Ever tried calling someone in the UK only to hear that dreaded, “The number you dialed is incorrect”? Or maybe you’re traveling, trying to reach a friend or business contact overseas, and your call just won’t go through. Frustrating, right?

This is where the +44 country code comes in. It’s the magic number that ensures your call reaches the right destination every time. Whether you’re calling a London office, a Manchester friend, or checking in with family, understanding this simple code saves you from misdialed calls, wasted minutes, and those awkward “Can you hear me now?” moments.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the UK country code, area codes, the step-by-step dialing process, the best apps to use, and even the ideal times to call. By the end, dialing the UK will feel like second nature, and you might even enjoy it.

What exactly is the +44 Country Code?

Every country has its own unique code: the US is +1, India is +91, and the UK is +44. When you dial internationally, this code tells your carrier exactly which country you’re trying to reach.  The plus sign (+) in front of 44 isn’t just decoration. It represents the international access code you use to start a call from abroad. Understanding what 44 represents is helpful, but why is it so important to always use it correctly when calling the UK? Let’s find out.

Why is  the +44 Code Essential for Every UK Call?

Okay, picture this: you forget the +44, dial the number exactly as you see it on your friend’s business card, and suddenly… nothing. The call failed. Or worse, you accidentally reach someone completely different. Awkward! The +44 country code is mandatory to call the UK. Without it, your carrier has no idea where to send your call. This prevents failed calls.  Another common mistake: including the local UK zero at the start. For example, London numbers start with 020. When dialing internationally, drop that zero.

Using +44 gets your call to the UK, but what about the numbers inside the country? That’s where UK area codes come in.

Understanding UK Area Codes (Without Getting Confused)

The UK uses area codes to designate regions. Knowing them helps you dial correctly and sometimes even gives you a hint about the location of the person you’re calling.

Here’s a Quick Guide to Some Major Cities:

Knowing area codes can also help you spot scams. If a number claims to be a London office but the code is something else, you know to double-check. With the area codes clear, you’re ready for a step-by-step guide on how to dial the UK from anywhere in the world.

Dialing the UK: A Foolproof Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a foolproof method to call the UK from anywhere:

Step 1: Dial your country’s exit code

The exit code depends on where you are dialing from. For example, for the United States , the exit code is 011. 

Step 2: Add the UK country code

Step 3: Drop the zero 

Phone numbers of the United Kingdom begin with 0. For example a London number starts with 020. To successfully connect to the UK from anywhere in the world, drop the leading 0. This step ensures that your call routes correctly.

Step 4: Dial the rest of the number

Once you’ve added the exit and country codes, enter the rest of the UK number and hit the dial. Let’s say you’re calling a friend’s landline number (020 3456 7890) in London from the US. Your number will look like this:

Dialing into the UK is one thing, but what if you’re in the UK and want to call elsewhere? Here’s how to do it without headaches.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Call Outside the UK From the UK

Calling internationally from the UK is just as simple, but slightly reversed: 

Step 1: Dial the UK exit code

Step 2: Add the country code

Step 3: Dial the local number

After entering exit and country codes, dial the full local number.

Example: Calling South Africa from the UK:

Knowing these steps is great, but using the right tools can make your calls cheaper and clearer. Let’s explore the best apps and services for calling the UK. 

The Best Apps for Calling the UK Clearly and Cheaply

You don’t have to rely on traditional carriers for international calls. Some apps make calling the UK cheaper, clearer, and even free:

1. Slick

• Clear calls to both mobile and landline of the UK
• Works in 200+ countries
• End-to-end encryption for privacy
• Free app-to-app calls
• Affordable and flexible calling plan

2. WhatsApp 

• Free voice and video calls to WhatsApp users
• Your conversations are protected with end-to-end encryption
• Only works if both users have WhatsApp
• You can’t call offline numbers

3. Viber

• Enjoy free  -to-viber calls
• Call non-app users with Viber out option
• Rates could be high and vary depending on your country

4. Messenger

• Free voice and video calls to Facebook friends
• Built into Facebook app
• Requires a strong internet connection
• No calls to landlines and non-app users 

Practical insight: If you’re calling a UK landline, apps like Slick are often cheaper and more reliable than Wi-Fi-only options. For friends with the same app, app-to-app calls are free. Even with the best tools, timing matters. Calling at the right hour can save you money and avoid missed connections.

When’s the Best Time to Call the UK?

The best time to call the UK really depends on where you are in the world and who you’re trying to reach. A quick time-zone check can save you from catching someone at the wrong moment (because no one loves a surprise 6 a.m. call).

When to Make Formal Calls

If it’s a work-related conversation, aim for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. UK time. That’s when offices are open, people are at their desks, and you’re most likely to get a focused response instead of a rushed “Can I call you back?”

When to Make Informal Calls

Catching up with friends or family? Weekends and public holidays are usually the sweet spot. People tend to be more relaxed, more available, and more in the mood for a chat. Keep in mind that the UK switches between two time zones throughout the year: British Summer Time (BST) and Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Here’s a quick breakdown of how these time differences work:

UK GMT Time

• GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) is the UK’s standard time zone.
• It applies roughly from late October to late March.
• When the UK is on GMT, the time is written as GMT or UTC+0.

UK BST Time

• BST (British Summer Time) is the UK’s daylight saving time.
• It applies from late March to late October.
• When the UK is on BST, the clock moves 1 hour ahead, so it becomes GMT+1 or UTC+1. 

A Few Call-Etiquette Tips That Make a Big Difference:

• Try not to ring someone casually during office hours. It can throw their entire day off.
• And on the flip side, keep business calls away from evenings and holidays.
• If it’s an important conversation, consider scheduling the call first. A simple message like, “What time works for you?” goes a long way.
• Time-zone tools are your best friend. A quick check helps you avoid awkwardly early or painfully late calls.
• As a rule of thumb: if you wouldn’t appreciate being woken up or interrupted at that hour… they probably won’t either.

Frequently Asked Questions 

The +44 code is the country code for the UK. It allows you to make calls to the United Kingdom from anywhere in the world. 

To make calls to the United Kingdom, follow this format [Your country’s exit code] + [44] + [UK area code] + [UK phone number].

Include the UK area code without the trunk prefix (0) when dialing internationally. 

Costs of your calls depend on your service. Calling apps like the Slick app make it cheaper to call the United Kingdom. Moreover, you can make free Slick-to-Slick calls.

Conclusion

The +44 country code is more than just a number, it’s your ticket to hassle-free communication with the UK. Pair it with the right area code, follow simple dialing steps, choose reliable apps, and time your calls smartly. Whether it’s for business, friends, or family, understanding how to call the UK saves you time, money, and stress. And remember, using tools like the Slick app makes international calling easy, cheap, and crystal clear. So next time you dial +44, you can do it confidently, and maybe even enjoy the process.