How to Call the UK from Canada? A Comprehensive Guide

Making an international call can often be confusing, leading to frustration for many due to the various dialing patterns, high costs, and differing country codes.

If you’re trying to call the UK from Canada and need assistance with the dialing procedure, you’ve come to the right place. Calling the UK is not as complicated as it might appear. It follows a straightforward dialing pattern, and once you become familiar with it, making the call is easy.

Understanding UK Phone Number Format

UK phone numbers are simple once you know the basics. They start with +44 for international calls or 0 for local ones. Most numbers are 10 digits long. Landlines have area codes like 020 for London, while mobile numbers usually begin with 07. There are also special numbers, like 0800, which are toll-free, and others for businesses. These rules help people and businesses connect without mistakes.

How to Call the UK from Canada? Step by Step

Making a call from Canada to the UK is straightforward if you follow the correct dialing process. Below is a clear and concise step-by-step guide to help you make the call easily.  

Calling a UK Landline from Canada

1. Start with Canada’s Exit Code (011): To make an international call, dial 011, Canada’s international exit code. This will notify your phone provider that the call is international.  
2. Dial the UK Country Code (44): After entering the exit code, proceed by dialing 44, the UK’s country code.  
3. Enter the UK Area Code: Next, dial the area code of the city or region in the UK you wish to call. For instance:  

London: The area code is 20  

Example: Dial 20 for a London-based number.  

4. Finish with the Local Phone Number: 

Finally, dial the remaining portion of the UK phone number. For example, if the number is 7123-4557, include it at the end of the dialing sequence.  

Example Format for a Landline:

011-44-20-7123-4557

011:Canada’s exit code  

44: UK country code  

20: London area code  

7123-4557: Local landline number  

Calling a UK Mobile Phone from Canada  

1. Dial Canada’s Exit Code (011): To make international calls from Canada, start by entering 011.  
2. Enter the UK Country Code (44): Add 44, the international dialing code for the UK.  
3. Dial the UK Mobile Number: Input the UK mobile number, which typically begins with a 7 and is followed by 9 digits.  

Example Format for a Mobile Number:011-44-7975-455667  

011: Canada’s exit code  

44: UK country code  

7975-455667: Mobile number

Tips for Calling the UK from Canada  

Landline Numbers: Generally, UK landline numbers consist of an area code (2–5 digits) followed by a local number. 

Mobile Numbers: UK mobile numbers always start with 7 and are 10 digits long, excluding international codes.  

By following these instructions, you can ensure a seamless connection when dialing the UK from Canada!

List of Popular UK Area Codes

Some area codes of popular areas and cities in the UK are listed below:

How Much Does it Cost to Call the UK from Canada?

Generally, rates range from as low as $0.013 per minute to as high as $1 per minute. These differences are determined by whether you are calling a landline or a mobile number, as mobile calls are often more expensive.

Calling the United Kingdom from Canada can cost significantly depending on your service provider and the type of phone you use. So, it is advisable to check with your telecommunications provider or opt for services offering affordable international calling plans to avoid excessive costs. For those frequently making international calls, exploring alternatives like VoIP services, which often offer lower rates, can lead to significant savings.

When to Call the United Kingdom from Canada? 

The optimal time to make a call to the United Kingdom from Canada should consider the time difference between both nations. Typically, the United Kingdom is 5 hours ahead of the Eastern Time Zone in Canada and 8 hours ahead of the Pacific Time Zone. This indicates that midday in Canada’s Eastern Time Zone is 5 p.m. in the UK. Likewise, noon in Canada’s Pacific Time Zone is 8 p.m. in the UK.

When factoring in the time difference, the ideal hours to reach the UK from Canada are between 1 pm and 5 pm UK time, which translates to 8 am to 12 pm Eastern time in Canada. This aligns with the business hours in the UK and ensures that calls don’t disrupt anyone late at night.

Here’s a brief table based on the time difference:

Time Zone Differences Between UK and Canada

The United Kingdom follows Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) during standard time and British Summer Time (BST) when daylight saving time is in effect.

