Feeling connected to loved ones, friends, or colleagues across the pond is important, and with Verizon Wireless, calling the UK is straightforward once you know the steps. Whether it's for a quick chat, a business call, or catching up with family, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make calls from your Verizon Wireless device to the United Kingdom.
Step 1: Are You Ready to Make the Call? Understanding the Basics Before You Dial
Before you even touch your phone, let's ensure you're equipped with the right information. This isn't just about dialing numbers; it's about understanding how international calls work with Verizon and what you might need to consider.
Sub-heading 1.1: Knowing the Right Numbers
Every international call requires specific codes to direct your call across borders and to the correct destination. For calling the UK from the US, you'll need three key pieces of information:
The US Exit Code: This tells your phone carrier that you're making an international call out of the United States. For most international calls from the US, this is 011.
The UK Country Code: This identifies the United Kingdom as the destination country. The UK's country code is 44.
The UK Area Code/Mobile Prefix: Similar to area codes in the US, the UK uses area codes for landlines and specific prefixes for mobile numbers. Crucially, for UK numbers, you will usually drop the leading '0' from the area code or mobile prefix when dialing internationally.
The Local Number: This is the actual phone number of the person or business you're trying to reach in the UK.
Sub-heading 1.2: Checking Your Verizon Plan for International Calling
While you can typically make international calls on any Verizon plan, the rates will vary significantly. Verizon offers several options to make international calling more affordable.
Pay-per-minute rates: This is the default if you don't have an international calling plan. Rates can be high, so it's best for occasional, very short calls.
International Calling Plans/Add-ons: Verizon offers plans like "Global Choice," "Global Calling," and "Global Calling Plus" that can significantly reduce your per-minute costs or even offer bundled minutes. The "Global Choice" plan, for instance, allows you to pick a specific country (like the UK) and get a certain number of minutes per month for a set fee. The UK is often included in plans with favorable rates.
TravelPass: If you're traveling outside the US and want to call the UK (or any other country), TravelPass allows you to use your domestic talk, text, and data allowances in eligible countries for a daily fee. This isn't for calling from the US to the UK, but it's a good alternative if you happen to be in another country and need to reach the UK.
It's highly recommended to check your current Verizon plan or consider adding an international calling feature if you plan to call the UK frequently or for extended periods. You can do this through the My Verizon app or by visiting the Verizon website.
Step 2: Let's Get Dialing! The Step-by-Step Dialing Process
Now that you have your information ready and understand your plan, let's go through the exact dialing sequence.
Sub-heading 2.1: Calling a UK Landline from Verizon Wireless
To call a landline number in the UK from your Verizon Wireless phone in the US, follow this sequence:
Dial the US Exit Code: Enter 011.
Enter the UK Country Code: Dial 44.
Add the UK Area Code (without the leading zero): Find the area code for the UK city you're calling. For example, if the landline number is in London and starts with 020, you would dial 20. If the number is 0161 for Manchester, you'd dial 161.
Dial the Local Number: Enter the remaining digits of the UK landline number.
Example for a London Landline (e.g., 020 7123 4567): You would dial: 011 44 20 7123 4567
Sub-heading 2.2: Calling a UK Mobile Number from Verizon Wireless
Calling a UK mobile number is very similar, with a slight variation in the prefix.
Dial the US Exit Code: Enter 011.
Enter the UK Country Code: Dial 44.
Add the UK Mobile Prefix (without the leading zero): UK mobile numbers typically start with '07'. When dialing internationally, you'll drop the '0' and just use '7'.
Dial the Remaining Mobile Number: Enter the rest of the 9 digits of the UK mobile number.
Example for a UK Mobile Number (e.g., 07700 900123): You would dial: 011 44 7700 900123
Sub-heading 2.3: Using the "+" Symbol for Simplicity (Smartphone Users)
Many smartphones allow you to use the "+" symbol instead of the international exit code (011). This can be particularly convenient, as it automatically inserts the correct international dialing prefix for your location.
To use the "+" symbol:
Press and hold the "0" key on your smartphone keypad until the "+" symbol appears.
Enter the UK Country Code: Dial 44.
Enter the UK Area Code/Mobile Prefix (without the leading zero): As explained above (e.g., "20" for London landline, "7" for mobile).
Dial the Local Number: Enter the remaining digits.
Example for a UK Mobile Number using "+": You would dial: +44 7700 900123
This method is often preferred for its simplicity and works universally across many devices and carriers.
Step 3: Don't Forget the Time Zone! Considering the Time Difference
This is a crucial but often overlooked step! The United Kingdom operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or British Summer Time (BST) during the summer months. The Eastern Time Zone (ET) in the US is typically 5 hours behind GMT/BST.
During GMT (Winter): If it's 10:00 AM ET in the US, it's 3:00 PM GMT in the UK.
During BST (Summer): If it's 10:00 AM ET in the US, it's 3:00 PM BST in the UK.
Always double-check the current time in the UK to avoid calling at inconvenient hours, like the middle of the night! A quick search for "current time in London" (or the specific UK city) will give you the precise time difference.
Step 4: Optimizing Your Call Tips for a Smooth Experience
Making the call is just one part; ensuring a good connection and managing costs are equally important.
Sub-heading 4.1: Checking Your Rates
As mentioned in Step 1, Verizon's international calling rates can vary. Before making a lengthy call, especially without an international plan, it's wise to:
Visit the Verizon International Calling page: Enter "United Kingdom" to see the exact pay-per-minute rates or details on applicable plans.
Log into your My Verizon account: You can review your current plan and add-ons, and estimate costs.
