How to Call the UK From the USA
UK Calling Format From the USA
To call the UK from the USA, enter the US international exit code, the UK country code, and then the UK number without its opening domestic trunk prefix.
The complete sequence is:
- Dial 011, the international exit code used from the United States.
- Dial 44, the country code for the United Kingdom.
- Dial the UK area code or mobile code without its first 0.
- Enter the remaining digits of the number.
In short, the format is 011, then 44, then the UK number with its initial 0 removed. Do not pause for a dial tone between these parts.
This same UK country code from the USA applies when you call England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland. If you are trying to work out how to call England from the USA, use the United Kingdom country code rather than looking for a separate country code for England.
How to Call a UK Landline
A UK landline normally appears in domestic format with an area code beginning with 0. The area code identifies a geographic calling area. It may be shown in parentheses or separated from the rest of the number by a space.
When dialing a UK number from the USA, remove only the first 0 from the area code. Keep every digit that follows it. Then place the shortened area code and subscriber number after 011 and 44.
- Confirm that the number is a landline and locate its area code.
- Remove the single 0 at the beginning of that area code.
- Enter 011 and 44 before the remaining number.
- Check the original listing again before starting the call.
The opening 0 is a domestic trunk prefix. It is used for many calls made within the UK, but it is not included after the country code. Removing digits elsewhere can send the call to an invalid or unintended destination.
If the area code is unclear, check the organization’s official Contact Us or Locations page. Use the number exactly as labeled there, applying the international format only when the site displays it in domestic UK format.
How to Call a UK Mobile Number
UK mobile numbers in domestic format also begin with 0. To call a UK mobile from the USA, remove that first 0 and put the remaining mobile digits after the UK country code.
Using the US exit-code method, enter 011, then 44, then all the mobile digits except the initial 0. Do not remove another digit merely because the number contains spaces or is divided into groups. Those visual separators do not change the number.
If the mobile number is already written in international format with a plus sign and the UK country code, do not add 011, another 44, or the domestic 0. Enter the displayed international version as it stands.
Before you call a UK number from the USA, confirm that the source actually identifies it as a mobile number. Use the recipient’s official contact page, verified directory entry, written message, or another source you trust. This avoids guessing from an incomplete number.
Calling From a US Mobile Phone
Most US mobile phones accept either the plus-sign format or the 011 format for international calls. With the plus-sign format, enter +, then 44, then the UK number without its opening 0. With the exit-code format, enter 011 instead of the plus sign.
To type a plus sign, open the phone’s dial pad and press and hold the 0 key until + appears. On some devices, the plus sign may also be available as a separate dial-pad character.
Use one international prefix, not both. A number should begin with either +44 or 011 followed by 44. Adding 011 before a number that already starts with +44 creates an invalid format.
If the number is saved in your contacts, international plus-sign format is usually easier to recognize when reviewing it. Check that the domestic trunk prefix was not left between 44 and the rest of the UK number.
Common Dialing Problems
Incorrect country code: The UK country code is 44. Do not substitute a regional code for England or another part of the UK.
Retained trunk prefix: If the original UK number starts with 0, remove that 0 when placing it after 44.
Missing exit code: From a US landline, begin with 011 before entering the country code. On a US mobile phone, use either 011 or +.
Blocked international calling: If the format is correct but the call does not connect, international calling may be disabled on the line or device. Check the calling controls or contact your telephone provider through its official support channel.
Invalid formatting: Do not duplicate 44, include both + and 011, or remove digits other than the initial domestic 0. Spaces, parentheses, and hyphens are only display separators.
If a recorded message says the number is invalid, end the call and compare each part with the trusted source. Do not repeatedly try altered versions or add digits based on guesswork.
Before You Call
Confirm whether the destination is a UK landline or mobile number.
Check that the full number came from the recipient or an official Contact Us or Locations page.
Account for the time difference and confirm that it is an appropriate time to call.
Make sure international calling is enabled on your phone line.
Choose either 011 and 44 or +44, then remove the UK number’s opening 0.
If anything remains unclear, review the official international-dialing guidance provided by your telephone provider before calling.