Calling internationally can seem daunting, especially when you need to connect with friends, family, or business contacts across the Atlantic. If you’re in the United States and need to reach someone in the United Kingdom, understanding the correct dialing sequence and considerations is essential. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully call UK from USA, from dialing codes to time zones, and even how services like Telfon make it much easier.

Connecting across continents is more common than ever. Many people need to make international calls USA to UK for various reasons, whether it’s for personal chats, business discussions, or coordinating travel plans. Fortunately, with the right information and tools, it’s a straightforward process. For additional general information on international dialing, you can refer to resources like Wikipedia’s list of country calling codes.

Let’s break down how to bridge the distance.

Understanding the Basics of International Dialing

Before you pick up your phone, it helps to know the components of an international call. Each part of the dialing sequence plays a crucial role in getting your call to the right destination.

The Exit Code (011 for USA)

First, you need to tell your phone carrier that you are making an international call. This is done with an “exit code.” For calls originating from the United States, the exit code is always 011. Think of it as your phone’s way of saying, “I’m leaving the country!”

The Country Code (44 for UK)

After the exit code, you dial the “country code” of the destination country. Every country has a unique code. The UK country code is 44. This tells the international network exactly which country your call needs to go to.

The UK Area Code

Once you specify the country, you need to direct your call to a specific region or city within the UK. This is where the area code comes in. UK area codes vary in length and are specific to towns and cities. You will typically drop the leading ‘0’ that UK residents use when dialing locally. For example, London’s area code is 020, but you will dial just ’20’ for international calls. We’ll explore UK area codes in more detail shortly.

The Local Phone Number

Finally, after the exit code, country code, and area code, you dial the specific local phone number of the person or business you wish to reach.

How to Call UK from USA: Step-by-Step Guide

The process differs slightly depending on whether you are using a landline or a mobile phone.

Calling from a Landline

1. Dial 011: This is the US exit code for international calls.
2. Dial 44: This is the UK country code.
3. Dial the UK Area Code: Enter the specific area code for the UK city or region, omitting the leading ‘0’ that UK residents use for domestic calls. For instance, for London (020), you would dial ’20’.
4. Dial the Local Phone Number: Enter the remaining digits of the phone number.

Example for a London Landline (hypothetical number: 020 7123 4567):

011 44 20 7123 4567

Calling from a Mobile Phone

1. Dial +: Instead of “011,” you can often use the plus (+) symbol on your mobile phone. You usually get the ‘+’ symbol by pressing and holding the ‘0’ key. This symbol automatically handles the international exit code for you, regardless of your location.
2. Dial 44: This is the UK country code.
3. Dial the UK Area Code: Enter the area code, omitting the leading ‘0’.
4. Dial the Local Phone Number: Enter the remaining digits.

Example for a UK Mobile Phone (hypothetical number: 07911 123456):

+44 7911 123456

When you call UK from USA using a mobile, the ‘+’ symbol is a universal international access code. It makes dialing easier from anywhere in the world.

Understanding UK Area Codes

UK area codes are vital for directing your call to the correct geographic location within the United Kingdom. These codes vary in length, typically two to five digits, and always start with a ‘0’ for domestic calls. However, when making international calls USA to UK, you drop this initial ‘0’.

Here is a table of some common UK area codes you might encounter:

What if the UK number starts with 07?

Numbers starting with ’07’ are generally UK mobile numbers. When calling United Kingdom from United States, you simply drop the initial ‘0’ and dial ‘+44’ followed by the remaining nine digits. For example, if the UK mobile number is 07911 123456, you would dial +44 7911 123456.

The UK Phone Number Format

UK phone numbers, when dialed domestically, typically have a leading ‘0’ followed by the area code and then the subscriber number. The total length varies, but most numbers are 10 or 11 digits long (including the leading zero).

Examples of UK phone number formats:

• Fixed Line: (020) 7123 4567 (London)

International dialing: +44 20 7123 4567

• Mobile Phone: (07911) 123 456

International dialing: +44 7911 123456

It’s important to remember to drop that initial ‘0’ when you make an international call from USA to UK. This is a common point of confusion for those new to international dialing.

