Get international calling Feature to dial USA from UK
How to Call the US from the UK: Dialling Codes, Costs, and Tips
Key Takeaways

- The dialling code for the US from the UK is 00 1 from a landline or +1 from a mobile.
- US phone numbers are 10 digits long, made up of a three-digit area code and a seven-digit local number.
- Standard UK mobile plans charge between £1 and £3.50 per minute for calls to the US.
- VoIP phone systems reduce the cost of UK-to-US calls significantly, often including US minutes in the plan.
- The US has six time zones, ranging from five hours behind the UK (Eastern) to 10 hours behind (Hawaii).
- Saving US contacts with the +1 prefix ensures your phone dials correctly from any location.
Calling the United States from the UK is a common need for businesses with American clients, suppliers, or remote teams. The dialling process is simple, but getting the format right matters. One wrong digit and the call will not connect.
The US uses a different number format to the UK, and the country spans six time zones. Knowing how to dial correctly, when to call, and how to keep costs down saves both time and money.
What Is the Dialling Code for the US from the UK?
The country code for the United States is 1. To call the US from the UK, you dial the UK exit code followed by 1, then the full 10-digit US phone number.
From a UK Landline
Dial 00 (the UK international exit code), then 1 (the US country code), then the 10-digit US number.
Example for a New York landline: 00 1 212 456 7890
From a UK Mobile
Replace 00 with the + symbol. Dial +1 followed by the 10-digit number.
Example for a Los Angeles mobile: +1 310 456 7890
The format is the same whether you are calling a US landline or a US mobile number. Unlike some countries, the US does not use separate prefixes for landlines and mobiles.
US Area Codes for Major Cities
US phone numbers are 10 digits long. The first three digits are the area code, which identifies the geographic region. The remaining seven digits are the local number.
Here are the area codes for the most commonly called US cities:

| City | Area Code(s) |
|---|---|
| New York | 212, 917, 718, 646 |
| Los Angeles | 213, 310, 424, 323 |
| Chicago | 312, 773 |
| Houston | 713, 281, 832 |
| San Francisco | 415, 628 |
| Miami | 305, 786 |
| Dallas | 214, 972, 469 |
| Washington DC | 202 |
| Seattle | 206 |
| Boston | 617, 857 |
| Denver | 303, 720 |
| Phoenix | 602, 480 |
Many US cities have multiple area codes. If a call does not connect, confirm you have the correct area code for the specific number you are dialling.
How Much Does It Cost to Call the US from the UK?
Costs vary depending on your provider and call method.
From a standard UK mobile contract, calls to the US typically cost between £1 and £3.50 per minute. Some business mobile plans include international calling allowances, so check your tariff before making regular calls.
From a UK landline, rates range from 10p to £1 per minute depending on your provider, the time of day, and whether you are calling a US landline or mobile.
Using a VoIP phone system is the most cost-effective option for businesses that call the US regularly. VoIP routes calls over the internet, bypassing traditional per-minute international charges. Many VoIP plans include bundled US minutes or offer flat-rate international calling.
How to Call the US Cheaper Using VoIP
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) sends calls over your internet connection instead of through the traditional phone network. For UK businesses with US clients or partners, VoIP can cut international call costs by 50 per cent or more.
A cloud phone system lets your team call the US from desk phones, laptops, or smartphones using a softphone app. Calls route through the internet, so your location does not affect the rate. A team member working from home makes the same call at the same cost as someone in the office.
VoIP calling apps on your mobile or desktop offer another way to reduce costs. The app connects through broadband or mobile data, avoiding the per-minute rates your mobile network would normally charge.
Time Zone Differences Between the UK and the US
The US spans six time zones. Getting the timing right is essential for business calls, as the difference ranges from five to 10 hours behind the UK.
| US Time Zone | Hours Behind UK (Winter/GMT) | Hours Behind UK (Summer/BST) |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern (New York, Miami) | 5 hours | 5 hours |
| Central (Chicago, Dallas) | 6 hours | 6 hours |
| Mountain (Denver, Phoenix) | 7 hours | 7 hours |
| Pacific (Los Angeles, San Francisco) | 8 hours | 8 hours |
| Alaska | 9 hours | 9 hours |
| Hawaii | 10 hours | 10 hours |
The best window for calling US East Coast contacts is between 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm UK time. For the West Coast, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm UK time works well.

Both the UK and most of the US observe daylight saving time, so the gap stays consistent for most of the year. Arizona and Hawaii do not observe daylight saving, which can shift the difference by one hour during summer.
Tips for Calling the US from the UK
A few practical points worth noting:
- Check that your plan includes international calls. Many UK mobile contracts charge premium rates for US calls unless you have an international add-on.
- Save US numbers with the +1 prefix. Your phone will then dial correctly whether you are in the UK or travelling elsewhere.
- Confirm the area code before calling. US cities frequently add new area codes, and older directories may list outdated ones.
- Avoid calling outside US business hours. An early morning call in the UK reaches the US East Coast before dawn.
- Use Wi-Fi calling or a VoIP app when travelling. Calling a US number while roaming in a third country can trigger expensive roaming charges on top of international rates.
Call the US for Less With The VoIP Shop
The VoIP Shop provides cloud phone systems and VoIP calling plans with competitive international rates, including calls to the United States. With UK-based 24/7 support and a dedicated account manager, the team can set up international calling for your business in minutes. A free consultation covers your options with no obligation.
FAQ
Answers to some of our most commonly asked How to dial US from UK calling code questions…
