Ever tried calling a friend, business, or family member in the UK, and your call did not go through? Or worse, maybe you got hit with surprise fees from your phone company?
You’re not alone. Calling overseas can feel a bit confusing, especially if you are not used to dialing international numbers. But do not worry, it is actually pretty simple once you get the hang of it.
This guide will walk you through exactly how to call the United Kingdom from the US, step by step. And if you are someone who likes clarity with a dash of personality, this is your kind of article.
So grab your phone. Let’s get a call.
Call the United Kingdom from the US
Here are the steps to call the United Kingdom from the US :
Step 1: Know the Basics of an International Call
Before we even talk about what to dial, let’s break down what is actually happening when you call the UK from the US.
Calling the UK means you are making an international call and your phone network connects to a totally different country’s system.
And yes, international calling rules are different. That is why your regular 10-digit US number won’t work.
When calling the UK, you will need to dial a specific combo of codes in this order:
- Exit code for the US
- Country code for the UK
- Area code for the UK number (depends on the city or region)
- Local number (the actual number you’re trying to reach)
Let’s unpack each of those.
Step 2: Dial the US Exit Code
The exit code is how you tell your phone provider, “Hey, I am calling outside the country.”
In the US, that code is:
011
No matter who you are calling overseas, you will start with 011 every time.
Think of it like knocking on the door of international calls.
Step 3: Add the UK Country Code
Next up is the country code, which tells the system what country you are trying to reach.
The United Kingdom’s country code is:
44
Easy enough, right?
So far, you have got:
011 + 44
We are almost there.
Step 4: Skip the First Zero in the UK Number
This part trips a lot of folks up. So let’s be super clear.
Most UK phone numbers start with a 0. Like:
020 7946 0123
But this is important when calling from the US, you drop the 0.
That “0” is only used for local UK calls. When dialing from the US, it gets in the way. Leave it out.
So instead of dialing:
011 + 44 + 020 7946 0123
You should dial:
011 + 44 + 20 7946 0123
Got it? Good.
Step 5: Finish Dialing the Full Number
Let’s put it all together with an example. Say you are calling a London landline.The number looks like this in the UK:
020 7946 0123
Your US dialed version would be:
011 44 20 7946 0123
If you are calling a UK mobile? Same thing. UK mobile numbers usually start with 07. Just drop the 0 and dial:
011 44 7XXX XXXXXX
Handy Example Table
| UK Number | US Dial Format |
| 020 7946 0123 (London landline) | 011 44 20 7946 0123 |
| 0161 496 0999 (Manchester landline) | 011 44 161 496 0999 |
| 07911 123456 (UK mobile) | 011 44 7911 123456 |
No more guessing.
Step 6: Consider the Time Difference
Before you actually hit “Call,” check the time in the UK.
Seriously. Nobody likes a 3 a.m. wake-up call.
The UK is 5 hours ahead of Eastern Time (and up to 8 hours ahead if you’re on the West Coast).
So if it is 6 p.m. in New York, it is 11 p.m. in London. You can just Google:
“Current time in London”
And you will get your answer.
If it is past 10 p.m. their time, maybe wait ’til tomorrow.
Step 7: Watch Out for Call Charges
This part? Super important.
International calls are not always cheap.
Depending on your phone plan, calling the UK might cost:
- $0.10–$3.00 per minute on average
- Sometimes more if you are on a landline or do not have a plan
To avoid surprise bills:
- Check your phone plan first
- Or better yet, use Wi-Fi calling apps (more on that soon)
Quick Tip: Use Wi-Fi Calling Apps
Want to avoid international charges? You have got options.
Here are some solid apps to make UK calls for free (or really cheap):
- WhatsApp – Free voice & video if both people use it
- Skype – Free app-to-app, low rates for real numbers
- Google Voice – Good for low-cost calls from the US
- Viber – Another app-to-app option
- Zoom or FaceTime – For video chats if you are both on iPhones or Macs
Just make sure both of you are on Wi-Fi, or you could eat up your data.
