Calling Blighty from the Great White North: A Guide for the Intrepid Canadian
So, you've got a hankering to chat with a mate across the pond, eh? Maybe you need to yell at your nan for that fruitcake recipe (again!), or perhaps you're planning a jolly good surprise birthday bash for your bestie in Big Ben's backyard. Whatever the reason, you need to conquer that international call and get yourself connected to jolly old England. Fear not, fellow Canadian, for this guide will have you saying "cheerio" to confusion and "hello" to a transatlantic chat session smoother than maple syrup!
Dialing Do's and Don'ts: Donning Your Phoning Ph fedora
First things first, ditch the carrier pigeons and dust off your phone. We're going high-tech, my friend. But before you go all "button-mashy" with your digits, there are a few key things to remember:
- Canada's Exit Code: Think of this as your passport to international calls. It's 011. Simple as a Tim Hortons double-double, eh?
- United Kingdom's Country Code: This is like the secret handshake to get into Buckingham Palace (although, mind you, don't try that). For the UK, it's 44.
- London's Area Code: Calling a landline? You'll need this fancy little number, which is 20. Mobile phones in London skip this step, but we'll get to that later.
Now, let's put it all together! Here's the magic formula:
- 011 (Canada's exit code)
- 44 (UK's country code)
- 20 (London's area code for landlines)
- Local London phone number (8 digits for landlines, 10 digits for mobiles)
Remember: When dialing a London mobile number, ditch the leading zero (0) from the local number. Brits like to keep things tidy, eh?
Avoiding the "Blimey, That's Expensive!" Blues
International calls can leave your wallet feeling a bit lighter than a hockey puck, so here are a few ways to keep the cost down:
- Calling Apps: There are a plethora of apps like WhatsApp or Skype that let you call internationally for free, using your internet connection. Just make sure both you and your mate in London have the same app and a decent Wi-Fi connection.
- Calling Cards: These prepaid cards can offer decent rates, especially for longer calls. Just be sure to factor in any connection fees.
- Check Your Phone Plan: Some mobile phone plans include international calling minutes. Give your provider a ring and see if you've got some hidden calling treasures waiting to be used!
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions (for the Forgetful Canadian)
How to sound posh while talking to a Londoner?
A good "eh?" here and there goes a long way. But seriously, Canadians are already pretty darn polite, so you're halfway there!
How to avoid jet lag when calling at night?
Coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.
How to keep the conversation going if you run out of things to say?
Talk about the weather. It's a British national pastime, after all.
How to apologize if you accidentally call Big Ben?
A simple "Sorry!" will do. Canadians are known for their good manners, remember?
How to impress your London friend with your newfound knowledge?
Casually drop in a "brilliant!" or "rubbish!" during your conversation. They'll be chuffed to bits!
So there you have it, folks! With this guide and a sprinkle of Canadian charm, you'll be chatting with your London pals like a pro in no time. Now go forth and conquer those international lines!
