Connecting with friends, family, or business contacts in Colombia from the UK might seem like a complex task. Different country codes, area codes, and time zone considerations can make international calling confusing. However, with the right information and tools, calling Colombia from the UK can be straightforward and affordable. This comprehensive guide simplifies the process, offering a clear, step-by-step approach to ensure your calls connect successfully every time.

Whether you’re planning a trip, managing international business, or simply catching up with loved ones, understanding how to call Colombia from UK is essential. We will cover everything from dialing codes and phone number formats to the best times to call and cost-effective solutions like virtual numbers. For more general information on international dialing, you can refer to helpful resources like Wikipedia’s List of Country Calling Codes.

Understanding the Basics of International Dialing

Before you dial, knowing the fundamental components of international calling is crucial. This involves understanding your own country’s exit code and the destination country’s code.

The UK’s International Dialing Code

When calling any country from the UK, you first need to dial the international exit code. This code tells your phone provider that you are making an international call. The standard UK exit code is 00. On a mobile phone, you can also use the plus symbol (+), which automatically converts to the correct exit code for your location. This is often the easier option.

Colombia’s Country Code

After the UK exit code, you must enter Colombia’s unique country code. This directs your call to Colombia. The Colombia country code UK callers need is 57. This is a non-negotiable part of the dialing sequence.

Calling Colombia from a UK Landline

Calling Colombia from a traditional UK landline requires a specific dialing sequence. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your call goes through.

1. Dial the UK Exit Code: Start by dialing 00. This signals an international call from the UK.
2. Enter Colombia’s Country Code: Immediately after the exit code, dial 57.
3. Add the Colombian Area Code: Next, dial the specific area code for the city or region in Colombia you are calling. (More on this below).
4. Dial the Local Phone Number: Finally, enter the local Colombian phone number.

Example for a Landline Call:

To call a fixed line in Bogotá (area code 601), you would dial:

00 57 601 XXX XXXX

Make sure you have the correct area code and local number to avoid misdialing.

Calling Colombia from a UK Mobile Phone

Calling Colombia from your mobile phone is generally simpler due to the convenience of the ‘+’ symbol. This is how to call Colombia from UK using your mobile:

1. Dial the Plus Symbol: Press and hold the ‘0’ key until a + symbol appears on your screen. This acts as the international exit code.
2. Enter Colombia’s Country Code: Dial 57 immediately after the plus symbol.
3. Add the Colombian Area Code: Next, dial the relevant area code for the Colombian city or region.
4. Dial the Local Phone Number: Complete the sequence by entering the local Colombian phone number.

Example for a Mobile Call:

To call a mobile number in Colombia (no specific area code needed for mobiles), you would dial:

+57 3XX XXX XXXX (where 3XX is the mobile prefix).

For fixed lines, it’s:

+57 601 XXX XXXX (for Bogotá).

Using the ‘+’ symbol is a universal practice and simplifies dialing from different countries.

Navigating Colombia’s Area Codes

Colombia uses specific area codes for its different regions and cities, particularly for fixed-line numbers. In 2021, Colombia updated its dialing plan. All fixed-line calls now require a (60) prefix followed by a single-digit regional code and then the 7-digit local number. Mobile numbers do not use these area codes; they have their own 3-digit prefixes.

Here are some common area codes (regional codes used after 60) for major Colombian cities:

Always confirm the specific area code for the number you are calling, as using the wrong one will result in a failed connection.

What is the new format for Colombian fixed-line numbers?

Colombian fixed-line numbers now start with a (60) prefix, followed by a single-digit regional code, and then the 7-digit local number. For example, a Bogotá number is now (60) 1 XXX XXXX.

Colombian Phone Number Formats Explained

Understanding the structure of Colombian phone numbers is crucial for successful dialing. Colombia distinguishes between fixed-line (landline) numbers and mobile numbers in its dialing plan.