Canada has six main time zones: Pacific Time (PST), Mountain Time (MST), Central Time (CST), Eastern Time (EST), Atlantic Time (AST), and Newfoundland Time (NST).

Under GMT, the UK is 5 hours ahead of Canada’s Eastern Standard Time (EST) and 8 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time (PST). However, when the UK observes British Summer Time (BST), the time difference increases by 1 hour, making it 6 hours ahead of EST and 9 hours ahead of PST.

Alternative Methods to Call the UK from Canada

1. Use VoIP Services

Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, like Dialaxy, offer affordable rates and reliable connections. VoIP technology allows calls to be made over the internet, bypassing traditional phone lines. Here’s how you can make calls using VoIP:

• Sign up and log in using the correct credentials. 
• Purchase a UK virtual phone number.
• Choose a pricing plan and make payment.
• Submit necessary documents if required.
• Start calling the United Kingdom from Canada.

2. Use calling cards

International calling cards are another cost-effective solution for making calls to the UK. These prepaid cards allow you to make calls at discounted rates.

Follow these steps to call the UK from Canada using a prepaid card:

1. Purchase a card from the nearest store or online.
2. Find the PIN. You can get it after gently scratching off the silver coating on the card. 
3. Activate the card.
4. Start making calls.

3. Use Mobile Applications

Applications like WhatsApp, Viber, FaceTime, and Skype have revolutionized international communication. These apps allow users to make voice and video calls over the internet for free, provided both parties have the app installed.

Here’s how you can call the UK from Canada using a mobile application:

1. Save the UK phone number in your contact list.
2. Open the WhatsApp app on your phone.
3. Select the contact you want to call in the UK.
4. You can start a voice or video call by clicking on the phone or video icon at the top right corner of the contact’s chat window.

4. Use a Computer If You Do Not Have a Phone

You can call the UK from Canada even if you don’t have a mobile phone. VoIP services, sip trunking, social media, and web apps allow people to make international calls. These apps include WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Skype, etc. You just need to install the app on your computer and register your account.

5. Use Social Media Applications

You may use the Internet to make free international calls on well-known social media sites like Instagram, Messenger, Snapchat, and others. Both you and the person you wish to call must have identical social media accounts and be online (either via Wi-Fi or mobile data) in order to utilize this service to make international calls to the UK from Canada.

Here’s how you can call the UK from Canada using a social media application:

1. Open the social media app on your phone.
2. Add the person you want to call in the UK as your “Friend” in the social media app.
3. Select the person you want to call in the UK.
4. You can start a voice or video call by clicking on the phone or video icon at the top right corner of the contact’s chat window.

Why is Dialaxy the Best Option to Call the UK from Canada?

Dialaxy is among the best choices for making international calls from Canada to the UK because it provides competitive and reasonably priced international dialing rates. Its user-friendly interface and consistent connections ensure clear and dependable communications without requiring complicated settings.

It also provides various payment alternatives, such as pay-as-you-go plans, which allow you to pay only for the services you use. Because of these capabilities, Dialaxy is a practical and affordable way to stay connected across borders.

Final Thoughts 

At first, calling the UK from Canada could seem challenging, but if you know how to do it, it’s simple. There is a solution to fit every demand and budget, whether you use social media apps, contemporary VoIP services like Dialaxy, or conventional phone lines.

You may make sure that communication with friends, family, or business associates in the UK is easy and reasonably priced by scheduling your conversations during the best times, using economical alternatives, and being aware of time zone differences.

Stay connected between continents without going over budget by selecting the approach that suits you the most!

FAQs

Which country has a +44 code?

The United Kingdom (UK) has a +44 code.

Is +1 a Canadian code?

Yes, Canada uses +1 when calling from a cell phone.

How many digits is a UK phone number?

Most UK phone numbers are eleven (11) digits, including dialing codes. However, only some areas contain ten (10) digits.

Can I use WhatsApp to make free calls to the UK?

Yes, you can use WhatsApp to make free calls to the UK as long as the recipient is available in the app.

Can I call the UK without dialing the exit code?

Yes, if you use + instead of the exit code, you can call the UK without dialing it.