Everything You Need to Know About the UK's +44 Country Code

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The country code for the United Kingdom (UK) is +44. This specific code is the essential first step for making all international calls to the UK. Understanding how to call the UK makes the process for all your international phone calls much simpler. This guide provides the correct steps for calling any UK phone number.

Tip : You can use this calling code to easily call any UK mobile or landline phone. Making your next call to the UK is straightforward once you know the formula.

Key Takeaways

• To call the UK, first dial your country’s exit code. Then, dial 44 for the UK, followed by the area code without the first ‘0’, and finally the local number.
• Always remove the ‘0’ from the UK area code or mobile number when calling from outside the UK. This ‘0’ is only for calls made within the UK.
• UK mobile numbers always start with ‘7’ after the ‘+44’ country code. UK landline numbers use specific area codes for different cities.
• Using a ‘+’ sign on a mobile phone can replace your country’s exit code. Your phone will automatically use the correct code for international calls.

How to Call the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Making an international call to the UK is a simple, four-step process. Once you understand the formula, you can confidently dial any UK landline or mobile number from anywhere in the world. This guide breaks down exactly how to call the UK.

Step 1: Dial the International Exit Code

Your first step is to dial the international exit code for the country you are calling from. This code signals to your phone provider that you are making an international call. The most common exit code is 00, which the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) recommends as a standard. For calls originating from the US or Canada, you will use 011.

Note: Not every country uses the 00 or 011 exit code. Some countries have unique codes, and others use different prefixes for services like VoIP. A quick search for your country’s specific exit code is always a good idea.

• Australia: 0011
• Japan: 010
• Nigeria: 009
• Brazil, South Korea, Colombia: These countries require a carrier selection code after 00.

Step 2: Enter 44 for the UK

After dialing the exit code, you will enter the country code for the UK, which is 44. This two-digit code directs your call to the UK’s telephone network. If you are calling from a mobile phone, you can often replace the exit code with a plus sign (+). Your phone will automatically use the correct exit code. The format would simply be +44.

Step 3: Add the Area Code Without the ‘0’

Next, you need to dial the UK area code for the specific city or region you are calling. However, you must drop the leading ‘0’ that is used for domestic calls within the UK. This initial zero is technically known as a “trunk code” and is only necessary when dialing from one UK phone to another. For an international call, this code must be removed.

For example, the area code for London is 020. When calling from abroad, you will only use 20.

Wrong: 011-44-020-7123-4567
Right:  011-44-20-7123-4567

Step 4: Dial the Local Number

The final step is to dial the remaining digits of the local phone number. This is the unique number assigned to the specific residence or business you wish to reach.

Tip : If you are unsure whether a number is still active, keep in mind that some UK mobile providers require recent activity. For instance, some carriers require a chargeable action at least once every few months to keep a number from being disconnected. A failed call may indicate the number is no longer in service.

Example: Calling the UK from the US

Let’s put all the steps together to see how to call the UK. Imagine you are calling a London landline number, which is 020 7123 4567, from the United States.

Here is the complete dialing format for calling the UK from the US:

1. Dial the US exit code: 011
2. Enter the UK country code: 44
3. Add the London area code (without the ‘0’): 20
4. Dial the local phone number: 7123 4567

The final number you dial will look like this: 011-44-20-7123-4567. This same formula applies when calling UK landlines from the US and when calling UK mobile phones from the US.

Calling from Other Countries

The formula is easily adapted for other locations. You just need to change the exit code.

• From Canada: 011 + 44 + [Area Code] + [Local Number]
• From Australia: 0011 + 44 + [Area Code] + [Local Number]
• From India: 00 + 44 + [Area Code] + [Local Number]

Best Times for Calling the UK from the US

To ensure your call is convenient, consider the time difference. The UK is several hours ahead of the US. For business calls, aim for standard UK business hours (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday).

This means if you are on the East Coast (EST), the best window for calling is between 4:00 AM and 12:00 PM your time. For those on the West Coast (PST), the ideal calling window is between 1:00 AM and 9:00 AM your time. This is especially important when calling UK mobile phones from the US to avoid waking someone up.

Understanding UK Phone Numbers

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UK phone numbers have a specific structure that is easy to understand once you know the components. The format of UK phone numbers has evolved significantly over the years. Early phone systems used operators to connect every call. Major changes like “PhONEday” in 1995 and “The Big Number Change” in 2000 modernized the system to support the growing number of phone users. This history explains why the structure is the way it is today. Understanding the area code and mobile prefixes is the key to a successful call.

Common UK Area Codes

When you call a UK landline, you will use an area code. This code routes your call to a specific geographic region. Remember, you must always drop the first ‘0’ from the area code when calling from outside the UK. For example, a London code of 020 becomes just 20.

