Ever tried deciphering the international calling codes just to wish someone "Happy Birthday" in the States? Calling the USA from London can feel like navigating a complicated maze of numbers and prefixes. Whether you're trying to connect with family, close a crucial business deal, or simply check in on a friend, knowing the correct way to dial is essential. A missed digit or incorrect code can lead to a failed call, frustration, and even unexpected charges. Making international communication seamless saves time, money, and ensures you stay connected with the people and opportunities that matter most.
With countless resources online, the process can still feel confusing, especially when different providers suggest slightly different methods. This guide will simplify the process, providing a clear, step-by-step approach to making calls from London to the USA, no matter where you are calling in the States or what kind of phone you are using. We'll break down the exit codes, country codes, and area codes, ensuring you connect successfully every time.
What number do I dial first?
What's the easiest way to call the USA from London?
The easiest way to call the USA from London is generally through using a smartphone app that utilizes Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), such as WhatsApp, Skype, or Google Voice, assuming you have a stable internet connection. These apps allow you to make calls to US phone numbers (and often video calls) at very low costs or even free, bypassing traditional phone networks and international calling charges.
Using VoIP apps offers several advantages. Firstly, the call quality is often excellent, provided you have a good Wi-Fi or mobile data connection. Secondly, many of these apps offer free calls to other users of the same app, meaning if the person in the USA also uses WhatsApp, for example, the call is completely free. Thirdly, even when calling a regular US phone number, the rates are significantly cheaper than traditional international call charges levied by mobile carriers. Finally, these apps are readily available and easy to use on both Android and iOS devices. Alternative options, like using a landline or mobile phone with an international calling plan, are also viable, but typically more expensive. While these might be suitable for those without smartphone access or reliable internet, the convenience and cost-effectiveness of VoIP apps make them the preferred choice for most people looking to call the USA from London today.What's the US country code when calling from London?
The US country code is +1. When calling the United States from London, you will need to dial 00 1 followed by the area code and the recipient's phone number.
Let's break that down further. "00" is the international access code used to dial out of the UK. Every country has its own international access code, but "00" is very common. Following the international access code, you dial the country code of the destination you're trying to reach; in this case, the United States, which has the country code "+1." After that comes the three-digit area code specific to the region within the US you are calling, and finally the seven-digit local phone number.
Therefore, a complete phone number dialed from London to the US would look something like this: 00 1 XXX YYY ZZZZ, where XXX is the area code and YYY ZZZZ is the local phone number. Remember to omit any leading '0' from the area code if the US number is presented with one.
Are there cheaper calling apps for calling the USA from England?
Yes, numerous calling apps offer significantly cheaper rates for calling the USA from England compared to traditional phone services. These apps leverage Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, using your internet connection instead of traditional phone lines to make calls.
Many popular VoIP apps provide international calling options that are often much more affordable. Consider apps like WhatsApp, Skype, Viber, and Google Voice. These services usually offer competitive per-minute rates or subscription plans for calling US numbers. The exact cost will vary depending on the app, the specific plan you choose, and whether you are calling a landline or a mobile phone. Always compare the rates of different apps before deciding on one. When choosing a calling app, factor in not only the cost per minute but also other aspects such as call quality, ease of use, and whether the person you are calling also uses the same app. If both you and the person you're calling use the same app (e.g., WhatsApp), you can often make free calls over Wi-Fi or mobile data. Also, carefully review the app’s terms of service regarding data usage and potential charges for specific types of calls.Do I need to drop the first zero of the area code?
Yes, when calling the USA from London, England (or any location outside of North America), you do *not* drop the first zero of the area code. You dial the country code for the US (001 or +1), followed by the three-digit area code, and then the seven-digit local number.
When making an international call, you generally need to replace your country's international access code (usually "00" in the UK) with the "+" symbol when dialing from a mobile phone, or dial "00" followed by the destination country code. For the United States, the country code is "1". So, if you were calling a US number with the area code 212 and the local number 555-1212, you would dial 00 1 212 555 1212 or +1 212 555 1212. The confusion might stem from the fact that within some countries, you drop a leading "0" when calling long distance within that same country. However, this rule *does not* apply when calling internationally. Always include the full area code when calling the US from the UK. Failing to include the '1' or dropping numbers will likely result in a failed call or connecting to an incorrect number.What's the time difference when calling the USA from London?
The time difference between London, England, and the USA varies significantly depending on which part of the USA you are calling, as the country spans multiple time zones. Generally, London is 5 to 8 hours ahead of the continental United States. For example, London is 5 hours ahead of the Eastern Time Zone (ET), 6 hours ahead of the Central Time Zone (CT), 7 hours ahead of the Mountain Time Zone (MT), and 8 hours ahead of the Pacific Time Zone (PT).
Because the United States and the United Kingdom both observe daylight saving time (DST), the time difference fluctuates throughout the year. It's crucial to consider whether DST is in effect in both locations when calculating the precise time difference. The UK observes British Summer Time (BST), which is GMT+1 during the summer months. The US observes DST from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November, shifting the time forward by one hour. This means the time difference will be smaller during those months than during standard time. To ensure you're calling at an appropriate time, always double-check the current time in the specific US location you're trying to reach. You can use online time zone converters or world clock websites to determine the exact time difference and avoid accidentally calling at inconvenient hours. Failing to account for time zone differences and DST could result in contacting someone in the middle of the night.How much does it cost to call the USA from a UK mobile?
The cost of calling the USA from a UK mobile can vary significantly, ranging from a few pence per minute to potentially quite high charges, depending on your mobile provider, your specific mobile plan, and whether you use inclusive minutes, bolt-ons, or pay-as-you-go rates. It's crucial to check with your provider to get accurate pricing information for your specific circumstances.
Calling the USA without considering your mobile plan details can lead to unexpected charges. Many UK mobile providers offer international calling add-ons or bundles specifically designed for calls to the USA, which can dramatically reduce the cost compared to standard rates. These add-ons often provide a set number of minutes for a fixed monthly fee, making them a cost-effective option if you regularly call the USA. If you exceed the allocated minutes, standard rates will apply, so it's essential to monitor your usage. Another factor affecting cost is the method you use to make the call. While direct dialing is the most straightforward, using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services like WhatsApp, Skype, or Viber can be significantly cheaper, or even free if calling another user of the same service. These services rely on your mobile data or Wi-Fi connection rather than traditional phone lines, which can eliminate international call charges altogether. However, ensure you're connected to Wi-Fi to avoid excessive data charges. Always compare the rates offered by your mobile provider with alternative calling methods to find the most economical solution for your needs.What's the international exit code for the UK?
The international exit code for the UK is 00.
When calling the USA from London, England, you first need to dial the UK's exit code, which signals to the UK telephone network that you are making an international call. Think of it as telling the phone system to prepare to route your call outside of the country. This exit code replaces the plus sign (+) often seen in international phone number formats. The plus sign is a generic symbol representing the specific exit code needed for the country you are calling from.
After dialing the UK exit code (00), you then dial the country code for the USA, which is 1. Following the country code, you will need the three-digit area code for the specific region in the US you are trying to reach. Finally, enter the seven-digit local phone number. So, the complete sequence is: 00 + 1 + area code + local number.
Alright, there you have it! Calling the USA from London doesn't have to be a headache. Hopefully, this guide has made it nice and easy for you to connect with friends, family, or even that important business contact. Thanks for reading, and feel free to stop by again if you ever need help deciphering the mysteries of international calls! Happy chatting!