional landlines or mobile carriers. These methods primarily leverage Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology or international calling plans.
Traditional long-distance calls can be surprisingly expensive, with per-minute rates adding up quickly. VoIP services, such as Skype, WhatsApp, Google Voice, and Viber, offer a cost-effective solution by routing calls over the internet. These services typically charge much lower per-minute rates or operate on a subscription basis, allowing unlimited calls to specific countries. Many of them also offer app-to-app calling which is free, only requiring an internet connection. Another option is to explore international calling plans offered by your mobile carrier. While not always the cheapest, these plans can provide a convenient and predictable cost structure, especially if you make frequent calls to the UK. Before subscribing, compare the plan’s per-minute rates, included minutes, and any additional fees with the cost of using VoIP services to determine the most economical option for your calling habits. Finally, consider using international calling cards. These cards offer prepaid calling minutes at discounted rates. However, carefully review the fine print, including any connection fees, maintenance charges, and expiration dates, to ensure you’re getting a good deal. In many cases, VoIP solutions end up being simpler and more transparent than prepaid calling cards.
What’s the difference between a UK landline and mobile number when calling from the US?
When calling the UK from the US, the primary difference between dialing a landline and a mobile number lies in the area code you’ll use and potentially the cost. UK landlines have geographic area codes (like 020 for London), whereas mobile numbers start with ‘07’ followed by other digits that identify the mobile network operator. The dialing sequence will be slightly different, and call charges might vary depending on your US phone plan.
To call a UK landline from the US, you’ll typically dial 011 (the US exit code), then 44 (the UK country code), then the UK area code (dropping the initial ‘0’), and finally the local number. For example, to call a London landline number 020 7946 0000, you’d dial 011 44 20 7946 0000. Calling a UK mobile number follows a similar pattern, but you’ll substitute the landline area code with the mobile prefix, remembering to drop the initial ‘0’. So, if the mobile number is 07700 900000, you’d dial 011 44 7700 900000.
While the dialing process is straightforward, it’s crucial to consider the cost implications. Some US phone plans may offer inclusive international minutes, while others charge per-minute rates. Generally, calling mobile numbers from the US can be more expensive than calling landlines. To avoid unexpected charges, check with your phone provider about their international calling rates to the UK, and consider using alternative methods like VoIP services (e.g., Skype, WhatsApp, FaceTime) which can significantly reduce costs, especially when calling other users of the same service.
Should I include a leading ‘0’ when calling a UK number from the US?
No, you should **not** include the leading ‘0’ when calling a UK number from the United States. The ‘0’ is a trunk code used only when dialing within the UK itself. When calling internationally, you replace the ‘0’ with the appropriate international access code and country code.
When calling the UK from the US, the process involves several steps. First, you dial the US exit code, which is ‘011’. This signals to the US telephone network that you are making an international call. Next, you dial the UK country code, which is ‘44’. Finally, you dial the UK phone number, but you must omit the leading ‘0’ that typically precedes the number when dialing within the UK. So, if a UK number is ‘020 7946 0000’, you would dial ‘011 44 20 7946 0000’ from the US.
To summarize the steps clearly:
- Dial the US exit code: 011
- Dial the UK country code: 44
- Dial the UK phone number, omitting the leading ‘0’.
For example, to call a UK number displayed as 07700 900000, you would dial 011 44 7700 900000 from your phone in the US. Remembering to drop the ‘0’ is crucial for the call to connect correctly.
What are the standard call rates when calling the UK from a US cell phone?
Standard call rates when calling the UK from a US cell phone vary widely depending on your mobile carrier and calling plan. Without an international calling plan or add-on, you can typically expect to pay anywhere from $1 to $3 per minute. However, this is generally the most expensive option, and it’s highly recommended to explore alternative, cheaper methods.
When dialing the UK from your US cell phone, the actual rate you’re charged depends on your agreement with your carrier. Major providers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile all offer international calling plans, often providing significantly reduced per-minute rates or even unlimited calling to the UK for a fixed monthly fee. If you call the UK frequently, exploring these plans is the most cost-effective approach. Consider cheaper alternatives like using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services such as Skype, WhatsApp, Google Voice, or FaceTime. These services use your phone’s internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular data) to make calls, often costing only pennies per minute or even completely free when calling another user on the same platform. Before making a direct call, check your carrier’s website or app, or contact customer service for up-to-date international calling rates and plan options. Also, be aware that some carriers automatically enroll you in a temporary international plan when they detect you are calling overseas, so research what this might entail beforehand.
And that’s all there is to it! Calling the UK from the US might seem a little daunting at first, but hopefully, this has cleared up any confusion. Thanks for reading, and we hope you have a brilliant conversation with your friends and family across the pond. Feel free to pop back any time you have more international calling questions!