How to Call the USA from the UK? A Comprehensive Guide

Have you ever needed to contact someone in the USA but weren’t sure how to do it from the UK? Maybe you’re trying to call your family and friends in California or set up a business meeting in New York.

Dialing a foreign number can seem confusing at first, mainly if you don’t want to end up with a big phone bill. But don’t worry, it’s simpler than you think. In this guide, we will lead you through how to call the USA from the UK:

Let’s dive in!!!

Understand USA Phone Number Format

Before you make a call to the USA from the UK, you must understand the USA phone number format properly. Let’s see what a USA phone number looks like:

+1 (XXX) XXX-X X

Confused? Don’t worry, here is a breakdown of each part:

1. Country Code (+1)

The country code is what you type in the first before calling internationally. The country code for the USA is +1. This code is placed first on the phone number when calling the USA from other countries like the UK. 

2. Area Code (XXX)

Part XXX in the above number is the area code. Every city or region in the USA has its area code. The area code a is a 3-digit number. After country code, you need to dial the area code of the location that you’re trying to call.

For example: The area code for New York is 212, for Los Angeles is 213, and for Chicago is 312. 

3. Local Number (XXX-XXXX)

The last part of the USA phone number is the unique local number specific to an individual or business within that area code. Local numbers are seven digits long and typically split into two parts. 

A local number looks like 555-4567, where 555 is the exchange code while 4567 is the subscriber’s number.

4. Complete Format

Putting it all together, a USA phone number format looks like:

+1 XXX XXX-X X

• If you’re trying to call Los Angeles number 555-4567 from abroad, then you should be dialing +1 213 555 4567.

How do you call USA with UK?

To call the USA from the UK, you will need to type the UK’s exit code, dial the country code, area code, and then the local phone number. Let’s dive into each step of how to dial the USA from the UK carefully:

1. Get your exit code

The first step to calling internationally is to enter the exit code of your country. It is also called the international dialing prefix. From the UK, the exit code is 00. Dial 00 first to make an international call. 

An exit code is only necessary when you are trying to call the USA from a landline. Mobile users can use + before the country code. 

2. Enter the country code

When calling from the UK to the USA, the next step will be dialing the country code. The country code for the USA is +1. If your mobile doesn’t support +, then you can directly dial 1 without it. 

3. Dial the area code

After the country code, the next step is to dial the area code of the region that you’re calling. This is a 3-digit code to dial after the country code. Omit the leading 0, if any. 

If you’re calling New York, your dial-pad should look like 001 212 (landline) and +1 212 (mobile). And then the rest of the number.  

4. Type in the rest of the phone number

Finally, enter the rest of the phone numbers, and you are all set to talk to the USA.

Let’s see some examples of what your number should look like before calling.

• Dialing Los Angeles from the UK (Using mobile): +1 (213) 555-1234
• Dialing Los Angeles from the UK (Using landline): 001 (213) 555-1234

List of Major USA Area Code

There are about 335 area codes inside the USA. Let’s see some area codes of the major cities:

Tips for Making Cost-Effective Calls to the USA

International calls always don’t have to be expensive. Whether you are on a business call to the USA or contacts in the USA, there are always some affordable options.

Here are some tips that will make your call to the USA more cost-effective.

Use of International Calling Plans

If you frequently make calls to the USA, you can buy international calling plans from your mobile network provider. Here are some benefits that can save you money:

• Phone service providers in the UK, such as EE, Vodafone, and O2, offer discounted international plans. 
• You can choose from the different plans that suit you. For example, you can buy plans based on the minute, so you only pay for what you use. 

VoIP Services

You can use voice-over communication protocol (VoIP) to call to the USA. It is the best option for international calls as it is free and uses the internet to call. 

• VoIP apps like Skype, WhatsApp, Dialaxy, etc., offer us a free call anywhere in the world if both parties have the app.
• VoIP uses the internet instead of traditional phone systems, making it a very affordable option.

International Calling Cards

If you don’t want to use the internet or mobile apps for calls, then international calling cards can be a great option.

• International calling cards offer cheaper rates for international calls than the standard mobile charges. 
• It is very simple to use. You just need to dial the access number followed by the USA phone number to call. 

Mobile Apps and Services

You can use specific mobile apps to stay in touch with the USA. This is a very cost-effective option. 

• You can use Google Voice for a free call to the USA using their app or website. It is ideal for both personal and business phones. 
• VoIP apps like WhatsApp offer you free voice and video calls via the internet. 

Time Zone Considerations

Whether you are on a business call or a personal call, time zone differences may affect the quality of the call. Knowing the different time zones of the USA (Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific) is crucial.

Using a world clock can help you track the time of the person you are calling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Calling the USA

Calling the USA from the UK is quite easy. However, some common mistakes can lead to frustration and waste of time and money. 

