Calling the UK from the US is a straightforward process once you understand the proper dialing format. Whether you’re connecting with a business contact or catching up with friends and family across the pond, this guide will walk you through the steps to make a successful call to the UK from the US.
Dialing Format
To call the UK from the US, follow these simple steps:
- Dial the US exit code: 011 (or + if using a mobile phone)
- Dial the UK country code: 44
- Dial the UK area code: 2-5 digits, omitting the initial 0 (e.g., London’s area code is 20)
- Dial the phone number: 4-8 digits, for a total of 10 digits including the area code
For example, to call a landline in London with the number 203-456-7890, you would dial:011-44-20-3456-7890 (from a landline)
+44-20-3456-7890 (from a mobile phone)
UK Area Codes
The UK Phone Number List is divided into various area codes, each representing a specific region or city. Here are some of the major UK area codes:
- Aberdeen: 1224
- Belfast: 28
- Birmingham: 121
- Blackburn: 1254
- Blackpool: 1253
- Bolton: 1204
- Bournemouth: 1202
- Bradford: 1274
- Brighton: 1273
- Bristol: 117
- Cambridge: 1223
- Cardiff: 29
- Colchester: 1206
- Coventry: 24
- Derby: 1332
- Dundee: 1382
- Edinburgh: 131
- Glasgow: 141
- Gloucester: 1452
- Huddersfield: 1484
- Leeds: 113
- Leicester: 116
- Liverpool: 151
- London: 20
- Luton: 1582
- Manchester: 161
- Middlesbrough: 1642
- Newcastle: 191
- Newport: 1633
- Northampton: 1604
- Norwich: 1603
- Nottingham: 115
- Oxford: 1865
- Plymouth: 1752
- Portsmouth: 23
- Preston: 1772
- Reading: 118
- Sheffield: 114
- Southampton: 23
- Stoke-on-Trent: 1782
- Sunderland: 191
- Swansea: 1792
- Swindon: 1793
- Wolverhampton: 1902
- Worcester: 1905
- York: 1904
Calling UK Mobile Numbers
When calling a UK mobile number from the US, the dialing format remains the same, but the area code is different. UK mobile numbers typically start with 7, followed by 8 or 9 digits.For example, to call a UK mobile number 07123-456-789, you would dial:011-44-7123-456-789 (from a landline)
+44-7123-456-789 (from a mobile phone)
Calling UK Special Numbers
The UK has several special number ranges, including:
- Toll-free numbers: 0800 and 0808
- Non-geographic numbers: 0300, 0333, 0344, 0345, 0370, 0371, 0500, 0800, 0808, 0845, 0870, 0871, 0872, 0873, 0874, 0875, 0876, 0877, 0878, 0879, 0870, 0871, 0872, 0873, 0874, 0875, 0876, 0877, 0878, 0879
- Premium-rate numbers: 09 and 118
When calling these special numbers from the US, the dialing format remains the same, but the cost per minute may vary depending on your phone plan.
Calling Costs
The cost of calling the UK from the US can vary depending on your phone plan and the type of number you’re calling (landline, mobile, toll-free, or premium-rate). Here are some general guidelines:
- Landlines: $0.02-$0.10 per minute
- Mobile numbers: $0.58-$1.00 per minute
- Toll-free numbers: $1.02 per minute
- Non-geographic numbers: $1.62 per minute
- Premium-rate numbers: $3.60 per minute
To save on calling costs, consider using a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service like Skype, WhatsApp, or Viber. These services allow you to make international calls over the internet, often at a lower cost than traditional phone plans.
Timing Your Calls
When calling the UK from the US, it’s important to consider the time difference. The UK is typically 5-8 hours ahead of the US, depending on your location and the time of year (due to daylight saving time differences).Here’s a table to help you determine the best time to call the UK from various US time zones:
| US Time Zone | UK Time Zone | Best Time to Call |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Time (ET) | Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) | 8 AM – 5 PM |
| Central Time (CT) | Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) | 7 AM – 4 PM |
| Mountain Time (MT) | Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) | 6 AM – 3 PM |
| Pacific Time (PT) | Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) | 5 AM – 2 PM |
Keep in mind that the Latest Lead UK observes daylight saving time, which typically runs from late March to late October. During this period, the UK is 4-7 hours ahead of the US, depending on your location.
Tips for Making Successful Calls
Here are some tips to help you make successful calls to the UK:
- Double-check the phone number: Ensure you have the correct area code and phone number for your recipient.
- Speak clearly and slowly: Your recipient may have difficulty understanding you if you speak too quickly or mumble.
- Be mindful of time differences: Avoid calling too early in the morning or late at night in the UK.
- Use a reliable phone service: Consider using a VoIP service or a phone plan with international calling options to ensure clear connections and lower costs.
- Have patience: International calls may take a few seconds to connect, and there may be some audio delays or static during the conversation.