Do you need to reach someone in the United Kingdom from your Verizon cell phone? Whether it's for business, family, or just catching up with a friend, making international calls can sometimes feel like navigating a maze of numbers and plans. But don't worry, with Verizon, it's a straightforward process once you know the steps. Let's break it down, ensuring you're connected across the pond in no time!
Step 1: Get Ready to Connect – Your Essential Pre-Call Checklist
Before you even touch your phone, let's make sure you're prepared. This first step is crucial to a smooth international calling experience.
1.1. Check Your Verizon Plan and International Calling Options
Are you currently set up for international calls? This is the most important question. Verizon offers several ways to make international calls, and understanding your options can save you money.
Standard Pay-As-You-Go Rates: By default, your Verizon plan might allow international calls on a "pay-as-you-go" basis. This means you'll be charged a per-minute rate, which can be quite high for calls to the UK. While convenient for occasional calls, it's generally not the most economical option.
International Calling Plans (Add-ons): Verizon offers specific international calling plans that provide discounted rates or a bundle of minutes to certain countries. For the UK, you'll find options like:
Global Choice: For $10/month per line, you can choose a specific country (like the UK) and get up to 300 minutes to call that country. After exceeding the allowance, you'll still get reduced rates. This is often the best value if you call the UK frequently.
Global Calling Plus: For $15/month per line, this plan offers unlimited calls to landlines in over 60 countries and mobile phones in over 30 countries, plus discounted rates to many others. This is a good option if you call various international destinations regularly.
Global Calling: For $5/month per line, this primarily offers unlimited calls to Mexico and Canada but also includes discounted rates to 220+ countries, including the UK.
TravelPass (If You're Abroad): If you are in the UK and calling back to the US, or making calls within the UK, TravelPass is your go-to. For $12/day, you get unlimited talk, text, and data in over 210 countries. You're only charged on the days you use your phone abroad.
Action Item: Log in to your My Verizon account online or use the My Verizon app to check your current plan and explore international calling add-ons. You can typically add these plans directly through the app or website. If you're unsure, don't hesitate to contact Verizon customer service.
1.2. Know the UK Time Difference
Before you dial, consider the time difference. Calling at an inconvenient hour can lead to unanswered calls or disturbed sleep!
Current Time in Shirpur, Maharashtra, India (Your Location): Friday, July 4, 2025, 6:12:32 PM IST
Current Time in the United Kingdom: Friday, July 4, 2025, 1:42 PM BST (British Summer Time)
This means the UK is currently 4.5 hours behind India. Always double-check the current time in the UK to ensure you're calling at a reasonable hour for the recipient.
Step 2: Understanding the International Dialing Format
This is where the numbers come into play! International dialing follows a specific sequence.
2.1. The Exit Code: Getting Out of Your Home Country
When calling from a Verizon cell phone within the United States, the international exit code is 011. This tells your carrier that you're about to dial an international number.
Pro Tip for Smartphones: Most modern smartphones allow you to use the "+" symbol instead of "011". Simply hold down the "0" key on your dial pad until the "+" appears. This is often more convenient and universally recognized when saving international contacts.
2.2. The UK Country Code: Identifying the Destination
Every country has a unique international calling code. For the United Kingdom, the country code is 44.
2.3. The UK Area Code (with a Crucial Exception!)
The UK uses geographic area codes for landlines, similar to area codes in the US. However, there's a very important difference: When calling the UK from abroad, you must drop the leading "0" from the UK area code.
For example, if a London landline number is typically displayed as 020 7946 0958 domestically, you would use 20 for the area code when calling internationally.
For Mobile Numbers: UK mobile numbers typically start with 07. When calling a UK mobile from your Verizon phone, you will drop the leading "0" and dial 7 followed by the rest of the 9-digit mobile number.
For example, if a mobile number is 07700 900123, you would dial 7700 900123.
2.4. The Local Phone Number: The Final Piece
This is the specific landline or mobile number of the person or business you are trying to reach in the UK.
Step 3: Dialing the Number – Putting It All Together
Now that you have all the components, let's make that call!
3.1. Calling a UK Landline from Your Verizon Cell Phone
The format is: 011 (or +) + 44 + [UK Area Code without the leading 0] + [Local Landline Number]
Example for London (Area Code 020, Number 7946 0958):
Using "011": 011 44 20 7946 0958
Using "+": +44 20 7946 0958
Example for Manchester (Area Code 0161, Number 496 1234):
Using "011": 011 44 161 496 1234
Using "+": +44 161 496 1234
3.2. Calling a UK Mobile Phone from Your Verizon Cell Phone
The format is: 011 (or +) + 44 + [Mobile Number without the leading 07]
Example for a UK Mobile Number (07700 900123):
Using "011": 011 44 7700 900123
Using "+": +44 7700 900123
Remember to always drop the initial '0' from both landline area codes and mobile numbers when dialing from outside the UK! This is a common point of confusion.
Step 4: Confirming Your Connection and Managing Costs
You've dialed, now what?
