Ever stared blankly at your phone, wondering how to connect with a loved one across the pond in London? Calling internationally can feel like navigating a confusing maze of codes and procedures. Millions of people travel between the USA and the UK every year, and many more maintain close relationships across the Atlantic. Knowing how to easily and affordably make that call is essential for staying connected with family, friends, and business associates in London.
In today's interconnected world, clear and reliable communication is more important than ever. Whether you're coordinating a crucial business deal, catching up with family, or simply wanting to hear a friendly voice, knowing the correct dialing sequence can save you time, money, and unnecessary frustration. Don't let international dialing codes stand between you and the people who matter most.
What's the London Calling FAQ?
What is the correct dialing code to call London from the USA?
To call London, England from the USA, you need to dial 011-44-20, followed by the eight-digit local London phone number. The '011' is the exit code for the USA, '44' is the country code for the United Kingdom, and '20' is the area code for London.
When making international calls, it's crucial to understand the different codes required to connect successfully. The exit code (011 in the case of the USA) tells your phone network that you are making an international call and to route it accordingly. The country code (44 for the UK) identifies the destination country. The area code (20 for London) specifies the geographical area within the country you are trying to reach. Remember that London phone numbers are typically eight digits long. Therefore, after dialing 011-44-20, ensure you enter the correct eight-digit local number. Leaving out any of these components will likely result in a failed call connection. If you're calling a mobile phone in London, the process is slightly different: you would dial 011-44, then the mobile number, dropping the leading '0' from the mobile number itself.Do I need to dial an exit code from the US to call London?
Yes, when calling London, England, from the US, you absolutely need to dial the US exit code, which is 011. This code signals to the US telephone network that you are about to make an international call.
When dialing internationally, think of it as giving the phone system directions. The exit code (011 from the US) is the first instruction, telling the system to route the call outside of the country. Next comes the country code for the destination, which is 44 for the United Kingdom. Then comes the city code for London, which is typically 20 (though some older instructions might list it with a leading '0', which you drop when calling internationally). Finally, you dial the local London phone number. So, the complete dialing sequence would be: 011 + 44 + 20 + [local London phone number]. Failing to dial the exit code will result in your call not being routed internationally, and you will likely hear an error message or a busy signal. Many modern cell phones can automatically add the exit code if you use the "+" symbol followed by the country code, but it's still good practice to know the proper exit code for the country you are calling from.How much does it typically cost to call London from a US mobile phone?
The cost to call London, England from a US mobile phone varies significantly depending on your mobile carrier, your specific plan, and whether you use Wi-Fi calling or an international calling plan. Without any specific plan or Wi-Fi, you can expect to pay anywhere from $0.50 to $3.00 or more per minute. However, with the right plan or by using Wi-Fi based options, you can potentially make these calls for free or at significantly reduced rates.
Major US mobile carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile offer international calling plans that can drastically lower the per-minute cost. These plans often come with a monthly fee and provide a set number of minutes for international calls or discounted rates. It's crucial to check with your carrier to understand the specific costs and available plans before making the call. Some plans may also include unlimited texting to international numbers, which can be a cheaper alternative for communication.
The most cost-effective methods often involve using internet-based calling apps or Wi-Fi calling. Services like WhatsApp, Skype, Google Voice, and FaceTime allow you to make free calls to other users of the same app, regardless of their location, as long as you both have a stable internet connection. Additionally, many mobile phones now support Wi-Fi calling, which allows you to make calls over a Wi-Fi network instead of your cellular network. This can significantly reduce or eliminate international calling charges, as the calls are treated as if they were made from within the US.
Are there cheaper alternatives to direct dialing, like using apps?
Yes, absolutely! Numerous apps and services offer significantly cheaper rates for calling London, England from the USA compared to traditional direct dialing through your landline or mobile carrier. These alternatives leverage Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to transmit your calls over the internet, bypassing the expensive international calling rates typically associated with traditional phone networks.
