Calling London: From Your iPhone to a Tea-Sipping Adventure (Without Turning into a Right Wally)
So, you've got the jolly good idea to call London! Maybe you're catching up with a mate, or perhaps you're phoning a business about that shipment of crumpets you desperately need (because everyone knows a good cuppa requires a proper crumpet). Whatever the reason, your trusty iPhone is in hand, but those international calling codes have you feeling a bit bamboozled. Fear not, my friend! This guide will have you chatting with a Brit faster than you can say "fish and chips."
Dialing Do's and Don'ts: Mastering the Lingo
First things first, ditch the confusion of that old rotary phone your nan keeps around. We're all about that sleek iPhone life, and making calls across the pond is a breeze. But before you start hitting buttons like a champion thumb pianist, there are a few key things to remember:
- The All-Important Exit Code: This little code tells your phone, "Hey, we're not calling next door, we're going international!" For the US and Canada, it's 011.
- Country Calling Code: Every country has its own code, like a secret handshake for phones. The UK's code is 44.
- Area Codes and Phone Numbers: London has a few area codes, but the most common is 020. You'll usually find this before the actual phone number. Important Note: Don't forget to drop the leading zero when dialing from abroad!
Here's an example to clear things up: Let's say you're calling a London business with the number 020 7946 0323. Here's how you'd dial it from your iPhone:
- 011 (Exit code for US/Canada)
- 44 (Country code for UK)
- 20 (London area code, minus the leading zero)
- 7946 0323 (Actual phone number)
Top Tip: Save your London contacts with a plus sign (+) before the country code, like this: +44 20 7946 0323. This makes things super easy next time you need to chat.
Avoiding the "Blimey, My Phone Bill!" Moment
International calls can leave your wallet feeling a bit lighter than a deflated football. Here's how to avoid any nasty surprises:
- Check Your Plan: Many phone plans these days include some international minutes. Give your carrier a ring or check their website to see what's included.
- Consider Calling Apps: Apps like WhatsApp or FaceTime allow free calls over WiFi - perfect if you have a strong internet connection.
- Calling Cards: These can be a good option for longer calls, but be sure to factor in any connection fees.
FAQ: Calling London Like a Pro
How to save a London number to my iPhone?
Use the plus sign (+) before the country code and drop the leading zero from the area code, like this: +44 20 7946 0323.How do I know what area code London has?
The most common area code is 020, but there are others. If you're unsure, ask your contact for the full phone number.Can I text a London number from my iPhone?
Absolutely! Just follow the same dialing format you would for a call.What if I mess up the dialing code?
No worries! Your phone will usually let you know if the number is invalid. Just double-check the codes and try again.Will calling London make me sound posh?
There's no guarantee, but a good cup of tea and a bowler hat might help!
