Calling the United States from the United Kingdom might seem straightforward, but understanding the nuances of international dialing codes, time zones, and potential cost considerations can significantly enhance your experience. This comprehensive guide provides a step-by-step breakdown of how to successfully connect with contacts in the US from the UK, ensuring clear communication and minimizing unexpected expenses.
Understanding the Basics: Why is Calling the US From the UK Unique?
While seemingly simple, calling internationally involves a few key elements that differ from local calls. These elements include:
- Exit Code: Also known as the international access code, this code tells your phone provider you’re making an international call. The exit code varies depending on the country you are calling from.
- Country Code: Each country has a unique code. The country code for the United States is 1.
- Area Code: Within the US, area codes designate specific regions. You need to know the correct area code for the person or business you’re calling.
- Local Number: This is the seven-digit number unique to the person or business you are trying to reach.
Successfully dialing internationally requires assembling these components in the correct order.
Step-by-Step Guide to Calling the US From the UK
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:
- Dial the UK Exit Code: 00. This signals to your phone network that you are making an international call.
- Dial the US Country Code: 1. This identifies the United States as the destination country.
- Dial the US Area Code: This is a three-digit code that specifies the region within the US you are calling. You must know the correct area code for your contact. Common examples include 212 (New York City), 310 (Los Angeles), 415 (San Francisco), and 713 (Houston). If you don’t know the area code, you can usually find it with a quick online search using the city and state.
- Dial the Local Number: This is the seven-digit phone number of the person or business you are calling.
Putting it all together, the complete dialing sequence will look like this:
00 + 1 + Area Code + Local Number
Example: To call a number in New York City (area code 212) with the local number 555-1212, you would dial:
00 1 212 555 1212
Calling From a Mobile Phone
The process is virtually the same when calling from a mobile phone. However, instead of dialing “00” for the exit code, you can often use the “+” symbol. The “+” symbol automatically inserts the correct international exit code based on your current location.
To use the “+” symbol:
- On most mobile phones, you can access the “+” symbol by pressing and holding the “0” key.
Therefore, the dialing sequence on a mobile phone would be:
+1 + Area Code + Local Number
Using the previous New York City example:
+1 212 555 1212
Using the “+” symbol is generally considered the safer and more reliable method, especially when traveling, as it automatically adapts to the local exit code.
Time Zone Considerations
The United States spans multiple time zones, from Eastern Time (ET) to Pacific Time (PT). Before making a call, it’s crucial to determine the time zone of the person or business you are trying to reach to avoid calling at inconvenient hours. Here’s a quick overview of the major US time zones and their relationship to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which is often used as a reference point in the UK:
- Eastern Time (ET): GMT -5 hours (during Standard Time, EST) or GMT -4 hours (during Daylight Saving Time, EDT). Eastern Time is where major cities like New York and Miami are located.
- Central Time (CT): GMT -6 hours (during Standard Time, CST) or GMT -5 hours (during Daylight Saving Time, CDT). Cities like Chicago, Dallas, and Houston are in the Central Time Zone.
- Mountain Time (MT): GMT -7 hours (during Standard Time, MST) or GMT -6 hours (during Daylight Saving Time, MDT). Denver and Phoenix observe Mountain Time. Note that Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time, so Phoenix remains on MST year-round.
- Pacific Time (PT): GMT -8 hours (during Standard Time, PST) or GMT -7 hours (during Daylight Saving Time, PDT). Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle are in the Pacific Time Zone.
- Alaska Time (AKT): GMT -9 hours (during Standard Time, AKST) or GMT -8 hours (during Daylight Saving Time, AKDT).
- Hawaii-Aleutian Time (HST): GMT -10 hours (year-round). Hawaii does not observe Daylight Saving Time.
Daylight Saving Time (DST):
Both the UK and the US observe Daylight Saving Time (also known as Summer Time). However, the dates on which DST begins and ends can vary slightly between the two countries. Typically, DST in the US starts on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November. It’s always a good idea to double-check the current time in the specific US location you are calling to ensure you’re calling at a reasonable hour.
Tools for Converting Time Zones:
Numerous online time zone converters can help you determine the corresponding time in the US based on the current time in the UK. Some popular options include:
- World Time Buddy: A versatile time zone converter that allows you to compare multiple time zones simultaneously.
- TimeAndDate.com: Provides a comprehensive time zone converter, as well as information about current time, daylight saving time, and other related topics.