Fixed-Line Phone Number Format

For fixed-line numbers, the format is as follows:

• Country Code (57) + (60) + Regional Code + 7-digit Local Number

For example, a fixed line in Bogotá would look like: 57 601 XXX XXXX. The ’60’ indicates a national call to a fixed line, followed by ‘1’ for Bogotá, and then the seven-digit local number. This format applies across all regions, with only the single regional digit changing.

Mobile Phone Number Format

Colombian mobile numbers have a different structure:

• Country Code (57) + 3-digit Mobile Prefix + 7-digit Local Number

Mobile numbers in Colombia typically start with a ‘3’. For instance, a mobile number might look like: 57 3XX XXX XXXX. You do not need an area code for mobile numbers in Colombia. The 3-digit prefix handles the routing.

Knowing whether you are calling a fixed line or a mobile phone helps you dial correctly, especially with the recent changes in Colombia’s numbering plan.

When is the Best Time to Call Colombia from the UK?

Timing your international calls can be crucial, whether for business or personal reasons. It helps avoid disturbing people during inconvenient hours. Colombia operates on different time zones than the UK.

Time Zone Difference

Colombia observes Colombia Standard Time (COT), which is UTC-5. The UK, on the other hand, observes Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) during winter (UTC+0) and British Summer Time (BST) during summer (UTC+1).

• During UK Winter (GMT): The UK is 5 hours ahead of Colombia.

Example: 1 PM in London is 8 AM in Bogotá.

• During UK Summer (BST): The UK is 6 hours ahead of Colombia.

Example: 1 PM in London is 7 AM in Bogotá.

Ideal Calling Windows

Considering this time difference, here are some suggested calling times:

• For Business Calls:

From UK: Try calling between 1 PM and 5 PM GMT/BST. This corresponds to 8 AM to 12 PM COT (during UK winter) or 7 AM to 11 AM COT (during UK summer). This window aligns with the start of the Colombian business day, ensuring your contacts are likely at their desks and available.

From UK: Another option is 6 PM to 10 PM GMT/BST, which is 1 PM to 5 PM COT. This covers the latter half of the business day in Colombia.

• For Personal Calls:

From UK: Evening calls between 6 PM and 10 PM GMT/BST usually work well. This translates to 1 PM to 5 PM COT (during UK winter) or 12 PM to 4 PM COT (during UK summer). This is generally a good time when people are finishing work and might be more receptive to personal calls.

Weekend Calls: If calling on a weekend, aim for late morning or early afternoon in Colombia to ensure your contacts are awake and available.

Always double-check the current time in Colombia before making an important call. Many online tools and smartphone apps can help you convert time zones instantly.

The Cost of Calling Colombia from the UK

The cost of an international call from the UK to Colombia can vary significantly depending on your service provider and the method you choose. Traditional calling methods often come with a higher price tag.

Factors Affecting Call Costs

• Traditional Landlines: Calls from a fixed-line can be expensive. Providers typically charge per minute, and international rates are much higher than national calls. These costs add up quickly for longer conversations.
• Mobile Networks: Calling from a UK mobile network can also incur high charges. While some mobile plans offer international bundles, calls outside these allowances can be very costly. Roaming charges if you are calling from a UK mobile while in Colombia are a separate, often even more expensive, issue.

• Pay-as-you-go: If you are on a pay-as-you-go plan, international calling from UK can deplete your credit rapidly due to high per-minute rates.

The High Cost of Traditional Methods

Historically, international calling was a luxury. Many people avoided long conversations to keep bills down. Even today, a typical call from a major UK network to Colombia can range from £0.50 to £2.00 per minute, sometimes even more. Imagine a 30-minute call! This can quickly lead to an unexpected bill.

These costs highlight why many individuals and businesses look for more economical solutions, especially if they need to make frequent or long calls.

Why You Might Need to Call Colombia

There are many reasons why someone in the UK might need to connect with Colombia. The motivations range from personal connections to professional engagements, highlighting the importance of reliable international communication.

