How to Call to UK from USA: A Comprehensive Guide
In today’s interconnected world, making international calls has become an essential part of our lives. If you are in the USA and need to call the United Kingdom, it’s important to know the right steps to ensure a successful and cost-effective call. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to call to UK from USA, including the necessary dialing codes, the best calling options, and tips to save money on international calls.
Understanding the Dialing Codes
The first step in making an international call is to understand the dialing codes. When calling the UK from the USA, you will need to dial the following:
– Exit Code: 011 – This is the country code for the USA, which you need to dial before the country code of the UK.
– Country Code: 44 – This is the country code for the United Kingdom.
So, the complete dialing sequence for calling the UK from the USA is: 011 + 44 + the local number.
Choosing the Right Calling Option
There are several ways to make an international call from the USA to the UK. Here are some of the most popular options:
1. Landline: You can make a call from a landline phone by dialing the complete dialing sequence (011 + 44 + the local number). However, this might be expensive, especially if you are not using a calling card or a VoIP service.
2. Mobile Phone: Similar to landlines, you can make an international call from your mobile phone by dialing the complete dialing sequence. Be aware that international calls from mobile phones can be quite expensive, so it’s advisable to check your plan or use a calling app.
3. Calling Cards: Calling cards are a cost-effective way to make international calls. You can purchase a calling card with a specific amount of money loaded onto it, and then use it to make calls. Make sure to choose a calling card that offers competitive rates for calls to the UK.
4. VoIP Services: Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like Skype, Viber, and WhatsApp allow you to make international calls over the internet. These services often offer free or low-cost calls to the UK, depending on the plan you choose. All you need is a stable internet connection and a compatible device.
Tips to Save Money on International Calls
To save money on international calls to the UK, consider the following tips:
1. Use VoIP services: As mentioned earlier, VoIP services like Skype and Viber offer free or low-cost calls to the UK. Make sure to compare the rates and choose the service that suits your needs.
2. Purchase a calling card: If you frequently make international calls, purchasing a calling card with a specific amount of money loaded onto it can be a cost-effective solution.
3. Check your mobile plan: Some mobile plans offer international calling minutes at a discounted rate. Make sure to check your plan and take advantage of these offers.
4. Utilize Wi-Fi: If you have access to a stable Wi-Fi connection, use it to make VoIP calls instead of using your mobile data or cellular network, which can be more expensive.
By following this comprehensive guide, you should now have a clear understanding of how to call to UK from USA. Whether you choose to use a landline, mobile phone, calling card, or VoIP service, make sure to compare the rates and choose the option that best suits your needs and budget.