How to Successfully Call the UK from the United States

Knowing the correct number sequence saves time, prevents failed calls, and avoids unnecessary charges. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to call the United Kingdom (UK) from the United States (US) — including step-by-step dialing instructions, country and area codes, cost-saving tips, and modern alternatives like VoIP calling for a seamless international communication experience.

Before we dive into the details, here’s a quick overview of the key components every successful international call needs:

• US exit code: tells your carrier the call is leaving the country.
• UK country code: connects the call to the United Kingdom.
• Area codes: identify specific regions like London (20) or Edinburgh (131).
• Local Number: the final part that reaches the person or business you’re calling.

Each element matters, and understanding them ensures your call reaches the right person, whether they’re using a landline or mobile phone.

Step-by-Step Guide to Calling the UK from the US

Making an international call from the United States to the United Kingdom follows a simple pattern, once you know what each part of the number means. Whether you’re calling for business or personal reasons, these five steps will help you dial correctly and connect without confusion.

Step 1 – Dial the US exit code (011)

Every international call made from the United States starts with an exit code. This code tells your phone carrier that your call is leaving the US telephone network and must be routed internationally.

Dial: 011

For example, if you’re calling from a US landline or most mobile carriers, you’ll always start with 011. Some mobile providers and VoIP platforms handle this automatically, but it’s good practice to include it if you’re dialing manually.

Tip: If you’re using a mobile phone with international roaming, you can often replace “011” with a plus sign (+) — simply hold down “0” on your keypad until “+” appears. So instead of 011, you can start your number with + for the same effect.

Step 2 – Enter the UK country code (44)

Next, you’ll need the country code that connects your call to the United Kingdom.

Dial: 44

Every country has its own international code, and the UK’s is 44. Together, your number now looks like:

011 + 44 + [area code] + [local number]

If you’re dialing with the plus sign instead of 011, it will look like:

+44 + [area code] + [local number]

For example, to call a number in London from the US, you would begin with 011 44, or +44 if dialing from a mobile.

Step 3 – Include the UK area code (without the leading 0)

Here’s where most people make mistakes. When calling the UK from abroad, omit the leading zero that appears in domestic UK phone numbers.

For example:

• London local numbers start with 020 in the UK — when calling from the US, dial 20 instead.
• Manchester’s 0161 becomes 161, and Birmingham’s 0121 becomes 121.

Common UK area codes:

Tip: UK area codes vary in length; larger cities tend to have shorter ones, while smaller towns may have longer prefixes.

Step 4 – Dial the local number

After the area code, enter the local number, which connects directly to the person or business you’re trying to reach.

• Landline numbers typically contain 8 digits after the area code.
• Mobile numbers in the UK begin with 7 (e.g., 07XXX XXXXXX) and should be dialed without the leading 0.

For instance, to call UK mobile number 07123 456789, dial 011 44 7123 456789.

Tip: Save UK contacts in your phone in international format (+44…) so you can call them seamlessly, no matter where you are.

Step 5 – Double-check time zones before you call

Before you hit “call,” make sure it’s an appropriate time to reach your contact.

The UK operates on:

• Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) in winter months (late October to late March)
• British Summer Time (BST) — GMT+1 — in summer months (late March to late October)

For example, If it’s 3:00 PM in New York (Eastern Time), it’s 8:00 PM in London during GMT — or 7:00 PM during BST.

Scheduling your calls within regular business hours (9 AM–5 PM UK time) shows professionalism and helps you avoid after-hours interruptions.

Cost considerations when calling the UK from the US

Rates can vary depending on your carrier, the type of number you’re calling (landline or mobile), and the technology you use. For example, traditional phone lines, mobile plans, or VoIP services. Knowing your options helps you stay connected without surprise charges.

Standard carrier rates

If you’re using a traditional phone plan or mobile carrier, international calling rates can add up quickly. Most major US telecom providers — such as AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile — charge per-minute rates for calls made to the United Kingdom.

Here’s a general range for standard rates:

• Landline calls: Typically between $0.10 and $0.25 per minute
• Mobile calls: Often between $0.25 and $0.50 per minute

These rates can fluctuate based on your plan, time of day, or whether you’re on a prepaid or postpaid plan.

Many carriers also apply peak and off-peak pricing, meaning it may be slightly cheaper to call during evenings or weekends. Always check your provider’s international rate sheet before dialing to avoid bill shock.

Tip: Some US mobile carriers automatically block international calls until you manually enable the feature, so make sure your plan allows outbound international dialing.

International calling plans

If you make international calls regularly, an international calling plan is usually more cost-effective. These add-on plans reduce per-minute rates or offer unlimited minutes to certain countries for a fixed monthly fee.

Examples from major US carriers:

• AT&T International Calling Plan: Around $15/month, with discounted rates to the UK.
• T-Mobile Stateside International Talk: Starting at $15/month, includes unlimited calling to landlines in 70+ countries, including the UK.
• Verizon Global Calling Plus: $15/month, offers discounted calling rates to over 200 countries.

Tip: If you’re running a business or remote team with frequent international communication, it’s worth reviewing enterprise-level plans or VoIP-based alternatives like Voiso, which can handle international routing at significantly lower rates.

Using calling cards or VoIP services

If you’re looking for flexibility or pay-as-you-go options, calling cards and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services are excellent choices.

