Buzz
Get familiar with the UK dialing codes and other important details
If you need to stay in touch with someone in the United Kingdom, making a call from the United States is straightforward. Start by dialing "011", followed by the UK country code, "44", and then the person's phone number. Be aware of any international call charges that may apply. By following the correct steps and entering the correct numbers, you’ll be connected to the UK in no time.
Calling from the US to the UK
- Begin by dialing 011 or + to exit the U.S. phone network.
- Next, dial 44, which is the country code for the UK.
- Enter the desired area code.
- Complete the call by dialing the remaining digits of the phone number.
Procedure
Steps to Make a Call
Start by dialing 011 or the “+” sign. Dialing 011 is the standard method for making international calls from the United States. On some mobile phones, you might need to press the “+” symbol instead of 011 to exit the U.S. network. Either option should work when calling internationally from a cell phone.
Dial 44. This is the UK’s country code. Once you enter 44, you can proceed with calling any phone number in the United Kingdom.
Enter the area code. The UK consists of multiple area codes, ranging from 2 to 5 digits. If the area code starts with a 0, skip this digit and enter the following numbers.
- Common area codes include 020 for London, 0113 for Leeds, 0161 for Manchester, and 01452 for Gloucester.
Dial the remaining phone number. The remaining digits of the phone number will typically range from 4 to 8 digits, making the complete phone number in the UK a 10-digit length when combining the area code and number.
Wait for the phone to connect. After dialing the full 10-digit number, the phone will begin ringing on the other end. Be patient and wait for the person in the UK to answer their phone.
Planning Ahead
Consider the time in the UK. The United Kingdom follows British Summer Time (BST) in the summer months, and Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) for the remainder of the year. In contrast, the United States spans four different time zones. Be aware of these time differences to avoid calling the UK during inconvenient hours.
- The UK is 5 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST).
- The UK is 6 hours ahead of Central Standard Time (CST).
- The UK is 7 hours ahead of Mountain Standard Time (MST).
- The UK is 8 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time (PST).
Plan the call in advance. Take the time difference into account and agree on a suitable time with the person you're calling. This way, you won't reach out during inconvenient moments, like when they're working, sleeping, or engaged in something important.
Check for additional charges. Many telecom providers apply extra fees for international calls. Be sure to review your phone plan so you know what additional costs might apply.
- Some mobile networks offer special international calling plans, which could be worth looking into if you make frequent calls to the UK.
Affordable Alternatives
Use online chat services. Skip high international calling charges by opting for video chat platforms such as Skype or Google Voice. To avoid extra fees, both parties should have an account with the service and connect through the local internet. Text-based communication through chat apps is another cost-effective way to keep in touch.
- Popular chat apps include Gchat, Yahoo Messenger, and Facebook Messenger.
Consider international calling cards. These cards, available at department stores, online, or through your phone provider, can be loaded with funds for making calls to the UK at a significantly lower cost than traditional long-distance rates.
Leverage email and social media. While not the fastest option, email and social media are excellent ways to stay in touch without the need for frequent phone calls. Consider using these platforms to save money while still communicating effectively.
