How to call London from the US

Phoning London from the US: everything you need to know

Today, there are a number of ways to keep in touch with teammates, friends, and relatives living in London. From social media to an online conference call, cell phones grant us every opportunity to stay connected no matter what part of the world we're in. But if you're looking for the quickest and most convenient way to connect with the British capital, then a phone call is still your best bet. Here's everything you need to know about phoning London from the US.

What about the time difference?

How many hours ahead or behind is it in London when it is noon in the US? If it's 8 am in the US, what time is it currently in the United Kingdom? These are questions that can be answered with a bit of math and some knowledge of time zones.

The time difference between London and the US varies depending on your location in the States. To better understand this, take a look at the following table:

USA	London
Eastern Time Zone (EDT): UTC-4	+5 hours
Central Time Zone (CDT): UTC-5	+6 hours
Mountain Time Zone (MDT): UTC-6	+7 hours
Pacific Time Zone (PDT): UTC-7	+8 hours
Alaska Time Zone (AKDT): UTC-8	+9 hours
Hawaii Time Zone (HST): UTC-10	+11 hours

What are all these extra digits?

When placing a call from the United States to London, you should add certain numbers before the main phone number. These are:

US exit code

The US exit code is "011". It serves to make your provider know that you're setting up an international call.

UK country code

As you know, the UK consists of 4 countries - England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Since you want to reach London, which is located in England, you should add its country code - "44" - before the desired number. It serves as an international access code for all calls from abroad.

British area codes

And finally, the area code. Each city in Great Britain has its own unique area code, which spans from two to five digits. By the way, London has two codes relating to two different regions: Inner London and Outer London. The Inner codes are all "020", while the Outer are "0208", "0203", "0207", and "0204". Once you determine which code to use, simply prefix it with the number "044" (the country code for the United Kingdom, remember?), and voila! You're all set.

What is the cost?

London is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and, apart from that, is also one of the most expensive cities to phone from the United States. While the exact cost will vary depending on your international calling plan and service provider, expect to pay anywhere from $2 to $5 per minute to connect with the UK landlines and anywhere from $0.50 to $3 per minute to call the UK cell phone number.

Is there a more cost-effective option?

If you're looking to make long-distance calls and keep your costs down, it might be better to use other options. One way is to use prepaid calling cards, which can offer savings of up to 90% on international calls. Additionally, many providers now offer free calling abroad through their applications and websites. Finally, Whoosh, Skype, and other VoIP services allow for making free and low-cost international calls.

How to call London from the US with your mobile phone

There is nothing complicated in calling the UK from the US using your phone. Just follow these simple steps, and the other party will hear your voice in a couple of seconds:

1. Start with the United States exit code “011”.
2. Add “44”, the UK country code.
3. Don't forget about the London area code in case you're trying to reach a landline.
4. If you’re dialing a mobile number, use the UK's mobile code "7" instead of the area code.
5. And finally, enter the phone number. 

Phew! If you've done everything correctly, and if you haven't mixed up any numbers or missed any, you'll soon hear that voice you wish to hear. But if not, maybe you should consider other options.

Why not make everything simpler?

If the above method seems to be overcomplicated to you, there is a better way out. Try using specialized services for online meetings. These apps use VoIP technology to help users cut the cost of international calls and reduce the time it takes to enter long strings of digits. And, of course, it helps get rid of the fear of making a typo or dialing the wrong number.

Whoosh: right what you need

British expats, rejoice! If you need to make a call to London from the United States, there's a brand-new app that may be the perfect alternative to your current calling plan. Its name is Whoosh.

This platform offers Full-HD international calls with impeccable sound quality. The app connects users with other Whoosh users all over the world, allowing them to call faraway colleagues, friends, or relatives without any hassle. And there's no need for an international calling plan or special SIM card - Whoosh works through an internet connection.

Whoosh: for engaging calls

Another great thing about Whoosh is that it's full of AI-powered features that turn every video meeting into an unforgettable experience. Here they are:

• Full-HD video and audio conference calls
• Mementos - smart cloud recordings containing all the meeting highlights
• Gesture recognition that makes it easy to control your conversation with simple hand movements
• Touch-up tools that make you look perfect and ready to work in no time
• Photorealistic avatars that help you to change your appearance but remain recognizable
• 3D immersive backgrounds - from neat office spaces to relaxing sea views
• High-end web security that keeps all your data safe and sound

How to make a call to London from the US via Whoosh: 4 easy steps

With Whoosh, making a phone call to London from the US is a breeze. Here are four simple steps to follow:

1. Open the app.
2. Choose contacts you want to connect with and invite them to your virtual room.
3. Wait for the answer.
4. Enjoy Full-HD video and flawless sound while speaking to distant people.

Don’t complicate trivial tasks! Whoosh brings your British colleagues, partners, and clients closer, allowing you to forget about the ocean between you.