Understanding the UK Country Code for International Calls

Last updated on December 19th, 2025 at 04:30 pm

Have you ever called the United Kingdom from abroad and wondered which country code to use? The UK country code is the prefix number that is used when making international calls to any phone number in the United Kingdom. Around the world, this code is detected and it ensures that the call reaches the right telecommunication network.

The most widely used format of this country code is the +44 format as it is the format that follows. This is the format that appears before the number when calling from abroad. The country code is more than just a set of numbers it also ensures that your call is reliable, whether it is personal or professional.

Any business that does business outside of the country benefits greatly from knowing the UK number code. It saves costs and prevents calls from failing, as well as creating the right image when calling customers, business partners or suppliers in the United Kingdom.

Why Is the UK Country Code Important for International Calls?

How do international calls work? International calls require a system of country codes and network codes. If you don’t have the correct UK country code, your call won’t pass through to the correct country and ultimately will not reach its destination, leaving you annoyed and disappointed, losing business opportunities.

When you call a friend, family member or business partner abroad, make sure you have the correct UK dialling code so that you don’t miss out on catching them at a convenient time. As a business, it’s important that your client, customer or business contact is dialling the correct UK number code so as not to lose that all important business relationship.

Additionally, understanding and correctly using the UK country code prevents you from paying unnecessary call charges and reduces the chance of misdialed telephone numbers. It also demonstrates that you’re professional, particularly when a client abroad is on the receiving end of your misdialed call.

How Do You Dial a UK Number From Abroad?

Dialing a UK number from another country requires careful attention to ensure your call connects successfully. Each step is essential for avoiding errors and ensuring timely communication.

Step 1: Enter Your Country’s International Access Code

Different countries use different codes to initiate international calls. For example, the USA and Canada use 011, while most European countries use 00. This code signals your telecom network that you are placing a call outside your home country. Using the wrong international access code can result in failed calls or busy signals.

Step 2: Add the UK Country Code

Immediately after the international access code, enter the UK country code or +44 country code. This numeric prefix directs your call specifically to the United Kingdom. It is a critical step, as skipping it means the call cannot be routed correctly.

Step 3: Dial the Local Number

Once you’ve entered the international access code and the UK country code, dial the local UK number. Be sure to remove the leading zero from the domestic number. For instance, London numbers that start with 020 domestically should be dialed as 20 after +44 country code.

Example: To call London number 020 7946 0018 from the USA:

• Dial 011 (international access) + 44 country code + 20 7946 0018

Following these steps carefully ensures that your call reaches its destination efficiently, avoids unnecessary delays, and prevents misdialed numbers. Using the correct UK dialing code or UK number code is essential for smooth international communication.

What’s the Difference Between UK Number Code, UK Dialing Code, and +44 Country Code?

Understanding the terminology around international dialing helps avoid mistakes and ensures your calls reach the right destination. Knowing the difference between UK number code, UK dialing code, and +44 country code makes connecting with both landlines and mobiles much easier. Clear knowledge of these codes improves efficiency and reduces dialing errors.

• UK number code: Refers to the numeric prefix required for all international UK calls.
  
• UK dialing code: Focuses on the dialing process and is often used interchangeably with the UK country code.
  
• +44 country code: The widely recognized numeric representation of the UK country code.
  
• United Kingdom country code: A formal designation often used in technical documentation and telecom references.

Despite these different terms, all of them serve the same purpose: ensuring that international calls reach the UK efficiently.

Are There Common Mistakes When Using the UK Country Code?

Even experienced callers get it wrong when dialling out internationally. Examples include?

• Failing to dial the UK country code and/or +44.
  
• Adding the domestic leading zero after +44 (i.e. dialling +44 020…).
  
• Using the incorrect sequence of digits with international access codes.
  
• Mixing mobile and landline formats (UK mobiles always start with 07 domestically).

To avoid such mistakes which lead to failed calls, charges incurred and resulting frustration. FreJun companies where staff have been trained in the correct international formats have reported a 35% reduction in misdials.

Does the UK Country Code Work for Mobile and Landline Numbers?

Yes, the UK country code works for both mobile and landline numbers, but the dialing format differs slightly for each. Understanding these differences ensures your international calls connect smoothly.

1. Landlines

For UK landlines, remove the leading zero and add the 0018 country code at the beginning. This tells international networks to route your call to the correct geographic region.

Example: 020 7946 0018 → +44 20 7946 0018

Landline numbers vary by region, so using the correct area code with the UK dialing code ensures your call reaches the intended recipient without errors or delays.

2. Mobile Phones

For UK mobile numbers, remove the leading zero from the 07 prefix and add the +44 country code. This format works for any mobile network in the United Kingdom.

Example: 07123 456789 → +44 7123 456789

This approach guarantees calls connect correctly, whether you’re contacting a business mobile or a personal phone.

Pro Tip: Save frequently dialed numbers in +44 format to avoid errors, save time, and streamline future communications. This is especially helpful for businesses making regular international calls.

Key Takeaways

The country code of UK is very necessary for anyone who calls overseas UK. With the right +44 country code page, UK country code, UK telephones number code or United Kingdom country code, your calls to UK will connect the first time, every time. Whether you are calling UK landline or mobile phone, follow the proper format to avoid misdials, avoid unnecessary charges and save time on both personal and professional calls.

As for companies, the ability to know and apply the right country code of UK for overseas calling is very necessary for your clients and customers when they are calling your business with. With FreJun, you can store your numbers in +44 format and train your staff on international dialing best practices to help reduce international dialing errors, increase productivity and improve your professional image when making international calls. To get started, you can sign up for FreJun or schedule a demo to see how it works in action.

Final Thoughts

Knowing and using the right UK country code ensures that your international calls run smoothly and efficiently. Applying the +44 country code, UK dialing code, UK number code, or United Kingdom country code to your calls ensures your calls are connected to the right recipient, and that they get there quickly and easily.

Whether it’s for business or personal use, getting this right makes sense and reflects well on you. Using tools such as FreJun to store the numbers and ensuring the correct format is used when dialling, ensures calling into the UK is a quick, easy and cost-effective exercise.

Further Reading: Inbound Call Routing: Direct Every Caller to the Right Agent                 

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