Ever tried calling a friend in the US only to be met with a confusing array of numbers and dialing tones? Making international calls can feel like deciphering a secret code, especially when you’re dealing with different country codes, area codes, and time zones. Calling the USA from the UK shouldn’t be a source of frustration. With a little knowledge, you can easily connect with friends, family, or business associates across the Atlantic.
Knowing how to correctly dial a US number from the UK is essential for both personal and professional communication. Whether you’re planning a trip, staying in touch with loved ones, or conducting business deals, a clear and reliable connection is crucial. Incorrect dialing can lead to missed opportunities, unnecessary charges, and a whole lot of frustration. Let’s break down the simple steps to ensure your calls go through smoothly every time.
What’s the dialing code? And what about time zones?
What’s the exact dialing code to call a US mobile from the UK?
To call a US mobile phone number from the UK, you need to dial 00 1 followed by the 10-digit US mobile number (area code + phone number). So the complete format is: 00 1 XXX XXX XXXX.
Calling the United States from the United Kingdom is straightforward, but it’s crucial to understand the correct dialing sequence to ensure your call goes through. The “00” is the UK’s exit code, which tells the UK telephone network that you’re dialing an international number. The “1” is the country code for the United States. Following these two codes, you enter the ten-digit US phone number, which consists of a three-digit area code and a seven-digit local phone number. For example, if the US mobile number you want to call is (212) 555-1234, you would dial 00 1 212 555 1234 from your UK phone. Remember to dial all ten digits of the US number, including the area code, even if you are calling someone in the same area code you’ve previously called. Leaving out any digits will likely result in a failed call.
Are there cheaper alternatives to calling the US from the UK than using my mobile provider?
Yes, absolutely! Mobile providers often charge exorbitant rates for international calls, making several cheaper and more convenient alternatives readily available for calling the US from the UK.
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services are a popular and cost-effective option. These services utilize the internet to make calls, bypassing traditional phone networks and significantly reducing costs. Services like WhatsApp, Skype, Google Voice, and Viber allow you to call US phone numbers (and other international numbers) for a fraction of the price, or even for free if the recipient also uses the same app. Many offer pay-as-you-go rates that are substantially lower than mobile provider charges, or monthly subscription plans for frequent callers.
Another alternative is using an international calling app or service that provides local access numbers. These services allow you to dial a UK-based number, which then connects you to the US number. The cost is often a combination of the service’s rate and the cost of calling a local UK number (which is usually included in your mobile plan). Comparing the rates of various providers is key to finding the best deal. Check for hidden fees and any connection charges.
Do I need to drop the leading zero when calling a US mobile number from the UK?
Yes, you need to drop the leading zero from the UK exit code (00) when calling a US mobile number from the UK. Instead of dialing 00 1 [US mobile number], you should dial +1 [US mobile number], replacing the “00” with a “+”. The plus sign (+) represents the international access code and automatically uses the correct exit code depending on where you are calling from.
When calling internationally, it’s crucial to understand the function of exit codes and country codes. The exit code is used to dial out of your current country, and it differs from country to country. The UK uses “00” as its exit code. The country code, on the other hand, is a specific code designated to a particular country, like “1” for the United States and Canada. Replacing the exit code with the plus sign (+) simplifies the dialing process, as your mobile phone or phone system automatically inserts the appropriate exit code based on your location. Using the “+” sign is generally the best practice for international calls, especially from mobile phones. Most modern phones will recognize and convert the “+” into the correct exit code. This eliminates the need to remember specific exit codes for different countries. So, when adding US mobile numbers (or any international number) to your contacts, save them with the “+” sign followed by the country code and the phone number, without any leading zeros from the country code or area code. For example, a US mobile number (555) 123-4567 would be saved as +15551234567.
Can I use WhatsApp or other apps to call US landlines from the UK?
While WhatsApp and similar apps like Signal, Telegram, and Facebook Messenger are excellent for calling other users of the same app, they generally *cannot* directly call US landlines from the UK. These apps primarily operate over the internet using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and connect you to other users within their network.
The reason these apps typically don’t work for calling landlines is that they don’t have a direct connection to the traditional Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) that landlines use. To call a landline, you need a service that can bridge the gap between the internet and the PSTN. Some services, like Skype, do offer this functionality, allowing you to call landlines and mobile phones for a fee. These services essentially act as a gateway, translating the VoIP signal into a signal that can be transmitted over the telephone network.
However, there are exceptions. Some VoIP providers, such as Google Voice, do allow you to call landlines in the US from the UK, often at very competitive rates. You would typically need to purchase credits or subscribe to a plan to use this feature. Before attempting to call, carefully review the app’s specific features and pricing plans to confirm whether direct calling to US landlines is supported and what the associated costs are.
Are there any free services for calling the US from the UK?
Yes, several free services allow you to call the US from the UK, primarily relying on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology and apps that utilize your internet connection instead of traditional phone lines.
Popular options include WhatsApp, FaceTime, Google Voice (with certain caveats), and Skype. These services generally offer free calls to US numbers if both the caller in the UK and the recipient in the US are using the same app. The primary requirement is a stable internet connection – Wi-Fi is preferable to avoid using mobile data. Keep in mind that some services, like Google Voice, might offer free calling to the US, but other features or international calls beyond the US could incur charges. While calls between users on the same platform are usually free, calling a US landline or mobile number directly from these apps might have associated costs, depending on the service’s specific terms and conditions or whether you need to purchase credits. Before making a call, double-check the app’s pricing structure for calls to standard US phone numbers to avoid unexpected charges. Also, be aware that the call quality depends significantly on the strength and stability of your internet connection.
So there you have it! Calling the USA from the UK doesn’t have to be a headache. Just remember those key steps and you’ll be chatting away in no time. Thanks for reading, and happy calling! Come back soon for more handy tips and tricks!