Europe · GB
United Kingdom country code: +44
- Exit code from United Kingdom: 00
- Time zone: GMT/BST (UTC+0/+1)
Reviewed by Sujan ThapaliyaLast updated
What is the country code for United Kingdom?
The country code for United Kingdom is +44. To call the United Kingdom from the United States, dial 011 44 followed by the local number with its leading 0 removed. From a mobile, dial +44 directly. A United Kingdom number in full international format looks like +44 7700 900123.
United Kingdom at a glance
- Country calling code
- +44
- ISO country code
- GB
- Exit code (dialling out of United Kingdom)
- 00
- The prefix people in this country dial to reach another country.
- National trunk prefix
- 0
- Drop the 0 when dialling from abroad.
- Number length
- 10 digits after the trunk 0 (9 for a few older area codes)
- Time zone
- GMT/BST (UTC+0/+1)
Dialing
How to call the United Kingdom: step by step
The full sequence is: exit code + 44 + local number (minus the leading 0).
- 1
Dial your exit code
From the United States and Canada that is 011. From most of Europe, Asia, and Africa it is 00. On any mobile you can simply press and hold 0 to get a + instead, which works from anywhere. - 2
Dial 44
44 is the country calling code for the United Kingdom. It never changes and it is the same from every country in the world. - 3
Drop the leading 0
Numbers written for domestic use in United Kingdom start with a 0. That is a national trunk prefix, not part of the number; remove it when dialling from abroad. 20 7946 0123 is what you dial after +44. - 4
Check the time first
United Kingdom is on GMT/BST (UTC+0/+1). Business calls placed outside local working hours are the most common reason an international call goes unanswered.
Worth knowing
The leading 0 in 020 or 07911 is a domestic trunk prefix. Drop it when dialling from abroad: +44 20…, never +44 020…
Number format
What a United Kingdom phone number looks like
Ofcom reserves 020 7946 0XXX and 07700 900XXX for drama and documentation, so these examples cannot ring a real person.
| Type | Format | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Landline | +44 20 XXXX XXXX | +44 20 7946 0123 |
| Mobile | +44 7XXX XXXXXX | +44 7700 900123 |
City codes
United Kingdom area and city codes
Written domestically these carry a leading 0. Drop it when dialling from abroad.
| City / region | Code | Dial from abroad |
|---|---|---|
| London | 020 | +44 20 |
| Birmingham | 0121 | +44 121 |
| Manchester | 0161 | +44 161 |
| Glasgow | 0141 | +44 141 |
| Edinburgh | 0131 | +44 131 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the country code for United Kingdom?
The country code for United Kingdom is +44. Written in full international (E.164) format, a United Kingdom number looks like +44 7700 900123.
How do I call the United Kingdom from the United States?
Dial 011, then 44, then the local number with its leading 0 removed. From a mobile you can dial +44 directly instead of 011.
How many digits is a United Kingdom phone number?
10 digits after the trunk 0 (9 for a few older area codes). Written internationally it becomes +44 followed by that national number.
Do I keep the 0 when calling United Kingdom from abroad?
No. The leading 0 is a domestic trunk prefix. Dial +44 followed by the number with the 0 removed. Including it is the single most common reason calls to United Kingdom fail.
What time is it in United Kingdom?
United Kingdom is on GMT/BST (UTC+0/+1). Check the local time before calling; the safe business window is roughly 9am to 5pm local.
Sources
- ITU-T Recommendation E.164 — The international public telecommunication numbering plan — International Telecommunication UnionThe international number format, the 15-digit maximum, and how country codes and national numbers compose.
- ITU-T International Numbering Resources — International Telecommunication UnionThe assignment of country calling codes and the published national numbering plans they belong to.
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