Best Time for Calling the UK

Time zone differences are often the trickiest part of international communication. The UK primarily uses Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) during winter and British Summer Time (BST) during summer. The USA has multiple time zones.

• GMT (Greenwich Mean Time): Used from late October to late March.
• BST (British Summer Time): Used from late March to late October (GMT+1 hour).

The US has four main time zones:

• Eastern Standard Time (EST): GMT-5
• Central Standard Time (CST): GMT-6
• Mountain Standard Time (MST): GMT-7
• Pacific Standard Time (PST): GMT-8

This means the UK is always ahead of the US.

For example, if it’s 9 AM in London (GMT), it would be:

• 4 AM EST
• 3 AM CST
• 2 AM MST
• 1 AM PST

Optimal Calling Hours from USA to UK (during GMT/BST):

When calling United Kingdom from United States, especially for business, aiming for the UK’s afternoon (e.g., 2 PM to 5 PM UK time) often aligns well with the US morning. This overlap allows both parties to be at their desks during regular work hours. For personal calls, simply coordinating with the recipient is always best!

Cost of Calling the UK from the USA

The cost of calling the UK from USA can vary significantly depending on your service provider and the type of phone you’re using.

Traditional Landline or Mobile Carriers

Many traditional phone companies charge per-minute rates for international calls. These rates can sometimes be quite high, ranging from a few cents to over a dollar per minute. While some carriers offer international calling plans or add-ons, these usually come with a monthly fee and may have limited minutes or specific country allowances. It’s crucial to check your current phone plan or contact your provider to understand their specific international calls USA to UK rates. Unexpected charges can quickly add up.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Services

VoIP services, like Telfon, use the internet to make calls. This technology often provides a much more cost-effective solution for international calls USA to UK. Rates for VoIP services are typically significantly lower than traditional carriers, sometimes even free if both parties are using the same app and connected to Wi-Fi. Many VoIP services offer pay-as-you-go credit or subscription plans that are tailored for frequent international callers.

Why You Might Need to Call the UK

There are countless reasons why you might need to make international calls USA to UK. Understanding these common scenarios can highlight the importance of knowing the correct dialing procedures and having reliable communication tools.

Business Engagements

• International Hiring: HR departments in the US often need to conduct interviews with candidates based in the UK. Direct communication ensures clear understanding and efficient recruitment.
• Sales and Marketing: Connecting with potential clients or partners in the UK is vital for expanding your business reach. Sales executives frequently make calls for lead generation, negotiations, and customer follow-ups.
• Customer Support: If your business serves UK customers, providing accessible phone support is crucial for customer satisfaction and retention.
• Supply Chain and Logistics: Coordinating with suppliers, manufacturers, or shipping companies in the UK requires regular and clear communication.
• Real Estate: For real estate professionals dealing with international clients or properties, direct calls are essential for closing deals and managing properties.

Personal Connections

• Family and Friends: Staying in touch with loved ones who have moved or live in the UK is a primary reason for many personal calls.
• Travel Planning: If you’re planning a trip to the UK, you might need to call hotels, tour operators, or local contacts to confirm arrangements.
• Education: Students studying abroad or those with family members studying in the UK often need to communicate regularly for support and updates.
• Emergencies: In urgent situations, knowing how to quickly reach someone in the UK is paramount.

For all these reasons, having a dependable method for calling United Kingdom from United States is not just a convenience, but often a necessity.

How Telfon Can Be Useful for Calling the UK

Telfon is a virtual phone calling app designed to simplify international calls USA to UK and global communication for both individuals and businesses. It stands out as a reliable cloud telephony solution, offering features that make calling the UK not only easy but also cost-effective and feature-rich.

Get a Virtual Number UK

One of Telfon’s key advantages is the ability to purchase a virtual number UK. This means you can have a local UK phone number, even if you are physically located in the USA. Why is this useful?

