Connecting with someone via international calling is simple, but some preparation is needed for the call to go smoothly. This article is your guide on how to call the UK. You’ll find answers to most questions: from the UK calling code basics to common mistakes.
The UK phone number format
International dial code for the UK
The UK area codes
Mobile companies prefixes
How to call the UK: Step-by-step
Errors
Sending money from the UK
FAQ – The UK calling code
The UK phone number format
First, let's break down a typical British number. The basic mobile number consists of the following:
- mobile company prefixes,
- area code – when applicable,
- calling code for the UK – when applicable,
- personal subscriber number.
An example:
- 07123 456 789 for national calls
- 44 7123 456 789 for international calls
So the core is 11-12 digits, but their number may vary; you’ll see why later. Now, we’ll get through each of the elements closely.
International dial code for the UK
International dial code, calling code – it has many names, but they all refer to the UK’s country code, 44. In simple words, it’s the country’s unique identifier for international calling to the UK. It gives clear instructions to mobile companies on where to locate the call. Each country has its own number. If curious, you can check them in the articles below:
It means that whenever you're calling the UK from abroad, the number must contain 44, as in our example: 44 7123 456 789.
How to use the UK calling code
Ask your interlocutor for their number, and you’ll hear something similar to 07123 456 789. Now, drop the leading 0 and replace it with +44. That’s pretty much it.
This logic applies to most countries in the world, so once you understand the algorithm of international calls, you can reach any country you wish. Just make sure to check their unique code.
The UK area codes
Wait, isn’t the area code a synonym of the UK calling code? Not this time! Area codes are another entity. They are used for landlines and represent specific cities and regions within the country, not the UK as a whole. Usually, they contain from 2 to 5 digits:
| Code | Area |
|---|---|
| 020 | London |
| 023 | Southampton, Portsmouth |
| 024 | Coventry |
| 028 | Northern Ireland |
| 029 | Cardiff |
| 0117 | Bristol |
| 0118 | Reading |
| 0151 | Liverpool |
| 0161 | Manchester |
| 01204 | Bolton |
If you receive a call from a number starting with 020, be sure that this person or company is located in London. Knowing the area codes can help you with identifying callers and understanding how much the call will cost: conversations in one area are often free, while a charge may apply for contacting a person from another city.
Mobile companies prefixes
Prefixes are like area codes, but for mobile companies. Each network is allocated a specific sequence of digits, yet they all start with 07.
| Company | Prefixes |
|---|---|
| EE | 07973, 07974, 07975, 07976, 07977, 07978, 07979, 07777 |
| O2 | 07971, 07972, 07973, 07974, 07975, 07976, 07977, 07978, 07979 |
| Three | 07973, 07974, 07975, 07976, 07977, 07978, 07979 |
| Vodafone | 07771, 07772, 07773, 07774, 07775, 07776, 07778, 07779 |
| Virgin Mobile | 07410, 07411, 07412, 07413, 07414, 07415, 07416, 07417, 07418, 07419 |
The list can go on and on. You don’t have to learn these prefixes, but knowing some of them may be helpful to guess who’s trying to reach you.
How to call the UK: Step-by-step
We’ve learned the theory, now switching to the practice. If your relatives or friends want to reach you in the UK, they should follow these steps:
- Step 1: Enter the exit code
Exit codes tell providers that you’re about to make an international call. It basically means ‘I want to reach another country, get ready for it!’ Like country codes, exit codes are linked to geographical regions:
| Exit code | Region/Country |
|---|---|
| 0011 | Australia |
| 001 | Singapore |
| 010 | Japan |
| 011 | The USA, Canada |
| 00 | The UK and most countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania |
Tip: You can replace any exit code with +, which is a universal substitute.
- Step 2: Remove the leading 0 in the original UK number.
- Step 3: Add the UK calling code (44).
- Step 4: Enter the area code/mobile prefix.
- Step 5: Finish with a unique subscriber number.
- Step 6: Call!
After they try calling for the first time, they’ll see how easy it actually is. By the way, it works exactly the same when you want to reach someone from the UK, for example, to wish your grandmother back home a happy birthday. There will be only two changes:
- Using the UK exit code (00).
- Entering the destination country’s calling code.
Here’s the list of some of them:
| Code | Country |
|---|---|
| 55 | Brazil |
| 233 | Ghana |
| 234 | Nigeria |
| 63 | The Philippines |
| 7 | Kazakhstan |
| 7 | Uzbekistan |
| 92 | Pakistan |
| 254 | Kenya |
| 880 | Bangladesh |
| 1 | Canada |
| 353 | Ireland |
| 61 | Australia |
| 84 | Vietnam |
| 91 | India |
| 86 | China |
| 995 | Georgia |
| 996 | Kyrgyzstan |
| 852 | Hong Kong |
| 81 | Japan |
| 82 | South Korea |
Find the full list on Countrycode.org.
Errors
It happens that the call isn’t going through. Some of the possible issues may be:
Format mistakes
The most obvious explanation is that some digits are messed up. For example, you may forget to remove the leading zero or accidentally add both ‘+’ and an exit code. When typing the number, make sure it looks like this +44 7123 456 789 or this 00 44 7123 456 789.
Incorrect examples: +44 07123 456 789 (leading zero is not removed) and 00 +44 7123 456 789 (exit code and ‘+’ are used at the same time).
Format mistakes are common and easy to fix. Carefully check every digit before initiating a call.
Disabled international calls
Mobile network providers often block international calls by default, or this service may not be included in your plan at all. Go to your mobile app and search for the international dialling option. If you can, enable it yourself. If something isn’t working, contact the provider directly, its employees should help and tell you about the pricing.
Essentially, international calls may be turned off in your phone settings. Search for the call barring or dial assist section and enable them.
Empty balance
International calls are expensive, so before starting one, top up your mobile balance with enough money. The price depends on the destination country, plan, phone type, connection fees, and, in rare cases, the time of day. The current information must be available on the provider's app or website. Read it carefully so as not to be left broken after a quick call.
Phone glitch
At this point, it's not even a joke that restarting your device can solve 99% of the problems. If you're sure the format is correct, international calls are turned on, and you've got sufficient funds, restart your phone. If you're lucky, the issue will disappear.
Difficulties on the recipient’s side
Maybe you’re not the problem. If your recipient’s network is weak, the call will not reach them. In this case, try contacting them via another means – WhatsApp, Viber, social media, messages, or even relatives.
Sending money from the UK
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Profee makes international transfers simple and affordable, so stay with us to keep your mind at peace and wallet full. Join Profee to learn more about our transfers.
FAQ – The UK calling code
What is the UK calling code?
44, this code is used for international calls to the UK.
What is the UK phone number format?
07XXX XXX XXX for the local calls. British mobile numbers always start with 07. The international format is +44 7XXX XXX XXX.
Is +44 the same as 07?
No, they are used in different situations. Add 44 only when you call from abroad, and keep 07 when you have a British number and are located in the UK.
Do all UK numbers start with 07?
Yes for mobiles. Landline numbers are different and contain the area code.
Why are random 07 numbers calling me?
It may be companies, public opinion polls or scammers. If you’re not sure who’s calling, don’t pick up the phone.
Stay safe: Avoiding money transfer scams – red flags every expat should know.
