Need to call America from the UK? You’re not alone. Whether it’s for business, catching up with family and friends, or something else entirely, plenty of people in the UK need to make calls across the pond.
But calling internationally can feel complicated. There are different dialing codes to figure out, not to mention time zone differences. And let’s not forget about the cost – international calls can add up quickly!
This guide is here to simplify the process. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to call America from the UK, from dialing codes to ways to save money on your calls.
Understanding the Dialing Codes: How to Call the US from the UK
Calling the United States from the United Kingdom isn’t difficult as long as you understand the dialing codes and sequence. You’ll need to know three essential codes: the exit code, the country code, and the area code.
The Essential Codes: Exit, Country, and Area
- Exit code: This is the code you need to dial to get out of the UK’s phone system. If you’re calling from a landline, the exit code is usually “00”. If you’re calling from a mobile phone, you can use “+” as the exit code.
- Country code: Every country has its own code, and the country code for the United States is “1”.
- Area code: The area code is a three-digit number that identifies a specific region within the US. There are around 335 area codes in the US, so you’ll need to make sure you have the correct one.
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions
Here’s the complete dialing sequence you’ll need to use:
- From a UK landline: Dial 00 + 1 + [Area Code] + [Phone Number].
- From a UK mobile phone: Dial +1 + [Area Code] + [Phone Number].
For example, if you’re calling New York City (area code 212) and the number you want to reach is 555-1212, you would dial +1 212 555 1212 from your mobile phone.
Navigating US Area Codes: A Quick Reference Guide
The United States has a lot of area codes — 335 at last count. To make sure you reach the right person, you’ll need to know the area code of the person you’re trying to reach.
Here are the area codes for some of the most popular cities:
- New York: 212, 917
- Los Angeles: 213, 310
- Chicago: 312, 773
- Houston: 713, 281
- Miami: 305, 786
Don’t see the city you’re looking for? Search online for “[city name] area code” to find the right one!
Time Zone Considerations: Calling at the Right Time
Before you pick up the phone to call the States, take a minute to figure out what time it is over there. The U.S. has nine major time zones, so it’s not as simple as knowing whether it’s “daytime” or “nighttime.”
Understanding the Multiple US Time Zones
The key time zones to keep in mind when calling from the UK are:
- Eastern Time (ET)
- Central Time (CT)
- Mountain Time (MT)
- Pacific Time (PT)
Calculating the Time Difference
The UK (GMT) is usually 5 to 8 hours ahead of the U.S., but the exact time difference will depend on the specific time zone and the time of year. To be sure, it’s a good idea to use an online time zone converter like Time and Date to figure out the current time in the part of the U.S. you’re calling.
Impact of Daylight Saving Time
Both the UK and the U.S. observe Daylight Saving Time, but the dates on which the clocks change aren’t always the same. This can shift the time difference by an hour, so double-check the dates to avoid any confusion.
Cost of Calling the U.S. from the U.K.: What to Expect
Several factors can affect the cost of calling the U.S. from the U.K., so it’s hard to give a precise estimate. Here’s a look at what influences the price you’ll pay.
- Phone provider. Different providers have different international calling rates, so it pays to shop around.
- Call type. Calling from a landline, mobile, or VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service can mean different charges.
- Phone plan. Some phone plans offer international calling packages, which can significantly reduce the cost per minute.
As a rough guide, a direct call from the U.K. to the U.S. can average around £3.50 per minute. But it’s important to remember that costs can vary quite a bit depending on the factors listed above. So, before you dial, check with your provider to get the most accurate rate information.
Cost-Effective Alternatives: Reducing Your Calling Expenses
Calling internationally can get expensive quickly. Luckily, you have some options for reducing those costs.
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Services
One of the most popular ways to save money on international calls is to use a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service. VoIP services like WhatsApp, Skype, and Google Voice can offer significantly lower rates for international calls because they use the internet to make calls. By using the internet, they bypass the traditional phone networks and their hefty fees.
Getting a US Phone Number
Another option is to get a virtual US phone number. This allows you to receive calls and texts as though you were physically located in the US, even though you’re in the UK.
One service that offers this is OpenPhone. For a monthly fee, you can get a US or Canadian number and unlimited calls and texts to both countries. OpenPhone also has features like auto-replies, call recording, ring groups, and integrations with tools like HubSpot and Slack.
Comparing Options: Weighing the Pros and Cons
Both VoIP services and virtual US phone numbers have their advantages and disadvantages. VoIP services are usually cheaper for making occasional calls, but the call quality can be spotty depending on your internet connection. A virtual US phone number like OpenPhone provides more reliable call quality and additional features, but comes with a monthly fee.
When choosing the best option for you, consider how often you plan to call, your budget, and what features you need. If you only need to make a few calls here and there, a VoIP service might be the way to go. But if you need to make frequent calls and want a more reliable connection, a virtual US phone number could be a better choice.
How to make cheap calls to the US using VoIP
Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a cost-effective way to call America from the UK. Here’s how to set it up:
- Choose a VoIP provider. Look at different providers and compare their prices, features, and user reviews.
- Download and install the app. Download the app from your provider’s website or the app store and install it on your phone, tablet, or computer.
- Create an account and set your preferences. You’ll need to create an account, verify your phone number, and adjust the app settings.
- Make your first call. Type the US number into the app’s dialer and start talking!
To Conclude
Calling the United States from the United Kingdom requires you to dial the UK exit code (00), the US country code (1), the area code, and then the phone number. It’s a straightforward process once you know the steps.
Before you dial, remember to check the time zone differences between the UK and the part of the US you’re calling. Also, be aware of the costs involved, and look into options like international calling plans, VoIP services, or purchasing a virtual US number to save money.
Ultimately, the best way to call America from the UK depends on your individual needs and preferences. Whether you prefer the simplicity of a direct call, the cost-effectiveness of VoIP, or the convenience of a virtual number, there’s a solution out there that’s right for you.