How to Call Abroad from a UK Mobile
How to Call Abroad from a UK Mobile
Making international calls from your UK mobile is straightforward once you know the dialling format. Whether you need to reach a colleague in France, a supplier in the USA or family in India, the process is the same across all UK networks.
How to Dial an International Number
To call abroad from a UK mobile, replace the leading 0 of the foreign number with + followed by the country code. You can also use 00 instead of the + symbol.
Example: To call a French mobile number 06 12 34 56 78, dial +33 6 12 34 56 78. Notice the leading 0 is dropped after the country code.
Common Country Codes
| Country | Country Code | Example Dial Format |
|---|---|---|
| USA / Canada | +1 | +1 212 555 1234 |
| France | +33 | +33 6 12 34 56 78 |
| Germany | +49 | +49 170 1234567 |
| Spain | +34 | +34 612 345 678 |
| Italy | +39 | +39 320 123 4567 |
| Australia | +61 | +61 4 1234 5678 |
| India | +91 | +91 98765 43210 |
| Ireland | +353 | +353 87 123 4567 |
| Netherlands | +31 | +31 6 12345678 |
| UAE | +971 | +971 50 123 4567 |
How Much Does It Cost?
International calls are not included in standard UK mobile plans. You will be charged a per-minute rate on top of your monthly allowance. Typical rates by network:
- EE: £1–£3 per minute depending on destination
- Vodafone: £1–£2 per minute for most countries
- O2: Similar to EE and Vodafone, £1–£3 per minute
- Three: Some destinations included in Go Roam; others £1–£3 per minute
Rates can vary significantly based on the country you are calling. Always check your network's international rate card or call customer services before dialling.
Cheaper Alternatives to Standard International Calls
You do not have to pay premium per-minute rates. Consider these options:
- International bolt-on: Most networks offer add-on packages with reduced international rates or bundled minutes. See our bolt-ons guide for details.
- WhatsApp or Teams calls: Voice and video calls over WiFi or mobile data are free to use. Both parties need the app installed.
- VoIP apps: Services like Skype, Zoom or Hypercloud let you call international numbers at a fraction of the cost of a standard mobile call.
- WiFi calling: If your network supports it, WiFi calling can reduce costs when you are connected to a reliable WiFi network.
Tips Before You Dial
- Always include the country code — your call will not connect without it.
- Drop the leading 0 from the local number after the country code.
- Check the time zone of the country you are calling to avoid antisocial hours.
- If you regularly call the same country, an international bolt-on will almost always save money.
Need international calling for your business fleet? Connection Technologies can set up cost-effective international packages for your team. Get a free quote or call 0333 015 2615.