Let’s discuss some common mistakes to avoid while calling the USA and also some tips to help you: 

Incorrect Dialing Codes 

One of the simplest mistakes people make is dialing the incorrect area code while making a call to the USA. As the USA has over 350 area codes, it may be confusing sometimes. Using the wrong area code may lead your call to the wrong recipient. 

Tips to avoid them:

• Before calling, verify the area code of the person that you are trying to call. You can easily find area codes online.
• Know the USA phone number format, which looks like +1 (area code) XXX-XXXX.

Confusing International Access Codes

Another common mistake is users may be confused about the difference between their own country’s dialing code and the USA’s code.

Tips to avoid them:

• Understand the dialing formats properly. 
• You may have phone numbers stored with +44. Replace it with +1 while dialing the USA number. 

Time Zone Issues

Time zone confusion is another major mistake. The USA has multiple time zones, and calling at the wrong time can be inconvenient for the recipient.

Tips to avoid them:

• Know all 6 time zones of the USA from Eastern to Hawaii. 
• You can use apps like World Clock to plan calls to the USA.

How can you call the USA from the UK without extra charges?

If you are trying to call USA from UK without the extra international charges, you should go for internet-based calling rather than traditional phone lines. Here are some of the best methods to call USA with UK, saving the extra charges:

Using Internet-based Calling Apps

Calling the USA from the UK via internet-based calling saves you a lot of extra charges. These free apps let you connect to the USA with minimal internet charges. Some of the popular internet-based calling apps that support both voice and video calls are:

• WhatsApp: Allows users to make voice and video calls free. All you need is a smooth internet connection on both sides. 

• Skype: Offers Skype-to-Skype calls. It only needs a stable internet connection. 

• Google Meet: Simple and free for video calls and group calls.

• Zoom: Great for professional calls and longer calls.

Free Calling via Phone Networks

In the UK, some phone service providers support free international calls through WiFi. Check if your provider allows WiFi calling to the USA with no extra charge. 

Also, some mobile providers even have attractive plans for international calls. You can take advantage of that to save some extra charges. 

Why Dialaxy is the Best Option for Call the USA?

Dialaxy is the best choice to call USA with UK. Its attractive plans and exciting offers make it the best option to call the USA. Here are some reasons why it is a strong option for calling the USA.

Affordable International Calls to the USA

• Dialaxy is based on VoIP technology,y which reduces international calling calls compared to traditional phone services. 
• We offers clear and competitive pricing, helping users with affordable international calls. 

Virtual Numbers for the USA

• Dialaxy allows you to get a USA virtual phone number which means you can receive calls from the USA even if you are in the UK.
• This is especially useful for business owners or individuals trying to achieve a USA presence. 

Ease of Use and Reliability

• We offer a user-friendly interface and easy setup for VoIP phones and virtual numbers, simplifying the process of making international calls. 
• We prioritize reliability and flexibility, ensuring that calls to the USA are clear and uninterrupted. This helps to improve the quality of communication. 

Final Words

Calling Australia from the UK is easy. Just make sure you use the correct dialing format and codes. Knowing these codes will help to find cost-effective options, making it simpler to keep in touch with family or business members while saving money.

Whether you’re using a landline, mobile, or VoIP, following the right method will help your call connect without any errors. 

Happy dialing!! 🌏📞

FAQs

What is the country code for the USA? Is it 011 or 001?

The correct country code for the USA is 001.

How do I dial to the US from the UK? 

To call USA from UK, you need to use the UK exit code (00), followed by the USA’s country code (+1), the area code, and the local number.

Do you put 0 after 44? 

No, you do not put a 0 after 44 when dialing internationally. 44 is the country code for the UK, and when dialing from another country, you should delete the first 0 from the UK phone number’s area code.

Is calling the US from the UK expensive?

Calling the US from the UK can be expensive using old phone lines. However, costs can be reduced using VoIP services, international calling plans, or apps offering low rates.

Is the US country code 001 or 1?

The US country code is 1. When dialing internationally, you can use either 001 (with the international exit code 00) or simply +1 (on a mobile). Both work the same way.

Which country code is 44?

44 is the country code for the United Kingdom (UK). It is used to make international calls to the UK. 

How do I dial an international number from the UK?

To dial an international number from the UK, dial the UK exit code(00), followed by the country code of the country you are trying to call, the area code, and the receiver’s local phone number. 

How do I call the US from the UK for free?

You can call the US from the UK for free using internet-based calling apps like WhatsApp and Skype. Just make sure both parties have the app installed.

How do I text an American number from the UK?

To text an American number from the UK, enter the international dialing code (+ or 00), followed by the US country code, the area code, and a local number. 

• Example: To text a number in New York (area code 212), you would text +1 212 123 4567 or 001 212 123 4567

Is +1 the same as 011? 

No, +1 and 011 are not the same:

• +1 is used when dialing into the US from abroad (e.g., from the UK).
• 011 is used when dialing internationally from the US.