Buzz
Find out how to make calls to Canada from the UK
International calls can sometimes feel tricky compared to dialing within your own country. If you're calling from the UK to Canada, you'll need to enter the UK's exit code (00) followed by Canada's country code (1). Using VoIP services might also save you money, and in some cases, even let you call for free!
Steps at a Glance
- Enter the UK international access code (00).
- Dial the country code for Canada (1).
- Enter the recipient's area code and phone number.
- Press the dial button to connect your call.
Full Instructions
Making Calls from Your Mobile or Landline
Check international rates before calling. Before dialing, it's a good idea to check how much you'll be charged to call from the UK to Canada. Visit your mobile provider’s website or call their customer support for information on any flat-rate fees or per-minute charges.
- Make sure you're thorough to avoid unexpected charges.
- Consider purchasing an international phone card. These cards allow you to pay for international calling in advance, often at lower rates than regular phone services. They're widely available at convenience stores.
Dial 00 for the UK international access code. To reach a number outside of the UK, you must dial 00 first. This tells your carrier that the call is international.
- If using a mobile phone, you can replace 00 with the + sign, which you can access by holding down the 0 key.
- After dialing 00 or +, don’t hit send just yet. Continue with the next steps before placing the call.
Dial 1 for Canada’s country code. Every country has its own code for international calls. To reach a Canadian number from the UK, dial 1. This code directs your call to Canada.
- At this point, you should have dialed 00 1, or +1, depending on whether you're using a mobile or landline.
Enter the rest of the phone number and hit send. For instance, if the number you're dialing is (613) 555-0123, the full number you should dial would be 00 1 613 555 0123.
- On a mobile phone, the format could also be +1 613 555 0123.
Calling Using the Internet
Make international calls with Skype's VoIP service. VoIP, or Voice Over Internet Protocol, allows you to place calls over the internet instead of using traditional phone networks. Skype is one of the most popular VoIP services, offering free calls to other Skype users and low-cost calls to non-users.
- Visit https://www.Skype.com to download the appropriate version for your device and create a free account.
- Search for your contact’s Skype name using their name or email address.
- If you want to call a mobile or landline number, you'll need to buy Skype Credit or subscribe to a plan for a monthly fee.
- Though international calls via Skype have a cost, they’re typically much cheaper than regular telephone services.
Call internationally for free using WhatsApp. WhatsApp is another popular VoIP service that lets users make voice and video calls free of charge over the internet to other WhatsApp users. Just like Skype, it requires an internet connection and both you and your Canadian contact must have WhatsApp for it to work.
- Download WhatsApp and set up a free account.
- To call your Canadian contact, enter their phone number in the app, starting with the + symbol for the UK access code, followed by 1 for Canada’s country code. For instance, if the number is (613) 555-0123, you should dial +1 613 555 0123.
Use Viber to make free international calls. Viber is another VoIP app that offers free calls to other Viber users. Similar to Skype, you can also use Viber to dial international landline or mobile numbers for a small fee.
- Download the Viber app and create an account.
- If you're calling someone who doesn’t have Viber, you’ll need to buy Viber Out Credit or a calling plan. These rates are usually much cheaper than those of traditional phone services.
- Once you’ve added Viber Out credit, simply dial your contact’s number using the + symbol followed by 1 for Canada’s country code.
-
If you frequently make international calls, you may want to inquire about international service plans with your mobile or landline provider to get the best rates.
-
Ensure you have a strong internet connection before making a VoIP call. Whether you’re calling via mobile or computer, a good connection is essential to avoid call drops and poor quality.
-
Although it’s possible to make VoIP calls using mobile data, it’s recommended to connect to Wi-Fi to save on costs unless you have an unlimited data plan.
