Connecting with friends, family, or business partners in Colombia from the UK can seem tricky. You have to navigate different country codes, new area code formats, and a significant time difference. However, making that call can be simple and affordable with the right guidance. This guide breaks down the entire process into easy steps.

We will cover everything from dialing codes to the best times to call. You will also learn about cost-effective solutions that make staying in touch easier than ever. For official information on international dialing standards, you can always refer to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This ensures you have the most accurate and up-to-date details for any country.

The Essential Dialing Codes for Colombia

Before you can connect, you must understand the basic codes for any international call. This involves knowing the exit code for the UK and the country code for Colombia. Getting these two numbers right is the first step to a successful call.

The UK International Exit Code

To make any international call from the UK, you first dial an exit code. This code signals to your provider that the number you are about to dial is outside the country.

The standard exit code from a UK landline is 00.

If you are calling from a mobile, you can use the plus symbol (+). Simply press and hold the ‘0’ key. The ‘+’ symbol automatically functions as the correct exit code, no matter which country you are calling from. Therefore, it is often the most reliable option.

Colombia’s Country Code: 57

After the exit code, you must dial Colombia’s unique country code. This number directs your call specifically to the Colombian telephone network.

The country code for Colombia is 57.

This code is essential and must follow the UK exit code directly. For instance, your dialing sequence will always begin with 0057 or +57.

How to Dial Colombian Phone Numbers: A Step-by-Step Guide

The structure of a Colombian phone number depends on whether you are calling a landline or a mobile. In 2021, Colombia updated its dialing plan for landlines, which is crucial to know. Following the correct format ensures your call connects without any issues.

Calling a Colombian Landline from the UK

Calling a fixed-line number requires a specific sequence. Colombia’s new format includes a prefix that standardizes all landline numbers.

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Dial the Exit Code: Start with 00 (or + on mobile).
2. Enter Colombia’s Country Code: Next, dial 57.
3. Add the Fixed-Line Prefix: For all landlines, now add 60.
4. Include the Regional Code: Dial the single-digit code for the city.
5. Dial the Local Number: Finally, enter the 7-digit local number.

For example, to call a landline in Bogotá (regional code 1), you would dial:

+57 601 XXX XXXX

Calling a Colombian Mobile from the UK

Dialing a mobile number in Colombia is more straightforward. Mobile numbers do not use the new 60 prefix or regional area codes. Instead, they have their own unique 3-digit prefixes that typically begin with ‘3’.

Follow these simple steps:

1. Dial the Exit Code: Start with + on your mobile.
2. Enter Colombia’s Country Code: Next, dial 57.
3. Dial the Mobile Prefix & Number: Enter the 10-digit mobile number.

For instance, a typical Colombian mobile number would be dialed as:

+57 3XX XXX XXXX

Colombian Area Codes for Major Cities

When calling a landline, you need the correct regional code after the 60 prefix. Using the wrong code will result in a failed call. Below is a table of the full area codes for Colombia’s main cities.

Finding the Best Time to Call Colombia

Timing is crucial for international calls. You want to reach people at a convenient hour, whether for business or a personal chat. Understanding the time difference between the UK and Colombia is key to achieving this.

Understanding the Time Zone Difference

Colombia observes Colombia Standard Time (COT), which is UTC-5 all year round. Colombia does not use daylight saving time.

The UK operates on two different time zones:

• Greenwich Mean Time (GMT): UTC+0 during the winter.
• British Summer Time (BST): UTC+1 during the summer.

This means the UK is 5 hours ahead of Colombia during its winter. In contrast, it is 6 hours ahead during its summer.

Ideal Calling Windows

To avoid waking someone up or calling after business hours, plan your call. Consider these optimal time slots for connecting with someone in Colombia.

For Business Calls:

• Call between 2 PM and 5 PM (UK time). This corresponds to 9 AM to 12 PM in Colombia, which is prime morning business hours.