Here are some common reasons:

• Connecting with Family and Friends: Many Colombians reside in the UK, and their families live back home. Regular calls are essential for maintaining these vital personal relationships.
• Business Opportunities: Colombia is a growing market with various industries. UK businesses might call to:

Negotiate deals with partners.

Manage remote teams or freelancers.

Conduct market research.

Provide customer support to Colombian clients.

Source products or services.

• Travel Planning: If you’re planning a trip to Colombia, you might need to call hotels, tour operators, or car rental agencies to make reservations or confirm details.
• Educational Pursuits: Students studying abroad, researchers collaborating with Colombian institutions, or individuals applying to Colombian universities often need to make international calls.
• Legal or Financial Matters: Dealing with estates, property, or investments in Colombia often requires direct communication with local banks, lawyers, or government agencies.
• Healthcare Coordination: Assisting relatives with medical needs or coordinating healthcare appointments from a distance might necessitate calling doctors or hospitals in Colombia.

The need to call Colombia from UK arises in countless scenarios, underscoring the demand for effective and affordable communication solutions.

Telfon: Your Smart Solution for Calling Colombia

When considering the cost and complexity of traditional international calling, services like Telfon offer a modern, efficient, and cost-effective alternative. Telfon provides virtual numbers and cloud telephony solutions, making international calling from UK to Colombia incredibly simple and affordable.

How Telfon Can Be Useful for Calling Colombia

Telfon offers a range of features designed to streamline your communication needs, whether you’re an individual or a business. Here’s how it benefits those who need to call Colombia from UK:

• Cost-Effective Calling: Telfon’s virtual numbers and VoIP phone system significantly reduce international calling costs compared to traditional carriers. You can enjoy clear calls without worrying about exorbitant per-minute charges. This makes it an ideal “virtual number for Colombia” solution.
• Local Presence with Virtual Numbers: Telfon allows you to purchase virtual numbers in over 180+ countries, including Colombia. This means you can have a Colombian virtual number that your contacts can call at local rates, making it easier for them to reach you. It creates a local presence, which is excellent for businesses.
• High-Quality Connections: Leveraging cloud telephony, Telfon provides reliable and high-quality voice connections. This ensures your conversations are clear, free from static, and dependable, crucial for both personal and business calls.
• Easy Setup and Use: Getting started with Telfon is straightforward. You can quickly set up your virtual number and begin making calls without complex installations or technical know-how. The platform is designed for user-friendliness.
• Comprehensive Communication Features: Beyond just calling, Telfon offers a suite of features that enhance communication:

Call Recordings: Ideal for business calls, training, or simply keeping a record of important conversations.

Send & Receive SMS/Bulk SMS: Communicate via text messages, useful for quick updates or marketing campaigns.

WhatsApp Integration: Connect multiple WhatsApp accounts, allowing seamless messaging with your Colombian contacts. This is incredibly popular in many countries.

Call Forwarding: Never miss a call by forwarding incoming calls to another number or device.

Voicemail to Text: Get voicemail messages transcribed for convenience.

• Suitable for Various Users: Whether you’re an individual staying in touch with family, an HR professional hiring internationally, a sales executive reaching out to clients, or a travel agency coordinating bookings, Telfon provides a robust solution.

Using Telfon simplifies the process of how to call Colombia from UK, transforming a potentially expensive and complicated task into an easy, reliable, and affordable experience. It’s truly a modern communication tool for a globally connected world.

Getting Started with Telfon for Colombian Calls

1. Sign Up: Create an account on the Telfon platform.
2. Purchase a Virtual Number: Select a virtual number for Colombia or any other country you frequently call.
3. Start Calling: Use your new virtual number to make and receive calls, leveraging all the integrated features.

Telfon serves both B2B and B2C needs, offering additional features for businesses like user analytics, dashboard filters, user management, and custom messaging services, ensuring that all your communication requirements are met.

Key Takeaways for Calling Colombia

Calling Colombia from the UK doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By understanding a few key elements and leveraging modern communication tools, you can connect reliably and affordably.

