How to call the UK from the US (including area codes, time differences, and costs)

Calling across the Atlantic doesn’t have to be complicated. This guide will teach you how to call the UK from the US with ease.

You’ll learn everything you need to know about dialing codes, area codes, time zone differences, and costs. We’ll cover how to make calls from both landlines and cell phones (or mobile phones, as the Brits call them), demystify UK area codes, and offer tips on managing time zones.

If you’re looking for cost-effective solutions, we’ve got you covered.

Plus, you’ll discover how a phone system from RingCentral can streamline your international calling experience, making it simpler and more efficient—not to mention cheaper—for you to stay connected with business contacts or customers in the United Kingdom.

How to call the UK from the US

Here’s how to call a landline in the UK from the US, broken down into simple steps:

1. Dial the US exit code: Start by dialing “011.” This tells your phone carrier you’re making an international call.
2. Enter the UK country code: Next, dial “44.” This is the specific code for the United Kingdom.
3. Drop the first “0” from the area code: UK area codes typically start with a “0.” When calling from the US, you’ll need to omit this initial zero.
4. Dial the remaining area code: Enter the rest of the area code (there’ll be more on these shortly). For example, if you’re calling London (020), you’ll dial “20.”
5. Enter the local number: Finally, dial the local phone number. UK local numbers are usually eight digits long.

Let’s put it all together with an example:

You want to call the UK phone number “020 7946 0958” in London. Here’s how you’d dial it: 011 – 44 – 20 – 7946 0958

Breaking it down:

• 011: US exit code
• 44: UK country code
• 20: London area calling code (without the initial 0)
• 7946 0958: Local number

Remember, the format can vary slightly depending on the specific area you’re calling. Some regions use a three-digit area code, while others use four or five digits.

Here are a few more examples:

1. Calling Manchester (0161 123 4567): 011 – 44 – 161 – 123 4567
2. Calling Edinburgh (0131 234 5678): 011 – 44 – 131 – 234 5678
3. Calling a UK mobile phone number (07700 900123): 011 – 44 – 7700 – 900123

By following these steps, you’ll be able to connect with any UK number from the US. Just remember that you need to dial the exit code, followed by the country code, then area code (minus the first “0”), and finally the local number.

Need to make frequent UK calls? Consider using an international calling service or VoIP phone app to potentially reduce costs and simplify the process.

How to call the UK from the US on a cell phone

Calling the UK from your US cell phone is similar to using a landline but with a few key differences. 

Here’s how to do it:

1. Dial the plus sign (+). On most cell phones, you can get the “+” symbol by holding down the “0” key. This replaces the exit code “(011)” used on landlines.
2. Enter the UK country code. Dial “44,” which is the country code for the United Kingdom.
3. Dial the number. For mobile numbers, you’ll dial the full number without worrying about area codes. For landlines, you’ll still need to omit the initial “0” from the area code.

Here’s an example of calling a UK mobile number—remember, UK cell phone numbers typically start with the mobile code “07,” while landlines use area codes:

You want to call the mobile number “07700 900123.” Here’s how you’d dial it: +44 7700 900123

Breaking it down:

• “+” replaces the exit code
• “44” is the UK country code
• “7700 900123” is the full mobile number (notice the initial “0” is dropped)

For a UK landline, the process is similar:

If you were calling a London number (020 7946 0958),” you would dial “+44 20 7946 0958.”

Most modern smartphones can handle international formatting automatically. You can often dial or save UK numbers (or numbers for Canada, Ireland, Mexico, and any other nation you may need) in your contacts using the international format (+44), and your phone will make the necessary adjustments.

If you’re calling frequently, consider:

• Adding UK numbers to your contacts in international format
• Checking with your carrier about international calling plans
• Using internet-based calling apps for potentially lower rates

By following these steps, you can easily connect with UK numbers using your US cell phone whether you’re calling a mobile or landline.

UK area codes: Choosing the correct one

UK area codes might seem complex to American callers, but they’re quite logical once you understand the system. Unlike the US, where area codes are typically three digits, UK area codes can vary in length from two to five digits. This is for no reason other than the numbering system having developed and evolved over many years.

Here’s what you need to know:

UK area codes always start with “0” when dialed within the country. However, when calling from the US, you’ll need to drop this initial “0.”

The UK uses a system called Telephone Area Codes. Each geographic area has its own unique code, which helps route calls to the correct region.

Here’s a simplified table of major UK area codes by region:

Remember, when calling from the US, you’ll omit the initial “0” from these codes.

Some interesting points about UK area codes:

1. London is split into four area codes: “020 3,” “020 4 ,” “020 7,” and “020 8.”
2. Mobile numbers start with “07” regardless of location.
3. Some rural areas use longer, five-digit area codes.

When dialing, you’ll use the format: “011” (US exit code) “+44” (UK country code) + Area code (minus initial “0”) + Local number

For example, calling a London number: 011 44 20 XXXX XXXX

Understanding UK area codes is particularly important for those engaged in remote work with British colleagues or clients. Knowing the correct codes ensures seamless communication across borders, whether you’re scheduling a virtual meeting or making a quick business call. 

