Thinking of connecting with friends, family, or business associates across the pond? Calling the United Kingdom from the United States with Verizon can seem a bit daunting with all those codes, but don't fret! This comprehensive guide will break down exactly how to do it, step-by-step, ensuring your call goes through without a hitch.
Ready to make that international connection? Let's dive in!
How to Dial the UK from the US (Verizon) - Your Complete Guide
Calling the UK from the US involves a specific sequence of numbers that tell the phone networks where your call needs to go. Whether you're dialing a landline or a mobile, the process is straightforward once you know the codes.
Step 1: Understand the Essentials – The "Why" Behind the Numbers
Before we even touch the dial pad, let's understand why these numbers are important. Imagine the global phone network as a massive postal service. Each number in the dialing sequence is like an address component, directing your call to the right country, then the right city/region, and finally, the specific person you're trying to reach.
The Exit Code: This tells your phone carrier (Verizon in this case) that you're making an international call, not a domestic one.
The Country Code: This identifies the specific country you want to call – in this case, the United Kingdom.
The Area/Mobile Code: This narrows down the location within the UK, either to a specific city or to a mobile network.
The Local Number: This is the unique number of the person or business you're trying to reach.
Step 2: Gather Your Information – What You Need Before You Dial
Before you pick up your phone, ensure you have the following readily available:
The Full UK Phone Number: This is crucial. Make sure you have the complete number for the person or business you're trying to reach.
A Pen and Paper (Optional but Recommended): It's always a good idea to write down the full dialing sequence before you input it, especially if it's your first time. This helps prevent errors.
Check Your Verizon Plan: International calling can incur additional charges if you don't have an international calling plan. It's highly recommended to check with Verizon about your current plan's international rates or consider adding an international calling feature like Verizon Global Choice or TravelPass if you plan to make frequent calls. This can significantly reduce your per-minute costs.
Verizon Global Choice: This is a monthly add-on that provides a certain number of minutes to specific countries (like the UK) at a reduced rate (e.g., 300 minutes to the UK for $10/month, at $0.05/minute).
Verizon TravelPass: If you're physically traveling to the UK, TravelPass allows you to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data for a daily fee ($12/day in the UK). While this is primarily for using your phone while in the UK, it's good to be aware of for future travel.
Pay-as-you-go: If you don't opt for a plan, you'll be charged per minute at standard international rates, which can be quite expensive. Always confirm rates with Verizon directly to avoid surprises.
Step 3: Dialing a UK Landline from the US with Verizon
This is the most common scenario for calling a fixed line in the UK.
Sub-heading 3.1: The Standard Landline Dialing Format
To call a UK landline from the US using Verizon, you will follow this sequence:
011 + 44 + UK Area Code (without the leading 0) + Local Landline Number
Let's break it down:
011: This is the US exit code. It tells Verizon you're making an international call.
44: This is the country code for the United Kingdom.
UK Area Code (without the leading 0): Most UK area codes start with a '0' (e.g., 020 for London, 0161 for Manchester). When dialing from outside the UK, you must drop this leading zero. So, 020 becomes 20, and 0161 becomes 161.
Local Landline Number: This is the remaining digits of the phone number. UK landline numbers, including the area code, typically total 10 digits when dialed locally. When dialing internationally, after dropping the leading zero from the area code, the entire string (country code + modified area code + local number) will be what you dial.
Sub-heading 3.2: Example: Calling a London Landline
Let's say you want to call a London landline number: 020 7946 0958.
Here's how you would dial it from your Verizon phone in the US:
011 44 20 7946 0958
011: US Exit Code
44: UK Country Code
20: London Area Code (dropped the leading '0')
7946 0958: Local London Number
Step 4: Dialing a UK Mobile from the US with Verizon
Calling a UK mobile number is slightly different from a landline, primarily because mobile numbers have a distinct starting digit.
Sub-heading 4.1: The Mobile Dialing Format
To call a UK mobile from the US using Verizon, you will follow this sequence:
011 + 44 + 7 (Mobile Prefix without the leading 0) + Remaining 9 Digits of Mobile Number
Let's break it down:
011: This is the US exit code.
44: This is the country code for the United Kingdom.
7 (Mobile Prefix without the leading 0): UK mobile numbers typically start with '07'. Similar to landline area codes, when dialing from outside the UK, you must drop the leading zero. So, '07' becomes just '7'.
Remaining 9 Digits of Mobile Number: After the '7', you'll dial the rest of the 9 digits of the mobile number.
Sub-heading 4.2: Using the "+" Symbol for Mobile Phones
If you are using a mobile phone, many modern smartphones and VoIP services allow you to use the "+" symbol instead of the '011' exit code. This is often the easiest and most universal way to dial international numbers from a mobile phone.
To get the "+" symbol, typically you press and hold the "0" key on your phone's keypad.
