United Kingdom Country Code: Step-by-Step Guide to Call+44 Numbers

Making international calls can be confusing, especially when dialing the correct country codes and understanding the specific procedures involved. If you want to connect with someone in the United Kingdom (UK), knowing the proper way to dial is crucial.

The UK, along with its Crown dependencies—Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man—has a specific country code and numbering plan managed by the Office of Communications (Ofcom).

This guide will walk you through:

• United Kingdom country code and dialing format.
• Typical area codes used across the UK.
• How to make an international call to the UK, ensuring seamless and efficient communication.

Without further ado, let’s jump into it.

United Kingdom Country Code: +44

The country code for the United Kingdom is +44. This code is assigned by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to help users connect with their loved ones abroad. United Kingdom country code +44 is dialed after the International Direct Dialling (IDD) and followed by the relevant area code.

Making International Calls to the United Kingdom

To call the United Kingdom (UK) from another country, you must use the international country code +44. Each country has a unique international access code, typically 1-3 digits long. The Office of Communications (Ofcom) manages phone numbers in the UK and has established the National Telephone Numbering Plan. This plan includes the UK and its British Crown dependencies: Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man.

United Kingdom Phone Number Format

When making an international call to the United Kingdom (UK) from another country, the process is straightforward. You start by dialing the international access code specific to your country, such as 011 in the United States and Canada, 0011 in Australia, and 00 in most European countries. After this, you dial the UK country code, which is +44.

After entering the international access code, dial the UK country code, 44. Following the country code, you must dial the area code of the specific UK region you are calling, but without the leading zero. For example, London’s area code is 20, Manchester’s is 161, and Birmingham’s is 121. Finally, you dial the local number of the person or business you are trying to reach.

For instance, if you’re calling a number in London (area code 020) from the United States and the local number is 1234 5678, you would dial 011 44 20 1234 5678. Rest assured, UK phone numbers are managed by the reliable Office of Communications (Ofcom), which oversees the National Telephone Numbering Plan. This plan ensures the proper allocation and regulation of phone numbers across the UK and its Crown dependencies, including Jersey (+44 1534), Guernsey (+44 1481), and the Isle of Man (+44 1624).

Other Codes in United Kingdom I Need to be Aware Of?

There are few other codes used across the United Kingdom that you need to be aware of when calling internationally to or from the UK.

• Zero (0): It is a trunk code that you need to use if you are calling from within the UK to another region in the country.
• 00: It is dial-out code used to reach different country outside the UK.
• 05: This code is used for VOIP calls and corporate numbering.
• 07: To call a mobile number in the UK, you need to use this code.
• 09: This code is dedicated to premium rate calls.

How to Call United Kingdom from Abroad?

To call United Kingdom from abroad, follow these steps:

Enter the International Dialing Prefix

This is the code used to dial out of your country. For example, it’s 011 in the USA and Canada, 00 in the UK and many other countries, and 0011 in Australia. The international dialing prefix ensures the network operator that your call is being routed outside the country.

Dial the United Kingdom Country Code

Once you’ve dialled the right international dialing prefix, the next step is to enter United Kingdom’s country code. Enter +44 after the prefix to route your calls to United Kingdom.

Enter the City/Area Code

If you’re making an international call to the landline number, enter the two-digit area code specific to the city or region. However, for mobile numbers, simply enter a two-digit mobile network identifier.

Now Enter the Local Phone Number

Lastly, enter the seven-digit number specific to the person or business you call. If you have entered everything correctly, your call will be automatically routed to a person’s landline or mobile number in no time.

Example of United Kingdom Landline Number

To call a landline number in London (area code 020) from the USA:

• International Dialing Prefix: 011
• United Kingdom Country Code: 44
• London Area Code: 020
• Local Number: 2XXXXXX

United Kingdom Landline Number Format: 011 44 020 2XXXXXX

Example of United Kingdom Mobile Phone:

To call a mobile number on the Talk Home network (mobile network code 44) from the UK:

– International Dialing Prefix: 00

– United Kingdom Country Code: 44

– Mobile Network Code: 44

– Local Number: XXXXXXX

United Kingdom Mobile Number Format: 00 44 77 XXXXXXX

These steps ensure that your call is properly routed through the international and local telephone systems to reach the desired number in the United Kingdom.

Different Types of United Kingdom Phone Numbers

United Kingdom phone numbers are segregated under three categories:

1. Geographical numbers

Geographical numbers, also known as local numbers, include the local area codes of a particular country. For example, a United Kingdom telephone number with a London area code is a geographical number. Calls made to a geographical number are charged at a local rate, which varies according to the callers’ and recipients’ geographical locations.

2. Non-Geographical Numbers

Non-geographical numbers are the ones which do no have any area codes and remain the same throughout the country. This means that regardless of the area you are receiving a call from, they will dial the same uniform number each time. As a result of their uniformity, businesses can get a more established image in the market.

