How To Call the USA From the UK?

To call the US from the UK, you need to follow a specific sequence: the exit code, country code, area code, and local phone number. Here’s a step-by-step guide.

To call a US number from the UK, dial 00 from a landline or + from a mobile. 00 is the UK’s exit code for international calls. It signals that you’re dialing outside the UK.

Next, enter the US country code, which is “1”. This ensures your call routes to the United States.

After that, enter the 3-digit area code that identifies the specific region or city you want to reach in the US. Each area has its own unique code.

Finally, enter the 7-digit local phone number of the person or business you’re calling. Your call will then connect you to your intended recipient in the US.

Suppose you want to call Manhattan, New York, from the UK. If the area code for Manhattan is 212, and the local phone number is 537 9710, you would dial 00 1 212 537 910 (from a landline) or +1 212 537 910 (from a mobile).

US area codes are essential for making calls within the United States, including from the UK. They are the three-digit codes that identify the geographic region of phone numbers. Each area code represents a specific area, city, or part of a state, helping direct your call to the right place.

The table below illustrates some of the popular area codes in the US you may like to reach out to. For instance, if you are dialing 424 number (Los Angeles), it's essential to follow the correct dialing format to connect with your potential clients, family, or any other individual.
 

To call an American number from the UK, there is a fixed dialing format: international access code (00), followed by the US country code (1), then the area code, and finally the local number (e.g., 00-1-XXX-XXX-XXXX).

US area codes are essential for making calls within the United States, including from the UK. They are the three-digit codes that identify the geographic region of phone numbers. Each area code represents a specific area, city, or part of a state, helping direct your call to the right place. Only the correct area code successfully connects your call from the UK to the US. When phoning America, use the correct 3-digit area code for the recipient's location, such as 212 for New York, 310 for Los Angeles, or 305 for Miami.

Before calling a US number, review your phone plan for international calling rates. These can vary significantly. To call for free or at a low cost, use international calling cards or VoIP services like Skype or WhatsApp.

Before dialing America, be aware of the time difference between the USA and the UK. The USA spans multiple time zones: Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific. Atlanta and New York are the major US cities in the Eastern Time Zone. EST is  5 hours behind the UK. For instance, when it is 12 PM in the UK, it is 7 AM EST. To call at an appropriate hour, use online tools to convert UK time to the recipient’s local US time.

When calling the US from the UK, consider the differences between mobile, VoIP, and landline options. Mobile phones are convenient but can be costly without an international plan. VoIP services like Skype or WhatsApp are often cheaper and rely on internet quality for good call clarity. Landlines offer reliable and consistent call quality but may have higher international rates unless you have a specific calling plan. Each method has its pros and cons, so choose based on your priorities for cost, convenience, and call quality.

As you prepare to phone the USA from the UK, there’s another essential aspect to consider - the time zone differences. It ensures you make a call at the appropriate time and avoid inconvenience for the recipient.
 

• Eastern Standard Time (EST): The major US cities in this time zone include Atlanta and New York. EST is  5 hours behind the UK. For instance, when it is 12 PM in the UK, it is 7 AM EST.
• Central Standard Time (CST): The major US cities in this time zone include Dallas and New Chicago. CST is  6 hours behind the UK. For instance, when it is 12 PM in the UK, it is 6 AM CST.
• Mountain Standard Time (MST): The major US cities in this time zone include Phoenix and Denver. MST is 7 hours behind the UK. For instance, when it is 12 PM in the UK, it is 5 AM MST.
• Pacific Standard Time (PST): The major US cities in this time zone include San Francisco and Los Angeles. PST is 8 hours behind the UK. For instance, when it is 12 PM in the UK, it is 4 AM PST.
• Alaska Standard Time (AKST): The major US cities in this time zone include Anchorage. AKST is 9 hours behind the UK. For instance, when it is 12 PM in the UK, it is 3 AM AKST.
• Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HST): The major US cities in this time zone include Honolulu. HST is 10 hours behind the UK. For instance, when it is 12 PM in the UK, it is 2 AM HST.

The cost of calling the USA from the UK depends on your phone service provider and phone plan. On average, direct calls might cost around £3.50 per minute. However, these rates can change depending on whether you use a landline, mobile phone, or VoIP service.
 

Factors that influence international call costs are:
 

• Phone service provider: Different providers have different international rates. VoIP service providers like Twilio, Vonage, and Calilio offer affordable rates for international calls.
• Type of call: Landline, mobile, or VoIP. VoIP typically results in the lowest rates. In addition to providing cost savings, it also comes with additional features like voicemail transcription and call forwarding. Landline is the most expensive option for international calls.
• Phone Plans: Some mobile plans offer lower rates for international calls.

You can eliminate international charges while calling the US from the UK through a cloud-based business phone system. Services like Calilio provide a virtual US phone number that allows you to call the US at local rates instead of international charges.
 

With a US virtual number, you can operate from the UK with an American phone number. A virtual number offers an affordable alternative to traditional international calling methods for businesses and individuals seeking cost-effective communication solutions.

To call the United States from the United Kingdom, you must follow the right format, including the UK exit code, US country code, and US area code of a particular region. A virtual US phone number helps you maintain frequent contact with the US without incurring high costs.

Calilio offers virtual US phone numbers to UK users. You can easily acquire a US number on our VoIP platform and make calls at local rates. Our business communication solutions facilitate your international communication needs.

Calling the US from the UK can be quite expensive, often costing around £3.50 per minute, though rates may vary depending on your service provider. To reduce international call costs, consider using the Calilio VoIP service. It offers reduced international call rates as compared to traditional phone services.

To phone America from the UK for free, you can use internet-based communication apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Zoom. These apps allow you to make calls over Wi-Fi or mobile data, making traditional call charges non-existent. VoIP providers like Google Voice, Calilio, and Vonage are great options if you are looking for features beyond calling and texting. While you won’t be able to call internationally for free, they offer low-cost calling services along with advanced business features.

+1 and 011 are not the same, though both are related to international dialing. The “+” sign represents the international access code in a simplified format and is used to dial international numbers. 1 is the country code for the United States. On the contrary, 011 is the exit code used in the US and other NANP countries to make an international call.
 

For example, when calling a number in the United States from another country, you would dial +1, followed by the area code and the local number. If you are calling from the US to another country, you would start with 011, followed by the country code, area code, and local number.

To call the US from your iPhone in the UK, first dial the UK’s international exit code, which is 00. Then, enter the US country code ‘1’, followed by the local area code and the phone number.

The dialing code for the USA from the UK is 001 or +1. To call a US number, you must enter the international exit code 00 or + to indicate to the telephone service provider that you are calling outside of Europe. For the call to then be directed to the US, type in the US country code 1.

Both ‘011’ and ‘001’ are not the country codes of the USA. The USA’s country code is simple: ‘1’.

Last Updated: May 09, 2024