How to Call the UK from Abroad
Dial your country's exit code, then 44 (the UK country code), then the UK number without the first 0. Choose your country below to see exactly what to dial.
UK dialling builder
Exit codes for calling the UK
| Calling from | Dial first | Example for 0161 496 0000 |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | 0011 44 |
0011 44 161 496 0000 |
| Bangladesh | 00 44 |
00 44 161 496 0000 |
| Belgium | 00 44 |
00 44 161 496 0000 |
| Brazil | 00 44 |
00 44 161 496 0000 |
| Canada | 011 44 |
011 44 161 496 0000 |
| China | 00 44 |
00 44 161 496 0000 |
| Cyprus | 00 44 |
00 44 161 496 0000 |
| Denmark | 00 44 |
00 44 161 496 0000 |
| France | 00 44 |
00 44 161 496 0000 |
| Germany | 00 44 |
00 44 161 496 0000 |
| Greece | 00 44 |
00 44 161 496 0000 |
| Hong Kong | 001 44 |
001 44 161 496 0000 |
| India | 00 44 |
00 44 161 496 0000 |
| Ireland | 00 44 |
00 44 161 496 0000 |
| Italy | 00 44 |
00 44 161 496 0000 |
| Japan | 010 44 |
010 44 161 496 0000 |
| Kenya | 000 44 |
000 44 161 496 0000 |
| Malaysia | 00 44 |
00 44 161 496 0000 |
| Malta | 00 44 |
00 44 161 496 0000 |
| Mexico | 00 44 |
00 44 161 496 0000 |
| Netherlands | 00 44 |
00 44 161 496 0000 |
| New Zealand | 00 44 |
00 44 161 496 0000 |
| Nigeria | 009 44 |
009 44 161 496 0000 |
| Norway | 00 44 |
00 44 161 496 0000 |
| Pakistan | 00 44 |
00 44 161 496 0000 |
| Philippines | 00 44 |
00 44 161 496 0000 |
| Poland | 00 44 |
00 44 161 496 0000 |
| Portugal | 00 44 |
00 44 161 496 0000 |
| Romania | 00 44 |
00 44 161 496 0000 |
| Saudi Arabia | 00 44 |
00 44 161 496 0000 |
| Singapore | 000 44 |
000 44 161 496 0000 |
| South Africa | 00 44 |
00 44 161 496 0000 |
| Spain | 00 44 |
00 44 161 496 0000 |
| Sweden | 00 44 |
00 44 161 496 0000 |
| Switzerland | 00 44 |
00 44 161 496 0000 |
| Thailand | 001 44 |
001 44 161 496 0000 |
| Turkey | 00 44 |
00 44 161 496 0000 |
| UAE | 00 44 |
00 44 161 496 0000 |
| USA | 011 44 |
011 44 161 496 0000 |
Three steps to call any UK number
- Exit code of the country you are in (011 from the USA, 00 from most of Europe). On a mobile, just press +.
- 44, the country code for the UK (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland).
- The UK number without the leading 0. 020 7946 0000 becomes 20 7946 0000.
Not sure whether a number is a landline, a mobile or a premium-rate line? Check it first with the UK phone number checker, or find a town's code with the area code finder. Calls to some numbers cost more: see UK call costs.
Questions about calling the UK
What is the country code for the UK?
The UK country code is 44. In international format a UK number starts with +44, for example +44 20 7946 0000.
Do I dial the first 0 when calling the UK from abroad?
No. Drop the leading 0 of the UK number: 0161 496 0000 becomes 44 161 496 0000 after your exit code.
What is an exit code?
It is the code you dial first to make an international call from your country: 011 from the USA and Canada, 00 from most of Europe, 0011 from Australia. On a mobile you can replace it with the + sign.
Can I call a UK 0800 number from abroad?
Often not. Many 0800 and 0808 freephone numbers only work inside the UK, and if they do work you may be charged. Look for a normal 01, 02 or 03 number on the company's website instead.
How do I call a UK mobile from abroad?
The same way: exit code, 44, then the mobile number without the 0. 07xxx xxxxxx becomes 44 7xxx xxxxxx.