3. Mobile Numbers

These numbers are provided by network operators across the UK. Some of the UK’s major mobile networks include Everything Everywhere (EE), Vodafone, Lyca Mobile, Voxi, giffgaff and Three. Typically, the mobile number provided by these operators is 11 digits logs and starts with 07.

List of United Kingdom Area Codes

Here’s are frequently used area codes in the United Kingdom:

Best Times to Call the United Kingdom

When calling the United Kingdom, it’s important to consider the time zone differences. The UK operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) during standard time and British Summer Time (BST) during daylight saving time, which is UTC+0 and UTC+1, respectively. Here’s what you need to know:

Daylight Saving Time

The UK observes daylight saving time, starting on the last Sunday in March and ending on the last Sunday in October. During this period, clocks are set forward by one hour.

Time Differences

The time difference between the UK and other regions varies. Here are some examples:

• United States (Eastern Time): The UK is 5 hours ahead during standard time and 4 hours ahead during daylight saving time.
• Germany: The UK is 1 hour behind during standard time and 2 hours behind during daylight saving time.
• France: The UK is 1 hour behind during standard time and 2 hours behind during daylight saving time.
• India: The UK is 4 hours and 30 minutes behind during standard time and 5 hours and 30 minutes behind during daylight saving time.

Be sure to check the current local time in the UK before making a call to ensure it’s a suitable time.

Call the UK from the USA

US TIME ZONE	UK TIME ZONE (GMT/BST)	BEST TIME TO CALL (STANDARD TIME)
Eastern Time Zone (EST)	Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)	8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Eastern Time Zone (EDT)	British Summer Time (BST)	9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Central Time Zone (CST)	Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)	7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Central Time Zone (CDT)	British Summer Time (BST)	8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Mountain Time Zone (MST)	Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)	6:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Mountain Time Zone (MDT)	British Summer Time (BST)	7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Pacific Time Zone (PST)	Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)	5:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Pacific Time Zone (PDT)	British Summer Time (BST)	6:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Call the UK from Germany

GERMANY TIME ZONE (CET/CEST)	UK TIME ZONE (GMT/BST)	BEST TIME TO CALL (STANDARD TIME)
Central European Time (CET)	Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)	8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Central European Summer Time (CEST)	British Summer Time (BST)	7:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Call the UK from France

FRANCE TIME ZONE (CET/CEST)	UK TIME ZONE (GMT/BST)	BEST TIME TO CALL (STANDARD TIME)
Central European Time (CET)	Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)	8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Central European Summer Time (CEST)	British Summer Time (BST)	7:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Call the UK from India

INDIA TIME ZONE (IST)	UK TIME ZONE (GMT/BST)	BEST TIME TO CALL (STANDARD TIME)
Indian Standard Time (IST)	Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)	1:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Indian Standard Time (IST)	British Summer Time (BST)	2:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Why did my call to the UK did not work?

There could be multiple reasons why your call to the United Kingdom did not work. One major reason is that some mobile plans charge both the caller and receiver. As a result, the other person may not accept your calls.

Some other factors include:

• You’re using an incorrect International Dialling Prefix.
• You forget to drop the trunk code (0)
• The person you’re calling does not have a phone plan that accept international calls.
• You’re using a VOIP or internet provider that lets you pose as if you’re making a local call.

Wrapping it Up

In conclusion, understanding and using the correct international country code is essential for successfully making calls to the United Kingdom. The country code for the UK is +44, and dialing procedures may vary slightly depending on your location.

The Office of Communications (Ofcom) regulates phone numbers in the UK through the National Telephone Numbering Plan, ensuring consistent and efficient communication across the UK and its Crown dependencies, including Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man. By following the outlined steps and using the appropriate codes, you can easily connect with friends, family, and businesses in the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I call United Kingdom from abroad?

To make an international call to United Kingdom, start by dialling your origination country’s international dialling prefix. This code varies for each country.

For example, if you’d like to call United Kingdom from the USA, your international dialling prefix is 011. If you’re in the UK or other parts of Europe, your prefix is 00.

Next, dial the United Kingdom country code – 44. Then, input the local area code along with the phone number you’d like to call. A correctly dialled number should look something like this:(00)(44) XXXX-XXXX-XX.

What are the two/three-letter country ISO codes for United Kingdom?

United Kingdom is identified by ZW as the two-letter ISO (alpha-2) code. ZWE is the three-letter ISO (alpha-3) code for United Kingdom.

Which country has dialling code +44?

44 is the country dialling code for United Kingdom. It is used to make international calls from abroad to connect to any phone number in United Kingdom.

How many digits does a phone number from United Kingdom typically have?

United Kingdom phone numbers generally consist of 10 digits, including the country code and the local area code.