• Local Presence: Businesses can establish a local presence in the UK without needing a physical office. This makes it easier for UK clients and partners to reach you, as they can dial a local number, potentially saving them money on their calls.
• Cost Savings for Callers: If you give a UK virtual number to your contacts in the UK, they call you as if it’s a local call for them. This can encourage more frequent and open communication.

Cost-Effective International Calling

Telfon uses a VoIP phone system, which means calls are routed over the internet. This technology significantly reduces the cost of international calls USA to UK compared to traditional phone lines. You pay competitive rates, often much lower than what major carriers charge per minute. This can lead to substantial savings, especially for businesses or individuals who make frequent calls.

Comprehensive Communication Features

Telfon is more than just a calling app. It offers a suite of features that enhance your communication experience:

• International Calls: Make high-quality calls to over 180+ countries, including the UK.
• SMS & Broadcast Messages: Send and receive SMS messages, and even send broadcast messages for marketing or announcements.
• WhatsApp Integration: Connect multiple WhatsApp accounts, allowing seamless communication through this popular messaging platform.
• Call Recordings: Keep records of important conversations for training, compliance, or reference.
• Voicemail & Voicemail to Text: Never miss a message. Voicemail can also be transcribed into text for quick review.
• Call Forwarding: Easily redirect calls to another number, ensuring you’re always reachable.
• Multi-Country Numbers: Manage virtual numbers from multiple countries simultaneously, perfect for businesses with a global footprint.
• User Analytics & Management (B2B): For businesses, Telfon provides detailed user analytics, dashboards, user management, and budget assignment, giving you full control over your communication infrastructure.

Telfon provides a robust and flexible cloud phone system that caters to diverse needs. Whether you’re an individual staying in touch with family, an HR professional handling international hiring institutes, or a sales expert reaching out to clients, Telfon provides an efficient and affordable solution for calling United Kingdom from United States.

Step-by-Step: Calling the UK with Telfon

1. Sign Up for Telfon: Create an account on the Telfon platform.
2. Purchase a UK Virtual Number (Optional but Recommended): If you want a local UK presence, select and buy a virtual number UK from their available options.
3. Add Credit or Choose a Plan: Top up your account with calling credit or subscribe to a suitable plan that covers your international calling needs.
4. Dial from the App: Open the Telfon app on your device (smartphone or computer).
5. Enter the UK Number: Dial the UK number just as you would with a regular phone, including the UK country code (44) and the UK area code (without the leading ‘0’), followed by the local number. For example, +44 20 7123 4567.
6. Initiate Call: Press the call button, and Telfon will connect you to your UK contact using its VoIP system.

The app’s user-friendly interface makes the entire process smooth, ensuring a high-quality connection for your international calls USA to UK.

Troubleshooting Common Calling Issues

Even with the correct dialing sequence, you might occasionally encounter issues when trying to call UK from USA. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

1. Call Not Connecting or “Number Not Recognized”

• Incorrect Dialing Code: Double-check that you have entered “011” (or “+”) for the US exit code, “44” for the UK country code, and the correct UK area code (without the leading ‘0’).
• Missing or Incorrect Local Number: Ensure you have the full and correct local phone number. A single digit error can prevent the call from connecting.
• Leading Zero Issue: Remember to always drop the ‘0’ from the UK’s domestic area code or mobile prefix when dialing internationally. For example, 020 becomes 20, and 07xxx becomes 7xxx.

2. Busy Signal or No Answer

• Recipient is on Another Call: The line might simply be busy. Try calling again after a few minutes.
• Time Zone Mismatch: You might be calling at an inconvenient time (e.g., in the middle of the night in the UK). Refer to the “Best Time for Calling” section to ensure you are calling during awake hours.
• Line Issues: There might be a temporary issue with the recipient’s phone line.

3. Poor Call Quality (for VoIP services like Telfon)

• Internet Connection: VoIP calls rely on a stable internet connection. If your call quality is poor (choppy, delayed), check your Wi-Fi or mobile data signal strength. A weak or unstable connection will affect call quality.
• Bandwidth Issues: Other heavy internet usage (streaming, large downloads) on your network might be consuming bandwidth, affecting call quality.
• App Updates: Ensure your Telfon app is updated to the latest version. Software updates often include performance improvements.

