Want to connect with friends, family, or business associates across the pond in the United Kingdom? Calling the UK from the US with Verizon is a straightforward process, but it requires understanding a few key dialing conventions and considering your international calling options to avoid unexpected charges. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring you can make that call with confidence!
Step 1: Engage with Your Intent – What's Your UK Calling Need?
Before we dive into the technicalities, let's consider why you're making this call. Are you:
Calling a landline to chat with a relative?
Reaching out to a mobile phone for a quick update?
Making frequent business calls and need a cost-effective solution?
Just making a one-off call and want to know the simplest way?
Understanding your calling habits will help you determine the best and most economical approach. So, take a moment to consider your specific need, and then let's proceed to the next crucial steps!
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| How To Call A Uk Number From Us Verizon |
Step 2: Understand the Essential Dialing Components
To successfully dial a UK number from the US using Verizon, you'll need to combine a few specific codes and the local number. Think of it like building a phone number brick by brick!
Sub-heading: The US Exit Code
The first "brick" is the US exit code, which tells your phone carrier that you're making an international call outside of the United States. For calls from the US, this is typically 011.
Pro Tip: If you're using a mobile phone, you can often substitute the "011" with a plus sign (+). Many smartphones automatically convert the "+" to the correct exit code when dialing internationally. To get the "+" symbol, simply hold down the "0" key on your keypad. This is often the more convenient option for mobile users!
Sub-heading: The UK Country Code
Next up is the UK country code, which uniquely identifies the United Kingdom. This code is always 44.
Sub-heading: The UK Area Code (and a Crucial Omission!)
This is where it gets a little tricky but is easy to master once you know the rule. UK landline numbers and some mobile numbers include an area code that typically starts with a "0" when dialed within the UK. However, when calling from outside the UK (like from the US), you must drop this initial "0".
For example:
If a UK London landline number is advertised as 020 7XXX XXXX, you would dial 20 as the area code.
If a Manchester landline is 0161 XXX XXXX, you would dial 161.
Important Note for Mobile Numbers: UK mobile numbers usually start with "07". When calling a UK mobile from the US, you will also drop the initial "0" and dial "7" followed by the rest of the mobile number. For instance, if the mobile number is 07XXX XXXXXX, you would dial 7XXX XXXXXX.
Tip: Read once for gist, twice for details.
Sub-heading: The Local UK Number
Finally, you'll dial the local UK phone number. This is the remaining portion of the number after the area code (or after the '7' for mobile numbers).
Step 3: Construct Your Dialing Sequence
Now, let's put all those components together!
Sub-heading: For Landlines in the UK
The general format for calling a UK landline from a Verizon phone in the US is:
011 (US Exit Code) + 44 (UK Country Code) + UK Area Code (without the leading 0) + Local UK Number
Example: To call a London landline number like 020 7946 0958:
Dial: 011 44 20 7946 0958
Sub-heading: For Mobile Phones in the UK
The general format for calling a UK mobile from a Verizon phone in the US is:
011 (US Exit Code) + 44 (UK Country Code) + UK Mobile Number (without the leading 0)
Example: To call a UK mobile number like 07700 900123:
Dial: 011 44 7700 900123
Using the Plus Sign on Mobile: As mentioned earlier, using the "+" symbol is often simpler for mobile users.
For the London landline example: +44 20 7946 0958
For the UK mobile example: +44 7700 900123
Step 4: Consider Your Verizon International Calling Plan Options
While you can simply dial the number "pay-as-you-go," this can quickly become expensive. Verizon offers several international calling plans that can significantly reduce your costs, especially if you plan to make multiple or lengthy calls.
Tip: Don’t skim past key examples.
Sub-heading: Verizon's International Calling Plans
Verizon provides a few popular options:
Global Calling: This plan typically offers unlimited calls to Mexico and Canada and discounted rates to over 220 other countries, including the UK, starting at a low monthly fee (e.g., $5/month per line). This is a great choice if you make calls to various international destinations, including the UK.
Global Choice: For $10/month per line, you can choose a specific country and get a bundle of minutes (e.g., 300 minutes for the UK). After you use up your allowance, you'll get reduced rates to that chosen country and discounted rates to other countries. This is ideal if the UK is your primary international calling destination.
Global Calling Plus: This plan is more comprehensive, offering unlimited calls from the US to landlines in over 60 countries and mobile phones in over 30 countries for a higher monthly fee (e.g., $15/month per line). It also provides discounted calls to 160+ other countries. If you make a lot of international calls to a variety of destinations, this might be your best bet.
