How to Call the UK from the US: A Step-by-Step Guide

Want to do business with the UK?
Better know how to dial it first.

Sure, Americans and Brits may differ when it comes to spelling, sports, and the proper use of the word “biscuit.” But when it comes to business? The two countries speak the same language—especially when a phone call is involved.

The United States and the United Kingdom enjoy one of the most powerful bilateral trade relationships in the world. In 2024 alone, this partnership generated over $148 billion in goods and services¹. 

If you want to tap into that transatlantic opportunity, start with the basics: how to call the UK from the US. Once you’ve nailed the number format, all you need is a strong pitch and a phone system that delivers crystal-clear, cost-effective calls every time.

This guide walks you through the entire process of connecting across the pond with ease: dialing codes, time zones, call quality tips, and tools that can streamline your international calling workflow.

Key Takeaways

• Calling the UK is easier than you think. Whether it’s a landline, mobile, or toll-free number, all you need is the right dialing format—and a few simple steps.
• Area codes and etiquette matter. From understanding UK prefixes to striking the right tone on business calls, knowing the local norms goes a long way.
• With UK virtual numbers, auto dialers, and crystal-clear calls, VoIP calling systems make international calling more efficient and far cheaper than traditional carriers.

How to Call UK Landlines from the US

If you’ve ever wondered how to call England from the US, the process is easier than it sounds—just a few simple steps. 

Whether it’s your first international call or your 50th, this guide breaks it down so clearly, you could do it with one hand on your coffee and the other on your keypad.

Here’s how to dial a UK number from the US in five easy steps

Step 1: Dial the US Exit Code (011)

This code signals to your carrier that you’re making an international call. Think of it as your way of saying, “Hey, I’m leaving the US dialing system.”

Step 2: Add the UK Country Code (44)

Every country has its own dialing prefix. The UK international code is 44. Easy enough to remember.

Step 3: Drop the Leading “0” from the UK Area Code

In the UK, area codes usually start with a zero (e.g., 020 for London). But when dialing from abroad, you’ll need to omit this initial zero.

Step 4: Dial the Rest of the Area Code

Now, punch in the actual area code—minus the “0.” For London’s “020,” for example, you’d just dial “20.”

Step 5: Enter the Landline Number

UK local numbers are typically eight digits long, though they can vary slightly depending on the region or mobile carrier. Just enter the number as it appears—no need to add spaces or dashes.

How to Call a UK Mobile from the US

If you want to know how to call a UK number from the US using your mobile, it’s just as simple as calling a landline, with one small twist. Instead of dialing a geographic area code (like “20” for London), you’ll use the UK’s mobile prefix.

Let’s walk through it step by step.

Step 1: Start with the Plus Sign (+)

If you’re using a cell phone or VoIP service like CloudTalk, just use the “+” symbol by holding down the “0” key.

Step 2: Add the UK Country Code (44)

This is the international calling code for the United Kingdom. It stays the same whether you’re calling London or any other city.

Step 3: Enter the Mobile Prefix (7)

UK mobile numbers start with 07, but when dialing internationally, you’ll drop that first zero and just use 7.

Step 4: Dial the Remaining 9 Digits

UK mobile numbers are typically 9 digits. So after the “7,” punch in the mobile phone number.

Crack the UK Area Codes

UK area codes may vary a bit in length, but the system is actually quite straightforward. Each city or region has its own unique code to help direct your call—just like zip codes for your voice.

Here’s the quick scoop:

UK area codes range from 2 to 5 digits, depending on the location. That’s not a mistake—it’s just the result of decades of telecom evolution.

They always start with “0” when dialed within the UK.

But when you’re calling from the US, that first “0” gets the chop. You’ll skip it and go straight to the rest of the code.

Each region—from buzzing London to remote Highlands—has its own dedicated code to help route your call to the right place. This is part of what’s called the Telephone Area Code system, and it’s the UK’s way of keeping everything organized behind the scenes.

Explore the full list of UK area codes by region.

How to Call UK Toll-Free and Non-Geographic Numbers from the US

Toll-free numbers aren’t always free—especially when you’re calling across the Atlantic.

In the UK, toll-free numbers typically start with 0800 or 0808. But from the US, those morph into +44 800 or +44 808—and here’s the kicker: while they’re free for callers within the UK, you’ll likely be charged when calling from the US.

Other numbers that begin with prefixes like 0845, 0870, or 0300 fall into the category of non-geographic numbers. These don’t point to a specific city but still connect you to businesses, government services, or call centers—and yes, the calling costs vary.