Here is a list of common area codes for major cities across the UK:

Did You Know? The UK numbering plan continues to change. High demand for new phone numbers in cities like London and Bournemouth has led to the creation of new number ranges. This ensures the UK phone network can support its millions of users.

UK Mobile Number Format

Calling UK mobile phones follows a slightly different, but very consistent, rule. The process is simple. With over 88 million active mobile connections in the UK, you will likely be calling a mobile phone at some point.

All UK mobile phone numbers start with the digit 7 after the +44 country code. Unlike landlines, mobile numbers do not have a specific geographic area code. The prefix 7 simply indicates it is a mobile phone.

So, when you dial a UK mobile number, the format will be:

[Your Exit Code] + 44 + 7xxxxxxxxx

For example, a complete mobile number might look like +44 7123 456789. This simple format makes calling UK mobile phones straightforward.

Common Mistakes When Calling the UK

Calling the UK is usually straightforward, but a few common errors can prevent your call from connecting. Understanding these mistakes helps you dial correctly every time. If your call fails, you might hear an automated message like, “Your call cannot be completed as dialed,” or a fast busy signal, which often points to a dialing error.

Forgetting to Drop the Trunk ‘0’

The most frequent mistake when calling the UK is failing to remove the leading ‘0’ from the area code or mobile number. This ‘0’ is a trunk prefix used only for domestic calls within the UK. For any international call, you must drop this digit. Including it will cause the call to fail because the international phone network does not recognize this domestic code.

Many businesses in the UK incorrectly display their numbers with the ‘0’ in parentheses, like +44 (0)20..., which adds to the confusion. Always remove it when calling from abroad.

Wrong vs. Right Example

• Wrong: 011-44-020-7123-4567
• Right: 011-44-20-7123-4567

Using the Wrong Calling Code

Using the correct codes is essential for a successful international call. This involves two key parts: your country’s exit code and the UK’s country code. You must start by dialing the specific exit code for your location (e.g., 011 for the US, 00 for most of Europe). After that, you must enter 44, the country code for the UK. Using the wrong exit code or an incorrect country code will prevent your call from ever reaching the UK phone network. This is a simple but critical step in the calling process.

Confusing Landline and Mobile Dialing

You should also understand the difference between UK landline and mobile numbers. While the overall calling formula is the same, the number structure varies.

• UK Landlines: Use a geographic area code after the +44 country code (e.g., 20 for London, 161 for Manchester).
• UK Mobiles: Always use the prefix 7 after the +44 calling code. This 7 indicates it is a mobile phone, not a specific city.

Sometimes, a failed call isn’t due to a dialing error but a technical issue. Problems with a dual SIM phone, where the inactive SIM tries to make the call, can block your connection. A quick phone restart often resolves these minor glitches.

You now know how to call the UK. The key is a simple formula for every call. You just need to remember the correct sequence of numbers.

The UK Calling Formula [Your Exit Code] + 44 (UK Country Code) + [Area/Mobile Code without '0'] + [Local Phone Number]

Many phone apps also simplify calling the UK, often handling the exit code for you and providing a cheap call. Following this process for your next calling attempt to the UK ensures your call connects successfully. Once you understand the formula, making a phone call to the UK is a straightforward task.

For people who communicate with the UK frequently, memorizing the dialing formula helps avoid simple mistakes that block a call. But after the call goes through, what often impacts efficiency is how you handle cross-border settlement and exchange-rate swings—whether it is paying tuition, reconciling invoices for a small business, or sending funds to someone in the UK. Checking rates upfront usually makes the total cost and timing more predictable.

If you need a quick reference for comparing currencies, BiyaPay provides a free currency converter and rate comparison tool to review real-time rates and estimate conversion costs, and its international money transfer page helps you understand available transfer methods and coverage. For account-related actions, you can start from the BiyaPay official website or use the registration page to set up access, keeping the follow-up steps in one place.

FAQ

How much does it cost to call the UK?

The cost to call the UK varies widely. Your phone provider and calling plan determine the final price. Many people ask how much does it cost to call the uk, but there is no single answer. Check with your carrier for their international rates to understand the specific cost to call the uk.

Tip : Using VoIP apps can often lower the price. Knowing how much does it cost to call the uk beforehand helps you avoid surprise charges on your bill.

Can I use a ‘+’ instead of an exit code?

Yes, you can. When calling from a mobile phone, you can simply dial + before the country code 44. Your phone automatically replaces the + with the correct international exit code for your location. This makes dialing much easier and works from anywhere in the world.

Is it more expensive to call a UK mobile than a landline?

Often, yes. Many phone carriers charge a higher per-minute rate for calls to international mobile numbers compared to landlines. You should review your provider’s rate sheet. This will show you the different charges for calling UK mobile numbers versus landline numbers.