Here are the essential points to remember:

• Dialing Sequence: Always start with the UK exit code (00 or + on mobile), followed by the Colombia country code (57).
• Fixed-Line Changes: For fixed-line numbers, remember the new (60) prefix followed by a single-digit regional code (e.g., 601 for Bogotá) and then the 7-digit local number.
• Mobile Numbers: Colombian mobile numbers do not use area codes; they start with a 3-digit mobile prefix after the country code.
• Time Difference: Be mindful of the 5-6 hour time difference between the UK and Colombia to avoid inconvenient calling times.
• Cost Considerations: Traditional international calls can be expensive. Explore cost-effective alternatives.
• Telfon’s Advantage: Services like Telfon offer a virtual number for Colombia, reducing costs, providing clear connections, and integrating valuable features like WhatsApp, SMS, and call recording for both personal and business needs.

By keeping these points in mind, you are well-equipped to make successful calls to Colombia from the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions people ask about calling Colombia from the UK:

Q1: What is the Colombia country code UK callers need?

A1: The Colombia country code for callers from the UK (and worldwide) is 57. You must dial this after your international exit code.

Q2: How do I call a Colombian mobile number from the UK?

A2: To call a Colombian mobile number from the UK, dial +57 followed by the 3-digit mobile prefix (usually starting with ‘3’) and then the 7-digit local number. For example: +57 3XX XXX XXXX.

Q3: What is the new dialing format for Colombian fixed lines?

A3: Since 2021, Colombian fixed-line numbers require dialing the international code, then 57, followed by (60), a single-digit regional code (e.g., ‘1’ for Bogotá), and then the 7-digit local number. Example: +57 601 XXX XXXX.

Q4: Is it expensive to call Colombia from UK?

A4: Calling Colombia from the UK through traditional landline or mobile providers can be quite expensive, with per-minute charges often ranging from £0.50 to £2.00 or more. VoIP services like Telfon offer much more affordable rates.

Q5: What is the best time to call Colombia from the UK?

A5: The UK is 5-6 hours ahead of Colombia. For business, aim for 1 PM – 5 PM UK time (8 AM – 12 PM Colombia time during UK winter). For personal calls, 6 PM – 10 PM UK time (1 PM – 5 PM Colombia time during UK winter) often works well.

Q6: Can I send text messages to Colombia from the UK?

A6: Yes, most mobile networks allow you to send international SMS. However, costs can vary. Services like Telfon also offer SMS sending and receiving as part of their package, often at more competitive rates.

Q7: How can a virtual number help when calling Colombia from the UK?

A7: A virtual number for Colombia allows you to establish a local presence. Your contacts in Colombia can call this number at local rates, while you receive the calls in the UK. This significantly reduces costs for both parties and simplifies communication, especially for businesses.

Q8: Does Telfon offer other features besides just calling Colombia?

A8: Yes, Telfon provides a comprehensive suite of features including call recordings, send/receive SMS, WhatsApp integration, call forwarding, voicemail to text, multi-country numbers, and more, making it a versatile communication tool for individuals and businesses.

Q9: Do I need an area code for a Colombian mobile number?

A9: No, you do not need a separate area code for Colombian mobile numbers. They use a 3-digit mobile prefix that handles the routing within Colombia after the country code.

Conclusion

Making international calls, particularly to a country like Colombia from the UK, no longer needs to be a source of confusion or high expense. By understanding the correct dialing sequence, including the Colombia country code UK residents need (57) and the specific area codes for fixed lines, you are already halfway there. Being mindful of the time difference also ensures your calls are well-received.

For those who frequently call Colombia from UK or require advanced communication features, modern solutions like Telfon offer an invaluable service. With its cost-effective virtual numbers, high-quality connections, and integrated tools like WhatsApp and call recording, Telfon simplifies global communication. It ensures that staying connected, whether for personal bonds or professional ventures, is always within reach. Embrace the ease of connecting with Colombia and the world.