Sub-heading: Pay-As-You-Go Rates
If you choose not to add an international calling plan, you will be charged per-minute rates, which can be quite high. It's always recommended to check Verizon's current pay-as-you-go rates for calls to the UK before making a call without a plan. These rates can change, so visiting the Verizon international calling page and entering "United Kingdom" is the best way to get the most up-to-date pricing.
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Sub-heading: How to Add a Verizon International Calling Plan
Adding an international calling plan to your Verizon account is simple:
My Verizon App or Online: Log in to your My Verizon account (either through the app or website). Navigate to the "International plans" section, choose "Add new plan," and follow the prompts.
Text to 4004:
For Global Calling, text "Global" to 4004.
For Global Choice, text the keyword for the UK (you can find this on the Verizon Global Choice page, usually "UK").
For Global Calling Plus, text "Plus" to 4004.
Step 5: Double-Check Time Differences and Best Practices
Making an international call isn't just about dialing correctly; it's also about being mindful of the time difference to avoid calling at an inconvenient hour!
Sub-heading: Time Zone Considerations
The United Kingdom observes Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or British Summer Time (BST) depending on the time of year. The US has multiple time zones. Here's a general guide for major US time zones relative to the UK:
UK vs. Eastern Time (ET): The UK is typically 5 hours ahead of ET. (e.g., 1 PM ET in US is 6 PM in UK)
UK vs. Central Time (CT): The UK is typically 6 hours ahead of CT. (e.g., 1 PM CT in US is 7 PM in UK)
UK vs. Mountain Time (MT): The UK is typically 7 hours ahead of MT. (e.g., 1 PM MT in US is 8 PM in UK)
UK vs. Pacific Time (PT): The UK is typically 8 hours ahead of PT. (e.g., 1 PM PT in US is 9 PM in UK)
Always double-check the current time in the UK relative to your location before making an important call, especially around daylight saving transitions.
Sub-heading: Other Tips for a Smooth Call
Tip: Take mental snapshots of important details.
Confirm the Number: Before dialing, verify the complete UK number, including any area codes, with the person or business you're trying to reach. A single wrong digit can lead to a misdial.
Check Your Account Balance/Plan: If you're on a prepaid plan or want to ensure you have sufficient international calling minutes, check your Verizon account before making the call.
Consider Alternatives for Frequent Calls: If you find yourself calling the UK very frequently, consider Voice over IP (VoIP) services like Skype, Google Voice, or WhatsApp calling (if the recipient also uses the app). These often offer very low or even free calling over an internet connection, though call quality can depend on your internet speed.
Record the Number in International Format: For convenience, save your UK contacts in your phone's address book using the full international dialing format (e.g., +44 20 7946 0958). Your smartphone will typically handle the dialing correctly when you select them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about calling the UK from the US with Verizon, with quick answers:
How to dial a UK landline from the US on Verizon?
Dial 011 44 followed by the UK area code (without the leading '0') and then the local landline number.
How to dial a UK mobile number from the US on Verizon?
Dial 011 44 followed by the UK mobile number (without the leading '0', so it usually starts with '7'). Alternatively, use +44 on your mobile phone, followed by the mobile number (without the leading '0').
How to find the UK country code?
The UK country code is 44.
How to add an international calling plan to my Verizon account?
You can add a plan via the My Verizon app or website, or by texting keywords like "Global," "UK" (for Global Choice for the UK), or "Plus" (for Global Calling Plus) to 4004.
How to know if my Verizon plan includes international calling to the UK?
QuickTip: Copy useful snippets to a notes app.
Check your specific Verizon plan details in your My Verizon account, or visit the Verizon International Calling page and enter "United Kingdom" to see your available options and rates.
How to avoid high charges when calling the UK from the US?
Add a Verizon international calling plan like Global Calling or Global Choice. Avoid pay-as-you-go rates for frequent or lengthy calls.
How to find the time difference between the US and the UK?
The UK is typically 5 to 8 hours ahead of US time zones (e.g., 5 hours ahead of Eastern Time). Always verify the current time online or using a time zone converter.
How to use the "+" symbol instead of "011" on my Verizon mobile?
On most smartphones, hold down the "0" key on the keypad to produce the "+" symbol. This automatically functions as the international exit code.
How to call a UK number saved in my phone's contacts?
Save the UK number in the international format (e.g., +44 20 7946 0958 or +44 7700 900123) in your contacts. Your Verizon mobile phone should correctly dial it from your address book.
How to check current international calling rates for the UK on Verizon?
Visit the official Verizon International Calling page on their website, enter "United Kingdom" into the search bar, and you'll see the current per-minute rates or plan options.
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