- Google: Simply search “time in [city, state]” to quickly find the current time in a specific US location.
Cost Considerations: How to Minimize Calling Charges
International calls can be expensive, so it’s essential to be aware of the potential costs and explore strategies for minimizing them.
- Check Your Mobile Phone Plan: Contact your mobile phone provider to inquire about their international calling rates to the US. Some providers offer international calling bundles or add-ons that can significantly reduce the cost per minute. Be aware of any per-minute charges, connection fees, and potential roaming charges if you are calling while traveling outside the UK.
- Consider VoIP Services: Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like Skype, WhatsApp, Viber, and Google Voice use the internet to make calls, often at significantly lower rates than traditional phone calls. Many of these services offer free calls to other users of the same platform, and cost-effective rates for calling landlines and mobile phones. Keep in mind that both the caller and the recipient need to have the app installed and an internet connection for app-to-app calls.
- Use a Calling Card: International calling cards can be a cost-effective option, particularly for longer calls. You purchase a card with a specific value and then use it to make calls at discounted rates. Compare the rates and fees of different calling cards before making a purchase.
- Landline vs. Mobile: Calling from a landline may sometimes be cheaper than calling from a mobile phone, depending on your phone plan. Check the rates with your landline provider.
- Free Wi-Fi Calling: If you have access to a reliable Wi-Fi connection, you can use Wi-Fi calling on your mobile phone to make calls to the US without incurring international charges. Check with your mobile phone provider to ensure that Wi-Fi calling is enabled on your account and that it supports international calls.
Alternative Communication Methods
In addition to traditional phone calls, several alternative communication methods can be used to connect with people in the US, often at little or no cost:
- Email: Email is a convenient and free way to communicate, especially for non-urgent messages.
- Text Messaging (SMS): While text messages may incur international charges, they are generally less expensive than phone calls. Consider using messaging apps like WhatsApp or iMessage, which allow you to send free messages over the internet.
- Video Conferencing: Video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams allow you to have face-to-face conversations with people in the US, regardless of their location. These platforms are particularly useful for business meetings and virtual gatherings.
- Social Media: Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter offer various communication features, including messaging, video calls, and live streaming.
Troubleshooting Common Calling Problems
Even with careful planning, you may encounter issues when calling the US from the UK. Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them:
- Incorrect Dialing Sequence: Double-check that you have dialed the correct exit code, country code, area code, and local number. Even a single incorrect digit can prevent the call from going through.
- Blocked Calls: Some phone providers may block international calls by default. Contact your provider to ensure that international calling is enabled on your account.
- Poor Connection: A weak signal or a poor internet connection can result in a dropped call or poor audio quality. Try moving to a location with a stronger signal or connecting to a more reliable Wi-Fi network.
- Time Zone Issues: Ensure that you are calling at a reasonable hour in the recipient’s time zone. Use a time zone converter to avoid calling in the middle of the night.
- Number Not in Service: If you consistently receive a message indicating that the number is not in service, verify that you have the correct number and that the recipient’s phone is turned on and receiving calls.
Tips for Successful International Calls
Here are some additional tips to ensure a smooth and successful international calling experience:
- Speak Clearly and Slowly: When speaking to someone with a different accent or language background, speak clearly and slowly to ensure that they can understand you.
- Repeat Key Information: Repeat important information, such as names, addresses, and phone numbers, to avoid misunderstandings.
- Be Patient: International calls can sometimes experience delays or echo. Be patient and allow the other person to finish speaking before responding.
- Take Notes: If you are discussing important information, take notes to avoid forgetting key details.
- Be Respectful: Be mindful of cultural differences and be respectful of the other person’s time and perspective.
Conclusion
Calling the United States from the UK doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By understanding the correct dialing codes, considering time zone differences, and exploring cost-effective communication options, you can easily connect with friends, family, and colleagues in the US. Whether you choose to use traditional phone calls, VoIP services, or alternative communication methods, this guide provides you with the knowledge and tools you need to make successful international calls.
Further Resources
- Your Mobile Phone Provider’s Website: Check your provider’s website for information on international calling rates and plans.
- Online Time Zone Converters: Use online time zone converters to determine the current time in the US.
- International Calling Card Comparison Websites: Compare the rates and fees of different international calling cards.
- VoIP Service Websites: Explore the features and pricing of various VoIP services.
By following these steps and considering the tips provided, you can confidently and affordably call the United States from the United Kingdom.
