How to Call the USA from the UK: A Guide for SMBs and Startups
You’re running a fast-moving startup in London or managing a growing SMB in Manchester, and now you need to reach out to a client, partner, or lead in New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles. You open your dialer—only to realize you’re unsure how to format the number for a US-based contact. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to call the USA from the UK, including the correct country code, dialing format, and smart calling tips—so your next international conversation goes off without a hitch. Whether you’re handling sales, support, or business partnerships, international calling doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. Let’s simplify it.
What’s the USA Country Code?
The country code for the United States is +1. That means whenever you’re dialing a US number from outside the country—including the United Kingdom—you’ll need to enter 1 after the international exit code. The country code ensures your call is routed to the United States.
Knowing this is key if you’re a small business trying to build or maintain strong transatlantic relationships. Whether you're contacting a new customer in California or following up with your support team in Texas, a professional, reliable phone connection can make all the difference.
How to Call the USA from the UK: Step-by-Step
Here’s how to format a call to the USA:
For US Landlines and Mobiles
- Dial 00 – This is the UK’s international exit code.
- Dial 1 – The USA’s country code.
- Dial the area code – For example, New York City is 212, San Francisco is 415.
- Dial the local number – This is typically 7 digits.
Example: Calling a New York number might look like this: 00-1-212-555-1234
Or, from a smartphone: +1-212-555-1234
Bonus Tip
On mobile devices, the + sign (long-press 0) can be used instead of dialing 00. So +1 works just like 00-1.
Common US Area Codes
Here are a few popular area codes in the United States that UK businesses commonly call:
| Area Code | Location |
|---|---|
| 212 | New York City |
| 213 | Los Angeles |
| 312 | Chicago |
| 305 | Miami |
| 415 | San Francisco |
| 617 | Boston |
| 202 | Washington, DC |
| 214 | Dallas |
| 713 | Houston |
| 206 | Seattle |
Use the correct area code when dialing the US landlines or mobile numbers to ensure your call connects to the right city or region.
When Do SMBs Call the US?
Small businesses and startups in the UK call the US for many reasons:
- Connecting with US-based clients or customers
- Coordinating with remote teams or virtual assistants
- Exploring growth opportunities and partnerships
- Handling sales or support conversations across time zones
Time zone tip: The US spans six time zones. London is typically 5–8 hours ahead of US cities, so schedule calls accordingly.
How Much Does It Cost to Call the USA from the UK?
Traditional UK phone carriers often charge international rates ranging from £0.30 to £0.50 per minute. You can find DialLink’s latest international calling rates here: DialLink International Rates.
Make International Calls Easier with DialLink
DialLink is an AI-powered cloud phone system designed specifically for SMBs and startups. It brings your calls, messages, and voicemails into one centralized platform and makes international calling simple and cost-effective.
Why DialLink makes a difference:
- Mobile, desktop, and desk phone support – Stay connected on any device
- AI voice agents – Handle calls, transcribe voicemails, and even answer FAQs automatically
- International numbers – Build trust with local presence in Greece or anywhere in Europe
- Affordable, transparent rates – Know what you’ll pay before you call
- Plug-and-play setup – No IT headaches, just instant productivity
With DialLink, your business sounds professional and stays within budget, whether you’re calling New York, Chicago, or Miami.
FAQs
What country has a country code of 001?
The USA and Canada both use country code 1. The '00' is the international exit code used in many countries like the UK, so '001' is often seen when dialing the US from abroad.
What is the international area code for the USA?
The international country code for the United States is 1. Area codes (like 212 for NYC or 415 for San Francisco) follow after the country code.
How to give a US phone number internationally?
Include the +1 country code before the area code and number. For example, +1 312 555 1234.
How to text an American number from the UK?
Use your messaging app and format the number as +1 followed by the 10-digit number (area code + local number). For example, +1 415 555 6789.
How to call someone from America when you're in the UK?
To call the US from the UK, dial 00 (exit code), then 1 (US country code), then the US area code and number. Example: 00-1-213-555-1234.
How to dial a US number from the UK?
Dial 00 + 1 + the US area code + the local 7-digit number.
Do you need to dial a country code for mobiles?
Yes. Even for mobile numbers, you need to dial the country code when calling internationally.
How to enter a phone number in international format?
Use the + sign followed by the country code, then the area code, and number. Example: +1 646 555 7890.
What does a country code replace?
The country code replaces the leading 0 used in local dialing. For the US, you never use a leading zero—just use +1.
Why is there a + sign before international phone numbers?
The + sign is a shortcut for the international exit code (e.g., 00 in the UK). It lets phones automatically select the correct exit code depending on your location.
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Val Rozhko
Marketing Lead at DialLink
Val is a product and content marketing pro with 9+ years of experience in the IT industry, including 7 years in cybersecurity. She is passionate about making complex tech accessible and valuable to real users — especially small and growing teams.
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