How to Call the United States from the United Kingdom

Whether you're an American traveling abroad or a UK resident wanting to call someone in the United States, it's important to know the options and procedures for dialing from one country to another. Let's explore how to make calls from anywhere in the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) to any destination in the US. You can choose to call using a landline, a mobile phone you brought from the US, a UK mobile phone, or an online service.

Start by dialing '00' on your phone. Dial the UK international calling code (00) to indicate that the number you are dialing is outside the United Kingdom.

• If it's a mobile number, you may need to press the '+' symbol on your keypad instead of '00'.

Dial the country code '1'. After entering '00', press '1' on your phone's keypad. This is the country code for the United States, signaling that you are about to call a number within the US.

• If the phone number you have (beginning with '1', followed by the area code and then seven digits) was obtained from the internet, your contact list, or provided by someone else, you don't need to dial the '1' again. For example, you would dial 00-1-(###)-###-####, not 00-1-1-(###)-###-####.

Dial the area code for the United States. After entering the international dialing code (00) and the country code (1), you need to dial the area code for the specific US location you're calling.

• US area codes always consist of three digits and are typically enclosed in parentheses before the seven-digit phone number, such as: (###)-###-####.
• Toll-free numbers in the US use area codes such as 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844. However, calls to toll-free numbers from outside the US may still incur charges, and sometimes, they may not be reachable. Instead, you could call the standard phone number provided by the company.
• Note: An individual's area code doesn't always reflect their actual geographic location in the US, as they may have kept their original number even after moving, or they may have purchased a phone in a different region from where they currently live.

Dial the remaining seven digits. After entering the international dialing code (00), country code (1), and area code (three digits), the next step is to dial the remaining seven digits of the US phone number. Once you've entered all of this information, you can press the call button to initiate the call.

• All US phone numbers contain a total of ten digits, including the three-digit area code and the seven-digit number, formatted as: (###)-###-####.
• Note: Do not add any special characters such as '#', '-', '(', or ')' even if these symbols appear in the example or wherever the phone number is listed.

Use Skype for voice or video calls. Try using the popular Skype service to make voice or video calls to anyone in any country, as long as they have Skype installed on their phone or computer. You can also call regular phone numbers for a minimal fee, regardless of whether the number is linked to a Skype account.

• Download Skype for free on your smartphone, tablet, or computer to start calling Skype accounts without any charges. If you wish to call a regular US phone number, you can purchase Skype Credit to pay for the call or opt for a monthly subscription plan to save money if you call often.
• Ensure that your computer or phone is connected to a high-speed internet connection when using Skype, as this will improve the quality of both audio and video calls.
• Note: If you use the mobile Skype app on a phone or tablet without Wi-Fi, you will be charged for data usage. Discuss these charges with your SIM card or phone provider, or consider purchasing a data package with varying data limits if you use these apps frequently without an internet connection.

Try other calling apps. Explore other services such as Google Hangouts, Viber, or WhatsApp for voice or video calls. Similar to Skype, these services offer free calls to other users, with only a small fee applied when dialing mobile or landline numbers.

• These services are available on computers or as free apps for smartphones or tablets. Note: If your phone isn't connected to Wi-Fi, you will incur data charges when using the app over mobile networks.
• Each service has slightly different features, so try them out to see which one suits you best. Alternatively, you can choose based on the app that your contacts in the United States are using, so you can call them for free.

Test the service before using it. Before calling the US from the UK, ensure that you've added contacts, phone numbers, or credits (if required) to the service or app you'll be using. Familiarize yourself with the calling process, audio/video quality, and any other features to ensure smooth usage.

• If possible, make a test call before heading to the UK to get used to everything. Ensure you have a stable internet connection and use the same device abroad for consistency.
• Prepare a good microphone and headphones for calls from the UK, especially if you're using an older computer without built-in audio or speakers, or if you want to make hands-free calls.

Bring your mobile phone to the UK. If you're traveling from the US to the UK, bring an unlocked phone that supports SIM cards from different providers. The SIM card is a small chip that contains information and can be purchased from a mobile service provider abroad.

• The device you bring to the UK should be a GSM phone (a global mobile standard used in most countries) that is unlocked, meaning it isn't restricted to specific service providers. AT&T and T-Mobile typically provide unlocked GSM phones.
• Find a mobile carrier in the UK that offers a suitable SIM card for your phone. Most phones use standard-sized SIM cards, but iPhones and some modern smartphones may require nano or micro SIM cards, which are smaller in size.
• You can opt for an international calling plan from a UK carrier, but keep in mind that these services are often very expensive.
• Whether choosing an international plan or purchasing a SIM card, make sure to contact your US provider to adjust or pause your service and resolve any issues before heading to the UK.

Purchase a mobile phone in the UK. If you can't or don't want to bring your phone from the US, buying a phone in the UK may be simpler and more affordable. Purchase a reasonably priced phone for your short stay in the UK, along with a prepaid SIM card for international calls.

• Check the cost of calling plans to ensure you're aware of international call rates. Review mobile data charges if you plan to use internet apps for calls.
• Most postpaid SIM cards for mobile phones in the UK include a limited number of prepaid minutes, which can be topped up either via your phone or at a network kiosk.
• The major phone networks in the UK include Vodafone, T-Mobile, Virgin Mobile, O2, and Orange. Stores like Car Phone Warehouse and Phones4U offer affordable phones from a variety of networks.

Make calls from a landline. If you'd like, you can make calls to the United States from a landline in the UK. Inquire with your landline provider about international call rates, or consider purchasing a calling card to save on costs when dialing the US.

• Purchase an international calling card from a department store, post office, or phone shop in the UK to save money if you frequently call abroad. These cards can generally be used on both landlines and mobile phones.
• To use an international calling card, you typically need to dial an access number provided on the card, then enter a unique PIN, followed by the phone number you're calling.

• Keep this in mind when dialing: The US is divided into six time zones. When you're in the UK, the time difference could be as much as 11 hours if you're calling Hawaii, or just 5 hours if calling New York. Be sure to check the time difference to ensure you're calling the recipient at a reasonable time, or during business hours if it's a work-related call.
• In some cases, international text messages can be a more convenient and cost-effective option if voice calls aren't essential.

• Avoid making international calls using hotel phones, as they often impose extra charges on top of the standard rates, even for calls that are free on other phones. Be sure to check with the hotel beforehand regarding their calling fees if you plan to use the phone in your room.