How to call the UK from abroad: +44, dropping the 0, and 07, 0800 and 03 numbers
UK numbers are written for people dialing inside the UK: 020 7946 0958, 07700 900123, 0800 123 4567. To call them from another country you change one thing - the leading 0 becomes +44 - and you need to know which kinds of UK numbers accept calls from abroad at all.
The rule: +44 and drop the 0
- The UK country code is +44. Remove the 0 at the start of the UK number and put +44 in its place.
- London 020 7946 0958 becomes +44 20 7946 0958. Other area codes work the same way: Manchester 0161 → +44 161, Birmingham 0121 → +44 121, Glasgow 0141 → +44 141, Cardiff 029 → +44 29, Belfast 028 → +44 28.
- From a US or Canadian landline dial 011 44…, from most other countries 00 44…, and from a mobile or Hyallo simply +44….
Which UK numbers work from abroad
- 01 and 02 (landlines): work from anywhere and are the cheapest UK numbers to call.
- 07 (mobiles): work from anywhere as +44 7…, but cost noticeably more than landlines - more on that below. Note that 070 numbers are "personal numbers", not mobiles.
- 03 (UK-wide numbers used by government, banks and charities): priced like a landline inside the UK and usually reachable from abroad as +44 3…. Often the best number to use.
- 0800 and 0808 (freephone): free only inside the UK, and many don’t accept calls from abroad. Organisations often publish a separate +44 number for overseas callers.
- 084, 087 and 09 (service and premium numbers): expensive even inside the UK and more so from abroad. Look for a 01, 02 or 03 alternative.
Why UK mobiles cost more to call
UK landlines start at $0.02/min on Hyallo, and calls to UK mobiles cost a few times that. Mobile networks charge more to deliver a call that comes from outside the country, and a few UK mobile ranges cost far more than the rest. Check the exact number in the cost checker before you top up - and if the person has a landline, that’s the cheaper line to call.
Ready to make your first call?
Frequently asked questions
Do I drop the 0 when calling the UK from abroad?
Yes. Replace the leading 0 with +44: 020 7946 0958 becomes +44 20 7946 0958, and 07700 900123 becomes +44 7700 900123.
Can I call a UK 0800 number from abroad?
Sometimes. Many 0800 and 0808 lines only accept calls from inside the UK. If one doesn’t connect through Hyallo you pay nothing; use the organisation’s 01, 02 or 03 number instead.
Can I call a UK 03 number from abroad?
Usually, yes: dial +44 3… without the 0. It is often the best way to reach UK government offices and banks from abroad.