UK phone numbers look simple until you actually try to call one from abroad. Then suddenly you're Googling "do I need the 0?" and "what's the +44 thing again?" while your call fails for the third time.
I've been there. Multiple times. And after dealing with UK numbers for years - both calling them and having one myself - I've figured out all the quirks that trip people up.
This guide will show you exactly how to dial UK numbers whether you're calling from the US, Europe, Asia, or anywhere else. Plus some tricks to avoid paying insane international rates.
Understanding UK Phone Number Format
First, let's break down what a UK number actually looks like, because this is where most confusion starts.
A typical UK landline number looks like this: 020 7946 0958
A mobile number looks like this: 07700 900123
Here's what those parts mean:
The 0 at the start is called the trunk code. You only use it when calling within the UK. When calling from abroad, you drop it and use +44 instead.
For landlines, the next part (like 20) is the area code. London is 020, Manchester is 0161, Birmingham is 0121, and so on. The rest is the actual subscriber number.
For mobiles, it's simpler - they all start with 07, followed by the rest of the number. There's no geographic area code because, well, mobile phones move around.
How to Dial UK Numbers From Abroad
Here's the formula that works from any country:
Let me break that down with real examples.
From the United States
US exit code is 011, so you dial:
011 44 7700 900123 (for a mobile)
Most US phones also let you use + instead of 011, which is easier:
+44 7700 900123
From Europe
Most European countries use 00 as their exit code:
00 44 7700 900123
Or just use the + method, which works everywhere:
+44 7700 900123
From Anywhere (The Easy Way)
Honestly, forget about memorizing exit codes. Just use the + symbol. Every modern phone supports it - on most phones, you get + by holding down the 0 key.
So the universal format is:
This works from literally any country. I never dial any other way anymore.
Calling Within the UK
If you're physically in the UK calling another UK number, it's way simpler. Just dial the number exactly as it's written, including the 0.
07700 900123 (mobile)
That's it. No country codes, no + symbols, no exit codes. Just the regular number.
Common Mistakes People Make
Including the 0 when calling from abroad. This is the most common mistake. If you dial +44 0 20 7946 0958, it won't work. Drop the zero.
Forgetting the area code. You can't just dial the last 7-8 digits and expect it to work, even within the same area. Always dial the full number.
Using the wrong country code. I've seen people try +4 or +440. It's always +44 for the UK.
Confusing UK with Great Britain or England. Doesn't matter for phone purposes - England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland all use +44.
Not checking if it's a premium number. Numbers starting with 084, 087, 09 are premium rate. These can cost you a fortune, especially from abroad.
Mobile vs Landline: What's the Difference?
Functionally, not much from your end - you dial them the same way. But there are some differences worth knowing:
Cost: Calling UK mobiles from abroad is usually more expensive than calling landlines. Sometimes significantly more. Check your carrier's rates.
Identification: UK mobile numbers always start with 07. If it starts with anything else (020, 0161, 01234, etc.), it's a landline.
Texting: You can text UK mobile numbers but not landlines (obviously). The format for texting is the same as calling: +44 7xxx xxxxxx
Virtual numbers: Some UK numbers that look like mobiles are actually virtual numbers that forward to other phones or apps. They work the same way though.
Special UK Number Prefixes You Should Know
Not all UK numbers are created equal. Here's what different prefixes mean:
020, 0121, 0161, etc: Geographic landlines. The cost is usually standard.
03: Non-geographic but charged at standard rates. Often used by businesses and government services.
070: Personal numbering service. NOT a mobile despite starting with 07. Usually expensive to call.
074-079: Actual mobiles. Standard mobile rates apply.
080: Freephone numbers. Free from UK landlines, but might cost from mobiles or abroad.
084, 087: Service numbers. More expensive than standard calls.
09: Premium rate. Can be very expensive. Avoid unless you know what you're getting into.
116: Harmonised services like 116 000 for missing children hotline.
How Much It Actually Costs
Here's the annoying truth: calling UK numbers from abroad can get expensive fast, especially on traditional phone plans.
Typical rates I've seen:
From US to UK: $0.50-2.00 per minute on most carriers. AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile all charge different rates. Some have international calling packages that bring it down to $0.05-0.15/minute.
From Europe to UK (post-Brexit): Varies wildly. Can be anywhere from €0.10 to €2.00 per minute depending on your carrier and plan.
From Asia to UK: Often $1-3 per minute unless you have an international plan.
These are carrier rates. They add up fast if you're calling regularly for business or keeping in touch with family.
The Cheaper Way
Here's what actually works to cut costs:
WhatsApp/FaceTime/Skype calls over WiFi: Free, but requires the other person to have the app and internet. Not ideal for calling businesses or people who aren't tech-savvy.
