How to Call the USA from the UK: A Guide for SMBs and Startups

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:

1. Dial 00 – This is the UK’s international exit code.
2. Dial 1 – The USA’s country code.
3. Dial the area code – For example, New York City is 212, San Francisco is 415.
4. 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:

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.