Tips for Business Calls in the UK 

Dialing into a UK business conversation? Great—just remember: clear communication isn’t just about the signal. It’s about tone, timing, and a touch of cultural savvy.

Here’s how to make your transatlantic call feel like a smooth cup of Earl Grey—not a tepid misunderstanding.

Tone It Down, Not Up

In American business culture, being direct often means being efficient. But in the UK? That same bluntness can come off as a bit… bulldozer-y.

British professionals typically value politeness, understatement, and diplomacy. If there’s bad news to deliver or a strong opinion to share, wrap it in soft language or a courteous preface.

Say this:
“Would it be alright if I suggested an alternative?”
Not this:
“This isn’t going to work.”

Mind the Time Gap

Depending on whether you’re in New York or L.A., the time difference between you and the UK can range from 5 to 8 hours (and up to 9 during daylight saving). That 3 p.m. brainstorm for you might be pushing dinner time for your UK contact.

Use a timezone calculator or CloudTalk’s Workflow Automation to schedule reminders during overlap-friendly windows. If you’re frequently collaborating, block off a recurring slot in both calendars.

Bring a Little Banter

The British love a good laugh—even in business settings. A touch of dry humor or a self-deprecating comment can go a long way toward building rapport.

No need to audition for a comedy special. Just keep the mood light when appropriate, and be open to a bit of witty back-and-forth. It can diffuse tension, energize a meeting, and make you more memorable (in a good way).

For that, CloudTalk doesn’t have a tool, but our blog posts can definitely inspire you.

Make Tech Work in Your Favor

Crystal-clear audio. Smart call routing. Real-time analytics. If you’re calling the UK for business regularly, you need more than just a phone plan—you need a calling solution that’s built for global communication.

That’s where CloudTalk shines. With 160+ international numbers, timezone-friendly features, and seamless CRM integrations, your business calls don’t just go through—they stand out.

How Much Does It Cost to Call the UK from the US?

Calling across the pond doesn’t have to drain your budget—if you choose the right tool for the job. Traditional phone carriers may still charge like it’s 2005, but modern businesses have smarter (and far more affordable) options.

Let’s break it down.

The Traditional Route: Major US Carriers

Verizon

Rates start around $1.99 per minute for international calls to the UK. If you’re calling often, you’ll want their international plan—otherwise, costs rack up fast.

AT&T

Without a calling package, expect to pay close to $3 per minute. Their International Calling plan ($15/month per line) brings that down considerably, but it doesn’t add any calling features that you expect to find in VoIP calling systems for a similar price.

The Smarter Route: VoIP Calling with CloudTalk

Unlike legacy carriers, CloudTalk uses VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)—meaning your calls travel over the internet instead of traditional phone lines. The result? Crystal-clear call quality, global reach, and significantly lower costs.

Starting at just $19 per user/month, CloudTalk lets you treat UK business calls like local ones. With a UK virtual number, you can make unlimited calls to British numbers—no international dialing, no inflated costs, just seamless communication as if you were based in London.

• No surprise fees
• No long-distance surcharges
• Transparent pricing that scales with your business

How To Call the UK From the US with CloudTalk

Calling the UK with CloudTalk is refreshingly simple—no clunky dialing codes or guesswork required.

Once your CloudTalk account is active and your virtual numbers are set up, just open your dialer and follow these steps:

1. Choose your outbound number
   Select the number you want to call from—ideally a UK virtual number for local presence and lower rates.
2. Enter the UK phone number
   You can type directly into the app using your keyboard or click the on-screen dialpad. CloudTalk instantly recognizes international prefixes and automatically displays the correct country flag, so you know you’re dialing correctly.
3. Click the green call button
   Once the full number is in place, simply hit the green call icon at the bottom—and you’re connected.

Break the Dialing Barrier with CloudTalk

If you call the UK often—whether to follow up on leads, support customers, or simply say “cheers” to your teammates—you deserve more than outdated fees and clunky calling tools. You deserve a system that’s built for global business.

With CloudTalk, every UK call feels local. Get UK virtual numbers, Branded Caller ID, HD-quality audio, and even AI Voice Agents that can reach out to your contacts with a flawless British accent to match.

And to make things even easier, CloudTalk’s Dialer syncs directly with your CRM, automatically pulling contact lists and dialing numbers for you. Then, you can let the auto dialer punch all the numbers from the country codes to phone extensions.

Dialing international numbers shouldn’t be harder than the conversation. With CloudTalk, the guide is simple: click and talk.

Source:

1. US-UK Trade Statistics 2025: Who Has the Surplus?