For Personal Calls:

• Call between 6 PM and 9 PM (UK time). This reaches people in Colombia between 1 PM and 4 PM, a great time for a relaxed chat after their lunch.

Always check the current local time before dialing for an important call.

The Real Cost of Calling Colombia from the UK

The cost of an international call to Colombia can vary greatly. Traditional phone providers often charge high rates, which can lead to surprisingly large bills. Knowing these costs helps you find a better way to connect.

Why Traditional Methods Are Expensive

Calling from a UK landline or mobile can be costly. Most providers charge a per-minute rate for international calls that is much higher than for domestic calls. These rates can range from £0.50 to over £2.00 per minute. A simple 30-minute conversation could cost you as much as £60.

These high costs apply to both contract and pay-as-you-go plans. Consequently, many people search for more affordable communication solutions. This is especially true for businesses or individuals who need to make frequent calls.

Telfon: A Smarter, Cheaper Way to Call Colombia

Modern technology offers a powerful alternative to expensive traditional calls. Telfon uses a cloud phone system to make your international calls to Colombia simple and highly affordable. It’s an ideal solution for anyone needing reliable global communication.

How a Virtual Number for Colombia Works

Telfon lets you purchase a virtual phone number for Colombia. This number looks and works just like a local Colombian number.

When someone in Colombia dials your virtual number, they pay only local rates. The call is then routed over the internet to your phone in the UK. This creates a local presence for your business. It also makes it incredibly easy and cheap for family to stay in touch.

Key Telfon Features for Seamless Communication

Telfon is designed for both individuals and businesses. It offers a suite of powerful features to enhance your communication.

• Affordable International Calls: Drastically reduce your calling costs compared to traditional carriers.
• Call Recording: Keep a record of important business conversations for quality or training purposes.
• WhatsApp Integration: Manage messages from multiple WhatsApp accounts on a single platform.
• Bulk SMS: Send updates or marketing messages to multiple contacts at once.
• High-Quality Connections: Enjoy crystal-clear voice quality on every call, powered by VoIP technology.
• Voicemail to Text: Receive your voicemails as text messages for easy reading and reference.

Key Takeaways: Your Checklist for Calling Colombia

Calling Colombia from the UK is straightforward when you know the rules. Keep these essential points in mind to ensure every call connects successfully and affordably.

• Start Correctly: Always begin with the UK exit code (+ on mobile) followed by Colombia’s country code (57).
• Landline Format: For landlines, use the new format: +57 60X XXX XXXX.
• Mobile Format: For mobiles, no area code is needed: +57 3XX XXX XXXX.
• Check the Time: Remember the 5 to 6-hour time difference to call at a convenient time.
• Control Your Costs: Avoid high charges from traditional carriers by using a modern solution like Telfon.
• Get a Virtual Number: A virtual Colombian number from Telfon makes it cheaper for people in Colombia to call you.
  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the country code for Colombia from the UK?

A1: The country code for Colombia is 57. You must dial this after the UK’s international exit code, which is 00 or +.

Q2: How do I format a call to a Bogotá landline?

A2: To call a landline in Bogotá, dial +57 601 followed by the seven-digit local phone number. The 601 is the new, mandatory area code.

Q3: Is it cheaper to call a Colombian mobile or landline?

A3: Costs vary by provider. However, VoIP services like Telfon offer consistently low rates for calls to both Colombian landlines and mobiles, often making them cheaper than traditional options.

Q4: What is the time difference between London and Bogotá?

A4: London is either five or six hours ahead of Bogotá, depending on the time of year. During British Summer Time (BST), the difference is six hours.

Q5: How can I make cheap calls to Colombia from the UK?

A5: Using a Voice over IP (VoIP) service like Telfon is one of the cheapest ways. It provides low per-minute rates and offers virtual numbers to reduce costs for both parties.

Q6: Do I need an area code for a Colombian mobile phone?

A6: No, you do not need a city area code for a Colombian mobile. You only need the country code (57) followed by the 10-digit mobile number, which includes its own 3-digit prefix.