So, the mobile dialing format using the "+" symbol would be:
+44 7 + Remaining 9 Digits of Mobile Number
Sub-heading 4.3: Example: Calling a UK Mobile Number
Let's say you want to call a UK mobile number: 07755 456 321.
Using the traditional method:
011 44 7755 456 321
011: US Exit Code
44: UK Country Code
7755 456 321: Mobile Number (dropped the leading '0' from '07')
Using the "+" symbol (recommended for mobiles):
+44 7755 456 321
+: Replaces the US Exit Code
44: UK Country Code
7755 456 321: Mobile Number (dropped the leading '0' from '07')
Step 5: Consider Time Zone Differences
The UK operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or British Summer Time (BST) during the warmer months. This is typically 5 to 8 hours ahead of most US time zones (Eastern, Central, Mountain, Pacific).
If it's 10:00 AM in New York (Eastern Time), it's 3:00 PM in London.
If it's 10:00 AM in Los Angeles (Pacific Time), it's 6:00 PM in London.
Always double-check the current time in the UK before you call to avoid calling too early or too late, especially for business calls or personal calls to avoid disturbing someone. A quick online search for "current time in London" will usually suffice.
Step 6: Troubleshooting Tips
Sometimes, calls don't go through on the first try. Here are some common troubleshooting steps:
Double-check the Number: The most frequent error is a misdialed number. Carefully re-enter the entire sequence.
Verify International Calling is Enabled: Ensure that international calling is enabled on your Verizon account. You can check this through your My Verizon app, online account, or by calling Verizon customer service (*611 from your Verizon phone or 1-800-922-0204).
Check Your Balance/Plan: If you're on a prepaid plan or have a limited international calling balance, you might have run out of funds or minutes.
Try the "+" Symbol (for Mobile): If you're dialing from a mobile and used '011', try switching to the '+' symbol.
Temporary Network Glitch: Occasionally, there might be a temporary network issue. Try again after a few minutes.
Contact Verizon Customer Service: If all else fails, reach out to Verizon's international support. They can help diagnose specific issues with your account or the network.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related FAQ questions with quick answers to further assist you:
How to dial England from the US?
To dial England from the US, you will use the same method as dialing the UK: 011 + 44 + Area Code (without leading 0) + Local Number for landlines, or +44 + 7 + Mobile Number (without leading 0) for mobiles. England is part of the UK, so the country code is the same.
How to call a +44 number from the US?
To call a +44 number from the US, if you're using a mobile phone, you simply dial the number as is, starting with the '+'. The '+' symbol automatically replaces the US exit code (011). So, for example, +44 7... or +44 20...
How to call a UK mobile number on an iPhone from the US?
On an iPhone (or any smartphone), the easiest way to call a UK mobile number is to save the contact with the '+44' prefix. For example, if the UK mobile is 07755 456 321, save it as +44 7755 456 321. Then simply dial from your contacts.
How to know if a UK number is a landline or mobile?
UK mobile numbers almost always start with '07' (which becomes '7' when dialed internationally). Landline numbers have various area codes that typically start with '0' but are followed by other digits (e.g., 020, 0161, 0131). If the number starts with '07', it's a mobile.
How to avoid high international calling charges to the UK on Verizon?
To avoid high charges, subscribe to an international calling plan like Verizon Global Choice for a monthly bundle of minutes, or Verizon TravelPass if you are traveling to the UK. Without a plan, you will be charged expensive pay-as-you-go rates.
How to check my Verizon international calling rates to the UK?
You can check your Verizon international calling rates to the UK by visiting the international calling section of the Verizon website, logging into your My Verizon account, or contacting Verizon customer service directly.
How to call UK toll-free numbers from the US?
UK toll-free numbers typically start with 0800 or 0808. When dialing from the US, you would dial 011 + 44 + 800/808 + the rest of the number. However, be aware that UK toll-free numbers are usually only free for callers within the UK and you will likely be charged standard international rates when calling from the US.
How to call UK landlines with area codes like '020' or '0161' from the US?
When calling UK landlines with area codes like '020' (London) or '0161' (Manchester) from the US, you must drop the leading '0'. So, you'd dial 011 44 20... for London or 011 44 161... for Manchester, followed by the local number.
How to set up international calling on my Verizon account?
You can set up international calling on your Verizon account by logging into your My Verizon account online or through the My Verizon app and adding an international calling plan or feature. Alternatively, you can call Verizon customer service for assistance.
How to deal with different UK time zones when calling from the US?
The UK operates on one time zone (GMT/BST), so calculate the time difference from your specific US time zone. For instance, if you're in Eastern Time (ET), the UK is 5 hours ahead. If it's 9 AM ET, it's 2 PM in the UK. Adjust your call time accordingly to avoid inconvenient hours.