Folks from the US call loved ones in London, team up with colleagues across Manchester, or get help through reps in Edinburgh - day after day. Here's a no-fuss walkthrough that shows exactly how it works.
UK Country Code: +44
The UK's international number is +44. That covers every part - England, Scotland, Wales, plus Northern Ireland - all using one code. Calling any city? It stays the same, no matter where you're reaching.
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions
1
Dial the US Exit Code (011)
The exit code signals an international call. On smartphones, holding the 0 key produces the + symbol, which serves the same function.
2
Enter the UK Country Code (44)
After the exit code, dial 44 to route the call to the United Kingdom's telephone network.
3
Add the Area Code (Drop the Leading 0)
UK domestic numbers begin with 0, but this digit must be omitted for international calls. London's 020 becomes 20, Birmingham's 0121 becomes 121, and so on.
4
Complete with the Local Number
Enter the remaining digits of the phone number. UK numbers typically contain 10-11 digits in total.
Example: Calling a London Number
UK Number: 020 7946 0958
From US Landline: 011-44-20-7946-0958
From US Mobile: +44 20 7946 0958
Note: The initial 0 in 020 is dropped for international calls.
UK Area Codes by Region
The United Kingdom uses geographic area codes for landline numbers. These codes vary in length depending on the region. Below is a reference table of commonly dialed UK area codes:
Time Zone Difference: USA to UK
The UK observes Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) during winter months and British Summer Time (BST, GMT+1) from late March through late October. The table below shows the time difference from major US time zones:
When it's 12:00 PM in London:
New York (EST)
7:00 AM (−5 hours)
Chicago (CST)
6:00 AM (−6 hours)
Denver (MST)
5:00 AM (−7 hours)
Los Angeles (PST)
4:00 AM (−8 hours)
Best times to call UK from US East Coast: 7 AM - 12 PM EST (12 PM - 5 PM UK time)
Is Calling UK from USA Expensive?
Frequent calls to the UK from a personal cell phone or regular landline can become expensive. The cost varies depending on the method used:
| Calling Method |
Cost per Minute |
Quality |
Convenience |
| Traditional Carrier (AT&T, Verizon) |
$1.50 - $3.00+ |
✓ Excellent |
✓ Easy |
| International Calling Card |
$0.02 - $0.10 |
Variable |
✗ Inconvenient |
| VoIP Apps (WiFi only) |
Free - $0.02 |
Depends on internet |
Requires internet |
| MoreMins Virtual Number |
$0.01 - $0.05 |
✓ Excellent |
✓ Very Easy |
Using MoreMins for Calls to the UK
If you call the UK regularly, a virtual phone number offers a cost-effective alternative. With a UK virtual number from MoreMins, contacts in the UK can reach you at local rates, while you receive calls for free — regardless of your location.
Free Incoming Calls
Get UK calls at no cost, wherever you are globally
Free Incoming SMS
Get SMS verification codes from UK services
Works Worldwide
Call using your UK number while in over 160 nations
No SIM Required
Operates via the MoreMins app found on your phone
+44
UK Virtual Number
$0.99
per month
Free inc. calls and sms
Use code: STAYCONNECTED
How to Set Up a UK Virtual Number
1
Register and Select a UK Number
Create an account at moremins.com and choose a UK (+44) virtual number. Activation is instant.
2
Share the Number with UK Contacts
Provide the UK number to family, friends, or business contacts. They can call at standard UK local rates.
3
Receive Incoming Calls at No Cost
Incoming calls to the UK virtual number are routed through the MoreMins app. There is no charge to receive calls, regardless of location.
4
Make Outgoing Calls at Low Rates
Call any UK number starting at $0.01 per minute. Outgoing calls display the UK caller ID.
Things to Consider Before Calling the UK
Omit the Leading Zero
UK area codes start with 0 for domestic calls. When dialing internationally, omit this zero. For example, London's 020 becomes 20.
Mobile vs Landline Numbers
UK mobile numbers begin with 07. When calling from abroad, dial 7 followed by the remaining 9 digits. Landlines use geographic area codes.
Premium Rate Numbers
Numbers beginning with 09 are premium rate and carry high charges. Numbers starting with 084 or 087 are service numbers with elevated costs.
Freephone Numbers
UK freephone numbers (0800, 0808) are typically not free when dialed from outside the UK. Alternative contact methods may be available.
Frequently Asked Questions
The UK country code is +44. This code applies to all parts of the United Kingdom: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
When calling from the USA, dial 011-44 followed by the area code (skip the leading 0) and the local number.
UK mobile numbers start with 07. To call from the USA:
- Dial 011 (US exit code)
- Dial 44 (UK country code)
- Dial 7 + the rest of the mobile number (drop the leading 0)
Example: UK mobile 07700 900123 → From USA: 011-44-7700-900123
The smartest solution is grabbing a UK virtual phone number from MoreMins:
- $0.99/month for a UK virtual number
- Free incoming calls from UK
- Affordable outgoing calls to UK (from $0.01/min)
- Works anywhere in the world
Your UK contacts call your UK number at local rates, while you answer for free!
The UK is 5-8 hours ahead of the continental USA, depending on your time zone:
- East Coast (EST): UK is 5 hours ahead
- Central (CST): UK is 6 hours ahead
- Mountain (MST): UK is 7 hours ahead
- Pacific (PST): UK is 8 hours ahead
Best calling window: 7 AM - 12 PM Eastern Time (12 PM - 5 PM UK time)
Yes! You can send SMS to UK numbers from the USA using the same format:
+44 + area code (without 0) + local number
With a MoreMins UK virtual number, you can also receive SMS from UK services — perfect for verification codes!
Ready to Start Calling UK?
Get your UK virtual number today and enjoy free
incoming calls from the UK!
