Calling Blighty? Your Guide to Conquering the London Dial Tone (and Avoiding Pigeons)
So, you've got a mate in merry ol' England, fancy a chinwag with your nan, or perhaps you've just won a pasty-fueled vacation and need to book your digs? Whatever the reason, you find yourself needing to call London. But fear not, friend! This here guide will have you navigating the phone lines like a pro, with nary a dropped call nor a dial tone faux pas.
 |
| How To Call London England |
Step 1: Arm Yourself with the Right Ammo (Numbers, That Is)
First things first, you'll need some ammunition. No, not crumpets (although those wouldn't hurt for the inevitable post-call snacking). We're talking numbers, my friend. Here's the lowdown:
- Exit Code: This is the magic number that tells your phone, "Hey, we're going on an international adventure!" In most countries (including the US and Canada), it's 011.
- Country Code: Next up, you'll need the UK's secret handshake, which is 44.
- London Calling: Finally, you've got London itself. Buckle up, because depending on whether you're calling a landline or a mobile, things get a tad different.
- Landlines: These guys sport the 20 area code (most of London, anyway).
- Mobiles: For your mates on the go, ditch the area code and look for a number starting with 7.
Top Tip: No memorizing those numbers? No worries! Most phones let you save them as a contact. Just be sure to label them clearly to avoid any accidental calls to your grandma in Glasgow (unless that's your plan, no judgement here).
Step 2: Dialing Do's and Don'ts (Don't Panic if a Pigeon Judges You)
Now that you're armed with the digits, it's time to unleash your inner telecommunications genius! Here's a quick rundown of how to actually make the call:
QuickTip: Slow scrolling helps comprehension.
- Punch in those digits: Put those memorization skills (or saved contact) to the test and dial the exit code, country code, area code (if applicable), and then the phone number.
- Patience is a Virtue: International calls can take a sec to connect, so don't tap your foot impatiently or start yelling. You wouldn't want to sound like a lost tourist, would you?
- Pigeon Patrol: Look, London has pigeons. They're everywhere. If one decides to perch on your window ledge while you dial, don't fret. They're probably more interested in crumbs than your conversation.
Remember: If you hear a strange clicking sound, don't panic! It's not the Queen's corgis trying to use the phone, it's just the international line doing its thing.
Step 3: Chatting It Up Like a Local (Except Maybe Avoid Discussing the Weather)
Congratulations! You've reached your mate in London. Now comes the fun part: the actual conversation. Here's a friendly tip: unless you want to get an earful about the recent drizzle (because let's be honest, it probably is drizzling), maybe avoid mentioning the weather. Brits are a stoic bunch, they can handle a bit of rain.
Bonus Tip: If your conversation gets a bit confusing thanks to different slang terms (what's a "lift" anyway?), don't be afraid to ask for clarification. Most Brits are happy to explain their funny lingo, especially if it involves the opportunity to poke fun at us Americans (all in good fun, of course).
Tip: Don’t skip the details — they matter.
Calling London FAQ:
How to call a London mobile phone?
 |
Simple! Just use the exit code, country code (011 & 44), then skip the area code and dial the 9-digit mobile number starting with 7.
How to call a London landline?
Tip: Take your time with each sentence.
This one's a breeze. Use the exit code and country code (011 & 44), then dial the 20 area code followed by the 8-digit landline number.
What if I don't know the area code?
No worries! If you're unsure whether it's a mobile or landline, you can usually find the number online or in a directory. Just be sure to look for a number with a London area code (usually starting with 020).
Tip: Share one insight from this post with a friend.
Can I use a calling app to call London?
Absolutely! There
 |
💡 This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