Several popular apps and services offer competitive rates for international calls. These apps often utilize your existing internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular data) to make calls, meaning you may only be charged for the data used, or a minimal per-minute rate significantly lower than direct dialing. Some examples include WhatsApp, Skype, Google Voice, Viber, and specialized international calling apps like Rebtel or Vonage. Many of these apps offer free calls to other users of the same app, and very competitive rates for calls to landlines and mobile phones in London. When choosing an app, consider factors such as call quality, ease of use, compatibility with your devices, and the specific rates offered for calls to the UK. Some apps may require both the caller and receiver to have the app installed, while others allow you to call any phone number directly. Also be aware of any potential data charges if you're not using Wi-Fi. A quick comparison of rates and features across different apps can help you identify the most cost-effective option for your needs.Is there a best time to call London from the USA to avoid high rates?
Yes, the best time to call London from the USA to avoid high rates is generally during off-peak hours, which typically aligns with evenings and weekends in the United States. This is because many phone providers and calling plans offer lower rates during these times due to reduced network congestion and demand.
Calling rates are often structured around peak and off-peak times, reflecting the increased demand for phone lines during standard business hours. Since London is 5 to 8 hours ahead of the USA (depending on the specific location in the US and Daylight Saving Time), calling London during the evening in the US means it's likely late night or early morning in London, which is generally considered off-peak. For example, calling London at 9 PM EST would be 2 AM in London. To ensure you're getting the lowest possible rates, it's crucial to check with your specific phone provider or calling plan. Many providers offer international calling plans or discounted rates for calls to specific countries like the UK. Additionally, consider using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services such as Skype, WhatsApp, or Google Voice, which often offer significantly cheaper international calling rates than traditional landlines or mobile services, regardless of the time of day. These services often charge a per-minute rate that's substantially lower, or even offer free calls between users of the same platform.How do I call a UK mobile number versus a London landline?
Calling a UK mobile number from the USA is very similar to calling a London landline, the main difference being the area code you dial after the country code. Both require you to first dial the exit code 011, then the UK country code 44. For a London landline, you'd then dial the London area code 20, followed by the 8-digit local number. For a UK mobile number, you'll dial the mobile code, which always starts with 7 (e.g., 7700, 7802, 7911), followed by the rest of the mobile number. So, it’s the number following the country code (44) that determines whether you're reaching a mobile or a landline.
To break it down further, when calling a London landline, the sequence is typically: 011 (US exit code) + 44 (UK country code) + 20 (London area code) + 8-digit local number. Remember to drop the initial '0' from the London area code when dialing from abroad. Therefore, a complete London landline call might look like this: 011 44 20 7946 0000. Calling a UK mobile follows the same initial steps, but uses a different area code. The dialed sequence would be: 011 (US exit code) + 44 (UK country code) + mobile code (starting with 7, such as 7700 or 7802, with the initial '0' dropped) + the remaining digits of the mobile number. For example: 011 44 7700 123456. It's crucial to double-check you have the correct area code to avoid misdialing or incurring unnecessary charges.Will my US mobile plan automatically work in London, or do I need a special add-on?
Generally, your US mobile plan will *not* automatically work in London without incurring significant international roaming charges. You'll almost certainly need to purchase an international add-on from your provider, obtain a local SIM card in London, or rely primarily on Wi-Fi for calls and data.
Most US mobile carriers offer international plans or add-ons that provide a limited amount of data, talk, and text while abroad. These plans can vary significantly in price and coverage, so it’s crucial to contact your carrier *before* your trip to understand your options. Some carriers offer daily passes, while others provide monthly packages. Failing to do so can result in exorbitant roaming fees for even minimal usage. Consider checking if your carrier offers any complimentary international roaming benefits as part of a higher-tier plan.
Alternatively, you could purchase a local SIM card upon arrival in London. This will give you a local phone number and access to data at local rates, often a more cost-effective solution if you plan to use your phone extensively. Unlocked phones are required for this option. Ensure your phone is unlocked *before* you leave the US, as unlocking can take time. Finally, leveraging Wi-Fi hotspots and using apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Skype for calls and messaging is a good strategy for minimizing costs, but requires reliable Wi-Fi access.
So there you have it! Calling London from the USA doesn't have to be a headache. Hopefully, these simple steps will have you chatting with your friends, family, or colleagues across the pond in no time. Thanks for reading, and be sure to check back for more helpful guides and tips!