4.1. Listen for the Ringback Tone
Once you dial the complete international number, you should hear a different ringback tone than you're used to for domestic calls. This indicates that your call is attempting to connect internationally.
Verizon may play a brief "whisper tone" before connecting international calls to advise of potential charges. This is a good confirmation that the call is being routed internationally.
4.2. Monitor Your Usage and Bills
If you're on a pay-as-you-go rate, keep an eye on the duration of your calls as per-minute charges can accumulate quickly.
If you've added an international calling plan, monitor your minute usage to avoid going over your allowance, which could result in higher per-minute charges.
The My Verizon app is an excellent tool for tracking your usage in real-time.
Step 5: Troubleshooting and Alternative Options
Sometimes, things don't go as planned. Here are some common issues and alternative solutions.
5.1. Common Calling Issues
Call Not Connecting:
Double-check the dialing sequence: Did you include the exit code? Did you use the correct country code? Did you drop the leading '0' from the UK area or mobile number? Even a single incorrect digit can prevent the call from going through.
Verify your international calling feature: Is it enabled on your Verizon account?
Temporary Network Issues: Occasionally, there might be temporary network congestion or issues. Try again after a few minutes.
Poor Call Quality:
Signal Strength: If your cell signal is weak, call quality can suffer. Try moving to an area with better reception.
Wi-Fi Calling: If you have Wi-Fi Calling enabled on your Verizon phone, it can sometimes improve call quality for international calls, especially if your cellular signal is poor. Calls made over Wi-Fi Calling generally originate from the US, so international rates will still apply as if you were calling from the US.
5.2. Exploring VoIP and Messaging Apps
For frequent international communication or to save on costs, consider these alternatives:
WhatsApp: Extremely popular globally, WhatsApp allows free voice and video calls over Wi-Fi or data to other WhatsApp users. Both you and the recipient need the app.
Skype: A long-standing VoIP service that offers free calls to other Skype users and competitive rates for calls to landlines and mobile numbers worldwide.
Google Voice/Google Meet: Google Voice offers free calls and texts to US and Canadian numbers, and very low rates for international calls. Google Meet offers free video and voice calls.
FaceTime (for Apple users): If both you and the recipient have Apple devices, FaceTime allows free audio and video calls over Wi-Fi or data.
These apps bypass traditional cellular networks for the call portion, relying on your internet connection instead, which can be significantly cheaper if you have a good data plan or Wi-Fi access.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to check my current Verizon international calling rates to the UK?
You can check your current rates by logging into your My Verizon account online, using the My Verizon app, or by visiting the international calling section of the Verizon website and entering "United Kingdom" into the rate checker.
How to add an international calling plan to my Verizon account?
You can easily add an international calling plan like Global Choice, Global Calling Plus, or Global Calling through the My Verizon app or by logging into your My Verizon account online. Look for the "Add-ons" or "International Plans" section. You can also text specific keywords (e.g., "TRAVEL" for TravelPass, a country keyword for Global Choice, "PLUS" for Global Calling Plus, or "GLOBAL" for Global Calling) to 4004.
How to dial a UK mobile number from a Verizon cell phone?
To dial a UK mobile number, use the format: 011 (or +) + 44 + 7 [remaining 9 digits of the mobile number]. Remember to drop the initial '0' from the UK mobile number.
How to call a UK landline from a Verizon cell phone?
To call a UK landline, use the format: 011 (or +) + 44 + [UK Area Code without the leading 0] + [Local Landline Number].
How to use Wi-Fi Calling for international calls on Verizon?
Ensure Wi-Fi Calling is enabled in your phone's settings. When connected to Wi-Fi, your phone will prioritize calls over Wi-Fi. International calling rates still apply, but the call quality might be better if your cellular signal is weak.
How to troubleshoot if my Verizon international call isn't connecting?
First, double-check the dialing sequence carefully for any missed digits or incorrect codes. Verify that international dialing is enabled on your Verizon line. If issues persist, try restarting your phone or contacting Verizon customer support.
How to save a UK number in my Verizon cell phone contacts for easy dialing?
Always save UK numbers in the international format using the "+" symbol: +44 [UK Area Code without 0] [Local Number] for landlines, or +44 7 [Mobile Number without 0] for mobiles. This ensures consistent dialing regardless of your location.
How to avoid high international calling charges on Verizon?
Consider adding an international calling plan if you call the UK frequently. For occasional calls, use Wi-Fi calling with apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Google Voice, which often offer free or much cheaper calling rates over data/Wi-Fi.
How to know if the person in the UK is available to talk considering the time difference?
Always check the current time in the UK before calling. India is 4.5 hours ahead of the UK, so if it's 6:00 PM in India, it's 1:30 PM in the UK. Adjust your calling time accordingly to reach them during their waking hours.
How to get operator assistance for international calls on Verizon?
You can get operator assistance for international calls by dialing 01 + country code + city code + number from your Verizon phone. However, this may incur additional charges, and it's generally more efficient to direct dial if you have the correct number.