Calling the UK from a Cell Phone vs. Landline
If you are using a cell phone, you are in luck. It is easier. Just type in the full number, and hit call. No need to wait for a dial tone or anything fancy.
If you are on a landline, it is the same process but make sure you wait for the dial tone before entering the numbers.
With a landline, charges are often higher than mobile calls.
What About Country and Area Codes?
Let’s break those down real quick.
- 011 = US exit code
- 44 = UK country code
- Area codes depend on the city
Here are a few common UK area codes:
| City | Area Code (US version) |
| London | 20 |
| Manchester | 161 |
| Birmingham | 121 |
| Liverpool | 151 |
| Glasgow | 141 |
So if you are calling a landline in Glasgow (like 0141 223 4567), you would dial:
011 44 141 223 4567
What If You are Calling a UK Toll-Free Number?
Bad news: UK toll-free numbers do not work for US callers. Numbers like 0800 or 0845 are only toll-free within the UK. From the US, these may not connect or you might get charged.
If you need to reach a UK business, try checking their international number on their website. Many companies list a separate number just for callers outside the UK.
What If the Call Does not Work?
If you have dialed everything right but your call would not go through, try this checklist:
- Did you start with 011?
- Did you add the UK code: 44?
- Did you drop the first 0 from the UK number?
- Is the number correct and active?
- Is your phone plan blocking international calls?
Still stuck? Call your phone provider. They can tell you if international calls are allowed on your plan.
A Few Final Tips
Let’s wrap up with some extra little things to keep in mind.
1. Save Numbers Correctly
When you save a UK number in your phone, use this format:
+44 [area code without 0] [number]
The “+” automatically tells your phone to use the right exit code.
So instead of:
020 7946 0123
Save it like this:
+44 20 7946 0123
This way, you would not have to remember the exit code each time.
2. Texting the UK?
Texting is a bit easier, you still need the +44 at the start, and remove the 0. But texts might still cost extra depending on your plan. Check with your carrier if you are unsure.
3. Be Patient
Sometimes international calls take a few extra seconds to connect. Do not hang up right away if you do not hear a ring instantly. Give it 5–10 seconds to connect before redialing.
Final Words – Call the United Kingdom from the US
So there you have it, the full scoop on how to call the UK from the US without stress.
Here is a quick recap:
- Dial 011 (US exit code)
- Dial 44 (UK country code)
- Drop the leading 0 from the UK number
- Enter the rest of the number
- Check the time difference
- Watch for fees
- Consider using apps for cheaper or free calls
It is not rocket science. Just a few simple steps, and you are connected across the pond. Next time you need to call the UK, you will do it like a pro—or at least like someone who knows their way around a dial pad.
FAQS – Call the United Kingdom from the US
1- Do I always need to dial 011 before calling the UK from the US?
Yes, that is the US exit code. Without it, your call would not go through. Think of it as the “hey, I am calling abroad” signal.
2- What is the UK country code?
It is 44. Add that right after dialing 011.
3- Do I keep the 0 at the start of the UK number?
Nope. Drop the first 0. So if the UK number is 020 1234 5678, you dial 011 44 20 1234 5678 from the US.
4- Can I call UK mobiles the same way?
Yes. Just remove the first 0 and dial like this: 011 44 7XXX XXXXXX.
5- Will I be charged extra for international calls?
Most likely, yes. Unless you have got a plan that includes international minutes, or you’re using a Wi-Fi app like WhatsApp or Skype.
6- What time is it in the UK right now?
The UK is usually 5–8 hours ahead of the US, depending on where you live. Just Google: “current time in London” before calling.
7- Can I text a UK number from the US?
Sure can. Just like a call, use +44, drop the 0, and text away. But texting may cost extra, too.
8- Can I call a UK toll-free number from the US?
Most UK toll-free numbers (like 0800) do not work from the US. Look for an international number on the company’s website.
9- Why is my call not going through?
Double-check:
- You dialed 011 + 44
- You dropped the 0
- The number is correct
- Your plan allows international calls
10- Is it cheaper to use calling apps?
Yes, Apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Google Voice are way cheaper, sometimes even free, if you are on Wi-Fi.
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