How to Make Cost-Effective Calls from the UK to the US

Making international calls, especially between the UK and the US, can be costly if not done correctly. However, there are several ways to save money and still stay connected. In this blog post, we will break down the process of making calls from the UK to the US, offer insights into cost-effective methods, and provide tips on how to leverage technology to make your calls as affordable as possible.

When you place an international call, there are several factors at play, such as dialing codes, time zones, and the method you choose for making the call. For those calling the United States from the United Kingdom, it’s crucial to understand how to dial the right codes and use efficient tools to reduce costs.

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International Dialing Basics

To make an international call, the caller must follow a specific format, which involves:

1. Exit Code: This is a prefix used to dial out of the UK.
2. Country Code: Each country has its unique country code, and for the US, it’s “1.”
3. Area Code: The US is divided into various regions, each with its own area code. These are typically three digits.
4. Local Number: The last part is the specific local number, typically seven digits in length.

Once you know how to correctly dial, you’ll have a much smoother calling experience. But, more importantly, you’ll have the ability to reduce your international calling costs significantly.

Step-by-Step Guide for Dialing from the UK to the US

Let’s break down the process into easy-to-follow steps. The basic steps for making an international call from the UK to the US are as follows:

Step 1: Dial the Exit Code

The exit code, also known as the international dialing prefix, is the number required to make an international call from the UK. To dial out of the UK, the exit code is always 00 or +.

• 00: This is the traditional method used for international dialing.
• +: This is the alternative method used by mobile phones. Most modern smartphones allow you to dial the plus sign by holding down the “0” key on the keypad.

Step 2: Enter the US Country Code

The country code for the United States is 1. It must be dialed after the exit code to direct your call to the US.

Step 3: Dial the Area Code

The US phone system requires you to include the area code before the local number. Area codes are region-specific, and each area in the US has its own three-digit area code. For instance:

• New York City: 212
• Los Angeles: 213
• Chicago: 312

Ensure you have the correct area code for the city or region you are calling.

Step 4: Dial the Local Number

The final part of the number is the local number. A US local number is typically seven digits long. When calling a US number, you will dial the area code followed by the local number. For example, a New York City number might look like this:

+1 212 555 1234

In this case:

• +1 is the exit code and country code.
• 212 is the area code for New York City.
• 555 1234 is the local number.

Example for Calling the US from the UK:

To dial a number in Los Angeles, you would dial:

00 1 213 555 1234

Or, if using a mobile phone, simply:

+1 213 555 1234

Cost-Saving Methods for Calling the US

Now that you understand how to dial correctly, let’s look at some cost-effective methods to reduce the expense of making international calls.

1. International Calling Plans

Many mobile and landline providers offer specific international calling plans designed to make overseas calls more affordable. These plans typically offer:

• Discounted rates: Providers give you a lower per-minute rate for international calls.
• Flat-rate plans: Some services offer fixed-price plans, where you can make unlimited calls to the US for a set monthly fee.

Before dialing, it’s important to check with your provider about available international calling plans. Many mobile companies, such as BT, EE, and Vodafone, offer these services, which can significantly reduce the cost.

2. VoIP Services

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services are one of the most cost-effective ways to make international calls. These services allow you to make calls over the internet rather than using a traditional phone line. Popular VoIP services include:

• FreJun: FreJun offers affordable international calling rates, including calls to the US.
• Skype: Skype offers low-cost international calling rates, especially to the US. In fact, calls between Skype users are completely free.
• Zoom: Although more commonly used for video meetings, Zoom also allows you to make voice calls to the US at a low cost.
• WhatsApp: WhatsApp is a free service that uses your internet connection to place calls. If both parties are using WhatsApp, calls to the US are entirely free.

3. International Calling Cards

Calling cards are another budget-friendly option for international calls. These cards allow you to prepay for calls to the US, often with a lower rate than traditional phone lines. You can purchase these cards at many convenience stores, or online, and typically they offer:

• Competitive rates.
• Flexibility to make calls from both landlines and mobile phones.
• Bonus minutes for first-time users.

4. Mobile Apps and Services

There are numerous mobile apps that specifically cater to international calling needs. These apps offer low rates for calling the US and sometimes even offer free calls to other users of the app. Some examples include:

• Rebtel: Rebtel provides inexpensive rates for international calls, including calls to the US.
• Viber Out: Viber is known for offering low-cost calls to landlines and mobile phones, including US numbers.
• Vonage: Vonage offers internet-based calls at affordable rates, and their app can help you stay connected without hefty international fees.

5. Using a Virtual Phone Number

If you frequently need to make calls to the US for business, consider setting up a virtual phone number. A virtual number allows you to receive calls from US clients or customers as if you had a local US number. Many services, including FreJun, offer virtual numbers with features like:

• Click-to-call: Simplify your calling process by initiating calls with a single click while browsing.
• Call Routing: Route calls to the appropriate department or team member automatically.
• Call Recording and Analytics: Track the performance of your calls and gain insights into which strategies work best for your team.

6. Use Call Automation Tools for Business Calls

If you need to automate business calls to the US, platforms like FreJun can help you streamline the process. By automating calling and logging your calls, you can:

• Make more calls using autodial features.
• Improve team productivity by analyzing call performance.
• Stay organized by integrating with your existing workflow tools.

FreJun also offers features like:

• Call transcripts: Automatically transcribe calls for future reference.
• AI insights: Use AI to improve your call operations based on performance data.

7. Consider International SIM Cards for Frequent Travelers

If you’re a frequent traveler between the UK and the US, consider purchasing an international SIM card. These cards provide affordable rates for both calls and data usage when traveling internationally, ensuring that you don’t incur exorbitant roaming charges.

Troubleshooting Common Issues When Making International Calls

While the process of dialing is relatively simple, there can be some common issues to keep in mind:

1. Network Permissions

Ensure your mobile or landline plan allows for international calls. Some mobile plans, particularly prepaid ones, may require you to activate international calling services before you can dial internationally.

2. Correct Number Format

Ensure you are dialing the correct number format, including the exit code, country code, area code, and local number. An incorrectly formatted number may result in a failed call attempt.

3. Call Quality and Connectivity

For VoIP services, ensure that you have a strong and stable internet connection. Poor connectivity can lead to poor voice quality or dropped calls.

4. Avoiding Spam Listings

If you’re using a business number or calling multiple people, consider using Truecaller integration on platforms like FreJun to help avoid being listed as spam and ensure better call pickup rates.

Conclusion

Making calls from the UK to the US no longer needs to be expensive. By understanding the dialing process and using cost-effective methods like VoIP services, international calling plans, and virtual phone numbers, you can save money and improve your calling experience. Additionally, tools like FreJun can help businesses streamline calling operations, track performance, and increase team productivity.

So whether you’re making personal calls or running a business, consider these methods to ensure your calls are both cost-effective and efficient.

• Investigate international SIM cards for travelers and expats.
• Compare the best VoIP services for regular US calls.
• Explore further integration features with FreJun for business communications.

Further Reading: The Benefits of Using AI Insight for Call Management: A Comprehensive Guide