International phone calls can be costly and complex, so it’s important to get it right to save money. You have several options if you need to call the UK from the US. Many users prefer popular online calling apps like WhatsApp or Skype due to their cost-effectiveness and convenience. These services are free if you have a subscription to the relevant service.
Platforms like the Talk Home App also offer a convenient and cost-effective alternative, providing crystal-clear calls without an internet connection.
However, it is crucial to understand the procedure for calling London from the US if you are not using online calling options.
This article aims to delve deeper into various aspects crucial for calling London from the US, including:
- The format and components of UK phone numbers.
- A step-by-step guide on international calls to London landlines and mobile phones.
- A list of area codes and their corresponding regions within London.
Is this something you are interested in reading about? Let’s get straight into it.
Table of Contents
Calling in the United Kingdom
Like the US, different counties and cities in the UK have their area codes.
Most UK phone numbers consist of 11 digits, though some older numbers have ten digits due to legacy numbering systems.
A typical UK phone number is formatted like this: 01632 960345.
Breaking it down:
- 0: The initial digit indicating a national (within the UK) call.
- 1632: The area code.
- 960345: The unique landline number.
How to Dial London from the USA?
Calling London from the US or Canada is straightforward when you follow the correct dialing sequence. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you make the call:
Step 1: Dial the Exit Code
To begin, dial the exit code for international calls from the US or Canada, 011. This code signals your telephone provider that you are making an international call.
Step 2: Enter the Country Code for the UK
Next, you must enter the country code for the United Kingdom, 44. This code directs your call to the UK.
Step 3: Dial the Area Code for London
You will need to dial area code 20 for landline numbers in London. The area code connects your call to the correct region within the UK.
It’s important to note that this step is specific to landline numbers.
Step 4: Enter the Local London Phone Number
Finally, enter the 8-digit local phone number. This is the specific number of people or businesses you are trying to reach in London.
Example
Putting it all together, if you are calling a London landline with the number 1234 5678, you would dial:
011 (US/Canada exit code) + 44 (UK country code) + 20 (London area code) + 1234 5678 (local number)
So, the full sequence would be: 011 44 20 1234 5678
How do you call a London mobile number from the US?
Calling a mobile phone in London from the US or Canada is straightforward. Follow these steps to ensure your call connects properly:
Step 1: Enter the US/Canada Exit Code
Begin by dialing the exit code for international calls from the US or Canada, 011. This code allows your call to exit the North American telephone system and connect to the international network.
Step 2: Dial the UK Country Code
Next, you need to enter the country code for the United Kingdom, which is 44. This code routes your call to the UK.
Step 3: Add the Mobile Prefix
Before dialing the mobile number, you must add the prefix 7. This is the standard prefix for all mobile numbers in the UK.
Step 4: Dial the 9-Digit Mobile Number
Finally, enter the remaining nine digits of the mobile phone number you are calling.
Example
If you are calling a London mobile number like 71234 56789, you will dial:
011 (US/Canada exit code) + 44 (UK country code) + 7 (mobile prefix) + 1234 56789 (local mobile number)
So, the full sequence would be: 011 44 7 1234 56789
Popular London Area Codes
London has various area codes covering different parts of the city. These area codes are used for both landline and mobile phone numbers. Here is a comprehensive list of London area codes and the locations they correspond to:
| Area Code | Location |
| 20 | Central London |
| 208 | Outer London |
| 209 | Outer London |
| 21 | Central London (alternative code) |
| 22 | Inner London |
| 23 | Inner London |
| 24 | Inner London |
| 25 | Inner London |
| 26 | Inner London |
| 27 | Inner London |
| 28 | Inner London |
| 29 | Inner London |
Things to Consider Before Calling London from the US
Before making an international call from the United States to London, several essential factors must be considered to ensure a smooth and cost-effective connection.
Here are some key points to keep in mind:
1. Time Zone Differences
The time difference between the US and the UK is a crucial consideration to avoid calling at inconvenient hours. London operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or British Summer Time (BST) during daylight saving periods. Here’s a helpful table to help you understand the time differences based on your US location:
| US Time Zone | Hours Behind UK Time Zone |
| Eastern Standard Time (EST) | 5 hours behind (GMT) |
| Central Standard Time (CST) | 6 hours behind (GMT) |
| Mountain Standard Time (MST) | 7 hours behind (GMT) |
| Pacific Time Zone (PST) | 8 hours behind (GMT) |
Moreover, it is pertinent to note that the US observes daylight saving time, which begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November.
This is two weeks earlier than the UK, causing a temporary one-hour shift in the time difference during this period.
2. Call Charges
International calls can be expensive, so knowing the potential charges before dialing is essential. Here are some considerations:
- Carrier Rates: Check with your telephone service provider for international calling rates to the UK. Rates can vary significantly between carriers.
- Calling Plans: Some providers offer international calling plans or add-ons that can reduce the cost of calls to the UK.
- Alternative Services: Consider using internet-based communication services like Skype, WhatsApp, or Google Voice, often offering free or low-cost international calling options.
3. Connection Quality
Connection quality is an essential consideration when calling abroad. The call quality can be affected by various factors, such as network reliability and time of day.
Network reliability ensures you and the recipient have a reliable network connection to avoid dropped calls or poor audio quality. Moreover, the network might be congested, leading to lower call quality during the peak hours of the day.
4. Dialing Sequence
Dialing the correct sequence of numbers is essential when making an international call. For calling a London landline, the sequence is:
- Dial the US exit code: 011
- Enter the UK dialing code: 44
- Dial the London area code 20 (for landlines)
- Enter the local phone number
Remember to include the mobile prefix (7) before the local number when calling a London mobile number.
5. Alternative Contact Methods
If a phone call is not necessary, consider alternative methods of communication such as email, text messages, or video calls. These methods can be more convenient and cost-effective.
Considering these factors, you can ensure that your call to London is timely, cost-effective, and high-quality.
Proper preparation and understanding of the various considerations will make your international calling experience much smoother and more enjoyable.
Call to London from the USA with Talk Home App
Talk Home App is the fastest-growing international calling app. It allows you to make high-quality and cheap international calls to 200+ destinations without an internet connection.
With the cheapest calling bundles starting from just 1p/min, you can talk more for less without breaking the bank.
Moreover, Talk Home App also ensures complete transparency with zero hidden charges, making it a reliable choice for staying connected with your contacts in London.
The Bottom Line
All in all, making international calls to the United Kingdom, particularly to London, is manageable with the proper knowledge. This article has provided a detailed guide on understanding the structure of UK phone numbers, the specific steps for dialing London landlines and mobile phones from the US or Canada, and the various area codes used within London.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your calls connect efficiently, whether for personal or business purposes.
Moreover, leveraging internet-based communication services can offer cost-effective alternatives for staying connected with your contacts in London.
FAQs
How many digits does a phone number in London have?
A typical phone number in London has ten digits, including the area code.
How do I make an international call from London?
To make an international call from London, dial the international access code (00), the country code, the area code (excluding the leading zero), and the local phone number.
How can you call London from the US for free?
To call London from the US for free, use internet-based communication services such as Skype, WhatsApp, or Google Voice, which provide free or low-cost international calling options.
