Ever found yourself staring blankly at your phone, utterly confused about how to call your American friends or family from England? You’re not alone! Dialing internationally can feel like navigating a complex maze of codes and prefixes. Whether it’s for business, catching up with loved ones, or even handling emergencies, knowing the proper way to dial the United States from the UK is an essential skill in our increasingly interconnected world.
Incorrect dialing can lead to frustration, wasted time, and even unnecessary charges. Getting it right ensures you connect efficiently and reliably, whether you’re using a mobile phone, landline, or VoIP service. This guide will break down the process step-by-step, clearing up any confusion and empowering you to confidently make those transatlantic calls.
What Are the Most Frequently Asked Questions About Calling America from England?
What’s the exit code from the UK when calling the US?
The exit code from the UK when calling the US (or any other country) is 00. This code tells the UK telephone network that you are about to dial an international number.
When making an international call from the UK, the “00” prefix replaces the “+” symbol often used to denote the international access code. Many mobile phones automatically translate the “+” into the correct exit code based on your current location, but when dialing from a landline or using some VoIP services, you’ll need to use “00” manually. After dialing 00, you then dial the country code for the United States (1), followed by the area code, and finally the local phone number. So, the full dialing sequence would be: 00 + 1 (US country code) + area code + local phone number. For example, to call a number in New York City (area code 212) with the local number 555-1212, you would dial: 00 1 212 555 1212. Remember to drop the leading zero from the area code if you were calling within the same country, but this rule doesn’t apply for international calls.
Do I need to drop the leading zero from the area code?
Yes, when calling the United States from England (or any country outside of North America that uses a leading zero in its domestic area codes), you absolutely *must* drop the leading zero from the US area code. Otherwise, the call will not connect properly.
When dialing internationally, the international dialing code tells the phone system to route the call outside of the current country. After that, the country code identifies the specific destination country (1 for the US and Canada). Finally, the area code identifies a specific region within that country. Because the phone system already knows you’re dialing internationally and going to the US, the initial ‘0’ of a US area code is unnecessary and will confuse the system. For example, to call a number in the 212 area code (New York City) from England, you would dial 00-1-212 followed by the seven-digit local number. Leaving off the ‘0’ ensures that the international gateway correctly interprets the subsequent digits as a North American area code. Failure to omit the leading zero will likely result in a misdirected call or a “number not recognized” message.
What is the country code for the United States?
The country code for the United States is +1.
To dial a phone number in the United States from England, you first need to dial the exit code for England, which is 00. Then you dial the country code for the United States, which is +1. After that, you enter the 10-digit phone number you wish to call, which consists of a 3-digit area code and a 7-digit local number. So the complete dialing sequence would be: 00 + 1 + area code + local number. For example, if you wanted to call the number (555) 123-4567 in the United States, you would dial 00 1 555 123 4567 from England. Remember to omit any parentheses or dashes when dialing. Also, be aware that international calling rates will apply, and these rates can vary depending on your phone service provider. It’s often beneficial to check with your provider for the specific rates and any available international calling plans before making the call.
Are there cheaper ways to call the USA from England than a landline?
Yes, there are significantly cheaper ways to call the USA from England than using a landline. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, mobile apps, and international calling cards generally offer much lower rates, often with better call quality and added features.
Landlines often impose high per-minute charges and connection fees for international calls. VoIP services like Skype, WhatsApp, Google Voice, and Viber utilize your internet connection to make calls, bypassing traditional phone networks and their associated costs. These services often offer free calls to other users of the same platform, and significantly reduced rates for calls to US phone numbers (both landlines and mobile). Mobile apps such as Rebtel and Localphone are designed specifically for international calling, providing competitive rates by routing calls through local networks where available. International calling cards are another viable option, though it’s important to compare rates and fees carefully. These cards typically provide a pre-paid amount of calling time, and while some have hidden charges or expiration dates, they can still be cheaper than landline rates, especially for longer calls. When evaluating options, consider call quality, ease of use, the need for internet access, and whether you’re calling a landline or a mobile number in the US, as some services offer different rates depending on the recipient’s phone type.
How do I dial a US toll-free number from the UK?
To dial a US toll-free number (800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, or 833) from the UK, you’ll typically need to dial an access code, followed by the US country code (1), and then the toll-free number itself. However, be aware that many US toll-free numbers are not accessible from outside the US.
The most common format is: 00-1-toll-free number. “00” is the UK exit code. “1” is the US country code. After that, enter the 3-digit toll-free prefix (e.g., 800) followed by the remaining 7 digits of the US phone number. For example, to dial 1-800-555-1212 from the UK, you would dial 00-1-800-555-1212. It’s important to note that some mobile providers might require a “+” instead of “00” as the exit code, so you could also try +1-800-555-1212.
Unfortunately, even when using the correct format, access to US toll-free numbers from the UK is not guaranteed. Many US companies restrict access to their toll-free lines to calls originating within the US. In these cases, you may need to find an alternative contact number, such as a direct-dial US number or an international contact number listed on the company’s website. Another option is to use a VoIP service that allows you to make calls to the US, potentially bypassing geographical restrictions, but these services may charge a fee for international calls. Check with the company directly to see if they offer an international contact number or if they have restrictions on their toll-free service.
Does it matter if I use a mobile phone or landline to call the US?
No, it typically doesn’t matter whether you use a mobile phone or landline to call the US from England. The dialing sequence and cost will be the same regardless of the device you use to initiate the call, assuming both devices are capable of making international calls.
While the technical aspects of dialing are identical, practical considerations might influence your choice. Mobile phones often offer more flexibility and convenience, allowing you to call from anywhere with a signal. Many mobile providers also offer international call bundles or add-ons that can reduce the per-minute cost significantly. Landlines, on the other hand, might offer more reliable call quality in some locations, particularly in areas with poor mobile reception. The actual cost of the call will depend on your service provider’s rates for international calls. It’s always a good idea to check with your mobile or landline provider about their international call charges or package deals before making the call to avoid unexpected expenses. Calling apps that utilize VoIP technology (like WhatsApp, Skype, or FaceTime) are also alternatives and use data instead of traditional phone lines; this can be a much cheaper option if both you and the person you’re calling have a stable internet connection.
Will US daylight savings time affect call times and rates?
Yes, US daylight saving time (DST) can definitely affect call times and potentially rates when calling America from England. The time difference between the UK and various US time zones will shift, impacting when it’s convenient to call and when specific businesses are open. While call rates aren’t directly *caused* by DST, fluctuating demand due to these time zone shifts *could* indirectly influence pricing at certain peak hours.
The crucial thing to remember is that the US and the UK observe daylight saving time on *different* dates. Typically, the US starts DST in March and ends in November, while the UK starts in late March and ends in late October. This creates a period of several weeks twice a year where the usual time difference between the UK and specific US time zones is either one hour less or one hour more than normal. For example, if New York is normally 5 hours behind the UK, during these periods, it could be only 4 hours or as much as 6 hours behind. Planning calls while accounting for these shifts is essential to avoid calling outside of business hours or at inconvenient times. To effectively plan your calls, it’s a good idea to use a reliable online time zone converter that automatically adjusts for daylight saving time. Remember to check the dates when both the US and UK change their clocks. Also, be aware that the US has multiple time zones (Eastern, Central, Mountain, Pacific, Alaskan, and Hawaiian), so the impact of DST will vary depending on which part of the US you are calling. Checking the business hours of the specific person or organization you are contacting is always best practice to avoid awkward timing.
So there you have it! Calling the USA from England doesn’t have to be a headache. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll be chatting away in no time. Thanks for reading, and we hope you found this helpful. Come back soon for more handy guides!