Ever dreamt of calling a friend in London to share exciting news, or perhaps needing to reach a business contact across the pond? Making international calls can seem daunting, especially when navigating different country codes and dialing procedures. But fear not! Connecting with someone in London from the US is actually quite simple once you understand the proper steps. Misdialing can lead to frustration, wasted time, and even incorrect charges, making it crucial to have a clear and reliable guide at your fingertips.
Whether you're planning a trip, keeping in touch with loved ones, or conducting business internationally, knowing how to dial London from the US is a valuable skill in today's interconnected world. This guide breaks down the process into easy-to-follow instructions, ensuring you can connect with confidence and clarity. We'll cover everything from the exit code to the local London number, providing you with the essential knowledge to make your call a success.
Frequently Asked Questions About Calling London
What is the exact dialing sequence to call London from the US?
To call London from the US, you need to dial the following sequence: 011 + 44 + 20 + the eight-digit local London number. Let's break this down.
The initial "011" is the exit code for the United States. It tells the US phone network that you're dialing an international number. Next, "44" is the country code for the United Kingdom. This directs your call to the UK phone network. "20" is the area code specifically for London. It's crucial to include this, even if you're accustomed to dialing without area codes within the US. Finally, you enter the eight-digit local London phone number you are trying to reach.
Therefore, the complete sequence would look something like this: 011 44 20 XXXXXXXX, where XXXXXXXX represents the specific eight-digit number you wish to dial. Remember to omit any leading zeros that might appear in the local London number after the "20" area code, as these are only used when dialing within the UK. Using the correct sequence ensures your call reaches the intended recipient in London.
Do I need to use an exit code when calling London from the US?
Yes, when calling London from the US, you absolutely need to use an exit code. This code signals to the US phone network that you are making an international call.
The exit code for the United States is "011". This must be dialed before the country code for the UK (44) and the London area code (20), followed by the local London phone number. Therefore, the general format for dialing a London number from the US is: 011 + 44 + 20 + XXXX XXXX. For example, to call a London number 7123 4567, you would dial 011 44 20 7123 4567.
Omitting the exit code will result in the call not being routed internationally. Instead, the US phone network will attempt to interpret the numbers as a domestic US phone number, which will obviously fail. Remember to always include the exit code, country code, and area code when making international calls to ensure the call reaches its intended destination.
What is the country code for the UK when calling from America?
The country code for the UK is 44. This is the number you dial after the exit code (011 for the US) when calling the UK from the United States.
When dialing London from the US, you must first dial the US exit code (011), then the UK country code (44), then the London area code (20), and finally the eight-digit local London number. So, the full sequence would look like this: 011 + 44 + 20 + XXXX XXXX. Always remember to drop the initial '0' from the London area code when dialing internationally. For example, if the London phone number is 020 7946 0000, you would dial 011 44 20 7946 0000.Is there a difference if I'm calling a landline versus a mobile phone in London?
Yes, there's a key difference in how you dial a London landline versus a London mobile phone from the US, primarily involving the area code used after the UK country code (+44). For landlines, you'll dial +44 20, followed by the 8-digit local number. For mobile phones, you'll dial +44 7, followed by the 9-digit mobile number.
When calling a London landline from the US, you must include the London area code, which is '20'. However, the initial '0' of the UK area code is dropped when dialing internationally. So, instead of dialing 020, you dial +44 20. The remaining eight digits of the local London number then follow. This area code is crucial as it directs your call specifically to the London geographic area. Without it, your call will not connect to the intended recipient in London. Calling a mobile phone is different because mobile numbers in the UK don't have geographic area codes like landlines. All UK mobile numbers begin with '7'. Again, the initial '0' is dropped when dialing internationally, so you dial +44 7, followed by the remaining nine digits of the mobile number. The '7' identifies the number as a mobile phone and routes the call appropriately through the mobile networks. Incorrectly dialing by using the landline area code for a mobile number, or vice versa, will result in a failed call. Double-checking whether you're calling a landline or a mobile is always a good practice before dialing to ensure your call goes through successfully.How much does it typically cost to call London from a US cell phone?
The cost to call London from a US cell phone varies widely, ranging from free to several dollars per minute, depending on your cell phone plan, whether you use Wi-Fi calling, and if you opt for international calling plans or apps.
Many US cell phone providers offer international calling plans or add-ons that significantly reduce the per-minute cost. These plans can range from a few dollars per month for a set number of minutes to unlimited international calling to specific countries, including the UK. Without such a plan, you might be charged a standard international rate, which can be quite high – often $1 to $3 per minute or even more. It's crucial to check with your provider for their specific rates and available international options before making the call. Another cost-effective alternative is using Wi-Fi calling or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Google Voice. When using these apps over a Wi-Fi connection, calls to London can be free or significantly cheaper than traditional cellular calls, often incurring only data charges, which are typically minimal if you're already paying for Wi-Fi. Just ensure the person you're calling in London also has the same app installed.Are there any free apps for calling London from the US?
Yes, several apps allow you to call London from the US for free, primarily relying on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology which utilizes your internet connection instead of traditional phone lines. These apps often offer free calls to other users of the same app, and sometimes offer free calls to landlines or mobile numbers in London, often supported by advertising or limited usage.
Many apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Skype, Google Voice, and Viber offer free voice and video calls to other users of the same app anywhere in the world, including London. As long as both you and the person you are calling have the app installed and a stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data), the call itself is free. Some of these, notably Google Voice, may offer free calls to actual London phone numbers, but this can be subject to limitations, such as the call length or specific times. Also be aware of your mobile data usage if not on Wi-Fi, as calls can consume a significant amount of data. When choosing an app, consider factors such as the call quality, ease of use, features offered (like video calling or messaging), and the privacy policy of the app provider. Look for apps with good reviews and a reputation for reliability. Remember that while the call itself might be free, your internet provider might still charge you for the data used during the call.Do I need to account for time zone differences when calling London?
Yes, you absolutely need to account for time zone differences when calling London from the US. London operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) during standard time and British Summer Time (BST) during daylight saving time, meaning there will be a significant time difference between London and various locations across the United States. Failing to consider this difference could result in you calling at inconvenient hours, such as the middle of the night.
The extent of the time difference will depend on which part of the US you are calling from. For example, during standard time (roughly November to March), London is 5 hours ahead of the US Eastern Time (EST), 8 hours ahead of Pacific Time (PST), and 6 hours ahead of Central Time (CST). During British Summer Time (roughly March to October) those differences shift to 4, 7, and 5 hours, respectively. It's crucial to check the current time in both your location and London to avoid calling at inappropriate times, like very early morning or late at night. To illustrate, imagine you are on the East Coast (EST) and want to call London at 2 PM London time during British Summer Time. That would be 9 AM EST in the US. If you forget the time difference and call at 2 PM EST, you would be calling London at 7 PM, which may be acceptable but could be nearing the end of their business day.And there you have it! Dialing London from the US shouldn't feel so daunting anymore. We hope this guide has been helpful and that your call across the pond goes smoothly. Thanks for stopping by, and feel free to come back if you ever need a refresher on international calling – or any other helpful tips we might have!