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Introduction

Understanding the UK Calling Code is essential for anyone making international calls to or from the United Kingdom. This guide provides a clear, professional explanation of the UK calling code, its format, and how to use it correctly when dialing internationally. Whether you are a business professional or an individual traveler, mastering the UK Calling Code for international calls will ensure seamless, cost-effective communication worldwide.

What Is the UK International Calling Code

The UK’s international calling code is +44.

When calling the United Kingdom from abroad, you dial your international exit code first (such as 00 or +), then 44, followed by the UK phone number without the leading zero. That zero is only used for domestic calls within the UK and must be removed for international dialing.

How to Call the UK from Abroad

Once you know the correct order, calling the United Kingdom from abroad becomes easy, particularly for people planning to study abroad in the UK or moving to the UK.

You begin with your country’s international exit code. This is often 00; you can also use the + symbol on a mobile phone. Next, dial 44, which is the UK’s international calling code. After that, enter the UK phone number, but remove the leading zero from the area code or mobile number.

UK numbers always start with a zero when dialed domestically. That zero only works inside the UK. For international calls, it must be dropped.

For example, a London landline number, 020 7946 0958, becomes +44 20 7946 0958 when called from abroad. A UK mobile number written as 07123 456789 becomes +44 7123 456789.

If you save UK numbers in your phone using the +44 format, they will work automatically, no matter which country you’re calling from or whether you use standard or internet-based calling.

The basic rule never changes. Exit code first, then 44, then the UK number without its starting zero.

How to Call a UK Landline

1. Start With the International Exit Code

Every international call begins with your country’s exit code. In many places, this is 00, while on mobile phones, you can simply use the + symbol.

2. Dial the UK Country Code

After the exit code, enter 44, which routes the call into the United Kingdom telephone network.

3. Remove the Leading Zero From the Area Code

UK landline numbers always begin with a zero when dialed domestically. This zero must be removed for international calls, or the call will not connect.

4. Add the Area Code and Local Number

UK cities and regions have different area codes. London: 20; Manchester: 161; Birmingham: 121; Edinburgh: 131. Dial the area code without the zero, followed by the local number.

5. Example for Clarity

A London landline written locally as 020 7946 0958 should be dialed internationally as +44 20 7946 0958.

6. Save Numbers Correctly

Saving UK landlines in the +44 format ensures they work from any country and across mobile and internet calling services.

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How to Call a UK Mobile Number

1. Start With the International Exit Code

Begin with your country’s international exit code. This is usually 00; you can also use the + symbol when calling from a mobile phone.

2. Dial the UK Country Code

Next, enter 44 to connect the call to the United Kingdom mobile network.

3. Remove the Leading Zero

UK mobile numbers start with 07 when dialed locally. For international calls, drop the zero. The 07 becomes 7.

4. Dial the Remaining Mobile Number

After removing the zero, dial the remaining number exactly as given.

5. Example to Make It Clear

A UK mobile written as 07123 456789 should be dialled internationally as +44 7123 456789.

6. Save Numbers in International Format

Saving UK mobile numbers using +44 ensures they work worldwide and across standard and internet-based calling apps.

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How to Call the UK from a Mobile Phone

1. Use the Plus Symbol Instead of an Exit Code

On a mobile phone, you don’t need to dial an international exit code like 00. Simply start with the + symbol. This automatically tells the network you’re making a global call.

2. Dial the UK Country Code

After the plus symbol, enter 44, which is the international calling code for the United Kingdom.

3. Remove the Leading Zero

UK phone numbers begin with a zero when dialed domestically. This zero must be removed when calling from abroad. Keeping it will prevent the call from connecting.

4. Enter the Full Phone Number

Dial the remaining number exactly as provided. This applies to both landlines and mobile numbers.

5. Example for Clarity

A UK mobile written locally as 07123 456789 should be dialed from a mobile phone as +44 7123 456789.

A London landline written as 020 7946 0958 becomes +44 20 7946 0958.

6. Save Numbers Correctly

Saving UK numbers in the +44 format ensures they work from any country, on any mobile network, and across internet calling apps.

Using the Internet and App-Based Calling

Using the internet and app-based calling is often the easiest way to reach the United Kingdom, especially if you’re calling frequently or for long conversations.

Internet calling works over data rather than traditional phone networks, which usually means lower costs and fewer surprises. As long as both sides have a stable internet connection, distance doesn’t matter much for call quality.

App-based voice and video calls are the most common option. If both people use the same app, calls are typically free, except for data usage. This is ideal for staying in touch with family, friends, or colleagues without worrying about international rates.

Some services also let you call UK landlines and mobile numbers directly with credit or a monthly plan. This is useful when the person you’re calling doesn’t use apps or needs to be reached on a standard phone number.

Wi-Fi calling through mobile networks is another practical option. When enabled, calls are routed through the internet instead of mobile towers, which can improve clarity and reduce roaming charges depending on your plan.

Saving UK numbers in international format, starting with +44, ensures they work smoothly across apps, phones, and devices.

The practical takeaway is simple. For regular or long-distance calls to the UK, internet-based calling is usually cheaper, more flexible, and easier to manage than traditional dialing.

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Time Zone Considerations

When calling the United Kingdom, time zone awareness helps avoid missed calls or awkward timing. The UK uses Greenwich Mean Time and switches to British Summer Time during daylight saving time. This means the time difference changes slightly through the year for callers in other regions. Early to mid-morning or early evening UK time usually works best for both personal and professional calls. A quick time check before dialing saves effort and shows basic courtesy, especially for business conversations.

What are UK area codes?

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the international calling code for the UK?

The international calling code for the United Kingdom is +44. This code is used when calling any UK number from outside the country. It routes the call to the UK telephone network.

2. How do I call the UK from another country?

First dial your country’s international exit code. Then dial 44, followed by the UK phone number without the leading zero. This format applies to both landline and mobile numbers.

3. What is the exit code used to call the UK from abroad?

The exit code depends on the country you are calling from. For example, the exit code is 00 from most European countries and 011 from the United States. This code allows the call to leave your local network.

4. Do I need to remove the zero when calling UK numbers internationally?

Yes, the leading zero used in UK domestic numbers must be removed for international calls. This applies to all geographic and mobile numbers. Keeping the zero may prevent the call from connecting.

5. How do I call a UK mobile number from overseas?

Dial your exit code, then 44, followed by the mobile number without the starting zero. UK mobile numbers usually begin with 7 when written internationally. The dialing format is the same worldwide.

6. Are UK landline numbers different from mobile numbers?

Yes, UK landline numbers use area codes linked to cities or regions. Mobile numbers are not location-based and follow different prefixes. Both require the +44 code when called internationally.

7. What is the UK exit code for calling other countries?

The UK exit code is 00. People calling from the UK use this code before dialing another country’s calling code. For example, calling the USA from the UK starts with 00 followed by the US code.

8. How much does it cost to call the UK internationally?

The cost depends on your phone provider and calling plan. Without an international package, charges can be high. Many callers use international plans or internet-based calling services to reduce costs.

9. Can I call the UK using internet calling services?

Yes, many people use internet calling apps to contact UK numbers. These services usually require only an internet connection. They are often cheaper than traditional international calls.

10. Is calling the UK the same as calling other countries?

The process is similar, but the country code is different for each destination. The UK specifically uses +44. Always verify the correct country code before dialing.

11. What should I check before making an international call to the UK?

Confirm the full number format and remove the leading zero. Check international calling rates with your provider. Ensuring correct dialing avoids failed calls and extra charges.