International calls require the correct dialing sequence so the phone network can route your call to the right country and destination. When contacting someone in England, you need to use the US exit code, the United Kingdom’s country code, and the local phone number in the proper format.
This guide explains how to call England from US, including how English phone numbers are structured, the correct dialing steps, and helpful tips for making international calls successfully.
1. England vs UK: What You Should Know Before Calling
Before learning how to call England from US, it helps to understand the difference between England and the United Kingdom (UK). Many people use these terms interchangeably, but they are not exactly the same.
The United Kingdom is a country made up of four regions:
- England
- Scotland
- Wales
- Northern Ireland
All four regions share the same international country code +44, which means that when placing an international call, the dialing process is the same regardless of which UK region you are contacting.
However, the area code used after the country code will vary depending on the city or region within the UK. For example, London uses a different area code from cities such as Manchester or Birmingham.
Understanding this distinction helps avoid confusion when dialing international numbers and ensures that calls are routed to the correct location.

2. How Phone Numbers in England Are Structured
To successfully understand how to call England from US, it is helpful to know how English phone numbers are organized. Most phone numbers include an area code followed by a local subscriber number.
When written domestically in England, phone numbers typically start with a leading zero (0). However, this zero is removed when dialing internationally after the country code.
Landline Numbers in England
Landline numbers use area codes that identify the city or geographic region. Larger cities usually have well-known codes.
Examples include:
- 020 for London
- 0161 for Manchester
- 0121 for Birmingham
- 0113 for Leeds
For example, a London landline written locally may appear as: 020 1234 5678
When calling from the United States, the leading zero is removed, and the number becomes: 011 44 20 1234 5678
This format allows the international phone network to route the call correctly.
Mobile Numbers in England
Mobile numbers in England usually begin with 07 when written domestically. Similar to landlines, the leading zero is dropped when dialing internationally.
Example:
- Local mobile number: 07123 456789
- Dialed from the United States: 011 44 7123 456789
Once the number structure is understood, placing international calls to England becomes much easier.
3. How to Call England from the US Step by Step
Understanding how to call England from US becomes straightforward once you follow the correct dialing order. International calls require a sequence that tells the network which country and region the call should reach. The process involves the US exit code, the UK country code, and the destination number in England.
Step 1: Dial the US Exit Code
The first step when learning how to call England from US is dialing the US international exit code, which is 011. This code signals that your call is leaving the United States and connecting to another country.
Every international call from the US begins with this prefix.
Example format: 011 + country code + phone number
Step 2: Enter the UK Country Code
After dialing the exit code, the next step in how to call England from US is entering the United Kingdom country code, which is 44.
This code directs the call to the UK phone network.
Step 3: Dial the Area Code Without the Leading Zero
English phone numbers normally start with a 0 when written domestically. When calling internationally, this leading zero must be removed.
After dialing 011 + 44, enter the area code without the zero, followed by the local phone number.
Example:
- Local London number: 020 7946 0958
- Dialed from the US: 011 44 20 7946 0958
Once the full sequence is entered, the call will be routed to the correct number in England.
4. Best Time to Call England from the US
When planning how to call England from US, it is important to consider the time difference between the two countries. England follows Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or British Summer Time (BST) depending on the season.
Typical time differences include:
- Eastern Time (US): England is usually 5 hours ahead
- Central Time (US): about 6 hours ahead
- Mountain Time (US): about 7 hours ahead
- Pacific Time (US): about 8 hours ahead
Because of this difference, calls placed late in the evening in the US may reach England during the early morning hours. For most situations, the best window to call is:
- US morning to early afternoon
- UK afternoon to early evening
Planning calls during overlapping daytime hours helps ensure the person in England is available and avoids inconvenient call times.
>>> Also read: How to Make an International Call on iPhone: Easy Step-by-Step Guide for Calling Abroad
5. Making International Calls Easier with AirTalk
Understanding how to call England from US is important, but the dialing format is only one part of the experience. International calls can also become expensive depending on the mobile carrier and the phone plan being used. For many people, finding a plan that includes international calling options can make staying connected much easier.
Some mobile service providers offer plans designed to support international communication without requiring separate calling cards or additional apps. For eligible households in the United States, AirTalk Wireless provides mobile service through the Lifeline program that helps reduce the cost of phone service.

With AirTalk Wireless, users can access mobile plans that include features supporting everyday communication needs. These plans can allow users to place international calls directly from their smartphones while managing their contacts and call settings in a familiar way.
AirTalk Wireless also provides a country code lookup tool that helps users quickly check international dialing codes before placing a call. This tool can be helpful when contacting friends, family members, or business contacts in different countries, including England.
Depending on eligibility and plan availability, users may also receive:
- Monthly talk, text, and mobile data service
- International calling options available through supported plans
- Reliable mobile connectivity for staying in touch across borders
IMPORTANT: The government does not subsidize devices. Lifeline programs cover basic service costs only. Free or discounted devices, upgrade plans, or top-ups are exclusive benefits provided by AirTalk Wireless as part of our promotional offers. Terms and conditions apply. Limited-time promotion—offers vary by state, stock availability, and eligibility.
>>> Read more: Get Free International Calls to 200+ Countries and Territories: Only Available on AirTalk Wireless
FAQs
How to dial UK from US iPhone?
On an iPhone, you can dial the UK using the “+” symbol instead of the international exit code. Press and hold the 0 key to enter “+”, then dial: +44 (UK country code) → remove the leading 0 from the UK number → enter the rest of the number
Do I dial a 0 when calling the UK?
No. When calling the UK from the United States, you must remove the leading 0 from the area code. The zero is only used for domestic calls within the UK.
How to call Europe from US cell phone?
To call any European country from a US cell phone, follow this format:
- Dial + (or 011)
- Enter the country code (for example, 44 for UK, 49 for Germany, 33 for France)
- Remove any leading 0 from the local number
- Dial the remaining number
Conclusion
Learning how to call England from US becomes simple once you understand the correct dialing format. The process involves dialing the US exit code, entering the UK country code, removing the leading zero from the area code, and completing the call with the local phone number.
Knowing how English phone numbers are structured, choosing the right time to call, and avoiding common dialing mistakes can help ensure your call connects successfully. Whether contacting friends, family, or colleagues, following the correct steps allows you to reach England without confusion or unnecessary delays.
