How to Call a US Number from the UK (2025 Guide)
- Simon Richardson
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Calling the United States from the UK is easy once you understand the three key parts of the number: the international dialling code, the US country code, and the area code.
This guide breaks everything down with clear examples, tables, and tips to avoid expensive calling charges.
📞 The Basic Format for Calling the US from the UK
o call any US number from the UK, dial:
✅ 00 → 1 → Area Code → Local Number
Dial Step | Meaning | Example |
00 | UK’s international call prefix | Tells your network you're making an overseas call |
1 | US country code | Every US number begins with +1 |
XXX | US area code | 3-digit region code (e.g., 212 for NYC) |
XXX XXXX | Subscriber number | The local number |
So if you want to call a New York business on 212-555-0000, you would dial: ✅ 00 1 212 555 0000
🌎 US Area Codes (Quick Reference Table)
The United States uses hundreds of area codes, but here are the most common ones:
US Region | Area Codes | Typical Locations |
New York | 212, 315, 332, 646, 718, 917 | Manhattan, NYC |
California | 213, 310, 415, 619, 626 | LA, San Francisco, San Diego |
Texas | 214, 281, 713, 832 | Dallas, Houston |
Florida | 305, 321, 407, 786 | Miami, Orlando |
Illinois | 312, 773, 847 | Chicago |
Washington DC | 202 | Washington DC |
If your caller gives you a number beginning with +1, that’s just the international version — the dialling format is the same: ✅ +1 = 00 1
🧮 Cost Comparison: Calling the US from the UK (2025)
Different networks charge very different prices. Here’s a simplified overview:
Approximate Call Costs (per minute)
Network / Method | Cost to Call US | Notes |
BT Landline | 55p–£1.50/min | One of the most expensive |
Vodafone / EE / O2 | 14p–90p/min | Depends on tariff |
Skype / VoIP Apps | 1p–3p/min | Much cheaper |
Business Virtual Number Systems | 0p–1p/min | Included minutes or VoIP routes |
✅ Using a VoIP provider or Virtual Landline can reduce US call costs by over 90%.
🔄 How to Call a US Number from a UK Mobile
The exact steps are identical — simply replace “00” with “+”:
✅ +1 → Area Code → Number
Example:+1 415 444 2222 (San Francisco)
Most smartphones automatically convert +1 into the correct international code.
✨ Business Tip: Use a Virtual Landline to Call the US Cheaply
If your business regularly calls the US, using a UK Business Number or Virtual Landline is the most cost-effective solution.
Benefits include:
✅ Calls to the US for as little as 1p/min
✅ Professional UK number to display to customers
✅ Call recording, routing, voicemail to email
✅ Works on mobile, laptop, or office phone
✅ Eliminates expensive mobile international charges
Flamingo Digital offers Virtual Landline Numbers designed for UK businesses needing to call overseas.
🧭 Troubleshooting: Why Your Call to the US Isn’t Connecting
If your call isn’t going through, check the following:
✅ 1. Missing the “00”
If you start with 1, the call will fail.
✅ 2. Wrong area code
Ensure the number includes a valid 3-digit US area code.
✅ 3. Using the UK trunk code by accident
✅ 4. US toll-free numbers and restrictions
Numbers starting with 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, 833 may not connect from overseas.
✅ When Calling the US Might Fail (and What to Do)
❌ If calling toll-free US numbers → try a VoIP app
❌ If the call fails from your mobile → try adding the “+”
❌ If the line is busy or call drops → US networks often overload at peak hours
✅ Use VoIP apps for more stable international calls
🌐 When Businesses Should Use AI Reception Instead
If your UK business receives calls from US customers (different time zone), an AI Receptionist can:
✅ answer 24/7
✅ handle FAQs
✅ book appointments
✅ take messages
✅ route calls instantly
✅ prevent missed opportunities overnight
This is extremely useful for UK companies working with American clients.
✅ Final Takeaway
Calling the United States from the UK is simple once you know the format:
✅ 00 1 + Area Code + Numberv
Or on mobile:
✅ +1 + Area Code + Number
Whether you're calling friends, family, or running a business that works internationally, using VoIP or a Virtual Landline can dramatically cut your costs and improve call quality.
If your business handles calls across different time zones, a 24/7 AI Receptionist can manage enquiries instantly, book appointments, and prevent missed opportunities overnight.