Calling the UK from the US can seem confusing at first, especially with different country codes, time zones, and number formats to remember.
Many people dial repeatedly only to hear an error tone or struggle to figure out why their call won’t connect. From staying in touch with family in London to connecting with clients in Manchester or partners across the UK, knowing the correct dialing process saves time and prevents frustration.
This blog explains everything you need to know about calling the UK from the US, from dialing sequences and area codes to time differences and VoIP options.
✨ Key Takeaways
- To call the UK from the US, dial 011 + 44 + area code (without 0) + local number.
- Landline calls from the US require the US exit code 011, UK country code 44, and the area code.
- Mobile phones simplify international dialing by using “+” instead of the US exit code.
Calling UK from US
Calling the UK from the US is quite simple once you understand the dialing process. Each of these sequences or steps ensures that your call connects correctly, whether you’re reaching a business contact in London or a friend in Manchester.
To call a UK phone number from the US, you need to dial:
- 011 (US exit code)
- +44 (UK country code)
- Area code (without the leading 0)
- Subscriber number
For example, if you want to call the London landline number 020 4479 0566, you’d dial 011 44 20 4479 0566 from your US phone. To call the UK from a US cell phone, the format is similar. UK mobile numbers usually start with 07 when dialed domestically. From the US, drop the 0 and add +44 instead.
A UK mobile number 07 264 859632 would be 011 44 7 264 859632 when dialed from the US.
Different United Kingdom area codes
The area code of the United Kingdom varies by city and region. These codes help direct calls to the correct geographic area, which ensures accurate routing whether you’re calling a major city or a small town.
Unlike other countries, area codes in the UK differ in length depending on the location. Large metropolitan areas like London use shorter codes (such as 020), allowing for longer local numbers. Smaller towns and rural areas often have longer area codes. This system helps balance numbering capacity across the country.
Below are a few UK cities with their respective area codes:
| City | Area code | City | Area code |
| London | 020 | Liverpool | 0151 |
| Manchester | 0161 | Birmingham | 0121 |
| Cambridge | 01223 | Cardiff | 029 |
| Bishop’s Castle | 01588 | Edinburgh | 0131 |
| Nottingham | 0115 | Oxford | 01865 |
| Glasgow | 0141 | Southhampton | 023 |
| Bristol | 0117 | Wolverhamptom | 01902 |
| Leeds | 0113 | Sunderland | 0191 |
Each area code identifies a unique region, so checking the correct code before dialing helps ensure your call connects smoothly.
How to call the UK from the US: Step-by-step
The UK calls follow the same basic logic for landline, mobile phone, or internet-based calling apps, but with a bit of a tweak for each one.
Follow the steps below to connect smoothly.
From a landline
If you are dialing the UK number using a traditional landline, you’ll need to include both the US exit code and the UK’s country code before the local phone number.
Steps to call the UK from the US telephone:
- Dial the exit code (001). This code tells your carrier that you’re making an international call.
- Enter the UK country code (44). Every call from the US to the UK must include this code.
- Add the UK area code (without the leading 0). UK landline area codes usually begin with 0 when dialed locally. But drop that 0 when calling from abroad.
- Dial the rest of the number.
Example:
If you’re calling a London number 020 3398 6214, you would dial: 011 44 20 3398 6214
From a mobile phone
Mobile phones make international dialing even simpler because you can just use the “+” symbol instead of entering the exit code manually.
Steps to call the UK from a US mobile:
- Enter “+” on your keypad. This symbol replaces the US exit code (001).
- Dial the country code of the UK (44).
- The mobile number starts with 07. But exclude the 0 since you’re dialing from abroad.
- Add the remaining digits of the mobile phone number.
Example:
If you’re calling UK mobile phones with the number 07 889 034872, you would dial: +44 7 889 034872
Using VoIP solutions or apps
Using a VoIP phone system is one of the most reliable and affordable ways to call the UK from the US. Instead of using traditional phone lines, it connects your phone calls over the internet, which is ideal for both personal and business use.
Popular VoIP and internet-based options include:
- Google Meet
- FaceTime
- Viber
- Business VoIP platforms like KrispCall or Dialpad
Step-by-step guide:
- Set up your VoIP account or install the application. Both parties should use the same app for app-to-app calls.
- Ensure a stable internet connection or a sufficient mobile data plan.
- Save the UK contact in the correct international format.
- Start the call. Open the chat or contact list and tap the voice or video icon.
Related Article 👉: Best Virtual Phone Number Providers in UK
Quick reference: UK number format
| Type | Local format | From the US |
| Landline | 020 3398 6214 | 011 44 20 3398 6214 |
| Mobile | 07 889 034872 | +44 7 889 034872 |
Understanding time zone differences before calling the UK from the US
Before you actually start calling the UK from the US, you need to consider the time difference to ensure your call reaches at a convenient hour.
When is the right time to call the UK?
The UK operates several hours ahead of the United States. So, depending on your location, the time difference can range from five to eight hours.
For example:
- If it’s 3:00 PM in New York (Eastern Time), it’s 8:00 PM in London.
- And if it’s 3:00 PM in Los Angeles (Pacific Time), it’s already 11:00 PM in London.
The best time to call the UK is usually between 7:00 AM and 3:00 PM US time, which is noon and 8:00 PM in the UK. Calls outside this window may reach people during their evening or early morning hours, which is less suitable for business calls.
The UK follows two time standards throughout the year
- British Summer Time (BST): Late March to late October, when clocks move one hour forward.
- Greenwich Mean Time (GMT): Late October to late March, when clocks move one hour back.
Here’s a quick US and UK time zone comparison:
| US time zone | US Local Time | UK time (British Summer Time) | UK time (Greenwich Mean Time) |
| Eastern time | 12:00 PM | 5:00 PM | 4:00 PM |
| Central time | 12:00 PM | 6.00 PM | 5.00 PM |
| Mountain time | 12:00 PM | 7.00 PM | 6.00 PM |
| Pacific time | 12:00 PM | 8.00 PM | 7.00 PM |
How to call UK from US with KrispCall
KrispCall enables you to make high-quality international calls, both personal and business, over the internet without worrying about traditional carrier charges. Along with affordability, it also provides 24/7 support to help you with setup, billing, or call management.
Steps to call the UK from the US with KrispCall:
1. Sign in to your KrispCall account.
2. Open the dial pad or calling interface of your KrispCall dashboard.
3. Enter the UK phone number.
- Start with the UK country code (+44).
- Add the area code (omit the leading 0).
- Type the remaining digits of the local number. The mobile number should be 9 digits, and the phone number should be 10 digits with the area code.
4. Now, tap the call icon.
Start your KrispCall account today and make calling the UK from the US effortless, anytime and anywhere.