4. High Cost Warnings

• Check Your Plan: If you’re using a traditional carrier, you might not have an international calling plan. Verify your rates to avoid bill shock.
• Consider VoIP: If costs are a concern, services like Telfon offer significantly lower rates for international calls USA to UK.

Always try to obtain an alternative contact method (like email or a messaging app) if possible, especially when making important calls, in case you run into persistent calling issues.

Key Takeaways

Making international calls USA to UK doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding a few key steps and leveraging modern technology, you can connect seamlessly.

• Dialing Sequence: Always start with the US exit code (011 or ‘+’), followed by the UK country code (44), then the UK area code (without the leading ‘0’), and finally the local number.
• Time Zones Matter: The UK is several hours ahead of the US. Plan your calls to align with reasonable hours in the UK.
• Cost Varies: Traditional carriers can be expensive. VoIP services like Telfon offer significantly cheaper rates for international calls USA to UK.
• Telfon’s Advantage: Telfon simplifies the process by offering low-cost calls, the option to get a virtual number UK, and a suite of useful features like SMS, WhatsApp integration, and call recording, making it ideal for both personal and business use.
• Troubleshooting: Common issues often relate to incorrect dialing, time zone differences, or internet connection quality for VoIP calls.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the dialing code for calling the UK from the USA?

A1: The full dialing code is 011 (US exit code) + 44 (UK country code) + UK area code (without the leading ‘0’) + local number. On mobile, you can use ‘+’ instead of ‘011’.

Q2: Do I drop the ‘0’ from a UK number when calling internationally?

A2: Yes, you must drop the initial ‘0’ from the UK area code or mobile prefix when dialing from outside the UK. For example, London’s 020 becomes 20, and a mobile 07xxx becomes 7xxx.

Q3: What’s the cheapest way to call the UK from the USA?

A3: Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, like Telfon, are generally the cheapest way to make international calls USA to UK. They offer significantly lower per-minute rates than traditional phone carriers.

Q4: Can I get a UK phone number if I live in the USA?

A4: Yes, with services like Telfon, you can purchase a virtual number UK. This allows you to have a local UK phone number, even if you are physically in the USA, which is beneficial for businesses or maintaining a local presence.

Q5: What is the time difference between the USA and the UK?

A5: The UK is 5 hours ahead of US Eastern Time (EST), 6 hours ahead of Central Time (CST), 7 hours ahead of Mountain Time (MST), and 8 hours ahead of Pacific Time (PST). Remember to account for British Summer Time (BST) which is GMT+1.

Q6: Can I call a UK mobile number from the USA?

A6: Yes, you can. The dialing sequence is the same: 011 (or +) + 44 + the UK mobile number (omitting the initial ‘0’ from the 07xxx prefix).

Q7: Are there any apps that make calling the UK easier?

A7: Yes, apps like Telfon are designed for easy and affordable international calls USA to UK. They use VoIP technology and offer features like call recording, SMS, and virtual numbers.

Q8: What should I do if my call to the UK isn’t connecting?

A8: First, double-check your dialing sequence for accuracy. Ensure you’ve dropped the leading ‘0’ for the UK area code/mobile number. Also, check your internet connection if using a VoIP service, and consider the time difference to avoid calling outside reasonable hours.

Conclusion

Calling UK from USA is a straightforward process when you know the correct dialing codes and understand the nuances of international communication. From landlines to mobile phones, the basic sequence remains the same: exit code + UK country code (44) + UK area code (without ‘0’) + local number.

For those who make frequent international calls USA to UK, or require advanced communication features, services like Telfon provide an excellent, cost-effective, and feature-rich alternative to traditional carriers. With options like acquiring a virtual number UK, seamless WhatsApp integration, and robust B2B features, Telfon makes connecting globally simpler and more efficient. So go ahead, make that call with confidence!