If you’re unsure about an area code, it’s always best to double-check before dialing.

Calling the UK from the US: Understanding the time differences

Understanding time differences is crucial when calling the UK from the US. The UK operates on two time standards throughout the year: British Summer Time (BST) and Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Here’s a breakdown of the time differences:

During British Summer Time (late March to late October):

• The UK is five hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET)
• The UK is six hours ahead of Central Time (CT)
• The UK is seven hours ahead of Mountain Time (MT)
• The UK is eight hours ahead of Pacific Time (PT)

During Greenwich Mean Time (late October to late March):

• The UK is four hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET)
• The UK is five hours ahead of Central Time (CT)
• The UK is six hours ahead of Mountain Time (MT)
• The UK is seven hours ahead of Pacific Time (PT)

Here’s a handy table for quick reference:

Remember, the UK switches between BST and GMT on different dates than the US changes to and from Daylight Saving Time. This can lead to a brief period (usually around a week) where the time difference varies from the norm.

A quick tip: To avoid any confusion about time differences in various locations, consider using a world clock app or website to double-check the current time difference before making your call. This ensures you’re reaching out at an appropriate hour and maximizes your chances of connecting successfully.

How much does it cost to call the UK from the US?

Calling the UK from the US doesn’t have to break the bank. Let’s break down your options:

Major US carriers

Verizon

Starting at $1.99 per minute1, Verizon offers a straightforward pay per minute option for calling the UK. There’s also monthly international plans for frequent callers, which could lead to significant savings depending on your usage.

AT&T

AT&T’s standard rate for callers who don’t invest in a specialized international calling package is around $3 per minute.2 Their International Calling package, at $15 per line, per month can offer unlimited calling from the US to over 85 countries, including the UK.

More budget-friendly options

As you can see, the cost of calling the UK from the USA can quickly mount up with traditional carriers. So, is there a more budget-friendly alternative? Absolutely, in the shape of software solutions from VoIP service providers like RingCentral.

Internet-based services like RingCentral

Business phone services like RingCentral RingEX let you make calls via the internet, rather than traditional telephony networks. This means that VoIP providers can typically provide more competitive international calling rates.

These services not only offer cost savings but also enhance virtual collaboration, making them ideal for remote teams working across borders. Just remember, you’ll need a stable internet connection to make the best quality phone calls—and a provider like RingCentral which boasts HD voice.

Here’s how much it costs to call the UK from the US with RingCentral for a selection of types of number:

How to call the UK from the US with RingCentral

Now you know how inexpensive calling the UK from the US can be with RingCentral, you’ll want to know how to do it. 

First, you’ll need to enable international calling on your account. Don’t worry, it’s a breeze:

1. Log into your online RingCentral account.
2. Navigate to the Admin Portal.
3. Click on “Billing,” then “Calling Rates,” and finally “Outbound Rates.”
4. Simply toggle the switch to enable International Calling.

That’s it! Once activated, all your RingCentral apps are ready for international dialing.

Now, when you want to call the UK:

1. Open your RingCentral app.
2. Dial the “+” sign (or your IDD prefix).
3. Enter “44” (the UK country code).
4. Dial the UK number, remembering to drop the initial “0.”

With RingCentral, you’re not just making calls—you’re connecting globally with ease. The platform integrates seamlessly with your existing workflows, ensuring you stay in touch with UK contacts without missing a beat.

Plus, RingCentral’s robust network ensures clear, reliable connections. Say “goodbye” to dropped calls and “hello” to productive conversations across the pond.

Call the UK from the US with ease and without breaking the bank

Now you know how to call the UK from the US regardless of the device you’re using or the type of number you need to call. What’s more, you know that international calling with RingCentral might just help save your business money. 

That’s not the only benefit you could get from signing up to RingCentral RingEX, either. As well as affordable international calling, you can get unlimited domestic calls, advanced call management features, and a whole lot more besides. 

Get in touch or sign up for a free trial today to learn more.

FAQs

How much is a call from the US to the Uk?

The cost of calling someone in the UK from the US varies according to your carrier and the type of device or software you’re using. Some calls made via VoIP cost next to nothing or are free. 

If you make frequent calls across the Atlantic, it would be advisable to seek out a monthly payment plan rather than paying per minute on an ad hoc basis as it’s likely that you’ll save money this way.

Can I ring the UK from the US for free?

Yes, there are some options for ringing the UK from the US for free. For example, users of some VoIP providers can benefit from making calls to the UK from the US without having to pay anything other than the internet connection that’s used to make the calls.

Check out various VoIP providers to find out what features and functions they offer and how much they charge for them so that you can choose the most cost-effective option for your needs.

Footnotes

1 https://www.verizon.com/plans/international/international-calling/?msockid=10f765e083816e183dbe776d82a66f0c

2 https://www.att.com/international/long-distance/?msockid=10f765e083816e183dbe776d82a66f0c#u

Originally published Aug 13, 2024, updated Nov 11, 2024