How to Call USA from UK - A Guide to International Dialing

If you want to call someone in the United States from the United Kingdom, you might be wondering how to do it without spending a fortune on international phone charges. Whether you need to make a business call, chat with a friend, or contact a family member, there are several ways to call USA from UK that are easy, affordable, and convenient. In this blog post, we will explain how to call USA from UK using different methods, such as landline, mobile phone, online service, or app. We will also provide some tips on how to save money and avoid common pitfalls when calling USA from UK.

How to call USA from UK using a landline or mobile phone

The most common way to call USA from UK is using a landline or mobile phone. However, this method can be quite expensive, especially if you make frequent or long calls. To avoid paying high rates, you should check with your phone provider what are the charges for calling USA from UK and if they offer any special plans or discounts for international calls.

To call USA from UK using a landline or mobile phone, you need to follow these steps:

1. Dial the international access code for the UK, which is 00.
2. Enter the country code for the USA, which is 1.
3. Dial the area code for the state or city you are calling in the USA. For example, the area code for California is 213, and the area code for New York City is 212. You can find a list of all area codes in the USA.
4. Dial the local number of the person you are calling in the USA.
5. Press the call button on your phone.

For example, if you want to call someone in Los Angeles, California, from London, England, you would dial:

00-1-213-XXX-XXXX. Where XXX-XXXX is the local number of the person you are calling.

How to call USA from UK using an online service or App

Another way to call USA from UK is using an online service or app that allows you to make free or cheap calls over the internet. Some of the most popular online services and apps for calling US from UK are:

Skype

Skype is a free app that lets you make voice and video calls to anyone in the world who also has Skype installed on their device. You can also buy Skype Credit or a subscription plan to call landlines and mobile phones in the US at low rates. To use Skype, you need to create an account and download the app on your computer, smartphone, tablet, or smart TV.

WhatsApp

WhatsApp is a free app that lets you make voice and video calls to anyone who has WhatsApp installed on their device. You can also send text messages, photos, videos, and documents for free. To use WhatsApp, you need to have a phone number and download the app on your smartphone.

Google Voice

Google Voice is a free service that lets you make voice calls to any phone number in the USA and Canada from your computer or smartphone. You can also send text messages and voicemails for free. To use Google Voice, you need to have a Google account and sign up for a Google Voice number.

Tips and tricks for calling the United States from the United Kingdom

Here are some tips and tricks that can help you save money and avoid problems when calling United States from UnitedKingdom:

1. Check the time difference between the UK and the USA before making a call. The United States has six time zones. You can use a time zone converter to find out the current time in the US and the UK.
2. Avoid calling during peak hours or holidays in the US, as the phone lines may be busy or the rates may be higher. The peak hours for calling in the USA are usually between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. local time, Monday to Friday. The holidays in the US vary by state, but some of the most common ones.
3. Use a speakerphone or a headset when making a call, as this can improve the sound quality and reduce the background noise. You can also adjust the volume and mute the microphone on your device if needed.

Making calls to USA from UK through VoIP phone systems

Making international calls using VoIP is cost-effective and efficient, making it a popular choice for staying connected with friends, family, or business contacts in the USA from the UK. Be sure to check the calling rates and any special international calling packages offered by your chosen VoIP Provider to optimise your calling experience.

Overall, making calls to the United States from the UK using VoIP phone systems is a straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to accomplish this:

Choose a VoIP Service provider

• Start by selecting a VoIP service provider. Some popular options for international calling include Skype, Google Voice, Zoom, and Wavetel Business and many others.
• Ensure that the VoIP provider you choose offers international calling capabilities to the US.

Create an account

• Register for an account with your selected VoIP service provider. This typically involves providing your personal information and setting up login credentials.

Get the necessary equipment

• Depending on your chosen VoIP provider, you may need specific hardware, such as a VoIP phone, or you can use a softphone application on your computer or smartphone.
• Softphone applications are available for various platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.

Add credit or subscription

• Most VoIP providers require you to add credit to your account or subscribe to a plan that covers international calls.
• Ensure you have sufficient funds or a suitable plan to make international calls.

Dial the USA number

• Open your VoIP phone or softphone application.
• Dial the USA number you want to call, including the country code (+1), the area code, and the local number.
• For example, if you're calling a New York number with the area code 212 and the local number 555-1234, you would dial +12125551234.

Make the call

• Press the call button or initiate the call through the VoIP application.
• Your VoIP service will establish the connection over the internet.

Enjoy your call

• You can now communicate with your contact in the USA.

Monitor your usage

• Keep an eye on your account balance or subscription to ensure you have enough credit for future international calls.
• Some VoIP providers offer features like call recording, voicemail, and call history.

Quality considerations

• The quality of your VoIP call hinges on the strength and stability of your internet connection. A stable and high-speed internet connection will generally provide better call quality.
• Wired connections are usually more reliable than Wi-Fi or mobile data.

End the call

When you're done with your call, simply end it by pressing the appropriate button on your VoIP phone or application.

Wrapping it up

Calling the USA from the UK has multiple options that is tailored down to your specific needs and preferences. Whether you opt for traditional landline or mobile phone calls, utilise online services and apps, or leverage VoIP phone systems, staying connected with contacts in the USA has never been easier. To ensure a seamless calling experience, be mindful of time differences, avoid peak hours, and consider the use of accessories like headsets for improved call quality. Plus, exploring cost-effective VoIP solutions can help you save money while maintaining efficient communication across borders. By following these guidelines and leveraging the various methods available, you can make international calls to the United States from the United Kingdom with ease and convenience.

Wavetel Business's VoIP phone service is an excellent choice for making cost-effective and high-quality international calls from the United Kingdom to the US, offering reliable connectivity and competitive pricing options for businesses and individuals alike. With Wavetel Business, staying connected across the Atlantic has never been more convenient.