Blog

Updated : October 1, 2025

Many people think that learning how to call the UK from the US is complicated. Let me tell you, it is not. All it takes to reach anyone across the Atlantic is the right knowledge of country and area codes.

Despite the fact that phone apps are on the rise these days, global telecom revenues are massive. In 2024, the global telecom industry generated about $1.53 trillion in revenues.

In this blog, I’ve broken down everything – from dialing steps to smarter alternatives, all in one place.

Step-by-Step: Dialing UK from US

Calling the UK from the US is easier than it seems. You just need to know the right order of numbers.

Step 1: Dial 011 – the US exit code

Start by dialing 011. This US exit code tells your phone service that the call is leaving the USA.

Step 2: Enter 44 – the UK country code

Next, dial 44. It is the country code for the United Kingdom, to connect your call internationally.

Step 3: Drop the starting 0

Most UK phone numbers begin with a 0. But here you don’t need it because you are calling from abroad. So, just skip it when making international calls.

Step 4: Enter the area code

Now, type the area code for the city you are calling. It is typically of two to five digits.

Step 5: The local number

Finally, dial the local number to complete the call.

Example:

• Say you want to call 020 7946 0958 in the UK. From the US, you will have to dial 011 44 20 7946 0958. On a cell phone, it is even easier – just type +44 20 7946 0958.

UK Area Codes You Need to Know

Know the UK area codes for the city or region that you want to call:

Different Ways to Call UK from the US

There is more than one way of calling UK from US. You can use your phone, explore digital calling options, or even go for prepaid calling cards. Each has its own benefits.

1. Using Mobile or Landline

• Mobile Phones: Calling UK mobile phones from your cell phone is quick and convenient. You can dial directly or use the + sign instead of the exit code. It is ideal when you need flexibility. Whether you’re calling a United Kingdom phone number or a landline, mobile phones offer easy access.
• Landline: The landline option is reliable, and it provides better call quality. UK landlines are a great choice for offices or homes. Go for landlines if you make frequent calls and want an affordable option for international dialing.

2. Using VoIP Services

VoIP means Voice over Internet Protocol. With VoIP services, you make calls through the internet. Regular phone lines are not needed for this. It is often cheaper and a more flexible option, especially if you want to make frequent international calls to UK.

The basic requirement with VoIP is just a stable internet connection. You get helpful features like call recording, virtual numbers, and integrations. They are quickly becoming the preferred choice for both individuals and businesses.

Top UK VoIP Providers

I have listed a few reliable VoIP platforms that you can consider for calls to the UK from US.

1. CallHippo

CallHippo is a leading cloud-based VoIP solution that is built for modern businesses. It lets you buy UK virtual numbers in minutes and start calling from anywhere.

It offers features like call analytics, call forwarding, and team collaboration tools. With CallHippo, you can manage communication easily. It keeps the costs low and helps users save money.

Make UK Calling Easy with CallHippo

Connect with clients and teams in the UK without the hassle or high costs.

2. RingCentral

RingCentral is a popular and reliable VoIP platform. It allows you to make and receive UK calls directly from your app or desktop.

You also get features like video conferencing and messaging. This makes it useful if you want more than just voice calling for business communication.

3. Nextiva

Nextiva offers easy-to-use VoIP services with a focus on business communication. It provides UK virtual numbers and clear call quality for both personal and professional calls.

The features are call routing, voicemail to email, and detailed reports. This makes it ideal for teams and remote work setups.

3. Using International Calling Cards

International calling cards are an affordable way to call the UK without signing up for a long-term plan. You need to simply buy a prepaid plan with calling credits. Then, you can use its access number to make the call.

They are also flexible because they can work with both landlines and mobile phones. But you might need to enter a PIN or follow extra steps. This can feel a bit less convenient than direct calling.

Calling cards work best if you make occasional calls and want to manage your spending. But if you call often, VoIP services or virtual numbers are usually a better choice in the long run for making calls internationally.

Cost of Calling UK from US

The cost of calling the UK from the US can vary. It depends on how you make the call and which provider you use. Traditional phone calls usually charge per minute. But international calling rates can add up quickly.

On average, making an international call from the US to the UK costs around $ 3 to $ 3.50 per minute.

VoIP services and international calling plans are often cheaper. They let you make long calls at lower rates. Some even offer unlimited minutes or free app-to-app calling. This helps users pay less overall.

Quick Tip:

• If you are looking to save money, then use VoIP apps or buy an international calling plan. They often cost far less than standard per-minute charges. Plus, they provide affordable calling rates for frequent calls.

Time Zone Differences of UK and US

Before you call someone, keep the time zones in mind. The UK is usually 5 hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET). It is 6 hours ahead of Central Time (CT). From Mountain Time (MT), it is 7 hours ahead, and from Pacific Time (PT), 8 hours ahead.

Remember This:

• The UK uses Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) during the winter months. In the summer, it switches to British Summer Time (BST) because of daylight saving time.