Sub-heading 4.2: Utilizing Wi-Fi Calling
If you have a strong Wi-Fi connection, you can enable Wi-Fi Calling on your Verizon device. When Wi-Fi Calling is active, calls typically originate in the US, even if you're physically located outside the US. Calls to US numbers are usually not billed, and calls to international numbers (like the UK) are billed according to your international long-distance plan. This can sometimes offer clearer connections and potentially lower rates if you have an eligible plan.
To enable Wi-Fi Calling: Go to your phone's settings (usually under "Cellular" or "Connections") and look for "Wi-Fi Calling." Follow the prompts to activate it.
Sub-heading 4.3: Considering VoIP Apps
For very frequent or long calls, or if you don't want to add an international calling plan, consider using Voice over IP (VoIP) apps. Popular options include:
WhatsApp: Free calls to other WhatsApp users over Wi-Fi or data.
Skype: Offers competitive rates for calling landlines and mobiles worldwide, and free calls to other Skype users.
Google Voice/Google Meet: Can be used for calls and video calls.
These apps rely on an internet connection, so ensure you have a stable Wi-Fi or data connection for optimal call quality.
Step 5: Troubleshooting Common Issues What to Do If Your Call Doesn't Go Through
Even with the right steps, sometimes calls don't connect. Here are some common issues and their solutions:
Sub-heading 5.1: "Call Cannot Be Completed" or Dial Tone Issues
Double-check the dialing sequence: Re-verify every digit, especially the exit code (011), country code (44), and the dropped '0' from the UK area/mobile code. A single incorrect digit can prevent the call from connecting.
Ensure "International Services Enabled" on your account: For some Verizon accounts, especially older ones, you might need this feature enabled to make international calls. You can check and add this through My Verizon or by contacting Verizon Customer Service.
Restart your phone: A simple reboot can sometimes resolve minor network glitches.
Sub-heading 5.2: Poor Call Quality or Dropped Calls
Check your signal strength: If you're on cellular, weak signal can lead to poor call quality. Try moving to an area with better coverage.
Switch to Wi-Fi Calling: If available, this can often provide a more stable and clearer connection, especially if your cellular signal is poor.
Minimize background noise: For clearer communication, try to call from a quiet environment.
Sub-heading 5.3: Unexpected Charges
Review your Verizon bill: If you notice unexpected charges, contact Verizon Customer Service immediately to understand the breakdown of costs and clarify any potential discrepancies.
Verify your international plan: Ensure the international calling plan you intended to activate is indeed active on your line.
Conclusion
Calling the UK from Verizon Wireless is a straightforward process once you're familiar with the international dialing codes and have considered your calling plan options. By following these steps and keeping the time difference in mind, you can stay easily connected with your contacts in the United Kingdom.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check my Verizon Wireless international calling rates to the UK?
You can check Verizon Wireless international calling rates to the UK by visiting the "International Calling" section on the Verizon website, entering "United Kingdom" in the search bar, or by logging into your My Verizon app and navigating to your plan details.
How to add an international calling plan to my Verizon account for the UK?
To add an international calling plan to your Verizon account for the UK, you can sign in to the My Verizon app or My Verizon online, navigate to the "Plans" or "International" section, and choose an appropriate plan like "Global Choice" (selecting UK as your chosen country) or "Global Calling Plus." You can also text the specific keyword for the plan (e.g., "UK" to 4004 for Global Choice with UK minutes) to 4004.
How to use Wi-Fi Calling to call the UK from my Verizon phone?
To use Wi-Fi Calling to call the UK, ensure you have a strong Wi-Fi connection. Then, go to your phone's Settings > Cellular (or Connections) > Wi-Fi Calling and enable it. Once active, your calls to the UK will be routed over Wi-Fi according to your international plan or standard rates.
How to dial a UK mobile number from the US on Verizon Wireless?
To dial a UK mobile number from the US on Verizon Wireless, dial 011 (US exit code), then 44 (UK country code), then the UK mobile prefix without the leading '0' (e.g., 7 for numbers starting with 07), followed by the remaining 9 digits of the mobile number. Alternatively, use +44 followed by the mobile prefix without '0' and the rest of the number.
How to dial a UK landline number from the US on Verizon Wireless?
To dial a UK landline number from the US on Verizon Wireless, dial 011 (US exit code), then 44 (UK country code), then the UK area code without the leading '0' (e.g., 20 for London's 020), followed by the local landline number.
How to find the correct UK area code if I only have the full local number?
You can find the correct UK area code by searching online for "UK area codes" and looking up the digits that follow the leading '0' in the UK phone number you have. Remember to drop the '0' when dialing internationally.
How to avoid high costs when calling the UK from Verizon Wireless?
To avoid high costs, consider adding an international calling plan like Verizon's "Global Choice" (with UK as your chosen country) or "Global Calling Plus." You can also use Wi-Fi Calling or VoIP apps like WhatsApp or Skype for free or reduced-rate calls over an internet connection.
How to troubleshoot if my Verizon call to the UK isn't connecting?
If your Verizon call to the UK isn't connecting, first double-check the dialing sequence for any errors. Ensure your Verizon account has "International Services Enabled" if required. Try restarting your phone, or if possible, connect to a strong Wi-Fi network and try Wi-Fi Calling.
How to check the time difference between my location and the UK before calling?
You can check the time difference by performing a quick online search for "current time in UK" or "time difference between [your city/state] and London." This will help you avoid calling at inconvenient hours.
How to call Verizon Customer Service for international calling support?
You can call Verizon Customer Service for international calling support by dialing *611 from your Verizon Wireless device, or 1-800-922-0204 from any phone in the US. If you are already traveling internationally and need support, you can call +1-908-559-4899 (toll charges may apply).
