How to Call the UK from Ireland?

When calling the UK from Ireland, you should first understand the correct dialing prefixes, including the Irish exit code, the UK country code, and the local area code. You should also check whether your carrier plan includes an international calling package and review the rates in advance so you can make the call at a reasonable cost.

While making an international call from Ireland to the UK, you must begin with Ireland’s exit code (00), which can be replaced by ‘+’ on mobile phones, followed by the UK country code (44).

The code 00 indicates that you’re making an international call from Ireland, and 44 is the UK country code that routes your call to the United Kingdom. On mobile phones, you can simply use the (+) symbol instead of 00, which is the standard and most convenient option.

An area code represents a specific region or city within a country. In the UK, area codes vary from two to five digits and always start with 0. The 0 is a trunk prefix and is required for domestic calls, but it must be omitted when calling from abroad.

Here are some popular United Kingdom cities alongside their area codes.

International calling rates are typically higher. So, before contacting a UK number, check your phone plan for international calling rates. Many providers offer different plans, such as Bundled Plans, Pay-As-You-Go, and Special International Packages for calling abroad. Some may also offer free minutes with their plan.

To call the UK from Ireland, dial Ireland’s exit code 00 or (+) sign, then the UK country code 44, followed by the area or mobile prefix without the leading zero, and then the local UK phone number.

To call a UK landline phone number from Ireland, dial Ireland's international calling prefix (00), then the UK country code (44), followed by the area code and landline number.

• Step 1: Enter the Ireland exit code, i.e., “+” or 00.
• Step 2: Dial the country code of the United Kingdom, i.e., 44.
• Step 3: Enter the UK area code for the city or town you’re calling.
• Step 4: Dial the UK landline phone number.

To call a mobile number in the UK from Ireland, enter Ireland's exit code (00), the UK country code (44), and the mobile number:

• Step 1: Enter Ireland’s exit code, i.e., “+” or 00.
• Step 2: Dial the UK’s country code, i.e., 44.
• Step 3: Enter the UK mobile number.

Note: Dialing a UK toll-free number from Ireland is the same as dialing a mobile number. Simply dial Ireland’s exit code, UK country code, and the toll-free number prefix.

As the UK and Ireland follow the same time zone, you can call during regular business hours. The ideal time to reach your contacts is from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM local time.

Note: Avoid calling during lunch hours (around 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM), as many people are often on a break at that time.

Using VoIP services, social media apps, or calling cards are the best ways to save costs when calling the UK from Ireland.

• Calling Card: A calling card is a prepaid service that lets users make long-distance or international calls at reduced rates. It can be physical or digital and gives you prepaid minutes for calling. While making a call from Ireland to the UK, you just need to dial an access number, enter a PIN and then the phone number to make calls from a public or personal phone.
• Social Media Applications: Social media apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber, and Facebook Messenger offer free calls to the UK from Ireland.​ However, both the caller and the receiver must use the same app for calls and be connected to the internet.
• VoIP Services: Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a technology that lets you make phone calls using an internet connection instead of a traditional phone line. VoIP services offer virtual phone numbers you can use to call the UK from Ireland at much cheaper rates.

Calling the UK from Ireland is simple if you follow the right dialing format and phone prefixes, including relevant exit, country, and area codes. In addition to dialing format, you should also consider cost factors and time zones to make calls at an appropriate time and reasonable cost.

Since international calls can be costly, choosing a VoIP solution is one of the easiest ways to lower your expenses. Calilio stands out by offering reliable internet-based calling and affordable virtual numbers. You can get a UK virtual number from Calilio to call the UK from Ireland or anywhere in the world at local rates without the hefty international fees.