Calling someone in the UK from the United States might seem complicated, but it's really just a simple formula. This guide breaks down the dialing format, time zone differences, and cheapest ways to connect with friends, family, or colleagues across the pond.
The UK Dialing Format from the US
To call the UK, you need to dial a sequence of numbers in the correct order: the US exit code, the UK country code, the local area code, and the person's phone number.
The complete format is: 011 + 44 + [Local UK Number]
Here’s what each part means:
- 011: This is the US exit code, which signals that you're making an international call.
- 44: This is the UK's country code.
- Local UK Number: This is the recipient's mobile or landline number.
The Most Common Mistake: Dropping the Leading "0"
When you get a UK number, it will almost always start with a "0" (e.g., a London number like 020 7946 0123 or a mobile like 07700 900123). When dialing internationally from the US, you must drop this leading "0".
- Example (Landline): To call the London number 020 7946 0123, you would dial: 011 44 20 7946 0123.
- Example (Mobile): To call the mobile number 07700 900123, you would dial: 011 44 7700 900123.
Forgetting to drop that first zero is the number one reason international calls to the UK fail to connect.
Step-by-Step: How to Dial from Any Device
The device you use—whether it's your cell phone, a home landline, or a calling app—can slightly change how you dial and will definitely affect the cost.
Calling from a Cell Phone
Dialing from a US mobile phone is the most straightforward. Modern smartphones let you replace the 011 exit code with the plus symbol (+).
- Open your phone's dialer.
- Press and hold the
0key until the+symbol appears. - Enter
44(the UK country code). - Dial the UK number, remembering to drop the leading "0".
- The final number should look like this: +44 7700 900123.
Calling from a Landline
If you’re using a traditional US landline, you must use the full, classic format.
- Lift the receiver and wait for the dial tone.
- Dial the US exit code:
011. - Dial the UK country code:
44. - Dial the rest of the UK number, dropping the leading "0".
- The final number will look like this: 011 44 20 7946 0123.
Using Calling Apps (VoIP)
Web and mobile apps are often the most cost-effective way to call UK landlines and mobiles. These services use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) to route your call over the internet instead of traditional phone lines, drastically cutting costs.
- Download and open a VoIP app like Skype or CallSky.
- Go to the app's dialer.
- Select the UK from the country list or enter
+44. - Type in the UK number, without the leading "0".
- Press the call button. You can explore making calls from your computer as well as your mobile device.
Navigating Special UK Numbers from the US
Not all numbers follow the standard format. Here's how to handle special cases like toll-free and emergency numbers.
Calling UK Toll-Free Numbers
UK toll-free numbers, which usually start with 0800 or 0808, are only free to call from within the UK. Attempting to dial them from the US will likely result in a failed call or incur standard international charges. Your best bet is to find a company's standard geographic number on their website, often listed under a "Contact Us" or "International Callers" section.
UK Emergency Numbers
The emergency numbers in the UK are 999 and 112. You cannot dial these from the US to report an emergency happening in the UK. These numbers only work if you are physically in the UK. If you need to contact emergency services from abroad, you must find the direct-dial number for the local police or specific service in that region.
Mind the Time: UK vs. US Time Zone Considerations
One of the easiest mistakes is calling at an inconvenient time. The UK is five to eight hours ahead of the United States, depending on your location and daylight saving time.
The UK operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) in the winter and British Summer Time (BST), which is GMT+1, from late March to late October.
| If it's 12 PM (Noon) in... | The time in the UK is... |
|---|---|
| New York (EST) | 5 PM |
| Chicago (CST) | 6 PM |
| Denver (MST) | 7 PM |
| Los Angeles (PST) | 8 PM |
I've learned this the hard way: the safest bet is to call the UK in your morning. That usually lands you squarely in their afternoon, which is perfect for business calls or just a friendly chat.
Finding the Cheapest Way to Call the UK
Calling the UK directly from your US carrier can be expensive. Without a dedicated international plan, major carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile can charge $1 to $3 per minute. Fortunately, there are much cheaper alternatives.
Carrier Rates vs. VoIP Apps
The most affordable solution is typically Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). It’s a technology that makes calls over the internet, bypassing costly traditional phone networks. This is the technology behind the best VoIP for international calls and is used by many popular apps for cheap international calls.
Cost Comparison: Calling UK from US Per Minute
To see the difference, here’s a quick comparison of typical per-minute rates.
| Service Provider | Typical Rate for Landline | Typical Rate for Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Major US Carrier (AT&T, Verizon) | $1.00+ per minute | $3.00+ per minute |
| VoIP App (Skype, CallSky) | As low as 2-3¢ per minute | As low as 2-3¢ per minute |
Apps like CallSky offer rates as low as a few cents per minute to UK landlines and mobiles, compared to $1-3/min from major carriers. For anyone who calls regularly, the savings are massive. Using a service like CallSky.io is a simple, practical move to keep your phone bill down without sacrificing connection quality.
Common Questions About Calling the UK
Still have a few questions? Here are answers to the most common queries people have before calling the UK.
Do I Dial 1 Before Calling the UK from the US?
Nope, you can skip the 1. That’s the country code for the US and Canada. When calling out of the US, you need to start with the exit code, 011, or use the + symbol on a mobile phone.
What Is the Cheapest App for Calling the UK?
For pure affordability, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services are the winner. Apps like CallSky often have the most competitive pay-as-you-go rates. You only pay for the minutes you use, so you aren't locked into a monthly subscription, which is great for infrequent calls.
Can I Use Wi-Fi to Call a UK Number for Free?
Yes and no. You can make free calls over Wi-Fi, but only if it's an app-to-app call (e.g., FaceTime, WhatsApp, Skype-to-Skype). As long as both you and the person you're calling are using the same app and are connected to the internet, the call is free. However, to dial a regular UK phone number (a landline or mobile), you will need to use a paid VoIP service.
For those planning a move, you can find helpful UK relocation and living advice on various online resources.
Need to call other countries? See our guides for calling India, calling Spain, and more.
Ready for crystal-clear, affordable international calls? CallSky gets you connected to the UK and over 180 other countries in seconds. Sign up and make your first call today at https://callsky.io.