So if it is 9 AM in New York, it will be 2 PM in London. Always check the time zone differences so that you don’t call too early or too late. Keep in mind that the UK follows Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) in winter and British Summer Time (BST) during daylight saving time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

You might make some common mistakes when making international calls to UK. Keep a note of these:

• Forgetting the exit code: If you skip dialing 011 or + on a cell phone, your call simply won’t connect.
• Leaving the leading zero: UK numbers usually start with 0. But you don’t need to type it when you call abroad using international dialing.
• Ignoring time zones: If you are not aware of the right timings, you may end up calling too early or too late. So, always check UK time and the time zone before you call.
• Not checking call costs: Rates can change based on your plan or provider. If you don’t check them, you might end up with a bigger bill than expected.
• Overlooking public holidays: Many offices and businesses stay closed on UK holidays. Do a quick check on this so your calls don’t go unanswered.

Expert Advice

“Save UK numbers in your phone with the correct format. This way, you won’t have to worry about exit codes or dialing errors every time you dial the UK.”

Alternative Communication Options

Phone calls are not the only way to connect with someone in the UK. Well, today, there are plenty of other options too that you can explore:

1. Messaging and Voice Apps

On apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal, you can call UK contacts for free, and also send instant messages. You don’t need to worry about exit codes or country codes. Just tap and call. They are perfect for personal conversations and only require an internet connection.

2. Video Calling Platforms

Sometimes, just hearing someone’s voice is not enough. You actually need to see the person. Tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet make that possible with high-quality video calls. They are perfect for business meetings or simply catching up with family. Most of these platforms are free to use. You can join a call with just a link.

3. Social Media Platforms

With apps like Instagram, Facebook Messenger, and Snapchat, you can call UK for free. If you are already connected with someone on these platforms, it is often the quickest and easiest way to start a conversation without switching apps.

4. Email and Collaboration Tools

For messages that don’t need an instant reply, email is still one of the most reliable ways to stay in touch. You can also use tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams to chat, share files, and work together in real time. They make communication simple and effective.

Professional Calling Etiquette for UK Calling

A successful call is about more than just dialing the right number. Following a few basic etiquette rules can help you communicate more clearly and leave a good impression.

1. Avoid Calling UK Numbers Too Late at Night or Very Early

As discussed earlier, time zones matter. Since the UK is ahead of the US, a convenient time for you might be too late or too early for them.

So before you dial, check the local time and aim for normal business hours. It shows respect for their schedule and increases your chances of getting a response.

2. For Business Calls, Confirm Appointments via Email

Planning ahead often makes business conversations more effective. Both parties can better prepare by sending a brief email confirming the time and goal.

It also reduces the chance of missed calls or scheduling conflicts. This small step builds professionalism and sets the right tone for the conversation with clients.

3. Respect UK Public Holidays To Avoid Unanswered Calls

Public holidays in the UK don’t always match those in the US. If you call on one of those days, there is a good chance no one will pick up or respond quickly.

So, always check the UK holiday calendar before you schedule a call. Doing so improves communication and shows that you value their time.

The Future of US–UK Calling

The way we connect across borders has always evolved with time. And it continues. New technology is reshaping how people communicate. Traditional calling methods may soon look very different from what we use today.

1. Why Traditional Dialing May Disappear by 2030

By 2030, you may not see people connecting with regular phone lines. It is quite evident. The classic way of dialing international numbers is already starting to fade. More people now rely on internet-based tools and apps. Resultantly, the need to remember the exit codes and country codes is shrinking.

The global VoIP market is expected to grow to $326.27 billion by 2032. By the end of this decade, calling may be as simple as tapping a contact. Technology will handle the process in the background. This makes the communication faster and easier for everyone.

2. The Rise of WhatsApp, eSIMs, and AI Voice Translation

Tools like WhatsApp and FaceTime are replacing traditional calls for many people. They offer free, instant voice and video calls with just an internet connection. Now this is hard to ignore. In fact, WhatsApp users spend nearly 2 billion minutes a day on voice and video calls alone.

At the same time, z make it easier to switch networks when you travel. AI-powered voice translation could also let people talk in different languages in real time. Together, these technologies point to a future where calling across the Atlantic feels almost effortless.

Conclusion

Calling the UK from the US is not as complicated as many people think. Once you know the right codes, understand the time difference, and follow a few simple steps, it becomes second nature.

But the way we communicate is changing fast. We are moving away from typing long numbers. We have smarter tools now that do most of the work for us. Features like one-tap calling and real-time AI translation will soon make staying connected even simpler.

If you want to stay ahead of that change, VoIP platforms like CallHippo are worth exploring. They make communication faster, more affordable, and far easier than traditional phone calls.

FAQs

1 hat are the steps for calling London from US?

1. Dial 011 – the US exit code.
2. Enter 44 – the UK country code.
3. Remove the leading 0 from London’s area code.
4. Dial 20 – London’s area code.
5. Add the local phone number.

2. Do UK toll-free numbers (0800, 0808) work from the US?

Not usually. In the UK, toll-free numbers are typically only available within the country. They may not connect at all if you attempt to call them from the United States. You might still be billed for the call even if they do. Always ask the company if they have a regular or international phone number.

3. Can I send SMS/text messages from the US to UK numbers?

Yes, you can. Just remember that before the phone number, you will have to include the UK country code (+44).

Published : September 30, 2025

Anant Berge is a B2B SaaS content writer who creates engaging, user-focused, and SEO-driven content for tech businesses. With a knack for simplifying complex ideas and a passion for storytelling, Anant crafts narratives that help brands connect with their audience through blogs and website content.

Let’s Stay in Touch

Subscribe to our newsletter & never miss our latest news and promotions.

+24K people have already subscribed

Source