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Discover the best way to make international calls from Spain to the UK
If you’re living or traveling in Spain, you might need to make a phone call to the UK. Whether you’re reaching out for business or personal matters, calling the UK from Spain is a simple process, as long as you know the right international dialing codes and area codes. Consider the costs of international calls to pick the most suitable option for your needs.
Key Information to Keep in Mind
- Start by dialing "00" to initiate the international call, followed by "44" to reach the UK.
- If you're using a landline, include the area code before the phone number.
- For mobile calls, ensure you begin the area code with a "7".
How to Make the Call: Step-by-Step Guide
How to Dial a UK Number
Begin by dialing 00 to route the call internationally. This exit code is standard for Spain and much of Europe. No matter where you're located, the exit code ensures your call is directed outside the country. Forgetting the exit code could accidentally connect you to someone within Spain!
- A typical UK number follows the format 00+XX+XX+XXXX-XXXX. The first part, 00, is the exit code that must always be dialed when calling internationally.
Dial 44 to direct the call to the UK. Each country has a unique country code, and dialing 44 will always route you to the UK, including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This code follows immediately after the exit code.
- Your dialing pattern will resemble 00+44+XX+XXXX-XXXX.
Add the area code for a UK city if calling a landline. Beyond the international dialing codes, reaching a UK landline is similar to calling a local number. The area code identifies the specific location in the UK. Depending on your destination, the area code will vary.
- For instance, London’s area code is 20, so the format would be 00+44+20+XXXX-XXXX.
- Some UK area codes can be as long as 4 or 5 digits, like Swansea’s 1792.
- If you see a leading 0 in the area code, drop it when dialing from outside the UK. For example, Glasgow’s 0141 becomes 141 internationally.
For mobile numbers, use an area code starting with a 7. Calling a mobile phone follows the same rules as calling a landline, with the primary difference being the area code. UK mobile numbers begin with a 4-digit code starting with 7, and the specific code depends on the mobile carrier.
- For example, a mobile number may appear as 00+40+71XX+XXX-XXX.
- If the mobile code starts with a 0, omit it. The leading 0 is only for domestic calls within the UK.
Complete the dialing process with the full phone number. Finish entering the recipient’s full phone number, as provided by their phone service provider. UK phone numbers can vary in length, typically ranging from 4 to 8 digits, depending on the area code.
- For example, to call Cardiff, dial 00+44+29+XXXX-XXXX. The last 8 digits represent the actual phone number of the person you want to reach.
- To call Aberdeen, dial 00+44+1224+XXX-XXXX. The phone number will have only 7 digits because of the longer area code.
How to Manage Fees When Calling
Purchase prepaid calling cards for more affordable calls. Calling cards often offer the most cost-effective rates for international calls. They provide a specific number of minutes, and the card works for both landlines and mobile phones. To use the card, dial the number on the card first, then input the country exit code.
- Prepaid calling cards can be found online, in phone stores, or at popular locations like airports, gas stations, and convenience stores in Spain.
- Before purchasing, carefully read the terms and conditions on the back of the card. Confirm that the card is valid for calls from Spain to the UK and check for any hidden fees in the fine print.
Activate an international calling plan on your mobile to minimize roaming charges. Contact your mobile provider to set up an international calling plan. Roaming fees can add up quickly, so make sure you notify your provider that you’ll be calling internationally from Spain. Ask about rates and available options to reduce these costs.
- Once in Spain, your phone should automatically connect to the network with the least expensive roaming rates. You can also manually switch to another network by checking the “Carrier” or “Networks” settings on your phone.
- Remember, you’ll be charged to receive calls while roaming. If you expect to receive many calls, consider finding a more affordable option than your usual calling plan.
Consider buying a Spanish SIM card to lower mobile call charges. With a SIM card, your phone number is recognized as a local Spanish number, helping you avoid hefty roaming fees. SIM cards are available in shops across Spain and the UK, and they’re easy to install by replacing the existing card in your phone.
- SIM cards can be prepaid or pay-as-you-go, which is ideal if you plan on making multiple calls.
- They come in various sizes, from nano to full size. Make sure to check your phone’s SIM card size before purchasing or go for a larger size if you’re unsure.
- You can purchase SIM cards in the UK at electronics stores, or in Spain at travel shops and banks.
Consider switching to an international mobile plan if you make frequent calls. Many mobile providers offer travel-specific plans designed to minimize roaming and data fees. By choosing an international plan, you can avoid high charges. Reach out to your carrier for available options or shop around for different plans.
- If you're only in Spain for a short time, consider renting a phone or selecting a pay-as-you-go international calling plan.
- If you’re staying longer or planning more travel, monthly calling plans may be more suitable. Many of these plans can work with your existing phone.
Use calling apps for free or lower-cost calls. Online calling apps are available for smartphones, tablets, and computers, using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to make calls via the internet. This method can significantly reduce call costs. Both you and the person you're calling will need the same app installed for free calls.
- Popular VoIP apps include Skype, Viber, FaceTime, and Google Hangouts.
- Some apps allow calls to landlines, but this often requires purchasing credits through the app. Make sure to check the rates to avoid paying more than with other alternatives.
- Some phone providers sell VoIP phones or landline adapters, enabling you to make affordable calls over the internet.
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When calling from a mobile phone, the + symbol can replace your country’s exit code, so there’s no need to dial Spain's exit code (00) after the + sign.
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If you notice a 0 before the UK area code, don’t include the 0 when dialing from abroad.
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Spain is only 1 hour ahead of the UK, so time zone differences aren’t a major concern. However, keep the time difference in mind when making calls.