VoIP services: Google Voice (US only), Skype credit, etc. Usually $0.01-0.05 per minute to UK numbers.
Get a UK virtual number: If you call the UK often, this is the smartest move. You get a UK number that works through an app, and you can make calls at UK local rates instead of international rates. MoreMins offers UK numbers starting at $0.99/month with free incoming calls.
International calling plans: Most carriers offer these, but check the rates carefully. Sometimes they're good deals, sometimes they're still expensive.
Calling the UK regularly?
Get a UK virtual number and make calls at local rates from anywhere in the world. No expensive international charges, no contracts.
Get UK Number - From $0.99/monthTexting UK Numbers From Abroad
SMS to UK numbers follows the same format as calling:
But here's the thing - international SMS is even more expensive than calling in many cases. I've seen carriers charge $0.50-1.00 per text message to UK numbers.
Better options:
- WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal - free if both people have the app
- iMessage - free between iPhones
- Facebook Messenger - free but requires Facebook
- Get a UK virtual number - send SMS at UK local rates
The only time you really need actual SMS is for verification codes or messaging someone who doesn't use any of those apps.
Time Zone Considerations
Quick reminder that UK is on GMT (or BST during summer). If you're calling from:
US East Coast: UK is 5 hours ahead (or 4 during parts of the year when daylight saving times don't align perfectly)
US West Coast: UK is 8 hours ahead
Central Europe: UK is 1 hour behind
India: UK is 5.5 hours behind
Australia East: UK is 10-11 hours behind depending on the season
Don't be that person who calls a UK business at 3am their time because you forgot to check. Ask me how I know this is a thing people do.
Emergency Numbers in the UK
If you're in the UK and need emergency services, dial 999 or 112. Both work and connect you to police, fire, or ambulance.
You can call these even without phone credit or with a locked SIM card. They're always free.
Non-emergency police is 101 and NHS non-emergency is 111. These cost money from mobile phones but not much.
Business Numbers and 0800 Gotchas
Many UK businesses use 0800 (freephone) numbers. Here's what you need to know:
From within the UK on a landline: Actually free
From a UK mobile: Sometimes free, sometimes charged at mobile rates. Check with your carrier.
From abroad: Usually NOT free. In fact, often more expensive than calling a regular number. Some 0800 numbers don't even accept international calls.
If you're calling a UK business from abroad and they only list an 0800 number, check their website for a regular landline alternative. Most companies have one, they just don't advertise it as prominently.
Virtual Numbers: The International Caller's Secret Weapon
Look, if you're calling the UK more than once a month, you should probably just get a UK virtual number. Here's why:
You can call UK numbers at local rates instead of international rates. If you're calling from the US and paying $1/minute, a UK virtual number that costs $0.99/month pays for itself in about a minute of calling.
UK businesses and people see a UK number on their caller ID, which means they're more likely to answer. Calling from a foreign number often gets ignored.
You can receive calls and texts to your UK number anywhere in the world. Give UK clients a UK number to reach you on, and they never know you're in another country.
No roaming charges when you're actually in the UK. Your virtual number works over WiFi or data.
I use MoreMins for my UK number. It's $0.99/month, incoming calls and SMS are free, and outgoing calls to UK numbers are cheap. The app works fine and setup took about 2 minutes.
Common Questions
Can I call UK numbers for free?
Not really, unless you're both using internet-based apps like WhatsApp. Every traditional phone call has a cost somewhere - either you pay it, or the person receiving the call does.
Why does my call keep failing?
Usually because you're including the 0 when you should drop it, or forgetting the country code. Make sure you're dialing +44 and then the number without its leading 0.
Do I need the spaces?
No. Spaces are just for readability. +442079460958 works exactly the same as +44 20 7946 0958.
What if the number has parentheses like (020) 7946 0958?
Ignore the parentheses. They're just formatting. Dial all the digits.
Can I use my US phone in the UK?
Yes, but you'll pay roaming charges unless you have an international plan or use a local SIM card. Or get a virtual number and avoid roaming entirely.
Final Tips
Save UK numbers in international format (+44...) even if you're in the UK. That way they work whether you're local or abroad.
If you're moving to the UK temporarily, get a local SIM. If you're just visiting or calling occasionally, use a virtual number or VoIP service.
Check your phone bill carefully after making international calls. Sometimes carriers add extra fees that aren't obvious from their published rates.
When in doubt, use the + format. It works everywhere and eliminates guesswork about exit codes.
And seriously, if you call the UK more than once a month, stop paying international rates and get a UK virtual number. Your wallet will thank you.
Information current as of October 2025. Phone number formats and rates may change.