Prepaid calling cards

Prepaid international calling cards allow you to load credit and dial through a local access number before connecting your international call. They can be cost-effective for occasional calls but sometimes come with hidden fees, expiration dates, or connection charges, so always read the fine print.

VoIP solutions

Modern VoIP services like Voiso or Skype let you make calls via an internet connection — often for a fraction of the cost of traditional carriers.

Benefits include:

• Lower per-minute rates or free app-to-app calls
• No long-distance surcharges
• Crystal-clear voice quality with strong Wi-Fi or data connection
• Multi-device compatibility — use your laptop, tablet, or mobile

For businesses, Voiso offers additional advantages like CRM integration, call recording, and real-time analytics. This turns every international interaction into a professional-grade communication experience.

Tips for making international calls from the US to the UK

Even with the right dialing codes, there are still a few things you can do to make international calls smoother, clearer, and more cost-effective. These quick tips help you avoid common mistakes, improve call quality, and communicate like a pro. 

Save numbers in the correct international format

Always store UK contacts starting with +44 and remove the leading zero from the local number. For example, London’s 020 7946 0000 becomes +44 20 7946 0000; UK mobile 07123 456789 becomes +44 7123 456789.

Saving numbers in international format ensures they’ll connect correctly anywhere in the world and sync seamlessly with VoIP systems.

Use Wi-Fi or VoIP to avoid roaming charges

International roaming can be expensive. Instead, use Wi-Fi calling or a VoIP platform to connect through the internet

Benefits include:

• No roaming or long-distance fees
• Improved call clarity with a stable internet connection
• Works across multiple devices (desktop, mobile, tablet)

Tip: When traveling, put your phone in airplane mode and connect to Wi-Fi before calling through a VoIP app to eliminate roaming charges entirely.

Be mindful of time zones and business etiquette

The UK is usually 4–8 hours ahead of the US, depending on the time of year and your time zone. To maintain professionalism:

• Schedule calls during UK business hours (9 AM–5 PM GMT/BST).
• Avoid early morning or late-night hours in the UK.
• Use a polite introduction and confirm if the call will be recorded (especially for regulated industries).

With Voiso, you can automatically account for time zones when scheduling international meetings — ideal for globally distributed teams.

Test your connection before important calls

Before critical calls, take a minute to confirm your setup is working properly:

• Test audio and microphone settings.
• Run a test call using your VoIP platform.
• Close background apps that might use bandwidth.
• Use a wired or noise-canceling headset for maximum clarity.
  This small step can prevent technical interruptions during key business conversations.

Record and review calls for better communication

For businesses, recording international calls can help with training, compliance, and quality assurance. Just remember to obtain consent from all participants.

With Voiso, call recording is fully integrated — including secure storage, AI-powered summaries, and sentiment analysis to identify improvement opportunities and customer insights.

FAQs

What is the full dialling format for calling a UK landline from the US?

To call a UK landline from the United States, dial: 011 + 44 + area code (without the 0) + local number. For example, to call a London number 020 7946 0000, you would dial 011 44 20 7946 0000. If you’re calling from a mobile phone, you can replace 011 with a plus sign (+) for convenience: +44 20 7946 0000.

Do I need to include the “0” in a UK phone number when dialling from abroad?

No. When calling from outside the UK, drop the leading zero from the local number.

The “0” is used only for domestic calls within the UK. For international dialing, the correct format is: 011 + 44 + [area code without 0] + [local number].

What is the cheapest way to call the UK from the US?

The most affordable way to call the UK is by using VoIP services like Voiso, Skype, or WhatsApp, which route calls over the internet instead of traditional carrier networks.

These platforms often offer free app-to-app calls or low-cost per-minute rates — especially if you’re connected to Wi-Fi. Voiso, in particular, is designed for high-quality, low-latency international calls, making it ideal for both business and personal use.

How does Voiso compare to other VoIP services for calling the UK?

Voiso offers a professional-grade VoIP experience built for global communication.
Unlike consumer apps, it provides:

• Crystal-clear audio with enterprise-level reliability
• Integrated CRM tools for managing contacts and call histories
• AI-powered analytics for call summaries and insights
• Competitive international rates for both landline and mobile calls

This makes Voiso especially valuable for businesses with cross-border teams or clients in the UK.

Can I call the UK from the US using my mobile plan without extra charges?

Only if your carrier includes international calling in your plan. Most standard US mobile plans do not — you’ll typically need to purchase an international add-on. To avoid surprise fees, use Wi-Fi calling or VoIP services instead, which often offer free or near-free options for international communication.

What’s the time difference between the UK and the US east coast?

The UK is 5 hours ahead of the US East Coast during winter (GMT), and 4 hours ahead during British Summer Time (BST). For example: When it’s 3 PM in New York, it’s 8 PM in London (GMT) or 7 PM (BST). Always check the current time before calling to ensure you’re reaching your contact during appropriate hours.

Are there any restrictions on international calling between the US and the UK?

There are no general restrictions for standard personal or business calls between the US and the UK. However, some carriers may block international dialing until enabled in your account. Additionally, business users should ensure compliance with data protection and call-recording laws in both countries. Using a compliant platform like Voiso ensures your international communications remain secure and within regulatory guidelines.